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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 28


Page 28 of 41

Ultrathin organic solar cell is both efficient and durable

Scientists have created an ultrathin organic solar cell with a high energy conversion ratio of 13% and long-term storage stability. The research used a simple post-annealing process to increase durability, achieving both efficiency and longevity.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020

Urine test could reduce unnecessary prostate cancer biopsies

Researchers have developed a new method to identify biomarkers for prostate cancer in urine samples, which can help reduce unnecessary biopsies. The test combines multiple components of urine and uses machine learning techniques to accurately predict disease status without invasive biopsy.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalThe Prostate·DateMar 9, 2020

How a virus forms its symmetric shells

A UC Riverside-led study reveals that an interplay of energies at the molecular level enables virus shells to form symmetrically. The research could inform the design of engineered nano-shells used in drug delivery, with potential benefits for targeted treatment and reduced toxicity.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 9, 2020
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Climate variations may impact the base of the food web along the California coast

A recent study reveals that natural climate cycles significantly influence the base of the food web along the California coast. Climate changes can alter the timing and prevalence of phytoplankton and harmful algal blooms, which are crucial for understanding ecosystem responses to ocean warming.

SourceCalifornia Polytechnic State University·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateMar 9, 2020

Research uncovers a new way of making chiral catalysts

Researchers have developed a method to synthesize one-handed chiral rotaxanes, which can selectively bind to gold atoms and catalyze chemical reactions. This breakthrough enables the creation of single-handed chiral molecules, addressing potential issues with pharmaceutical drug efficacy.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalChem·DateMar 9, 2020

Vulnerable robots foster teamwork

A study found that robot vulnerability fosters teamwork by encouraging humans to spend more time talking to each other, leading to more positive team dynamics. The results suggest that designing artificial agents to promote social engagement can lead to improved human collaboration.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Safety zone saves giant moons from fatal plunge

Numerical simulations reveal a 'safety zone' where warmer gas pushes satellites away from their parent planets, explaining the presence of single large moons like Titan. The findings support the idea that many large moons formed along with their parent planets.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020

Uncovering novel relationships between SLCs and cytotoxic drugs in human cells

Researchers uncovered how approximately 80% of screened cytotoxic compounds rely on solute carriers for activity, providing insights into drug mechanisms and SLC biology. The study also highlights the need for systematic surveys of transporter-drug relationships to develop more effective precision therapies.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 9, 2020

Brain activity and video popularity

Researchers used functional MRI scans to study brain activity while watching videos. Increased activity in certain brain regions predicted whether individuals would continue watching and even forecasted aggregate video view frequency and duration.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Prostate cancer 'fingerprint' detected in blood sample

Researchers at UCL have developed a new test to identify the earliest genetic changes of prostate cancer in blood plasma. The process, known as DNA methylation, uses Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to establish if prostate cancer DNA is present in blood plasma.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 9, 2020

Why organisms shrink

Researchers at FAU found that belemnites, ancient squid-like creatures, shrank significantly as water temperatures rose during the Toarcian period. The study suggests climate change played a significant role in shaping the morphology of aquatic organisms and may have contributed to their extinction.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 9, 2020

New guideline provides pathway to end homelessness, with housing as the foundation

A new clinical guideline aims to inform clinicians about evidence-based interventions to treat homeless and precariously housed people. The guideline recommends integrating housing support, income assistance, case management, opioid agonist therapy, and harm-reduction services to address the complex needs of vulnerable populations.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCMAJ Open·DateMar 9, 2020

Prosocial behavior and happiness

A study of 591 people reveals that prosocial choices initially increase happiness, but this effect is reversed after a month. The findings suggest that prosociality may not always lead to increased happiness.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Nationwide study shows disparities in outpatient care for common orthopaedic problems

A nationwide study found that racial/ethnic minorities and individuals with lower incomes are less likely to receive office-based care for musculoskeletal conditions, while those with public insurance status are more likely to use emergency department care. This disparity contributes significantly to healthcare expenditures.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateMar 9, 2020

Gene therapy reverses heart failure in mouse model of Barth syndrome

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have successfully used gene therapy to reverse cardiac dysfunction and scarring in two mouse models of Barth syndrome. The treatment, which replaced the mutated TAZ gene, prevented progressive cardiomyopathy and restored heart function in both whole-body and heart-only TAZ deletion mice.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·DateMar 9, 2020

Scientists identify new target for Parkinson's therapies

Researchers discovered a new master control region in alpha-synuclein protein that controls amyloid formation, leading to neurodegeneration and movement difficulties. This finding opens up new opportunities to develop therapies to slow down or prevent Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 9, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Gratitude interventions don't help with depression, anxiety

Researchers at Ohio State University analyzed 27 studies on gratitude interventions and found that they had limited value in relieving anxiety and depression. Instead, they recommend treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy for these issues.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateMar 9, 2020

Stone-age 'likes': Study establishes eggshell beads exchanged over 30,000 years

A University of Michigan study reveals that ostrich eggshell beads were exchanged over long distances for at least 30,000 years, facilitating relationships between hunter-gatherer groups. The findings provide evidence of a complex exchange network used to share information on resources and landscapes.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Strong signals show how proteins come and go

Bioscientists at Rice University have developed a novel system to amplify gene expression signals, allowing for more sensitive detection of target genes. The system, consisting of two modules, provides high-resolution dynamic information on gene expression dynamics, which are critical for understanding cell behavior.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 9, 2020

Ship noise hampers crab camouflage

Research shows that ship noise affects shore crabs' ability to change color and behave normally, reducing their camouflage effectiveness. The study found that juvenile crabs exposed to ship noise changed color half as quickly, making them less camouflaged.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 9, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

'Deceptively simple' process could boost plastics recycling

Researchers have developed a new process to produce polyolefins with varying levels of branching, allowing for easier recycling and potentially reducing plastic waste. The method also enables the creation of plastics from natural oils and other substances, addressing environmental sustainability issues.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 9, 2020

Brain cells' immune receptors and depression

Researchers found a polymorphism associated with protective effects against major depressive disorder in women. Microglial cells' immune receptors may play a role in neuropsychiatric disorders.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020

Microscopic STAR particles offer new potential treatment for skin diseases

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new skin treatment using microscopic STAR particles that can deliver drugs directly to affected areas. The treatment, which involves rubbing the particles on the skin, has shown promising results in inhibiting tumor growth in mice.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Community factors influence how long you'll live, study shows

A new study by Penn State researchers found that community characteristics play a significant role in determining life expectancy, with factors such as fast food restaurants, population density, and jobs in the extraction industry negatively affecting lifespan. Conversely, social capital, good access to physicians, and lower population...

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020

Astronomers pinpoint rare binary brown dwarf

Researchers discovered a rare eclipsing binary brown dwarf system using the SPECULOOS project, confirming theoretical models of brown dwarfs' cooling processes and providing valuable insights. The system consists of two brown dwarfs orbiting each other, offering opportunities to study their atmospheres and climates.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMar 9, 2020

Sea turtles have a deadly attraction to stinky plastic

Researchers found that sea turtles respond to odors from biofouled plastics in the same way they respond to food odorants. This 'olfactory trap' explains why sea turtles ingest and become entangled in plastic debris. Biofouling, the accumulation of microbes on wet surfaces, is a major factor contributing to this attraction.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 9, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Mosquito-borne viral diseases

A European research network is funding a study to investigate how biological diversity influences chains of infection for mosquito-borne diseases. The project aims to develop reliable risk assessments and identify the impact of biodiversity, landscape diversity, and socio-economic conditions on disease transmission.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·DateMar 9, 2020

Viewership soars for misleading tobacco videos on YouTube

Pro-vaping and other tobacco videos on YouTube have seen dramatic increases in viewership over the past half-dozen years, despite ad bans. The research highlights the challenges of regulating online content and the potential for social media platforms to influence young people's health information.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·DateMar 9, 2020
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Natural contaminant threat to drinking water from groundwater

A new UNSW study found that climate change and urbanization are expected to increase groundwater organic carbon, posing a threat to the quality and availability of drinking water for over half of the world's population. Increased groundwater DOC concentrations can lead to higher water treatment costs and health risks.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2020

Particles travelling against the light

Researchers from The University of Texas at Austin and Tsinghua University develop a new technology called opto-thermoelectric pulling (OTEP) to achieve the optical pulling of light-absorbing particles. This technique uses directional optical heating to create an asymmetric thermoelectric field, allowing for the trapping of particles a...

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 9, 2020
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Ancient shell shows days were half-hour shorter 70 million years ago

A new study of fossil mollusk shells from the late Cretaceous period found that a day lasted 23.5 hours, with ocean temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius in summer and exceeding 30 degrees Celsius in winter. The ancient shell revealed unprecedented detail about the animal's growth rate and water conditions.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalPaleoceanography and Paleoclimatology·DateMar 9, 2020

Simple method to prevent HIV in South Africa and Uganda works

Researchers found that a community-based intervention using mobile vans significantly increased viral suppression, with 74% of participants achieving suppression compared to 63% in traditional clinics. The convenience of the vans made it easier for people living with HIV to access treatment.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020

New type of pulsating star discovered

Astronomers have discovered a one-sided pulsator in the Milky Way, with citizen scientists providing crucial clues. The star's unusual single-sided pulsation is caused by its location in a binary star system with a red dwarf companion.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMar 9, 2020

Twin-chain hydrogels for cleaning artwork

Researchers developed twin-chain hydrogels for cleaning artworks, improving efficacy on rough surfaces and reducing pigment loss. The new tool was successfully tested on Jackson Pollock paintings, demonstrating superior cleaning capabilities compared to conventional methods.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Indian Ocean phenomenon spells climate trouble for Australia

New research reveals a worrying change in Indian Ocean surface temperatures, putting southeast Australia on course for increasingly hot and dry conditions. The study, led by Australian National University, suggests that historically rare events have become more frequent and intense during the 20th Century.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature·DateMar 9, 2020

New study unveils the mechanism of DNA high-order structure formation

Researchers have unveiled the structure and mechanism of a protein critical to DNA packaging in human cells, which is highly overexpressed in various cancers. The study found that this protein facilitates histone loading by utilizing ATP, offering new insights into developing targeted therapies for cancer treatment.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2020

Evolution of sedentary behaviors

Researchers examined Hadza adults' activity patterns, finding they spent nearly 10 hours a day in nonambulatory postures similar to industrialized populations. However, Hadza adults spent more time in squatting and kneeling postures, which produce muscle activity, suggesting humans need daily muscle activity from both movement and resting

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020

Wearing clothes could release more microfibers to the environment than washing them

A study published in Environmental Science and Technology found that wearing clothes can release up to 400 microfibers per gram of fabric during normal activity, while washing clothes can release up to 4,000. This suggests that one person could release almost 900 million polyester microfibers per year through simply wearing garments.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 9, 2020
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Our brains are powerful -- but secretive -- forecasters of video virality

Researchers at Stanford University used brain imaging to forecast how long people will watch videos online. They found that brain responses, not self-reports, predict video popularity. Longer video views were associated with activity in reward-sensitive regions of the brain.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020