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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 29


Page 29 of 41

BU researchers: The health care system is failing transgender cancer survivors

A new study by Boston University researchers estimates that nearly 62,530 cancer survivors in the US are transgender, with trans men being twice as likely to receive a cancer diagnosis. Transgender individuals also face higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, and depression compared to cisgender counterparts.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCancer·DateMar 9, 2020

The ink of the future in printed electronics

Researchers at Linköping University have created an organic material with superb conductivity by mixing two polymers, eliminating the need for doping. This breakthrough could lead to improved efficiency in organic solar cells and bioelectronic applications.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 9, 2020
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Mayo Clinic-led study links obesity with pancreatitis

A Mayo Clinic-led study reveals that rapid fat degradation occurs in acute pancreatitis, triggered by PNLIP enzyme, and worsens disease outcomes. Obesity exacerbates pancreatitis risk, while unsaturated fats increase organ failure risk.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 9, 2020

Turbulent convection at the heart of stellar activity

Researchers analyzed data from 224 stars to understand the interplay between rotation and convection in determining a star's activity level. The study found that turbulent convection plays a crucial role in explaining the behavior of main-sequence and evolved stars, contradicting previous models.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Solar System Research·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMar 9, 2020

Research reveals collective dynamics of active matter systems

The study describes experiments using a three-dimensional active nematic, revealing dominant loop structures that emerge spontaneously and expand before self-annihilating. These loops differ from defects in two-dimensional systems, having no charge but still related to them.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateMar 9, 2020

Commentary on an approach to Indigenous homelessness

A new guideline aims to address Indigenous homelessness through four broad protocols: situating oneself, visiting, hospitality, and treating others with respect. The guidelines emphasize the importance of inter-relationality and community-based approaches to support Indigenous peoples experiencing homelessness.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCMAJ Open·DateMar 9, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Adding smoking cessation to lung cancer screening can reduce mortality by 14%

Including smoking cessation with existing lung cancer screening efforts would significantly reduce lung cancer mortality and increase life-years gained. The study found that point-of-screening cessation interventions could further reduce lung cancer deaths by 14% and increase life-years gained by 81%.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateMar 9, 2020

New study presents neutral-colored transparent crystalline silicon photovoltaics

Researchers have successfully created translucent solar cells with a high efficiency level of 12.2%, solving issues of flexibility and transparency. The development paves the way for integrating solar cells into everyday infrastructure, such as energy-generating vehicles and buildings made from glass.

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

A broad look at plant-environment interactions

Researchers from diverse fields collaborate to understand plant-environment interactions, bridging paleoecology, physiology, ecology, genetics, and more. Key findings reveal how plants leverage their genomes to adapt to abiotic stressors and interact with microbes.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateMar 9, 2020

Circulatory failure is predictable

A method combining vital signs and medical data predicts circulatory failure in ICU patients several hours in advance, enabling early intervention. The approach uses just 20 relevant variables to achieve 90% accuracy and cuts alarm systems by 90%. Further development is needed for clinical trial testing.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

'Primitive' stem cells shown to regenerate blood vessels in the eye

Scientists have successfully turned back the biological hands of time by coaxing adult human cells to revert to a primitive state, unlocking their potential to replace and repair damaged blood vessels in the retina. The findings advance regenerative medicine techniques aimed at reversing diabetic retinopathy.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2020

Hot time in the city: Urban lizards evolve heat tolerance

Researchers found that urban lizards can maintain function at temperatures 0.82 degrees C higher than forest counterparts. This heat tolerance allows them to thrive in urban environments, where temperatures often exceed 40 C.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 9, 2020

Show me the methane

A team of researchers from UC Santa Barbara has developed a system using hyperspectral imaging and machine learning to detect methane leaks, achieving an 87% success rate. This method can differentiate between methane and other hydrocarbons, pinpointing the location of emissions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·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.

Influenza and Parkinson's disease

Researchers discovered that influenza H1N1 blocks protein degradation pathways, inducing alpha-synuclein and DISC1 protein aggregates. Increased expression levels of these proteins were found in murine brains after H1N1 infection.

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

Is your coffee contributing to malaria risk?

A study by University of Sydney and University of São Paulo found that 20% of malaria risk in deforestation hotspots is driven by international trade of goods like coffee, timber, and palm oil. The research calls for consumers to be more mindful of their consumption and procurement, supporting sustainable land ownership in developing c...

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2020

Improving the collection of birth and death data worldwide

Countries can improve health outcomes by collecting accurate birth and death data, with training strategies showing a 28-43% reduction in incorrect certificates. Automated verbal autopsy methods also produce reliable cause of death information.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020

Food prices after a hard Brexit could increase by £50 per week

Researchers at the University of Warwick estimate that a hard Brexit could lead to an increase in food prices for families, with some households facing rises of up to £20.98 per week. The study found that meat, dairy, and jams would be most affected by the changes.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBMJ Open·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.

Climate change at Mount Rainier to increase 'mismatch' between visitors, wildflowers

Research at Mount Rainier National Park finds a growing mismatch between the blooming of iconic wildflowers and visitor peak times due to climate change. The study, led by the University of Washington, used crowd-sourced photos and analysis to model the timing of wildflower blooms and visitor visits from 2009-2015.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMar 9, 2020

Persons infected with coronavirus may be symptom-free for 5 days

Researchers estimate the median incubation period of COVID-19 to be 5.1 days, with 97.5% of cases developing symptoms within 11.5 days of infection. This supports current CDC recommendations for active monitoring and quarantine.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020

NIH study finds lower concentration of PrEP drug in pregnant young women

A recent NIH-funded study found that pregnant African adolescent girls and young women have significantly lower concentrations of the PrEP drug tenofovir compared to non-pregnant individuals. The study suggests that daily PrEP adherence is crucial for this population, despite potential physiological changes during pregnancy.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateMar 9, 2020

Discovery points to origin of mysterious ultraviolet radiation

A new study has found that the energy source behind mysterious ultraviolet radiation is likely star-forming galaxies, which are producing gigantic clouds of hydrogen gas that emit Lyman-alpha light. The study's findings suggest that infalling hydrogen gas originates in the intergalactic medium rather than the galaxy itself.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Astronomy·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.

Squatting or kneeling may have health benefits

A new study suggests that squatting and kneeling may be important resting positions in human evolution, as they involve higher levels of muscle activity. This could reduce the health risks associated with sedentary behavior, particularly cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020

Machine learning could improve the diagnosis of mastitis infections in cows

A new study finds that machine learning algorithms can accurately diagnose mastitis origin and reduce mastitis levels on dairy farms. The technique achieved a classification accuracy of 98% for environmental vs contagious mastitis and 78% for lactation vs dry period environmental mastitis.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 9, 2020

An online tool to aid in the advance care planning process shows promise

A self-paced online program guides adult cancer patients and older adults through advance care planning, improving their knowledge, decision-making skills, and readiness. Participants took modest action to begin planning, suggesting that such tools could support advance care planning initiatives in outpatient settings.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020

Robots that admit mistakes foster better conversation in humans

A Yale University study found that robots expressing vulnerability improve human-to-human communication, leading to more positive group experiences. Humans on teams with vulnerable robots spent twice as much time talking to each other and reported enjoying the experience more.

SourceYale University·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.

Predicting appropriate opioid prescriptions post-cesarean delivery

A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that patients who took fewer opioids pre-discharge also reported less opioid intake in the following weeks. The study suggests tailoring opioid prescriptions to individual patient needs, balancing pain management and reducing leftover pills.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020

How killer whales influence bowhead whale behavior

Bowhead whales alter their behavior when killer whales are present, opting for areas with dense sea ice and shallow water near shorelines. This shift may come at the cost of reduced foraging opportunities in phytoplankton-rich open water.

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

Prognosis and survival of older dizzy patients in primary care

A 10-year prospective cohort study found that older patients with vertigo had significantly lower mortality rates than those with presyncope or cardiovascular disease-related dizziness. Many patients still alive at follow-up reported substantial dizziness-related impairment, regardless of subtype or cause.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020

Copy/paste and delete -- or how to thrive without gene regulation

Researchers at IST Austria find that bacteria can copy genes as an adaptive strategy, creating genetic diversity and tuning gene expression levels. This mechanism allows for quick adaptation on ecological timescales, potentially impacting antibiotic resistance.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 9, 2020

Research on soldier ants reveals that evolution can go in reverse

Studies have shown that turtle ant soldiers exhibit a four-fold difference in head shapes, adapted to different tunnel sizes. The research suggests that evolution can be dynamic and reversible, with some species evolving back into more generalist stages.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Residencies must train residents to treat substance use disorder among pregnant women

Early-career family physicians with maternity care and buprenorphine prescribing skills are undertrained, posing risks for pregnant women with opioid use disorder. Family medicine residencies must prioritize training in treating substance use disorder during pregnancy to address rising maternal mortality rates.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020

Two weeks after sports-related concussion, most patients have not recovered

A study in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine reports that most patients with sports-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) do not achieve clinical recovery within two weeks after injury. Recovery times varied by age and presence of concussion modifiers, highlighting the importance of early access to care.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalClinical Journal of Sport Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020

Sensory information underpins abstract knowledge

Researchers found that brain regions involved in taste also activate when thinking about food origin. The study used functional MRI to monitor brain activity while participants answered questions about words from different categories.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·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.

Glucose acts as a double edged sword on longevity factor SIRT1

Research reveals glucose acts as a molecular switch regulating SIRT1's function, impacting gene expression and metabolic flexibility. Glucose modification affects organismal health, with both over-activation and under-activation linked to diseases.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020

Light-induced magnetism modulation

Researchers demonstrate a method to modulate magnetic information using visible light, reducing magnetization in a ferromagnetic film. This technique could enable rapid digital storage and retrieval using room temperature illumination.

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

New high-cost HIV prevention drug: 'Better' isn't worth it

A new HIV prevention drug, emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (F/TAF), has been met with criticism for its high cost and limited benefits compared to generic alternatives. The study found that F/TAF is not cost-effective and may even cause more avoidable HIV transmissions than it prevents.

SourceYale School of Public Health·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

The Protein Society announces DiversifyProteinScience

The Protein Society has launched DiversifyProteinScience, a web portal aiming to improve exposure for traditionally underrepresented groups in protein science. Users can upload demographic and professional data to find diverse protein scientists.

SourceThe Protein Society·JournalProtein Science·DateMar 9, 2020

Clinical trial investigates gabapentin for alcohol use disorder

A randomized clinical trial found that gabapentin, commonly used for nerve pain, was effective in reducing symptoms of alcohol use disorder. The study suggests that this medication may be beneficial for millions of Americans struggling with problem drinking and a history of withdrawal symptoms.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020

Anticholinergic burden is associated with adverse outcomes in a middle-aged population

A study of over 500,000 middle-aged adults found that anticholinergic burden is associated with an increased risk of future adverse events such as falls, dementia, heart attacks, strokes, and deaths. The use of multiple medications with anticholinergic properties can have cumulative negative effects on the body.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Bacteria potentially involved in the development of type 2 diabetes

A study by Université Laval researchers suggests that bacteria may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes in individuals with severe obesity. The researchers found distinct bacterial signatures in diabetics' blood, liver, and fat deposits compared to non-diabetics.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalNature Metabolism·DateMar 9, 2020

Protecting DNA origami for anti-cancer drug delivery

Researchers develop peptoid-coated DNA origami that maintains structural integrity and functionality in different physiological environments, enabling potential use in delivering anti-cancer drugs and proteins. The method involves designing peptoids to stabilize DNA origami, with the brush-type architecture achieving optimal protection.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020

Groovy key to nanotubes in 2D

Researchers found that the alignment of nanotubes in 2D films corresponds to parallel, submicroscopic grooves on the paper. The grooves likely form during the factory production process, and removing them allows for control over alignment direction.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 9, 2020
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Head evolution in turtle ants

Researchers studied turtle ants using a species-level comparative analysis, finding that the evolution of head shape and size is reversible and decoupled within soldier and queen castes. This suggests that flexible adaptive evolution at the species level facilitates adaptive diversification of derived social lineages.

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

Researchers map protein motion

Cornell structural biologists develop a new method to capture collective protein motion, revealing subtle breathing motions that direct biochemical function. The technique adds valuable information to regular crystallography experiments.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2020

Water splitting advance holds promise for affordable renewable energy

A collaborative research team has developed a system that uses less expensive materials to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, comparable to the current most popular system but without precious metals. This advance holds promise for affordable renewable energy storage and could increase hydrogen production rates nearly tenfold.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 9, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Active learning and educational equity

Active learning in STEM courses narrows achievement gaps by 33% and 45% compared to traditional lecturing. This evidence-based approach could reduce inequity in higher education.

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

March/April 2020 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

A study found that a collaborative diabetes management tool, FAST, improved glycemic control in fasting adults with type 2 diabetes. The tool empowered diabetic patients with Ramadan-specific educational materials and encouraged active self-monitoring of blood glucose.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020