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Science News Archive May 2020 - Page 10


Page 10 of 42

New method provides unique insight into the development of the human brain

Researchers at Lund University have created a new model that mimics the early developmental stages of the human brain, allowing them to study how different regions form and potentially produce specific neural cells for treatment. The model, called MiSTR, enables faster production of neural cells for neurological diseases.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 25, 2020

Breaking down stubborn cellulose in time lapse

Researchers have visualized the single-molecule level operation of cellulosomes during cellulose degradation using time-lapse atomic force microscopy. This breakthrough provides new perspectives for applications in industrial biorefineries by exploiting the synergies between cellulosome and free enzymes.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalACS Central Science·DateMay 25, 2020

MetaviralSPAdes -- New assembler for virus genomes

MetaviralSPAdes is a new assembler for virus genomes, enabling biologists to reconstruct complete viral genomes from metagenome sequencing results. This tool tackles the challenge of identifying and stitching together viral sequences from thousands of bacterial genomes.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalBioinformatics·DateMay 25, 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.

Performing optical logic operations by a diffractive neural network

A diffractive neural network, implemented by a compound Huygens' metasurface, realizes all seven basic optical logic operations in a compact system using a plane wave as input signal. The design strategy features flexible modification and eliminates the need for precise control of input light.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 25, 2020

Declining tropical pelagic biodiversity

Researchers analyzed sea-surface temperatures and planktonic foraminifer shells to determine that tropical ocean biodiversity started declining around 15,000 years ago, before the Anthropocene era. Continued global warming may further reduce biodiversity in tropical oceans.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2020

A nice day for a quantum walk

Scientists at Osaka University have successfully demonstrated a quantum random walk using trapped ions, which may lead to new quantum simulations of biological systems. The technique relies on precise control of individual ions and can help resolve open questions in chemistry and biology.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 25, 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.

COVID-19 should be treated as a thrombotic disease, Brazilian pulmonologist argues

Brazilian pulmonologist Dr. Elnara Negri argues that COVID-19 should be treated as a thrombotic disease, citing the use of anti-coagulant drug heparin to improve patient outcomes. She reports a successful treatment protocol with 80 patients, with none dying and four in ICU.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis·DateMay 25, 2020

Astronomers see 'cosmic ring of fire,' 11 billion years ago

Astronomers have captured an image of a super-rare type of galaxy with a 'ring of fire' structure, existing 11 billion years ago. This discovery is expected to shake up theories about the earliest formation of galactic structures and how they evolve.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMay 25, 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.

Microbial cyborgs: Bacteria supplying power

Scientists at KIT have developed a programmable biohybrid material system that uses bacteria to generate power. The system consists of a nanocomposite and the Shewanella oneidensis bacterium, which produces electrons. The team achieved controlled electron flow with increasing bacterial cells on the conductive matrix.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 25, 2020

Inexpensive retinal diagnostics via smartphone

A study by the University of Bonn shows that smartphone-based fundus imaging can detect diabetic retinopathy with high accuracy, even in early stages. The method allows for efficient screening and diagnosis, enabling trained laypersons to examine patients, reducing hospital visits.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalOphthalmology·DateMay 25, 2020

Chirality-assisted lateral momentum transfer for bidirectional enantioselective separation

Researchers design an experiment to demonstrate chirality-dependent optical lateral force on microparticles, achieving robust bidirectional sorting and reversible optical lateral forces. The study opens new avenues for direct detection and sorting of microparticles with imperceptible chemical differences.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 25, 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.

Worth their salt: Skoltech and MIPT researchers report first case of hexagonal NaCl

Researchers at Skoltech and MIPT predicted and experimentally confirmed the existence of exotic hexagonal NaCl thin films on a diamond surface. The films may be useful as gate dielectrics for field-effect transistors in electric vehicles and telecommunication equipment.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 25, 2020

Vaccination and prosociality

Researchers found concern for others was a key driver of polio vaccination in Israel during a polio resurgence. Understanding the campaign's prosocial nature influenced vaccination behavior, highlighting the role of communication in improving outcomes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

uOttawa researchers discover new sex hormone

Researchers at the University of Ottawa have discovered a new sex hormone in zebrafish that regulates sexual behavior and reproduction. The hormone, secretoneurin peptide, was found to restore sexual function in genetically modified fish by increasing hormone release and enhancing ovulation.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2020

Evidence shows cloth masks may help against COVID-19

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that cloth masks can block droplet and aerosol contamination, reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The researchers recommend using multiple layers of cotton cloth for maximum protection.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 25, 2020

How drones can monitor explosive volcanoes

Researchers used drones to create centimeter-resolution 3D models of a volcano in Guatemala, revealing slow expansion and fast extrusion of viscous lava. The study provides new possibilities for measuring ground movements and predicting volcanic danger.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 25, 2020

Potential biomarkers for multiple sclerosis

Two plasma and 10 cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers were identified to aid in early detection of MS with high sensitivity and specificity. These biomarkers may help monitor treatment response and disease progression.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 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.

Efficient generation of relativistic near-single-cycle mid-infrared pulses in plasmas

Scientists have developed a new scheme to generate near-single-cycle mid-infrared pulses in plasmas, achieving conversion efficiencies of up to 30%. The method uses two terawatt-level short-pulse lasers incident into an underdense plasma channel, producing a tunable mid-infrared pulse with millijoules of energy.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 25, 2020

Evolution of maritime shipping routes

Researchers analyzed global shipping fleet movements between 1977 and 2008 to understand how routes evolve. A model based on common neighbor ports and sea distance predicts the likelihood of forming direct links between unlinked ports.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2020

There is no escaping from climate change, even in the deep sea

The study found that global mean climate velocities in the deepest ocean layers have been 2-4 times faster than at surface over the past 20th century. Climate velocities are projected to continue accelerating even under strong greenhouse gas emission mitigation scenarios, posing significant threats to deep sea biodiversity.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 25, 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.

Scientists find genes to save ash trees from deadly beetle

An international team of scientists has identified candidate resistance genes that could protect ash trees from the EAB, a deadly pest expected to kill billions of trees. Researchers sequenced the genomes of 22 species of ash tree and found 53 candidate resistance genes involved in making chemicals harmful to insects.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 25, 2020

What information is coded in bird alarm calls -- a new study from Korea

Researchers found Oriental tit birds give distinct alarm calls to snakes and chipmunks, warning nestlings of snake threat but not chipmunk danger. The study suggests a specific call signals 'be aware of a snake' rather than general predator alert.

SourceLaboratory of Behavioral Ecology and Evolution at Seoul National University·JournalEthology·DateMay 25, 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.

Hippocampus and creative thinking

Disruption of hippocampal activity with TMS impairs future imagining and creative thinking abilities in young adults. Reduced activity in the hippocampus is linked to decreased future imagining and divergent thinking.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2020

A new law in laser physics could make eye surgery simpler

Scientists have developed a new type of laser that can deliver high amounts of energy in very short bursts, making it ideal for corneal surgery. The research uses quartic solitons to produce short, powerful light pulses without heating and damaging the surface.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 25, 2020

Towards visible-wavelength passively mode-locked lasers in all-fibre format

Researchers have developed a visible-wavelength passively mode-locked all-fibre laser, generating picosecond pulses at 635 nm. The laser has a tunable duration and a narrow spectral bandwidth, opening up new possibilities for applications in optical communications, biomedicine, material processing, and scientific research.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 25, 2020

Fatal cases of COVID-19 deepen our understanding of the disease's progression

Researchers analyzed 155 COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, China, finding that over 50% of critically ill patients died due to multiple organ dysfunction and severe complications. The study highlights the importance of early intervention, including timely nutrition support and antibiotic treatment for bacterial co-infections.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·DateMay 25, 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.

A return to the wild for better immune health

A study found that revegetated urban green spaces have more native plant species and greater microbiota diversity, similar to natural environments. This can lead to improved immune function and reduced non-communicable diseases. Urban design principles could be influenced by the environmental microbiome to create healthier public spaces.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalRestoration Ecology·DateMay 24, 2020

Using wastewater to monitor COVID-19

A recent review paper highlights the potential of using wastewater to monitor COVID-19, detecting low levels of virus particles and asymptomatic cases. The method offers several advantages over clinical testing, but challenges include a lack of standardized protocols and knowledge on viral decay in water environments.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateMay 24, 2020

New insights into vaping uptake among Māori and Pacific peoples

Researchers found that Māori and Pacific people who struggle to quit smoking may find it easier to switch to vaping if they find it satisfying and are exposed to fewer smoking cues. The study provides valuable insights into the uptake of electronic nicotine delivery systems among these communities.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateMay 24, 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.

Does MRI have an environmental impact?

Researchers found elevated levels of gadolinium in Tokyo river water, particularly near treatment plants, highlighting the need for new policies and removal technologies as MRI become more widespread.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateMay 23, 2020

Blood test could predict diabetes years before it strikes

A new blood test can identify women at risk of developing type 2 diabetes up to 10 years after delivery, allowing for potential interventions such as diet and exercise. The test uses metabolic markers that are present in the blood of women who have had gestational diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 22, 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.

Migration patterns reveal an Eden for ancient humans and animals

A study published in Quaternary Science Reviews found that many local animals stayed put in the ecologically rich ecosystem at Pinnacle Point, allowing early humans to flourish. The researchers used ancient herbivore teeth to track migratory patterns and discovered a lack of movement among most animals.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateMay 22, 2020

How a male fly knows when to make a move on a mate

Researchers found that male fruit flies adjust their scent sensitivity by altering a gene called fruitless in response to pheromone signals and social environment. This study may provide insights into treating sensory processing disorders like autism, as it reveals how organisms selectively tune into or block sensory input.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 22, 2020

AFAR honors Drs. James L. Kirkland of Mayo Clinic and Sean Curan of USC

James L. Kirkland, MD, PhD, received the Irving S. Wright Award for his research on cellular senescence and age-related diseases, while Sean Curran, PhD, won the Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award for his work on aging biology. Both awards recognize their contributions to advancing our understanding of aging.

SourceAmerican Federation for Aging Research·DateMay 22, 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.

First fossil nursery of the great white shark discovered

Researchers analyzed 2-5 million year old fossil teeth to reconstruct body size distribution patterns of the great white shark in the past. The discovery reveals a significant nursery area with high percentages of young sharks, indicating that environmental changes can impact population dynamics and evolutionary success.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 22, 2020

Large-scale analysis of protein arginine methylation by mass spectrometry

This article reviews the state-of-the-art analytical strategies for studying protein arginine methylation using mass spectrometry. The authors discuss the latest studies on profiling protein-methylation events, implementing biochemical methods, computational analysis tools, and the heavy methyl SILAC strategy.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Protein and Peptide Science·DateMay 22, 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.

Placentas from COVID-19-positive pregnant women show injury

A new study found that COVID-19-positive pregnant women's placentas showed signs of injury, including abnormal blood flow between mothers and babies. This could lead to increased monitoring during pregnancy, including non-stress tests and growth ultrasounds.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Pathology·DateMay 22, 2020

Cognitive behavioral therapy reduces the impact of dissociative seizures

A study published in Lancet Psychiatry found that adding cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to standardised medical care significantly reduced the frequency of dissociative seizures, improved functioning, and enhanced quality of life. Researchers recommend incorporating CBT into specialist care for patients with dissociative seizures.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateMay 22, 2020

MS risk 29% higher for people living in urban areas, new research reveals

A new study has found that people living in urban areas have a 29% higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to those living in rural areas. The research also suggests that air pollution, specifically particulate matter (PM), may be a contributing factor to the development of MS.

SourceSpink Health·JournalEuropean Journal of Neurology·DateMay 22, 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.