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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 33


Page 33 of 41

Engineered bone marrow cells slow growth of prostate and pancreatic cancer cells

A study published in Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer found that introducing bone marrow cells with a specific gene deletion can induce an immune response against prostate and pancreatic cancer cells. The technique, known as adoptive cell therapy, uses patients' own marrow cells to target cancer.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateMar 5, 2020

New next-generation sequencing technique dramatically shortens diagnosis of sepsis

A new next-generation sequencing technique using real-time nanopore sequencing can analyze tiny amounts of microbial cell-free DNA, offering accurate diagnosis of sepsis-causing agents within hours. The technique achieved a 3.5-fold increase in sequencing throughput and allowed for pathogen identification within minutes.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateMar 5, 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.

First real-time observation of the chaos within 3D liquid crystals

Researchers created a 3D nematic system using bacteriophage virus particles and microtubules to study the motion of defects in real-time. They found excitations in 3D nematics were primarily disclination lines and loops that can nucleate, shrink, open and merge.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2020

AI reveals differences in appearance of cancer tissue between racial populations

Researchers used AI to analyze digitized images of cancer tissues and found critical variations between black and white male patients, which could improve care for black patients with prostate cancer. The study suggests that there are biological differences in the disease that cannot be explained by other disparities.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMar 5, 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.

Water splitting observed on the nanometer scale

Researchers developed a new investigation method to study electrocatalytic water splitting on gold surfaces with high spatial resolution. The study found that surfaces with nanometer-scale protrusions split water more efficiently than flat surfaces.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 2020

Many Lyme disease cases go unreported; a new model could help change that

A new model developed by Columbia University researchers identifies areas in the US where Lyme disease cases are likely to go unreported. The model, based on 17 years of data, helps predict the trajectory of Lyme disease spread, allowing authorities to alert physicians and the public to early treatment opportunities.

SourceColumbia University·JournalJAMA·DateMar 5, 2020

Chlamydia build their own entrance into human cells

Researchers discovered that Chlamydia uses the host cell's endocytosis mechanism to invade by producing SemC, which changes the membrane curvature. This process is essential for infection, and reducing SNX9 protein levels makes it harder for the bacteria to infect cells.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Layered solar cell technology boosts efficiency, affordability

Researchers at CU Boulder have developed a low-cost solar cell with one of the highest power-conversion efficiencies to date by layering perovskite cells on top of silicon cells. The new technology increases efficiency by up to 27% and is more affordable than current silicon-based cells.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2020

App helps reduce osteoarthritis pain

A new mobile app has been shown to reduce osteoarthritis pain and improve physical function in patients by an average of 43% over six months. The study, published in PLOS ONE, used a mobile app to track daily exercises and provide information on the disease, with results exceeding expectations.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 5, 2020

Research shows microplastics are damaging to coral ecosystems

Research shows that microplastics are damaging to coral ecosystems, causing significant reductions in population size and cell size. The exposure of endosymbionts to microplastics led to elevated stress levels and reduced detoxification activities, highlighting the importance of minimizing plastic use to preserve the environment.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalChemosphere·DateMar 5, 2020

Colorectal cancer burden shifting to younger individuals

The burden of colorectal cancer is shifting to younger individuals, with incidence rates increasing in people under 50 and declining in older age groups. In 2020, there will be about 18,000 cases of CRC diagnosed in people under 50, equivalent to 49 new cases per day.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateMar 5, 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.

Enhanced care coordination can benefit patients with multiple chronic illnesses

Patients with multiple chronic conditions who completed a patient-centered medical home program had more positive experiences and better health outcomes. Nurse care coordinators played a crucial role in the program's success, helping develop individualized care plans that met patients' unique needs.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateMar 5, 2020

ALMA spots metamorphosing aged star

Astronomers using ALMA captured the moment when an old star starts to alter its environment, ejecting high-speed bipolar gas jets. The team's findings help scientists understand how complex shapes of planetary nebulae are formed.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 5, 2020

Same genes, same conditions, different transport

Lactococcus lactis bacteria use two amino acid transport systems to acquire methionine under low-methionine conditions. The choice of system is maintained over multiple generations, suggesting a strategy of bet-hedging or division of labor to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 2020

LGBT health improves when friends are just like them

A recent study published in the Journal of Health and Aging reveals that having a large social network consisting of people who share one's sexual identity can significantly reduce harmful effects of discrimination on health. This finding underscores the importance of considering a person's background in their overall well-being.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Aging and Health·DateMar 5, 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.

Male privilege

A study by HSE University researchers found that men reap more benefits than women from additional job-related training, leading to a stronger sense of control over their lives. This disparity is attributed to societal perceptions of masculinity, with 'male' skills like leadership and physical endurance being valued more highly.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalInternational Journal of Lifelong Education·DateMar 5, 2020

GI symptoms and potential fecal transmission in coronavirus patients

Research published in Gastroenterology highlights GI symptoms and potential fecal transmission in coronavirus patients. Key findings include viral RNA detectable in stool and the virus shedding into the digestive system, raising concerns about fecal-oral transmission.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMar 5, 2020

Curcumin is the spice of life when delivered via tiny nanoparticles

Researchers from the University of South Australia have developed a nano formulation that increases curcumin's oral bioavailability by 117%, paving the way for clinical trials for Alzheimer's. The delivery method also shows promise in preventing genital herpes, with curcumin able to stop the virus and reduce inflammation.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMar 5, 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.

Terahertz radiation technique opens a new door for studying atomic behavior

Researchers develop a new terahertz radiation technique to study atomic behavior, enabling faster and more accurate measurements of ultrafast processes. The method uses synchronized electron bunches and terahertz pulses to reduce timing jitter, allowing scientists to observe fundamental chemical reactions.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 5, 2020

Exciting tweaks for organic solar cells

Researchers at Kyoto University have improved the efficiency of organic solar cells by targeting the molecular backbone of the power-generating layer. The new design approach increased the excited state duration of the electron-accepting component, converting over 70% of light particles into current. Further modifications to the molecu...

SourceKyoto University·JournalChemical Science·DateMar 5, 2020

Severe peanut allergy may be a 'gut reaction'

Researchers found IgE-producing plasma cells abundant in the stomach and duodenum of patients with peanut allergy, highlighting a potential mechanism for severe allergies. The study suggests that targeted prevention of class switch recombination in the gut may be a promising treatment approach for severe peanut allergy.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2020

Two-faced bacteria

Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered a previously unknown response to indole in the beneficial gut bacteria E. coli, which seems to both repel and attract bacteria. The Janus response displays sophistication and could lead to a better understanding of the complexities of the gut microbiome.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 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.

Quantum leap for quantum computing

The University of California, Riverside, has been awarded $3.75 million to lead a collaborative effort in developing scalable quantum computers. The project aims to establish a novel platform for quantum computing that can scale up to many qubits, overcoming current limitations.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMar 5, 2020

Young Academy appoints Anna Stöckl

Anna Stöckl, a renowned biologist, has been appointed to the Young Academy for her exceptional research on insect visual recognition and processing. Her work focuses on understanding how hummingbird hawk-moths navigate through colorful patterns.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateMar 5, 2020

New drug combination could support better cancer treatments

Researchers have identified a promising new drug combination that can help the immune system target and kill cancer cells. By combining an anti-nausea drug with existing cancer treatments, the treatment works by altering the surface of tumor cells to make them more recognizable to the immune system.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·DateMar 5, 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.

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.

Deep-sea fish community structure strongly affected by oxygen and temperature

A new study found that low oxygen levels and warm temperatures have a strong negative impact on fish diversity in the Gulf of California. Despite these conditions, some species can survive due to adaptations. The research has implications for managing deep-sea ecosystems as climate change occurs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateMar 5, 2020

Drones can now scan terrain and excavations without human intervention

Researchers at Aarhus University have successfully automated the process of measuring and documenting terrain using drones, making it faster, cheaper, and easier. The AI system takes control of the drone's movement, adjusting its distance from the wall and camera position to capture high-quality images with minimal human intervention.

SourceAarhus University·DateMar 5, 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.

Using artificial intelligence to assess ulcerative colitis

Researchers developed an AI system that evaluates endoscopic mucosal findings in UC patients with accuracy equivalent to expert endoscopists. This may reduce the need for invasive procedures like biopsies, saving time and money for medical institutions.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMar 5, 2020

Scientists monitored brains replaying memories in real time

Researchers analyzed brain cell firing patterns while patients learned word pairs, discovering unique sequences associated with learning and a similar replay pattern before successful recall. The study suggests that brains use distinct neural firing patterns to store memories and then replay them when recalling past experiences.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2020

Scientists create model to predict multipathogen epidemics

Researchers from Rice University and the University of Michigan created a model to predict the severity of multipathogen epidemics based on within-host pathogen interactions. The study used zooplankton as a model organism and found that altering the order of infection can change the course of an epidemic.

SourceRice University·DateMar 5, 2020

Unexpected ways animals influence fires

Research reveals that animals like goats, termites, and elephants can suppress fires by altering plant consumption and habitat structure. Grazing animals can increase wildfire severity if not managed strategically, while insects stimulate plant defenses against flames.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 5, 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.

Young teachers happier but say hard work is unrewarded

Newly qualified teachers in England reported higher levels of life satisfaction and wellbeing compared to other graduates. However, they were more likely to believe that hard work in Britain is unrewarded, with only 30% agreeing that it is rewarded.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalBritish Journal of Educational Studies·DateMar 5, 2020

Discovery of accurate and far more efficient algorithm for point set registration problems

A new algorithm has been discovered that can accurately register two point sets consisting of millions of points in a fraction of the time taken by conventional methods. The algorithm's accuracy is not compromised despite using approximations, and it has wide-ranging applications in computer graphics and computer vision.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence·DateMar 5, 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.

Humans transport dangerous smoke residues indoors

Research discovered that tobacco smoke off-gassing transports contaminants equivalent to several cigarettes of secondhand smoke into indoor areas. Thirdhand smoke includes residual chemicals left on surfaces and skin, presenting significant health risks to non-smokers.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemistry·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 5, 2020

Superhydrophobic magnetic sponge to help purify water from oil products

A new superhydrophobic magnetic sponge developed by Tomsk Polytechnic University and the University of Lille can effectively purify water from oil products. The material is capable of selectively absorbing oil molecules while repelling water, making it a promising solution for water pollution.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalSeparation and Purification Technology·DateMar 5, 2020
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Intestinal microbes reprogram genetic activity of gut mucosa

Research by German Cancer Research Center and Hebrew University finds that intestinal bacteria reprogram DNA activity in gut mucosa cells, controlling healthy gut development and inflammation. Demethylating enzymes TET2 and TET3 play a key role in this process.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 5, 2020