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Science News Archive May 2020 - Page 29


Page 29 of 42

Effects of antioxidant rich Indo-Mediterranean foods on pre-heart failure

This meta-analysis found that Indo-Mediterranean style diets significantly reduced parameters of pre-heart failure and heart failure, as well as incidence of cardiac arrhythmias. Anti-inflammatory effects may be a key mechanism behind this reduction in cardiovascular mortality.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Inflammation Journal·DateMay 11, 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.

SwRI scientist modeled Mars climate to understand habitability

A Southwest Research Institute scientist modeled Mars' atmosphere to determine that salty pockets of water on the Red Planet are unlikely to be habitable by Earth-based life. The study found stable brines could form seasonally, but temperatures are too low to support life.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMay 11, 2020

The oldest Upper Paleolithic Homo sapiens in Europe

New discoveries at Bacho Kiro Cave in Bulgaria reveal the earliest evidence of Homo sapiens in Europe, with fossils dating back to 45,820 years ago. The findings indicate that Homo sapiens arrived in Europe and interacted with Neanderthals, bringing new behaviors and tools.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature·DateMay 11, 2020

Drought and warming in Upper Missouri River Basin

Researchers analyzed tree-ring reconstructions of streamflow to quantify drought severity, dating back to 800 CE. The study found the 2000-2010 drought was the driest in 1,200 years, with increased warming contributing to its extreme severity.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New evidence shows giant meteorite impacts formed parts of the moon's crust

Researchers discovered a unique Apollo 17 sample with high-temperature mineralogical evidence that formed at incredibly hot temperatures, suggesting large-scale meteorite impacts played a critical role in the Moon's surface. The findings suggest these impacts not only destroyed the lunar crust but also helped build it.

SourceRoyal Ontario Museum·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMay 11, 2020

Penn State and NAGP identify and reconstitute two lost Holstein lines

Scientists from Penn State University and NAGP have successfully reintroduced genetic diversity into modern Holsteins by using semen from the 1950s. The reintroduction of two lost male lineages, Colantha and Netherland Prince, demonstrates the possibility of expanding research into Y-chromosome variation.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateMay 11, 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.

Soft robotic exosuit makes stroke survivors walk faster and farther

A study by Harvard's Wyss Institute shows that a soft robotic exosuit can significantly increase stroke survivors' walking speed and distance. The device, which weighs less than five kilograms, assists patients with impaired gait functions, enabling them to walk faster and farther.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology·DateMay 11, 2020

New technique uses radar to gauge methane release from Arctic lakes

A University of Alaska Fairbanks-led research team developed a method using satellite images and synthetic aperture radar to determine methane release from northern lakes. The technique found correlations between frozen lake conditions and methane production.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 11, 2020

UCLA scientists create first roadmap of human skeletal muscle development

Researchers mapped out how gene networks change as muscle cells mature from embryonic development to adulthood. The roadmap could lead to better methods for creating muscle stem cells from stem cells, potentially treating muscular dystrophies and sarcopenia.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 11, 2020

Distribution and evolutionary impact of spring frost

Researchers analyzed late-spring frost data from 1959 to 2017 and found that 35% of European and 26% of Asian forests are threatened by increasing frost damage. The study highlights the evolutionary impact of spring frost on boreal and temperate woody species.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 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.

One-size-fits-all approach doesn't work for treating hypertension in pregnancy

A new study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology suggests that women's treatment decisions during pregnancy should be tailored to their individual values and preferences. The research found that half of the women preferred tight control of blood pressure, while half preferred less-tight control, with Caucasian ethnicity, uni...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateMay 11, 2020

Blood test a potential new tool for controlling infections

A new diagnostic approach in malaria has been adapted to track immunity to COVID-19, providing valuable details about when a person was exposed to the infection. The test can pinpoint how long ago a person was exposed, making it essential for tracking the spread of an infection and monitoring the effectiveness of control programs.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 11, 2020

Prebiotic and meteorite fluid chemistry

Researchers investigate the chemistry of the earliest fluids in the Solar System by studying the framboidal magnetite grains in the Tagish Lake meteorite. They propose that a lack of amino acids may be due to insufficient precursor materials.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2020

Unraveling the magnetism of a graphene triangular flake

A graphene triangular flake, called triangulene, has been found to possess a net magnetic moment and is a graphene nanometer-size magnet. This discovery opens new avenues for using these pure-carbon magnets in technology.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 11, 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.

Outcomes of children with COVID-19 admitted to US, Canadian pediatric ICUs

This observational study describes COVID-19 presentations, comorbidities, disease severity, and early treatment outcomes in North American pediatric ICUs. The study highlights the importance of pediatric care during the pandemic, providing valuable insights into patient management and mortality rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 11, 2020

Phylogenetically-guided drug discovery

A method integrating phylogenetic, spatial, and bioactivity data identifies promising plant clades with high anti-infective activities. Conservation of biodiversity hotspots is reinforced by a strong correlation between species diversity and metabolite diversity.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2020

Fred Hutch, NIH experts outline plan for COVID-19 vaccines

Experts call for a coordinated approach to develop safe and effective vaccines, requiring creativity, cooperation, and commitment to save lives. Multiple successful vaccines are needed to meet the global need of immunizing billions.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalScience·DateMay 11, 2020
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Using self-nudging to make better choices

Researchers describe four categories of self-nudging tools: reminders and prompts, framing decisions in a certain way, reducing accessibility of harmful options, and using social pressure. This behavioral science technique can help individuals negotiate internal conflicts and reach long-term goals.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBehavioural Public Policy·DateMay 11, 2020

Why some people are more prone to anxiety

Research in marmosets suggests that increased levels of serotonin transporters in the amygdala may contribute to trait anxiety. Targeting this region with anti-anxiety medication, such as SSRIs, could provide faster symptom relief.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateMay 11, 2020

NIH experts: Coordinated strategy to accelerate COVID-19 vaccine candidates is key

The authors propose a strategic approach to research and development that would generate essential data for multiple vaccine candidates in parallel. They emphasize the need for unprecedented cooperation from governments, academic institutions, industry, and philanthropic partners to develop COVID-19 vaccines.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateMay 11, 2020

World-first saliva test detects hidden throat cancer

A new saliva test has detected early throat cancer in a person with no symptoms, highlighting a potential breakthrough in cancer screening. The test identified HPV-DNA in the saliva of an infected individual, allowing for early removal of the affected tonsil through surgery.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Oncology·DateMay 11, 2020

When the BumR gives you diarrhea

UT Southwestern researchers discovered a novel mechanism by which Campylobacter jejuni bacteria sense and respond to butyrate, a beneficial fatty acid produced in the large intestine. This finding provides potential therapeutic targets for preventing C. jejuni-induced diarrhea.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 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.

NIST scientists create new recipe for single-atom transistors

Researchers at NIST create step-by-step method to produce atomic-scale devices, enabling precise control over quantum tunneling and entanglement. The technique has a nearly 100% success rate and lays the foundation for creating stable single-atom transistors with potential applications in quantum computing.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalCommunications Physics·DateMay 11, 2020

Telehealth during COVID-19 may lead to better outcomes for diabetes patients

A new study found that telehealth monitoring and technology can lead to better outcomes for patients with type 1 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. By allowing for frequent insulin dose adjustments and improving glucose values, telehealth helped avoid hospital admissions for diabetic ketoacidosis.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateMay 11, 2020

Children face risk for severe complications and death from COVID-19

A study by Rutgers University found that children and young adults are at greater risk for severe COVID-19 complications than thought. The majority of those admitted to pediatric intensive care units had underlying health conditions, which significantly increased the risk of severe illness.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 11, 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.

Stresses and flows in ultra-cold superfluids

Researchers developed a new model to study stresses and flows in ultra-cold superfluids. The findings show that the fluid becomes deformed when flowing around impurities, providing valuable insights into quantum mechanical properties at a macroscopic scale.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateMay 11, 2020

COVID-19 places added prenatal stress on mother and child that could have lasting impact

Research suggests that COVID-19 has added stress on mothers during pregnancy, affecting their mental health, and potentially impacting their child's future well-being. Four factors of prenatal maternal stress were identified: anxiety/depression, somatic, general affective symptoms, and pregnancy-specific worries.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMay 11, 2020

On the road to non-toxic and stable perovskite solar cells

Researchers have developed lead-free perovskite solar cells with excellent optical properties and high stability, thanks to the use of tin and organic groups. The new material shows improved performance over traditional halide perovskites, paving the way for more efficient and stable solar energy harvesting.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateMay 11, 2020
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.

Future information technologies: 3D quantum spin liquid revealed

Researchers at HZB have found a three-dimensional quantum spin liquid in the hyper-hyperkagome lattice of PbCuTe2O6. The discovery was made through both theoretical simulations and neutron experiments, which confirmed the predicted behavior.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 2020

Plant species composition and infection in bumble bees

Researchers found that high-infection plant species in flowering strips increase pathogen intensity in bumble bee colonies. However, exposure to these strips also boosts bee reproduction, highlighting the complex relationship between food resources and disease in pollinators.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 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.

Acupuncture may be safe and effective for easing indigestion symptoms

A 4-week course of acupuncture significantly increased self-reported relief and improvement of symptoms for patients with postprandial distress syndrome (PDS), a subtype of indigestion. The effects persisted through the 12-week follow-up without symptom relapse or rebound.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 11, 2020

Towards a new generation of vegetation models

Researchers developed a new approach to predict vegetation dynamics by incorporating principles of evolution, self-organization, and entropy maximization into dynamic vegetation models. This allows for better prediction of complex plant behavior and resulting vegetation responses to environmental conditions.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Plants·DateMay 11, 2020

COVID-19, digital technologies, and the future of disease surveillance

The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred innovative uses of personal data for disease surveillance, but experts question the ethics of using cellphone data without user consent. Governments and companies must balance data collection with respect for autonomy to prevent harm while harnessing data's power to combat epidemics.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 11, 2020

Medicinal plants thrive in biodiversity hotspots

Scientists have developed a method to predict which plant groups and regions are likely to have medicinal effects. The study found that specific plant families and mountainous regions are rich in anti-infective compounds.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 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.

Phalangeal curvature in chimpanzees and hominins

A study examines phalangeal curvature in a human-raised chimpanzee, revealing similar curvature to wild chimps but not humans. Genetic factors, not mechanical loading, are the main drivers of this curvature in chimpanzees and likely other arboreal primates.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2020

Imaging reveals bowel abnormalities in patients with COVID-19

A retrospective study found bowel abnormalities in 31% of COVID-19 patients, with thickening and ischemic findings more common in ICU patients. The study suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may play a role in causing bowel or vascular injury, and further research is needed to clarify the cause of these findings.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMay 11, 2020

COPD and smoking associated with higher COVID-19 mortality

A new study has found that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and smokers are at a higher risk of severe complications and mortality from COVID-19. Researchers analyzed data from over 2,500 patients with COVID-19 and found that COPD was associated with a 63% risk of severe disease and a 60% risk of mortality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 11, 2020

Outcomes of rapid virtualization of psychiatric care

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to telepsychiatry, leading to changes in patient outcomes and provider workflows. Key findings highlight the need for improved training and resources for mental health providers adapting to virtual care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 11, 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.

Antihistamines may help patients with malignant melanoma

Researchers found improved survival among patients with malignant melanoma who used desloratadine and loratadine, particularly in the age group 65 and older. The study suggests these antihistamines may also reduce the risk of new malignant melanoma cases.

SourceLund University·JournalAllergy·DateMay 11, 2020

GCS centres support research to mitigate impact of COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers are utilizing HPC to understand the virus at a molecular level, identify potential treatments, and accelerate vaccine development. Epidemiologists are also using supercomputers to model disease spread and predict hotspots, guiding policy makers' decisions in containing the pandemic.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalViruses·DateMay 11, 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.

New dataset helps tomato growers reduce spread of bacterial canker

A new dataset and diagnostic platform have been developed to help tomato growers detect and prevent bacterial canker, a disease caused by Clavibacter michiganensis. The platform uses genetic regions specific to the pathogen, reducing false positives and making it easier for growers to screen infected plant and seed materials.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytopathology·DateMay 11, 2020

Artificial synapses on design

Scientists from JARA and Heraeus discovered that tiny material variations can significantly impact memristive device behavior. By controlling these differences, they created a method to design artificial synapses with varying excitability, which could lead to more efficient and reliable storage devices.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 11, 2020

Researchers ID target for colorectal cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have identified ST2 as a novel checkpoint molecule that could help T cells become more effective in fighting colorectal cancer. By targeting ST2-expressing macrophages, the researchers were able to slow tumor growth and boost T-cell activity.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJCI Insight·DateMay 11, 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.