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Science News for May 1, 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.

Stopping deforestation: lessons from Colombia

Researchers found that protected areas in Colombia experienced 40% less deforestation than similar non-protected sites. However, regional differences showed that Pacific protected areas were less effective due to high biodiversity and endemic species.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalConservation Biology·DateMay 1, 2020

Hidden symmetry found in chemical kinetic equations

Rice University researchers have discovered a hidden symmetry in the chemical kinetic equations used to model biological processes. This discovery has significant implications for drug design, genetics, and biomedical research, as it reveals that errors are controlled by kinetics rather than thermodynamics.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2020

CO2 emissions from dry inland waters globally underestimated

A recent international research project found that dry areas of inland waters release high levels of carbon dioxide, underestimating total emissions. The study suggests a global phenomenon with factors like temperature, moisture, and organic matter content playing a crucial role in the release.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 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.

Boosting levels of good fats with an experimental drug that acts on two newly characterized genes

Researchers at Salk Institute discover two genes that regulate levels of healthy fats called FAHFAs, which decrease inflammation and increase insulin sensitivity. An experimental drug successfully increases FAHFA levels by blocking the activity of these genes, offering new insights into therapies for metabolic and inflammatory diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 1, 2020

In search of the lighting material of the future

A yellowish solid compound has been found to emit an intense green glow when excited by an electric current, making it a hot candidate for producing OLEDs. The substance's chemical structure allows for high light yields due to its stiff molecule and minimal changes in structure upon excitation.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 2020

Interference cancellation with high precision, high speed and low computational complexity

Researchers developed a self-interference cancellation filter that can accurately cancel distortion caused by radio and channel distortions, reducing computational complexity and increasing speed. The filter has the potential to enable in-band full-duplex communications in small radios such as smartphones.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications·DateMay 1, 2020

Children in rural communities at risk for poor lawnmower injury outcomes

Children in rural communities face higher risk of debilitating lawnmower injuries, which can lead to amputations and lengthy hospital stays. The study found that over 80% of pediatric lawnmower injuries occur in Southern and Midwestern states due to warmer weather and ride-on mower prevalence.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMay 1, 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.

Molecular basis of rare neurological disorder reveals potential treatment

Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for synaptotagmin-1-associated neurodevelopmental disorder, a rare condition affecting neurotransmitter release. By analyzing mutated proteins and their effects on neuron communication, the team identified a familiar drug, 4-AP, as a possible therapeutic option to alleviate symptoms.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNeuron·DateMay 1, 2020

Army researchers see path to quantum computing at room temperature

Researchers have confirmed a method for developing photonic circuits with optical nonlinearities that can function at room temperature. This approach could lead to more efficient and powerful quantum computers, bypassing the need for extremely cold temperatures.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 1, 2020

Pacific oysters may not contain as many microplastics as previously thought

Researchers at the University of Washington found that only about 2% of microplastic particles in Pacific oysters can be confirmed as plastics. The team used advanced methodologies to accurately identify and catalog microplastics, revealing a lower abundance than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateMay 1, 2020

Real-time observation of enzymatic processes on DNA

Scientists at the University of Konstanz have visualized the biochemical processes involved in detecting DNA strand breaks using PARP1, a key enzyme in DNA repair. This study provides important insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development and aging processes.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New study examines which galaxies are best for intelligent life

A new study by University of Arkansas astrophysicist Daniel Whitmire contradicts a previous theory that giant elliptical galaxies are more likely to host technological civilizations. The study suggests that galaxies like the Milky Way, where most stars and planets reside, are more likely to harbor intelligent life.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 1, 2020

UBC researchers establish new timeline for ancient magnetic field on Mars

Researchers from UBC have discovered a new timeline for the ancient magnetic field on Mars, with evidence of dynamo activity at 4.5 billion and 3.7 billion years ago. The findings suggest that the Martian dynamo was active earlier than previously thought, providing insights into the planet's thermal history and evolution.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 1, 2020

New targets for childhood brain tumors identified

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine has found that brain tumors in children with NF1 are driven by nearby noncancerous neurons and immune cells. The researchers discovered that targeting immune cells slows tumor growth in mice, pointing to potential new treatments.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 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.

Timing of immune response to COVID-19 may contribute to disease severity

A new USC study proposes that a short regimen of immunosuppressant drugs applied early in the disease process may improve patient outcomes by delaying the adaptive immune response. This approach aims to prevent the interaction between the innate and adaptive immune responses, which can lead to a cytokine storm and tissue damage.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJournal of Medical Virology·DateMay 1, 2020

DNA damage and faulty repair jointly cause mutations

Researchers analyzed over 2700 C. elegans genomes to understand the causes of mutations. They found that DNA damage and inaccurate repair mechanisms can lead to mutations, which are a root cause of cancer. The study challenges the assumption of a single cause for mutational signatures in cancer genomes.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new commentary published in Annals of Internal Medicine emphasizes the importance of environmental cleaning during the pandemic. Environmental services personnel play a crucial role in preventing the spread of COVID-19, and their work is essential for patient safety.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 1, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Researchers identify unique glucose-sensing neurons that regulate blood sugar

A group of neurons in the ventrolateral subdivision of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus sense fluctuations in blood sugar levels and respond by rapidly decreasing or increasing their firing activities. This response can trigger changes in behavior to increase glucose levels, forming a feedback system that keeps blood glucose balance.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 2020

Contact tracing assessment of COVID-19 transmission dynamics in Taiwan

Researchers evaluated COVID-19 transmission risk across different exposure window periods before and after symptom onset, finding significant transmission risks between 1 to 3 days before symptom onset. The study highlights the importance of early detection and isolation measures to prevent further spread of the virus.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 1, 2020

Jajodia & Sun developing joint laboratory with Dartmouth researchers

A joint laboratory is being developed by George Mason University and Dartmouth researchers to extract knowledge bases from technical documents. The U.S. Department of the Navy has allocated $529,194 for this project, which aims to create a distributed computing system to achieve large-scale document generation.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateMay 1, 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.

Ocean acidification prediction now possible years in advance

CU Boulder researchers developed a method to predict ocean acidity up to five years in advance, providing crucial information for fisheries and communities. The new approach leverages historical climate model forecasts to improve prediction accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 2020

Structural visualizations illuminate remdesivir's mechanism of action

Researchers have imaged remdesivir bound to SARS-CoV-2 viral polymerase, revealing precise residues that interact with RNA and the antiviral drug. This detailed information will inform efforts to design more effective therapies that mimic nucleosides to disrupt viral replication.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 1, 2020

Rubies on sapphire: Recipe for making crystals in flux

Scientists at Shinshu University have created a new method for growing rubies on sapphire using the flux method, which reduces energy consumption and environmental impact. The team studied the solubility curve of ruby crystal growth in Molybdenum Trioxide (MoO3) and found it to be crucial for precise crystal growth.

SourceShinshu University·DateMay 1, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

RNA chemist recognized with $11M 'proven trackrecord' award

Matthew Disney's work has led to a new understanding of druggable targets and reinvigorated research on incurable diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS. His RNA-modifying tools show great applicability to cancers and rare genetic disorders.

SourceScripps Research Institute·DateMay 1, 2020

Infectious disease modeling study casts doubt on impact of Justinianic plague

Researchers cast doubt on the idea that the Justinianic Plague killed half of the Roman Empire's population. Using new mathematical models, they found it unlikely that any transmission route would have produced the described mortality rate and duration. The study highlights the importance of considering regional ecological and social p...

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 1, 2020

Looking for dark matter with the universe's coldest material

Researchers at ICFO have successfully searched for axions, hypothetical particles thought to make up 80% of the universe's mass, using a new technique involving Bose-Einstein condensates. The study confirms the ability to detect short-range spin-dependent forces with much shorter ranges than previous experiments.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 1, 2020

Green method could enable hospitals to produce hydrogen peroxide in house

A team of researchers has developed a new method to produce hydrogen peroxide, which can be made in-house using a portable setup. This reduces costs for hospitals by up to 50-70% and has the potential to enable households to generate their own supply of disinfectant.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 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.

Understanding the initial immune response after dengue virus infection

Researchers identified a significant fraction of antibodies expressed by B cell plasmablasts circulating after DENV infection, particularly in individuals experiencing their first infection. This finding holds promise for developing new diagnostic tools and a safe, efficacious dengue vaccine.

SourceWalter Reed Army Institute of Research·JournalEBioMedicine·DateMay 1, 2020

Parkinson's dyskinesia mechanism explained

Researchers have identified RasGRP1 as a key cause of Parkinson's dyskinesia, a debilitating side effect of dopamine replacement therapy. Inhibiting RasGRP1 production in the brain can diminish involuntary movements without negating the useful effects of dopamine therapy.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 1, 2020

Cancer patients face high mortality from COVID-19

A large study of cancer patients with COVID-19 reveals a dramatically high case-fatality rate of 28%, significantly higher than the overall US mortality rate. The study emphasizes the importance of preventing cancer patients from contracting COVID-19 and closely monitoring for dangerous symptoms.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalCancer Discovery·DateMay 1, 2020

For people with diabetes and COVID-19, blood sugar control is key

A study found that people with type 2 diabetes who have well-controlled blood sugar fare better than those with poorly controlled blood sugar when infected with COVID-19. Those with well-managed T2D also receive less medical interventions and fewer health complications.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 1, 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.

Characterizing two sisters, examples of exceptional longevity

A new study characterizes two sisters with exceptional longevity, revealing increased resistance to age-related diseases. The research suggests that supercentenarians can approach the limits of their functional human reserve, avoiding acute causes of death.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalRejuvenation Research·DateMay 1, 2020

LSU Health study suggests nicotine exposure alone leads to pulmonary hypertension

A new study from LSU Health reveals that chronic nicotine inhalation increases blood pressure and leads to pulmonary hypertension, accompanied by changes in lung and heart blood vessels. The researchers also found the adverse effects of inhaled nicotine are largely isolated to the right heart.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateMay 1, 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.

New self-forming membrane to protect our environment

Researchers at Newcastle University developed a new class of self-forming membrane to separate CO2 from gas mixtures, achieving performance levels comparable to existing carbon capture processes. The innovation reduces the demand for silver and lowers costs, making it an attractive solution for environmental protection.

SourceNewcastle University·DateMay 1, 2020

Pressing 'pause' on nature's crystal symmetry

Drexel researchers have discovered a way to chemically manipulate polymer structures to form spherical crystals with controlled symmetry. This technique could improve the mass production of targeted therapies by allowing for precise control over crystal shape and size.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 2020

Chinese scientists uncover structural basis for SARS-CoV-2 inhibition by Remdesivir

Researchers have reported the cryo-EM structure of Remdesivir-bound RNA replicase complex from SARS-CoV-2. The study sheds light on how Remdesivir inhibits virus replication by covalently linking with the viral genome. This discovery provides a basis for designing more powerful and specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateMay 1, 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.

Erika Hersch-Green wins CAREER Award for Biodiversity Research

Hersch-Green's research examines how nutrient availability affects plant growth and genome size, with potential implications for understanding biodiversity patterns. Her work combines molecular cytological and physiological phylogenetic approaches to investigate tradeoffs in primary and secondary processes.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateMay 1, 2020

Nanostimulators boost stem cells for muscle repair

Researchers at the University of Illinois used nanostimulators to boost stem cells' regenerative powers, increasing blood flow and oxygen levels in ischemic limbs. The treatment showed improvements in mobility and strength, offering a promising approach for muscle repair.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 1, 2020

Sustainable structural material for plastic substitute

Researchers develop cellulose nanofiber plate (CNFP), a sustainable and high-performance material replacing traditional plastics. With exceptional strength, toughness, and thermal dimensional stability, CNFP has the potential to revolutionize industries, including aerospace.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 1, 2020

Red light for stress

Researchers at The University of Tokyo have introduced a novel color-changing organic crystal that displays superelastochromism, returning to its original shape and hue after being stressed. This property has potential applications in sensors for shear forces, particularly in industries like heavy manufacturing and shipping.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 2020

Emergence of deadly honey bee disease revealed

A new study reveals the emergence of a deadly viral disease in UK honey bee colonies, with clusters of chronic bee paralysis becoming more frequent. The disease is caused by a virus that leads to infected bees dying within a week, resulting in whole colonies being lost.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 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.

Ascoli studying neuronal morphology & connectivity

Giorgio Ascoli is working to enhance the NeuroMorpho.org repository by doubling its reconstructions and adding search functionality. He aims to link morphological, physiological, and molecular properties to create a spiking neural network model.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateMay 1, 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.

Assessment of QT intervals in case series of patients with COVID-19 treated with hydroxychloroquine alone or in combination with azithromycin

A case series study examines the impact of hydroxychloroquine alone or in combination with azithromycin on QT intervals in French patients with COVID-19. The study found no significant association between the treatment and prolonged QT intervals, providing insights into the use of these medications in COVID-19 treatment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMay 1, 2020

Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infects cells of the intestine

Researchers discovered that SARS-CoV-2 can infect intestinal cells in vitro, explaining gastrointestinal symptoms and fecal-oral transmission. The study provides a new cell culture model for studying COVID-19 and may lead to new treatments by blocking the virus's entry into cells.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalScience·DateMay 1, 2020

How franchisors can use contract ambiguity to their advantage

A new study explores how franchisors can use contract ambiguity to minimize litigation and improve joint problem-solving with franchisees. The research finds that ambigous contracts lead to a 7% increase in franchisor net income, as well as enhanced collaboration and deterrence of franchisee-initiated lawsuits.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 1, 2020

Hydroxychloroquine linked to increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias

A recent study published in JAMA Cardiology found that patients treated with hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 were at increased risk of electrical changes to the heart and cardiac arrhythmias. The combination of hydroxychloroquine with azithromycin was linked to even greater changes compared to hydroxychloroquine alone.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMay 1, 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.

Twisting 2D materials uncovers their superpowers

Twisting 2D materials has uncovered their superpowers, revealing exotic physical behaviors such as high temperature superconductivity and structural super-lubricity. Aalto University's researchers have developed a new method for making twisted layers, allowing precise control of the twist angle on a large scale.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 2020