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Science News Archive May 2020 - Page 26


Page 26 of 42

Speeding up long-range coherent LiDAR

Researchers at EPFL have developed a new way to implement parallel FMCW LiDAR by using integrated nonlinear photonic circuitry. The technology enables up to 30 independent FMCW LiDAR channels, improving acquisition rates tenfold for autonomous vehicle applications.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateMay 13, 2020

'Pingers' could save porpoises from fishing nets

Researchers found that pingers significantly reduced harbour porpoise detection, with a 37% decrease near active devices, while having no impact on long-term use or feeding grounds. The study suggests an effective solution to reduce bycatch in gill-net fisheries.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateMay 13, 2020

A deep look into the gut's hormones

The study reveals 10 major hormone types and their interactions, shedding light on how enteroendocrine cells sense food and regulate hunger and satiety. The discovery offers new avenues for treating diseases like type 2 diabetes and obesity.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell·DateMay 13, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

ECOG-ACRIN research at ASCO 2020

Researchers with the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group presented new findings on breast cancer treatment trials, including TAILORx and NCI-MATCH. The studies found that women under 40 are at risk for early discontinuation of hormone therapy, and insurance status plays a key role in adherence to adjuvant hormone therapy.

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·DateMay 13, 2020

SARS-CoV-2: A new song recalls an old melody

Researchers stress importance of detecting neutralizing antibodies in recovered patients. Studies on animal models inform vaccine design to prevent severe disease and death. Professor Subbarao draws parallels between SARS and COVID-19 viruses.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 13, 2020

Older, larger companies benefit from not investing in worker safety, study finds

A recent study found that companies with worker injury claims are more likely to survive than those without claims, particularly among larger and older organizations. This suggests that current regulations may not be enough to protect workers and that future regulations need to reward innovation in workplace safety.

SourceOregon State University·JournalManagement Science·DateMay 13, 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.

Strong relationships promote physical activity in older adults

A new study from the University of Hawaii at Manoa found that strong relationships are key to influencing physical activity in older adults. Participants with higher educational attainment and a strong relationship with others were more likely to meet physical activity guidelines.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalJournal of Aging and Physical Activity·DateMay 13, 2020

School closure during COVID-19 pandemic

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics investigates the effectiveness of school closure as a preventive measure against COVID-19. The researchers found that school closure had a moderate impact on reducing transmission and hospitalization rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 13, 2020

Study finds only 3% of individuals with autism receive recommended genetic tests

A study analyzing data from the Rhode Island Consortium for Autism Research and Treatment found that only 3% of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder reported having fully received clinical genetic tests recommended by medical professional societies. The study reveals a dissonance between professional recommendations and ...

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 13, 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.

Proper synaptic joint will get you good night's sleep

A research team found that PTPδ is crucial for synaptic development and sleep behavior in mice. Genetic deletion of PTPδ leads to disruptions in brain structure, function, and behavior, resulting in hyper-locomotor activity, increased anxiety, and decreased sleep.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMay 13, 2020

'Lettere patenti' help assess intensity of historic central Italian earthquakes

Researchers used 'Lettere Patenti' documents to calculate intensities for a 1703 earthquake sequence in central Italy, revealing that the main earthquakes were likely intensity V or VI. The study provides a more realistic view of the earthquakes' impact than historical reports, shedding new light on seismic intensity assessment.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateMay 13, 2020

Job skills training leads to long-term reduction in drug abuse

A study by Ohio State University found that job skills training significantly reduced the use of illicit drugs like cocaine and heroin in low-income youth. After 16 years, only 2.8% of those who received job skills training used these drugs, compared to 5.2% of those who received basic services.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 13, 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.

Effects of internet CBT for health anxiety on par with face-to-face treatment

A randomized noninferiority clinical trial found that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for health anxiety had similar effects to traditional face-to-face treatment. The study involved 204 adults with health anxiety and showed that online therapy was effective despite limited therapist-patient interaction.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 13, 2020

Supercomputing drug screening for deadly heart arrhythmias

Scientists developed a computational pipeline to screen drugs for induced arrhythmias, distinguishing between proarrhythmic agents and safe ones. The pipeline uses multi-scale computer simulation data to predict proarrhythmia vulnerability, enabling the identification of potentially toxic compounds.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalCirculation Research·DateMay 13, 2020

How a mint became catmint

A team of researchers discovered the genome sequence of catmint, revealing unique enzymes responsible for producing the cat attractant nepetalactone. The ability to produce iridoids had been lost in ancestors of catmint, but was later re-evolved in this species.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 13, 2020

Yes, inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease are linked

Researchers at McMaster University have established a strong association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease. The study found a nine-fold increased risk of IBD in patients with a previous diagnosis of celiac disease, highlighting the importance of proper screening and treatment for both conditions.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMay 13, 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.

Mysterious delta Scuti stars start to surrender secrets

A new study by an international team of astrophysicists has discovered a subset of delta Scuti stars with simpler and more understandable pulsation spectra. This breakthrough could provide valuable insights into the internal structures of these stars, which have long been challenging to study due to their random spectra.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature·DateMay 13, 2020

Virus protein discovery reveals new plant-animal class of cell division disruptors

Researchers have identified a novel plant-animal class of cell division disruptors, including the 17K protein from cereal-infecting viruses. The discovery reveals that these proteins can inhibit host cell growth by disrupting cell division, making them potential targets for controlling viral diseases in humans and crop plants.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 13, 2020

How the body makes triglycerides

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Princeton University have discovered the 3D structure and mode of action of diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase-1 (DGAT1), a key enzyme in triglyceride synthesis and fat absorption. This finding opens opportunities for designing novel strategies to manage obesity and other metabolic diseases.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature·DateMay 13, 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.

Excess coffee consumption a culprit for poor health

A recent study found that excessive coffee consumption can increase the risk of osteoarthritis, arthropathy, and obesity. The research analyzed data from over 300,000 participants and used a genetic approach to establish true effects on various diseases.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalClinical Nutrition·DateMay 13, 2020

Jones named fellow of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers

Erick C. Jones, a renowned researcher at the University of Texas at Arlington, has been recognized as a Fellow of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE). He is internationally recognized for his pioneering work on radio-frequency identification technologies, Lean Six Sigma Quality Management, and autonomous inventory ...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateMay 13, 2020

Asymmetric iodoesterification of simple alkenes by concerto catalyst

Japanese researchers have successfully developed an asymmetric iodoesterification catalyst, combining four chemical bonds to coordinate the formation of one catalyst. This breakthrough enables the industrial-scale production of optically active esters with high efficiency and precision.

SourceChiba University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 13, 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.

Coffee linked to lower body fat in women

A recent study by Anglia Ruskin University found that women who drink two or three cups of coffee per day have significantly lower total body and abdominal fat compared to those who drink less. The study suggests that compounds in coffee may have anti-obesity properties, potentially making it a useful addition to a healthy diet strategy.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateMay 13, 2020

A disease trigger for pancreatitis has been identified

A study published in Gastroenterology identified a genetic defect in the calcium channel TRPV6 as a cause of early-onset chronic pancreatitis. The researchers found that the absence of this gene led to inflammation and fibrotic changes in the pancreas, paving the way for new therapeutic interventions.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMay 13, 2020

Reddit reveals peaks of public interest in COVID-19 topics

A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine used machine learning to track surges in interest in COVID-19 topics on Reddit. The analysis showed that areas of interest ebbed and flowed, with hand-washing and mask-wearing being discussed before official guidelines were issued.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 13, 2020

Gut microbiome influences ALS outcomes

Researchers identified a new gut-brain connection in ALS, finding that altering the gut microbiome can prevent or improve disease symptoms in mice with a common genetic mutation. The study suggests that the gut microbiome may influence disease severity and could be a target for therapy.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateMay 13, 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.

Artificial intelligence helps researchers up-cycle waste carbon

Researchers used AI to speed up the search for a key material in a new catalyst that converts carbon dioxide into ethylene with record efficiency. The resulting electrocatalyst has an 80% faradaic efficiency, a new record for this reaction, and shows promise for clean energy storage and carbon capture.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature·DateMay 13, 2020

UH astronomers decipher rhythm among young stars

Researchers used TESS data to detect regular patterns in delta Scuti star pulsations, allowing them to understand the internal structure of massive nuclear furnaces. The findings provide a window into the past, enabling scientists to study how stars and their planets form and change over time.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature·DateMay 13, 2020

Join ACC, global partners for dedicated week of action on NCDs

The American College of Cardiology and global partners will host a Week of Action from May 18 to 24 to raise awareness about non-communicable diseases. The event celebrates the launch of the ACC's NCD Academy, which provides free mobile app-based training for primary care providers.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMay 13, 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.

How blocking iron drives the lung immune system to control infection

Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have discovered that the iron chelator DFX supports lung immunity against tuberculosis by driving the activation of glycolysis, a key metabolic pathway. This process helps immune cells make energy to fight infection and improves macrophages' ability to address TB infection.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateMay 13, 2020

Low-income children and COVID-19

Hardships faced by low-income children during the COVID-19 pandemic led to calls for improved education systems. The article suggests reforms to better support vulnerable populations in the future.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 13, 2020

Microbiome therapy protects against recurrent bacterial vaginosis

Researchers found that LACTIN-V, a product containing healthy vaginal bacteria, significantly reduced the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women. The study also suggests that LACTIN-V may have the potential to prevent HIV infection and preterm birth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 13, 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.

X-ray imaging of atomic nuclei

Researchers successfully image atomic nuclei in three materials using a new microscopy type called ANXRI, which combines aberration-corrected STEM and EDS. The accuracy of ANXRI reaches 1 pm, allowing for adjustable individual imaged sizes of atomic nuclei.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateMay 13, 2020

'Off-road' mode enables mobile cells to move freely

Researchers at IST Austria found that actin flows from front to tail, driving cell movement, and can couple with environment without integrins, enabling flexible crawling through tissues. This 'off-road' mode of locomotion allows cells to migrate efficiently in various environments.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature·DateMay 13, 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.

Soybean seeding rates and risk

A recent study by Corteva Agriscience and universities across the US has determined the optimal seeding rate for soybean growers, providing help to reduce risk and optimize yield potential. The research found that farmers should increase seeding rates in areas of lower productivity and reduce them in areas of higher productivity.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMay 13, 2020

The makings of a crystal flipper

Researchers fabricate crystal that flips back and forth in response to lighting conditions, enabling complex task prosecution. The discovery sheds light on the arrangement of azobenzene molecules within the crystal, which plays a crucial role in initiating the periodic behavior.

SourceHokkaido University·DateMay 13, 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.

Missing component of innate immune signaling identified

Researchers at CeMM have identified a new key element, TASL, responsible for sorting out pathogen challenges and modulating inflammatory responses. The discovery highlights potential new targets for treating autoimmune diseases and overreaction to infections.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature·DateMay 13, 2020

Tiny RNA that should attack coronavirus diminish with age, disease

Researchers found that tiny RNAs that target the SARS-CoV-2 virus are associated with over 72 biological processes and decline with age and underlying medical conditions. The study suggests that replenishing these microRNAs could help restore immunity against the virus.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalAging and Disease·DateMay 13, 2020

Pofatu: A new database for geochemical 'fingerprints' of artefacts

The Pofatu Database provides a comprehensive compilation of geochemical analyses and contextual information for archaeological sources and artefacts. It enables researchers to reconstruct ancient strategies of raw material and artefact procurement, facilitating comparability and reproducibility in provenance studies.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalScientific Data·DateMay 13, 2020

Oink, oink makes the pig

Researchers at TU Dresden discovered that pictures and gestures improve children's memory of English vocabulary, even six months after learning. This finding challenges the assumption that sensorimotor enrichment is more beneficial for kids than sensory-only enrichment.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalEducational Psychology Review·DateMay 13, 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 new, highly sensitive chemical sensor uses protein nanowires

A team at UMass Amherst has developed a highly sensitive chemical sensor using protein nanowires, which can detect ammonia in the air with high accuracy. The sensors are biodegradable, low-cost, and produced sustainably by bacteria, offering a promising solution for agriculture, environment, and biomedicine applications.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNano Research·DateMay 13, 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
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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