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Science News Archive May 2020


Page 3 of 42

'Bottom-heavy squirmers' adopt characteristic group behaviours

A team of scientists found that groups of living organisms that move through squirming exhibit distinct collective properties depending on their velocities and bottom-heaviness. These characteristics can lead to intriguing emergent behaviors, such as clusters forming at the bottom or top of a container.

Breaking up is hard to do (especially for sex chromosomes)

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have figured out how X and Y chromosomes pair up properly during meiosis. They discovered that a repeated sequence of DNA in the pseudoautosomal region (PAR) attracts double-strand break-related proteins, leading to frequent DNA breaks in this region.

New drug combinations help overcome resistance to immunotherapy

Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that combining toll-like receptor 9 agonists and NKTR-214 with PD-1 blockade can induce a potent immune reaction against resistant tumors. This combination therapy is being assessed in human clinical trials to improve cancer immunotherapy outcomes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Global environmental changes leading to shorter, younger trees

A PNNL-led study found that environmental changes are transforming forests worldwide, leading to a dramatic decrease in tree age and stature. Rising temperatures, carbon dioxide, and increased disturbances like wildfire and drought are contributing to this trend.

Imaging reveals unexpected contractions in the human placenta

High-resolution imaging of human placenta reveals uniform oxygenation levels and efficient blood flow, while also discovering rapid draining from veins and utero-placental pump contractions that facilitate better circulation and fetal growth. These findings improve placental models and optimize MRI protocols for better diagnosis.

Stem cell treatments 'go deep' to regenerate sun-damaged skin

Researchers found that stem cell treatment eliminates sun-damaged elastin network and replaces it with normal tissues and structures, even in deeper layers of skin. The treatment triggers cellular- and molecular-level pathways involved in skin repair and regeneration.

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.

Exploring the neurological male-female divide in dementia

A $2.6M NIH award will examine how sex differences impact cognitive impairment and dementia, with a focus on the brain vascular system. The project aims to uncover personalized molecular targets for therapy and improve treatment of dementia.

Environmental groups moving beyond conservation

A new study reveals that environmental groups are increasingly focused on advocating for climate change and environmental justice. The researchers found that more than 40% of the most powerful organizations prioritize these areas in their mission statements.

Revealing how flies make decisions on the fly to survive

Researchers studied how hoverflies process visual information to control their flight movements, finding that descending neurons adapt like sensory neurons but also persistently fire like motor neurons. This unique integration of responses offers insights into the brain-behavior link in flies and potentially all vertebrates.

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.

The concept of creating &laquobrain-on-chip» revealed

A team of scientists proposes a memristive neurohybrid chip to create compact biosensors and neuroprostheses with high adaptability. The system combines neural cellular and microfluidic technologies for real-time registration, processing, and stimulation of bioelectrical activity.

Beyond the garnish: Will a new type of produce get the microgreen light?

A study by Colorado State University researchers found that microgreens are acceptable to consumers, with high scores for appearance, flavor, and texture. The findings suggest that microgreens could become a key food source for preventing nutrient deficiencies and promoting global health and environmental sustainability.

Topology sheds new light on synchronization in higher-order networks

Researchers propose a novel 'higher-order' Kuramoto model combining topology with dynamical systems to characterize synchronization in higher-order networks. The study found that higher-order synchronization occurs explosively, revealing how topology induces dramatic changes in dynamics at the onset of synchronization transition.

Balancing the economy while saving the planet

A new research-based framework helps companies balance economic and sustainability factors when producing biochemicals. The framework assesses the true sustainability of biochemicals by combining economic and environmental impacts into a monetary single score.

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.

Researchers identify mechanisms that make skin a protective barrier

A Mount Sinai research team has identified the scaffolding protein histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) as essential for proper skin development and barrier formation. Mice lacking HDAC3 in the epidermis fail to develop a functional skin barrier, leading to dehydration and death shortly after birth.

Gold mining with mercury poses health threats for miles downstream

A study by Duke University scientists found that native communities hundreds of kilometers away from gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon have high levels of mercury exposure, leading to intellectual deficits and IQ losses. Children with higher mercury levels in their hair showed cognitive effects, even at lower exposure levels.

In planet formation, it's location, location, location

Astronomers found that stars in the cluster's periphery have planet-forming dust clouds, while those near the center lack them. The observations suggest that location plays a crucial role in planet formation, and massive stars may alter disk properties, making it harder for planets to form.

Recurrent positive RT-PCR results for COVID-19 in discharged patients

Researchers investigated COVID-19 patients with recurrent positive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results after hospital discharge. The study found these patients experienced prolonged viral persistence, indicating a need for extended monitoring and potential long-term treatment strategies.

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.

Smart windows that self-illuminate on rainy days

Researchers at POSTECH developed a variable color filter using metal-hydrogel-metal resonator structure and combined it with solar cells to create a self-powering humidity sensor. The sensor detects changes in surroundings by converting light's energy into electricity, making it suitable for use in IoT technology.

Sea snakes have been adapting to see underwater for 15 million years

A study led by the University of Plymouth found that sea snakes' vision has been modifying genetically over millions of generations, enabling them to adapt to new environments. The research reveals that diving sea snakes share their adaptive properties with some fruit-eating primates.

Antarctic ice sheets capable of retreating up to 50 meters per day

Researchers used seismic data to calculate the maximum speed at which an ice sheet can retreat, revealing historic retreat rates that are almost ten times faster than those observed today. The study found that the ice sheets surrounding Antarctica's coastline retreated at speeds of up to 50 meters per day during regional deglaciation.

New technology enables fast protein synthesis

Researchers at MIT develop an automated tabletop machine that can synthesize hundreds of amino acids within hours, reducing the time required to generate synthetic proteins. This technology could speed up the manufacturing of on-demand therapies and enable scientists to design artificial proteins with superior biological function.

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.

Restoring nerve-muscle communication in ALS

A study found that replenishing the SV2 protein can restore synaptic function and prevent cells from dying in a genetic form of ALS. This suggests that SV2 is a promising therapeutic target for slowing disease progression and prolonging muscle strength.

UNH researchers find wildfires can alter arctic watersheds for 50 years

Researchers at UNH found that forest fires in the Arctic can significantly impact stream chemistry, altering nutrient levels and potentially harming humans who depend on these waterways. The study showed that aftereffects of a burn can last up to five decades, with decreased carbon and increased nitrogen affecting local streams.

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.

Exploiting viruses to attack cancer cells

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed an adenovirus that specifically replicates in and kills cancer cells using RNA-stabilizing elements. The virus, AdARET, was found to be effective against a range of cancer types, including those without a mutated RAS gene.

Researchers find CBD improves arthritis symptoms in dogs

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that CBD significantly reduces inflammatory molecules and immune cells associated with arthritis in dogs. The study showed that CBD treatment improved quality of life in 90% of the dogs, supporting future scientific evaluation of CBD for human arthritis.

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.

Climate could cause abrupt British vegetation changes

Research by the University of Exeter suggests that climate change could lead to sudden changes in British vegetation, particularly in regions with warmer and wetter conditions. This increase in plant growth is expected due to factors such as CO2 fertilization, but soil drying out can also cause rapid decreases in vegetation productivity.

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.

New report discusses coffee's effect on digestion and digestive disorders

A new report from the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee suggests that coffee consumption may have beneficial effects on digestion, including reducing the risk of gallstone disease and pancreatitis. Moderate coffee consumption is also associated with improved gut motility and supporting beneficial gut bacteria.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Tackling airborne transmission of COVID-19 indoors

A study by the University of Surrey and Australian partners highlights the importance of adequate ventilation in indoor environments to prevent airborne transmission of COVID-19. Improving building ventilation is proposed as a key strategy to reduce the risk of infection, particularly in areas with high population densities.

New study: Stroke patients are significantly delaying treatment amid COVID-19

A new study published in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery found that ischemic stroke patients are arriving at hospitals and treatment centers an average of 160 minutes later during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to a similar timeframe in 2019. This delay has severe consequences, including impacting survival and recovery.

Multinational consortium reports COVID-19 impact on cancer patients

A multinational consortium reports that people with cancer have a higher risk of dying from COVID-19, particularly those with active cancer and impaired performance status. The study found no association between cancer treatments and 30-day mortality, suggesting that these therapies can continue during the pandemic with caution.

New stroke guidelines aim to improve care amid COVID-19

The new guidelines aim to improve stroke care by speeding up treatment and preventing the spread of COVID-19. The recommendations emphasize the use of telemedicine to connect patients with UVA stroke experts before arrival at the hospital.

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.

A small twist leads to a big reaction

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have discovered a way to speed up chemical reactions involving amide bonds, which are key components of proteins. By applying a slight twist to their structure, they increased reaction rates by up to 14 times, potentially benefiting medical research and drug development.

Researchers track how bacteria purge toxic metals

Researchers at Cornell University used single-molecule tracking and protein quantitation to study the mechanism of bacteria's resistance to toxic metals, revealing a complex series of steps that lead to detoxification. The discovery could lead to the development of more effective antibacterial treatments.

New study examines impact of major life events on wellbeing

A recent study published in SSM - Population Health examined the impact of 18 major life events on wellbeing, including marriage, death of a loved one, and bankruptcy. The study found that some events had profound impacts on wellbeing, while others had little to no effect.

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.

Researchers in Brazil develop low-cost mechanical ventilators

Researchers at the University of São Paulo's Engineering School have developed a low-cost mechanical ventilator that costs approximately 7% as much as conventional ventilators. The device has already been tested in animals and humans and shows promise in treating patients with acute respiratory syndrome, a severe outcome of COVID-19.

New view on how tissues flow in the embryo

Scientists at Columbia University developed a new method to analyze cell shapes in fruit fly embryos, revealing that tissues can behave like fluids during rapid changes. By combining experimental studies with theoretical modeling, the team found that anisotropy plays a crucial role in predicting tissue flow and elongation.

Blocking tumor signals can hinder cancer's spread

Researchers identified an enzyme, p38α kinase, as crucial for metastasis, which is the primary cause of cancer deaths. By blocking this enzyme using an inhibitor, they successfully reduced melanoma's spread to the lungs and prolonged survival time.

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.

Methodology for credibility assessment of historical global LUCC datasets

A new methodology for assessing the credibility of historical global land use/cover datasets has been proposed, addressing temporal and spatial changes. The approach evaluates accuracy, rationality, and likelihood assessments through five case studies, providing a framework for improving data quality.