Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive May 2020


Page 28 of 42

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.