Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 12, 2020


Ancient reptile had mammal-like tooth enamel, study shows

A new study reveals that the Late Cretaceous reptile Priosphenodon had a unique type of tooth enamel, similar to that of mammals, which provided it with resilience against tooth wear. The researchers found that the enamel crystals in Priosphenodon were 'woven' into long threads called enamel prisms, a characteristic also found in mammals.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 12, 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.

Children with autism face higher risk of eating disorders

A new longitudinal study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that children with autistic traits are more likely to develop eating disorder symptoms in adolescence. Autistic traits in childhood precede behaviors characteristic of eating disorders, suggesting a risk factor for developing eating disorders.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateMay 12, 2020

A hidden history of artificial intelligence in primary care

A scoping review of 405 studies reveals that AI research in primary care is at an early stage, with unique challenges to applying AI in a person-centric approach. To mature, value must be placed on developing rigorous AI and identifying impacts on care delivery and health outcomes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 12, 2020

Study shows how memory function could be preserved after brain injury

Researchers found that immune receptor TLR4 suppresses neuronal activity in the normal brain to improve signal-to-noise ratio, while increasing excitability after injury. Inhibiting TLR4 signaling reduces long-term working memory deficits and improves memory function weeks to a month after brain injury.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMay 12, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Marine waste management: Recycling efficiency by marine microbes

Marine microbes, specifically thaumarchaea, play a crucial role in recycling carbon and phosphorus from marine algae. They fix approximately 3 moles of carbon for every 10 moles of ammonia oxidized, fixing roughly 3-fold higher rates than previously assumed.

SourceMARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 12, 2020

New paper helps advance myopia management strategies

A new literature analysis published in Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics provides a comprehensive review of evidence-based information for managing myopia. The paper discusses various safety and efficacy considerations for behavioral, optical, and pharmaceutical pathways, as well as potential future avenues for myopia management.

SourceMcDougall Communications·JournalOphthalmic and Physiological Optics·DateMay 12, 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.

Child's play 'lost' in pandemic fear

Flinders University researchers warn that social and community disruptions caused by COVID-19 restrictions may have a lasting effect on child wellbeing. The closure of playgrounds and schools has likely had significant impacts on children's opportunities for play and ability to exercise agency during this time of transition.

SourceFlinders University·JournalChild Indicators Research·DateMay 12, 2020

#Thisisourlane: How physicians can take action to reduce gun violence

Primary care physicians can identify patients at risk of firearm suicide through improved health screening, and adding firearm safety questions to mental health screening can make it a more routine part of primary care. Physicians can also advocate for policy change and harness online momentum to influence the political discourse on fi...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 12, 2020

Researchers invent technology to remedy 3D printing's 'weak spot'

Texas A&M researchers have developed a way to strengthen 3D printed parts by welding adjacent layers together using plasma science and carbon nanotube technology. The new technology increases the reliability of final parts, making them comparable to injection-molded parts.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 12, 2020

How the brain responds to the sudden sound of silent danger

A novel neural circuit has been discovered in rats that responds to the sound of silence, triggering defense responses. The study found that a specific combination of brain regions, including those involved in sound processing and emotional responses, are necessary for rats to freeze in response to silent danger.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 12, 2020

A combo of fasting plus vitamin C is effective for hard-to-treat cancers, study shows

A combination of fasting-mimicking diet and vitamin C has been found to delay tumor progression and even cause disease regression in multiple mouse models of colorectal cancer. The treatment works by regulating iron levels and molecular mechanisms involved in oxidative stress, making it a safer alternative to toxic treatments.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 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.

Using a smartphone to diagnose COVID-19 at home

Researchers are developing a smartphone app to diagnose COVID-19 at home using acoustic sensing and AI techniques. The system measures changes in human airway mechanics, which are uniquely correlated to COVID-19 infection.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateMay 12, 2020

Blood cells could serve as a 'thermometer' to detect breast cancer

Researchers have discovered that patients with breast cancer develop alterations in monocytes, a type of leukocyte, early in the disease course. This finding paves the way for enhanced diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, potentially allowing for earlier identification of aggressive tumors and personalized immunotherapy strategies.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalClinical & Translational Immunology·DateMay 12, 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.

Adolescence is ruff for dogs too

Research by Newcastle University and the University of Nottingham found that dogs exhibit typical teenage behavior, such as ignoring commands and training difficulties, at around 8 months old. This behavior is more pronounced in dogs with insecure attachments to their owners.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalBiology Letters·DateMay 12, 2020

NRL researchers create electronic diodes beyond 5G performance

Researchers at the Naval Research Laboratory created a new type of electronic component that surpasses the speed of 5G networks. The gallium nitride-based resonant tunneling diode displays record current outputs and switching speeds, enabling applications in millimeter-wave region and terahertz frequencies.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 12, 2020

Researchers find the 'brain's steering wheel' in the brainstem of mice

A new study in mice reveals that a specific group of neurons in the brainstem control the direction of walking movements by applying the 'brake' to one side of the body. This discovery has significant implications for understanding motor disorders and could lead to new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 12, 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.

Psychological scars for child burn survivors hurt more than physical wounds

Research finds that children and young adult burn survivors are more affected by staring, bullying, and uncomfortable questions than physical discomfort. The study suggests that burn units should incorporate supportive strategies to improve social interactions and overall quality of life.

SourceThe Reis Group·JournalJournal of Burn Care & Research·DateMay 12, 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.

A COVID-19 collaboration as big as Texas

A team of computational scientists, medicinal chemists, biochemists, and virologists have coalesced to rapidly identify drug-like molecules that inhibit SARS-CoV-19 replication. They are leveraging powerful supercomputers to screen millions of small molecules against all the major non-structural proteins of SARS-CoV-19.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateMay 12, 2020

Little skates could hold the key to cartilage therapy in humans

Adult skates have a specialized type of progenitor cell that creates new cartilage. Newly healed skate cartilage does not form scar tissue. This discovery may lead to better understanding of how to stop human stem-cell therapies from differentiating into bone, offering hope for cartilage repair therapy.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·DateMay 12, 2020

Scientists show MRI predicts the efficacy of a stem cell therapy for brain injury

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys and Loma Linda University Health have demonstrated the promise of applying magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict the efficacy of using human neural stem cells to treat a brain injury. The researchers found that rats with larger penumbra areas surrounding brain injury, which received human neur...

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 12, 2020

Transcranial direct current stimulation is a safe treatment

Researchers found no clinically significant changes in metabolite levels after transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) treatment. The study's results support the understanding of tDCS as a safe treatment option, even when considering metabolic effects.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateMay 12, 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.

HKU super steel project attains major breakthrough

Researchers at HKU and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab have developed a new super D&P steel with an unprecedented strength-toughness combination, addressing safety-critical industrial challenges. The breakthrough results in a yield strength resistance of ~2GPa and superior fracture toughness of 102MPåm½.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·DateMay 12, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers investigate lopinavir and ritonavir's effectiveness for treating COVID-19, finding current dosing may be ineffective. Cytokine levels are reported in a patient with COVID-19 and acute respiratory distress syndrome, highlighting the potential role of cytokines in disease progression.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 12, 2020

Moths have a secret but vital role as pollinators in the night

A UCL study reveals that moths transport pollen from a wide range of plants, including those rarely visited by bees and butterflies, contributing to crop yields and plant diversity. Moth pollen transport networks are larger and more complex than daytime pollinators.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBiology Letters·DateMay 12, 2020
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

DNA metabarcoding reveals metacommunity dynamics in a threatened boreal wetland

A new study using DNA metabarcoding reveals the dynamics of metacommunities in a threatened boreal wetland, detecting a broader range of biodiversity per sample compared to traditional methods. The study found that patterns of community assembly were nearly random, suggesting a strong role of randomness in the metacommunity.

SourceCentre for Biodiversity Genomics, University of Guelph·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2020

Beauty and the beast: Why both can win at social selling

A new study published in the Journal of Marketing finds that facial attractiveness plays a significant role in online sales, with hosts rated as attractive having a 6% higher annual occupancy rate than those with plain-looking faces. Meanwhile, unattractive hosts had a 4% higher occupancy rate on average compared to plain-looking hosts...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 12, 2020

University of Guam secures $20 million to expand coral research

The University of Guam has secured a five-year, $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation's EPSCoR program to enhance its research capabilities on coral reef survival. The project aims to understand the evolutionary and ecological processes that drive resilience in coral reefs under climate change stress.

SourceUniversity of Guam·DateMay 12, 2020

£800k study to look at link between fire and climate change

Researchers will gather new data on pyrogenic carbon and investigate its behavior in tropical savannahs, including the impact of soil depth and fire frequency. The study aims to update models and provide better forecasts of carbon cycle dynamics, informing land management and climate change policies.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·DateMay 12, 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.

Hollow-core fiber raises prospects for next-generation scientific instruments

Researchers have developed hollow-core fibers that can preserve light's essential attributes over long distances, overcoming challenges in optical interferometric systems and sensors. The technology has the potential to enhance performance in applications such as gravitational wave sensing and inertial navigation.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 12, 2020

Research Brief: A new approach to averting inflammation caused by COVID-19

Researchers have discovered that increasing levels of lipid mediators derived from omega-3 fatty acids can turn off inflammation caused by SARS-CoV-2, a hallmark symptom of severe COVID-19 illness. This approach may be as important as antiviral therapies or vaccines in reducing associated organ damage and mortality.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalCancer and Metastasis Reviews·DateMay 12, 2020

The challenges of developing a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine are developing coronavirus vaccines using their years of experience in tropical diseases. They highlight experimental evidence showing the challenges and critical points for vaccine development, including the need for a robust antibody response and balanced cellular immunity.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Reviews Immunology·DateMay 12, 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.

Biosynthetic capacity: The key to switch-off cancer stem cells

Researchers discovered that cancer stem cells' ability to synthesise proteins is the essence of their pluripotency and contributes to unlimited tumour growth. By blocking this capacity, tumours can be halted in an irreversible manner.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 12, 2020

Two-face god in sound: Directionality beyond spin-directed acoustics

Researchers propose a scheme to realize selective directional coupling of near-field longitudinal waves based on inherent geometric properties and symmetry analysis. The work enables the creation of Janus and Huygens sources, which selectively couple with one side or two sides of the near-field pattern, respectively.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 12, 2020

Can we really tell male and female dinosaurs apart?

A new study by Queen Mary University of London has shown that distinguishing between male and female dinosaurs is challenging due to limited sexual dimorphism. Researchers analyzed skulls from gharials to identify sex differences, finding only the presence of a bony growth on snouts to be reliable.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPeerJ·DateMay 12, 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.

Why visual perception is a decision process

Researchers found that prediction errors can be accessed during final processing stages of perception, contradicting previous theories. This means the brain simultaneously keeps track of past, current, and future image contents, allowing for stability and flexibility in rapid image sequences.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 12, 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.

A new concept of designing photocatalytic systems with reversed configurations

Researchers have introduced a new concept for designing photocatalytic systems with reversed configurations, which significantly improve light absorption, charge separation, and surface catalysis. This design concept can be extended to other systems and reactions to promote solar-to-chemical conversion.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateMay 12, 2020

Lighting the path for cells

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method to distribute bioactive molecules in three-dimensional space, allowing them to guide the growth of nerve fibers and other biological processes. This innovation has potential benefits for medicine, including improving recovery from neural injuries.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 12, 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.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Vongfong form and threaten the Philippines

Tropical Storm Vongfong is consolidating and organizing into a tropical cyclone, with higher cloud top temperatures indicating stronger storm conditions. The storm is expected to strengthen over the Philippines archipelago, bringing scattered to heavy rain showers and strong winds.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 12, 2020

Measuring methane from space

Satellite data and airborne measurements show that methane emissions from lakes in the Arctic have been overestimated, with most emissions coming from smaller thermokarst lakes in organic-rich sediments. The study also found that low-emitting large lakes play a crucial role in regional flux estimates.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 12, 2020

New weapon identified in arsenal against disease

Scientists at the University of Oxford have discovered a new way for T cells to attack cells infected by viruses or cancer. Supramolecular attack particles (SMAPs), released from cytotoxic T lymphocytes, can autonomously kill targeted cells, providing a complementary mechanism of cytotoxicity.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience·DateMay 12, 2020

Coronavirus infection in children -- it may not start with a cough

A new study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics finds that children with digestive tract symptoms, fever, and/or history of exposure to COVID-19 should be suspected of having coronavirus infection. The research also suggests an alternative route of infection through the digestive tract.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Pediatrics·DateMay 12, 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.

Journal of Dental Research study: Fluoridation is not associated with increase in osteosarcoma

A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found no association between community water fluoridation and an increased risk of osteosarcoma. The research, which analyzed data from over 500 patients, suggests that living in a fluoridated area is not a risk factor for osteosarcoma.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMay 12, 2020

Classification-coordination-collaboration

A new article proposes a systems approach, Classification-Coordination-Collaboration (3C), to promote the overall realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The approach consists of classification, coordination, and collaboration, which interact with each other to achieve SDG goals.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 12, 2020

Rotavirus vaccination leads to reduced hospitalizations, fewer infant deaths

The rotavirus vaccine has led to significant reductions in hospitalizations and child deaths due to severe diarrhea in Kiribati. The study found a 37% decrease in acute gastroenteritis inpatient admissions and a 44% decline in outpatient presentations among children under five.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalBMC Infectious Diseases·DateMay 12, 2020

Early experiences determine how birds build their first nest

A new study found that zebra finches' material preference for their first nest is shaped by their juvenile experience of the material, but only in the presence of an adult. Birds who had access to an adult or material during adolescence built their nests faster and preferred materials accordingly.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateMay 12, 2020

Researchers find protein that helps cancer cells to survive

A new study has identified a crucial role for the protein RTEL1 in the survival of cancer cells, with potential implications for treating various types of cancer. Researchers found that RTEL1 prevents damaging clashes between DNA replication and transcription processes, and promotes a process called MiDAS, which is common in cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMay 12, 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.

Health inequities magnified during COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened health inequities among vulnerable populations, with increased racial and ethnic biases impacting healthcare decisions. Remote diagnosis and care technology access also affects patient outcomes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHealth Equity·DateMay 12, 2020

Malaria vaccine: Could this 'ingredient' be the secret to success?

Melbourne researchers have identified a microscopic protein, RPL6, that can be added to a malaria vaccine for efficient protection. The combination offered complete protection against malaria in mice, building upon the 2016 discovery of T cells resident in the liver and the 'prime and trap' vaccination strategy.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 12, 2020

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected women's sexual behavior?

A recent study from Turkey found that women experienced increased sexual desire and intercourse frequency during the pandemic, but lower overall satisfaction. Menstrual disorders became more common and sexual function scores decreased compared to pre-pandemic periods.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics·DateMay 12, 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.

Primary care practice transformation introduces different staff types

The study found that CPC practices significantly increased their staffing with care managers and behavioral health staff, while non-CPC practices remained relatively unchanged. The authors suggest further research on the impact of team-based care and staff composition on healthcare costs and patient experience.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 12, 2020

Repetitive head impacts lead to early death for NFL players

A new study by Syracuse University researchers links repetitive head impacts in NFL players to an increased risk of premature death. The study found that cumulative head impact index scores were associated with all-cause mortality among NFL players.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 12, 2020

Machine learning cracks quantum chemistry conundrum

A new machine learning tool can calculate the energy required to assemble or pull apart a molecule with higher accuracy than conventional methods. The team's innovations made calculating a basic molecule's electronic structure simpler and faster.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2020

AI techniques in medical imaging may lead to incorrect diagnoses

A new study suggests that machine learning and AI in medical image reconstruction algorithms can result in myriad artefacts and major errors, leading to false positives and false negatives. The effects were typically not present in non-AI based imaging techniques.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 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.

ORNL, LANL-developed quantum technologies go the distance

Researchers successfully demonstrated the feasibility of quantum key distribution systems to enhance cybersecurity and extend range, ensuring compatibility across different vendors. This technology provides a secure solution for utilities without administrative headaches, simplifying operations.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateMay 12, 2020

Platelets exacerbate immune response

A new study by the University of Bonn reveals that platelets exacerbate immune responses by activating inflammasomes and increasing IL-1 production. This finding has significant implications for treating autoimmune diseases such as rheumatism and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 12, 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.

Malaria mosquitoes eliminated in lab by creating all-male populations

Scientists at Imperial College London used gene drive technology to create an all-male population of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, leading to a total collapse in the population. The modified mosquitoes produce more male offspring, causing females to be born and eventually leading to no females being present.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 12, 2020

Celiac disease linked to common chemical pollutants

Research at NYU Langone Health found a link between elevated blood levels of toxic chemicals and an increased risk for celiac disease in young people. Young females were eight times more likely to become gluten intolerant, while males were twice as likely with fire-retardant exposure.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateMay 12, 2020

New study could help better predict rainfall during El Niño

Researchers at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School have discovered a connection between tropical weather events and US rainfall during El Niño years. The study's findings show that when both an El Niño Southern Oscillation and Madden-Julian Oscillation occur simultaneously, the resulting pressure and rainfall anomalies in the US ...

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalJournal of Climate·DateMay 12, 2020

Ants use collective 'brainpower' to navigate obstacles

A study found that ants use cooperative transport to overcome navigational challenges, demonstrating the potential advantages of group living and collective cognition in making certain environments habitable. The team discovered that non-carrying ants played a crucial role in guiding the group and extending their sensing range.

SourceeLife·DateMay 12, 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.

The COVID-19 pandemic reveals the potential of telehealth to improve care

Virtual rounds and intercom communication systems enable compassionate and reassuring encounters while preserving PPE, reducing exposure time, and delivering exceptional care during mass contagion. The COVID-19 pandemic may transform outdated healthcare delivery methods and reveal new ways to use virtual care to improve patient health.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·DateMay 12, 2020

Ancient rocks show high oxygen levels on Earth 2 billion years ago

Researchers found strikingly high oxygen levels 2 billion years ago in ancient Russian rocks, contradicting previous models of Earth's carbon and oxygen cycles. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of complex life and suggests suitable conditions for eukaryotes to thrive earlier than thought.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 12, 2020

Lung cancer screening in primary care

A new lung cancer screening cohort study demonstrates low adverse event rates and detects 70% of diagnosed cases at early stages. Family medicine plays a critical role in expanding lung cancer screenings to underserved populations.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 12, 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.

Over-harvesting could wipe out water frogs in parts of Turkey

A study warns that water frog populations in Turkey's Ceyhan and Seyhan deltas are declining by 20% annually, threatening regional extinction by 2050. The authors recommend banning wild frog harvesting and encouraging sustainable frog farming to alleviate pressure on wild populations.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalOryx·DateMay 12, 2020

Dock and harbor: A novel mechanism for controlling genes

PML bodies are found to physically restrict access to DNA methylation enzymes, suppressing gene activation. The study sheds light on a new role of PML bodies in regulating gene expression by manipulating 3D nuclear organization.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 12, 2020

OU professor examines the fifty shades phenomenon

A new study by Meredith G. F. Worthen and Trenton M. Haltom investigates the relationship between leather identity and attitudes toward women, revealing a robust connection among hetero-leathermen. The findings highlight the importance of considering how leather identity shapes misogyny among men.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalDeviant Behavior·DateMay 12, 2020

Filming quantic measurement for the first time

A team of researchers from the University of Seville and international partners successfully filmed quantic measurement for the first time. The experiment confirmed a subtle prediction in quantum physics, showing that the quantum state changes gradually during measurement rather than instantaneously.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 12, 2020
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Inexpensively locating friendly (and unfriendly) radio waves

Researchers at Duke University have devised a low-cost method for passively locating sources of radio waves, such as Wi-Fi and cellular communication signals. The technique uses metamaterials to create a coded aperture that boosts signal strength and allows for the characterization of radio wave frequencies.

SourceDuke University·JournalOptica·DateMay 12, 2020

Alaskan rainforests are a global lichen hotspot, new study shows

A new study reveals that Alaska's rainforest fjords have an incredibly high concentration of lichen diversity, with over 1300 species found in the region. The research team, led by Toby Spribille, identified more than 900 species of lichen, including 27 previously unseen species.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalThe Lichenologist·DateMay 12, 2020

Genes may play a role in weight gain from birth control

A recent study found that genetic variations in estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) may be linked to clinically significant weight gain when using the etonogestrel contraceptive implant. Women with two copies of a specific variant on average gained over 30 pounds more while using the implant compared to others.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalContraception·DateMay 12, 2020

Complex compounds of vital metals serving as models of biological systems

Researchers have discovered heteroligand complexes of copper with malonic or adipic acid dihydrazides and L-histidine, showcasing trans-influence. The study suggests that these complexes can serve as models for biological systems and potentially be used to enhance the biologically active properties of organic substances.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalRussian Journal of General Chemistry·DateMay 12, 2020

Antiferromagnetic fluoride nanocrystals

Scientists from Peking University and National Institute for Materials Science create anisotropic fluoride nanocrystals using facet-specific passivation. The approach enables controlled growth of fluorides with complex functionalities and promising applications in flexible antiferromagnetic devices and sensors.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 12, 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 tool helps distinguish the cause of blood clots

A new tool using machine-learning technology distinguishes the cause of different types of blood clots based on subtle differences in their shape. The intelligent platelet aggregate classifier (iPAC) can help physicians diagnose and select treatments for patients with specific clot types.

SourceeLife·DateMay 12, 2020

Trouble getting a doctor's appointment may drive Medicaid enrollees to opt for the ER

A simulated patient study in Northern California found that counties with limited new patient primary care appointments had higher rates of Medi-Cal patients' emergency room usage. Adequate access to primary care is crucial for improving health outcomes and controlling costs among Medicaid expansion beneficiaries.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 12, 2020

Patients improve after heart cell therapy

Four critically ill COVID-19 patients improved significantly after receiving the experimental therapeutic CAP-1002, which contains cardiosphere-derived cells. The treatment helped reduce inflammation and showed no adverse effects, with all patients discharged from the hospital.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalBasic Research in Cardiology·DateMay 12, 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.

Nanofiber membranes transformed into 3D scaffolds

The new method transforms electrospun nanofibers into complex 3D shapes with controlled pore sizes, allowing cells to seed and penetrate, and exhibits superelasticity and shape recovery. The technique has significant potential for applications in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and tissue modeling.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateMay 12, 2020

Immunoscore guided cold tumors acquire temperature through integrating methods

This review article discusses the features of challenging cold tumors and potential approaches to transform them into hot tumors, which are more responsive to immunotherapy. The authors summarize current strategies for enhancing T cell trafficking and discuss the limitations of existing immunotherapeutic approaches.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalBIO Integration·DateMay 12, 2020

Total synthesis of cotylenin A for a new anticancer drug without side effects

Researchers at Waseda University have successfully developed a method for the total synthesis of cotylenin A, a plant growth regulator with promising bioactivity as an anti-cancer agent. The new method allows for the production of a stable and effective anticancer drug without the side effects associated with traditional treatments.

SourceWaseda University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 12, 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.

May/June 2020 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

The article highlights Singapore's successful COVID-19 containment response in primary care, featuring triage, containment, and infection control measures. Additionally, it explores the benefits of routine lung cancer screenings and discusses the increasing use of artificial intelligence in primary care to improve diagnostic accuracy.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 12, 2020

'Water wires' may play bigger role in cellular function

Scientists at the National MagLab used a powerful magnet to detect oxygen signals in proteins, revealing that water wires play a more significant role in cellular function than previously thought. This discovery has widespread ramifications for understanding how proteins interact with each other.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2020

Specially designed footwear reduces pain of knee osteoarthritis

A new type of specially designed footwear has been shown to significantly reduce the pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. The biomechanical footwear was found to be effective in reducing pain scores, and may also have potential benefits for people with hip or back pain.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateMay 12, 2020

A study analyzes the unexpected behavior of hydrogen flames

Researchers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid analyze the physical behavior of hydrogen flames, revealing they can propagate in extremely narrow gaps and form fractal patterns. This unexpected behavior has significant implications for designing safe hydrogen storage systems and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 12, 2020

Arthritis clinical trial shows support for dextrose injection to alleviate knee pain

A randomized controlled trial found that intra-articular hypertonic dextrose injections significantly reduced knee pain in patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis. The study, conducted at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, involved 76 patients who received either the hypertonic dextrose or normal saline injection therapy.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 12, 2020

Acute stress may slow down the spread of fears

A study published in Scientific Reports found that experiencing acute stress can dampen amplification of risk perception, while feeling stressed may contribute to overestimating risks. This has significant implications for public health efforts during global crises.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 12, 2020