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Science News Archive May 2020 - Page 15


Page 15 of 42

'Bee' thankful for the evolution of pollen

Researchers at the University of Missouri discovered spiny pollen from a native wild dandelion species has evolved to attach to traveling bumblebees, making it easier for plants to reproduce. This adaptation allows for mutualism between the plant and pollinator, where both benefit from each other.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateMay 20, 2020

More people die when hospital bed shortages force patients out

A recent study of 60,000 patients found that those discharged early due to space constraints had a higher risk of dying within 60 days. The study suggests that hospitals should prioritize keeping vulnerable patients longer.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalClinical Epidemiology·DateMay 20, 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.

Risk of death following nonfatal intentional, unintentional opioid overdoses

Researchers analyzed deaths following nonfatal opioid overdoses in California from 2009 to 2011, finding that patients with intentional overdoses were more likely to die by suicide than those with unintentional overdoses. The study sheds light on the complex relationship between opioid use and suicidal behavior.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 20, 2020

ALMA discovers massive rotating disk in early universe

Astronomers used ALMA to discover a massive rotating disk galaxy, DLA0817g, which challenges traditional models of galaxy formation. The galaxy formed primarily through the steady accretion of cold gas, indicating alternative growth processes dominated over violent mergers.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateMay 20, 2020

New wearable sensor tracks vitamin C levels in sweat

Researchers at UC San Diego developed a non-invasive wearable device to track vitamin C levels in sweat, enabling personalized nutrition and dietary adherence. The device has shown high sensitivity and potential for detecting nutritional deficiencies and supporting recovery from COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalACS Sensors·DateMay 20, 2020

Urgent call to protect 7 million high-risk older US adults from COVID-19

A new article highlights the lack of support for older adults with respiratory illnesses in community settings, who face significant health risks and mortality rates. Experts outline specific steps to ensure their safety, including increased testing, social support, and protecting home care workers.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Aging & Social Policy·DateMay 20, 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 SLAS Discovery auto-commentary available

Scientists from the University of Pittsburgh have developed two approaches for rendering a specific phosphatase activated by light, allowing them to probe its function. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding protein-protein interactions and drug discovery, paving the way for new treatments for diseases.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateMay 20, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cognitive behavioural therapy reduces the impact of dissociative seizures

Adding CBT to standard medical care gives patients with dissociative seizures longer periods of seizure freedom and a greater quality of life. This study suggests that CBT combined with specialist care can improve symptoms and satisfaction for those affected by this condition.

SourceNIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateMay 20, 2020

Oldest connection with Native Americans identified near Lake Baikal in Siberia

New study reveals deep connection between Upper Paleolithic Siberians and First Americans, dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period. The discovery sheds light on future studies about Native American population history and suggests that the ancestry of Native Americans was more widely distributed than previously assumed.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalCell·DateMay 20, 2020

Scientists find evidence of link between diesel exhaust, risk of Parkinson's

A new UCLA study found that chemicals in diesel exhaust can trigger the toxic buildup of alpha-synuclein proteins in brain cells, a common occurrence in people with Parkinson's. The research used zebrafish and human cells to confirm the link between air pollution and brain damage.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateMay 20, 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.

NASA-NOAA satellite catches post-tropical storm Arthur's end

The NASA-NOAA Suomi NPP satellite captured a visible image of post-tropical storm Arthur on May 19, revealing a weak circulation with clouds northeast and east of the center. The storm is expected to weaken and move southeast through Thursday, affecting waters in the Bahamas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 20, 2020

New research shows that increasing number of lost pregnancies is linked to higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes

A new study published in Diabetologia found that women who experience more pregnancy losses are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed data from over 247,000 women and found that each additional pregnancy loss increased the risk by 18-71%. Women with no previous pregnancies also had a significantly higher risk.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateMay 20, 2020

Caves tell us that Australia's mountains are still growing

A University of Melbourne study finds that parts of the Eastern Highlands in Victoria may be as young as 5 million years, contradicting previous estimates of 90 million years. The team used speleothem dating to determine the age of stalagmites and flowstones in nearby caves.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalGeology·DateMay 20, 2020

UCF study finds microplastics in Florida's birds of prey for 1st time

A new UCF study found microplastics in the digestive systems of 63 birds of prey in Florida, including hawks, ospreys, and owls. The researchers discovered nearly 1,200 pieces of plastic, mostly microfibers, which can lead to poisoning, starvation, and death.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateMay 20, 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.

A new understanding of everyday cellular processes

The study suggests that cells can be understood as electrical entities, enabling predictive biological understanding and potential new treatments for conditions like heart failure and diabetes. The researchers' bioelectrical conceptualisation of cells could pave the way for breakthroughs in healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMay 20, 2020

The moral machine

Researchers created an AI system that learns to distinguish between 'right' and 'wrong' based on books, news articles, and religious texts. The machine's moral compass adapts to different eras and societies, revealing subtle differences in moral values.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Artificial Intelligence·DateMay 20, 2020

A new algorithm predicts the difficulty in fighting fire

A new algorithm developed by researchers at the University of Córdoba improves response capacity to forest fires. The tool predicts fire fighting difficulty and offers an extinction difficulty index, helping authorities prioritize management tasks and optimize resources.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalInternational Journal of Wildland Fire·DateMay 20, 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.

Factors associated with sex-based disparities in liver transplants

Women awaiting liver transplants face higher mortality rates than men due to various factors, including geographic location and medical urgency. Liver size also plays a role in these disparities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address sex-based inequalities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMay 20, 2020

Great potential in regulating plant greenhouse gas emissions

Researchers have discovered a new way that plants regulate volatile isoprenoid emissions, which contribute to hydrocarbons released into the atmosphere. This knowledge could lead to optimizing forest land and farming areas by planting fewer high-emitter-plants and more zero-emitters.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·DateMay 20, 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.

At the crossroads

Researchers identified how the enzyme MOF orchestrates the HSC fate in erythropoiesis, revealing crucial role in regulating chromatin accessibility and gene expression. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches for diseases such as leukemia or anemia.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 20, 2020

Tel Aviv University-led study finds high variability is result of complex data workflows

A Tel Aviv University-led study published in Nature found that complexity in analytical methods contributes to variability in research outcomes. Researchers analyzed the same dataset using different analysis methods, resulting in varying conclusions. The study highlights the need for improved methodology and data sharing to advance sci...

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature·DateMay 20, 2020

Primary care physicians experience more burnout and anxiety than other health professions

A new study by George Mason University found that primary care physicians report the highest rates of burnout at 31.6%, nearly twice that of other staff in primary care practices. Anxiety levels also significantly contribute to burnout across healthcare professionals, highlighting the need for prioritizing clinician well-being.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateMay 20, 2020

Attosecond physics: Quantum brakes in molecules

Physicists have measured electron flight times in a molecule to study the influence of the molecule on photoemission time. The measurements reveal a delay attributable to the molecular environment that becomes larger as the energy of the light pulses is reduced.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 20, 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.

NIST team builds hybrid quantum system by entangling molecule with atom

Physicists at NIST successfully entangled a charged molecule and an electrically charged atom, showcasing a way to build large-scale quantum computers and networks. This breakthrough enables versatile quantum information systems by connecting quantum bits based on incompatible hardware designs.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateMay 20, 2020

The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation announces 2020 fellows

The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation has announced the 2020 recipients of the Hertz Fellowship, supporting PhD students tackling urgent problems. The 16 researchers will pursue innovative ideas, including drug development, artificial intelligence, and carbon-neutral futures.

SourceFannie and John Hertz Foundation·DateMay 20, 2020

Low rate of COVID-19 found in women admitted for childbirth at Cedars-Sinai

A study at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that only two asymptomatic pregnant women out of 82 tested positive for COVID-19, with the remaining 80 women being symptom-free. The findings suggest that hospitals may not need to conduct universal testing on all admitted pregnant patients.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 20, 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.

Drug combination could eliminate side effects of once-popular diabetes treatment

Researchers found that combining rosiglitazone, a popular but abandoned diabetes treatment, with another drug called Compound A can enhance its effectiveness while reducing side effects such as weight gain and fluid retention. The study suggests that using lower doses of rosiglitazone may be sufficient to achieve similar results.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 20, 2020

Noninvasive brain stimulation with ultrasonic waves controls monkeys' choices

Researchers used noninvasive pulses of ultrasound waves to control macaque monkeys' choices in an experiment widely used to investigate choice behaviors. The technique successfully influenced which target the monkeys looked at, regardless of reward, suggesting its potential for studying addiction and compulsive behaviors.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 20, 2020

Untangling a key step in photosynthetic oxygen production

Researchers use X-ray laser to observe water molecules flowing through the oxygen-evolving complex of Photosystem II, shedding light on a key step in oxygen production. The study provides new insights into how protein and water molecules work together to produce breathable oxygen.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 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.

The genome of jojoba: The only plant to store wax in its seeds

Researchers assembled jojoba genome into 26 chromosomes with 23,490 protein-coding genes, revealing evolutionary history and agronomic properties. The plant's ability to store wax in its seeds makes it a promising source of sustainable liquid wax esters for pharmacy, cosmetics, and hair care products.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 20, 2020

Next generation of soft robots inspired by a children's toy

Researchers at Harvard have developed a fast-moving jumping soft actuator that harnesses the energy released by buckling to achieve speed. The device uses shell buckling similar to toy poppers, enabling it to catapult itself into the air and navigate safely through uncharted landscapes.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Robotics·DateMay 20, 2020

Obesity not related to how close you live to fast food or gyms

A new Swedish study found no correlation between obesity and the distance to fast food restaurants or gyms, contradicting previous research. The study also showed a significant association between neighborhood deprivation and obesity.

SourceLund University·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateMay 20, 2020

Six-month follow-up appropriate for BI-RADS 3 findings on mammography

A new study published in Radiology found that women with probably benign breast lesions (BI-RADS 3) should have six-month follow-up imaging surveillance. The study showed that 1.9% of these women were diagnosed with cancer within six months, with a higher risk of malignancy than those downgraded to BI-RADS 1 or 2.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMay 19, 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.

Partial measures compromise effectiveness of efforts to combat COVID-19

A Tsukuba University study shows that comprehensive implementation of COVID-19 infection prevention measures boosts effectiveness, while partial implementation compromises it. The study found that implementing measures either individually or in partial combinations yields limited results.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalTransactions of the Japanese Society for Artificial Intelligence·DateMay 19, 2020

Women told more white lies in evaluations than men: Study

New research by Cornell University reveals that women are more likely to be given inaccurate performance feedback, with underperforming women receiving less truthful but kinder feedback compared to equally underperforming men. This finding highlights a potential obstacle to equality in the workplace.

SourceCornell University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMay 19, 2020

Seven at one pulse

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have developed a novel material that can increase the frequency of terahertz radiation by a factor of seven, paving the way for potential IT applications. The material, cadmium arsenide, is a three-dimensional Dirac material that enables non-linear frequency conversion.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 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.

New technique separates industrial noise from natural seismic signals

Researchers from Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a new technique that separates industrial noise from natural seismic signals using cloud computing. The approach allows for large-scale seismic analysis ten times faster than traditional methods and has the potential to transform the field of seismology.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateMay 19, 2020

How do birds understand 'foreign' calls?

A study by Toshitaka Suzuki found that birds can visualize a snake when hearing specific alarm calls from another species. The coal tit was observed to approach the experimental area during these calls, indicating it mentally retrieves 'snake' images.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 19, 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.

Personalized ovarian cancer risk prediction reduces worries

A new study found that personalized ovarian cancer risk prediction reduces cancer worry and anxiety in women. Participants who received the personalized risk estimate were more likely to take preventative action and reduce their risk of developing ovarian cancer.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalCancers·DateMay 19, 2020

How some insects manage to halt their own growth in harsh conditions

Certain insects arrest their development at specific stages to cope with extreme conditions, a process known as overwintering. Research reveals that day length and temperature separately regulate this adaptation, utilizing distinct mechanisms including the juvenile hormone pathway and insulin/TOR signaling pathway.

SourceOkayama University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 19, 2020