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Science News Archive May 2020 - Page 3


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.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer Discovery·DateMay 28, 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.

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.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateMay 28, 2020

'Distance' from the brightest stars is key to preserving primordial discs

A three-year study of Westerlund 2, a massive young star cluster, reveals that the material surrounding stars near the centre is mysteriously devoid of dense clouds of dust. This is caused by the brightest stars eroding and dispersing the discs of gas and dust of neighbouring stars.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateMay 28, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceFlinders University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 28, 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.

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.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceColorado State University·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 28, 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.

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.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 28, 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.

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.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateMay 28, 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.

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMay 28, 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.

SUTD developed a simple method to print planar microstructures of polysiloxane

Researchers from SUTD developed a simple method to fabricate reproducible planar microstructures of polysiloxane without changing its properties. The new approach, embedded ink writing (EIW), enables direct patterning of polysiloxane on different soft and rigid substrates.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCancers·DateMay 28, 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.

Inequities in access to kidney transplantation exist even with universal healthcare

A new study found that patients with lower socioeconomic status and additional illnesses are less likely to be put on transplant waiting lists in the UK, despite universal healthcare. The study suggests that patient factors, such as age and health literacy, play a significant role in determining access to transplantation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalPain·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMay 28, 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.

Modified Parkinson's drug shows potential in treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Scientists from GIST developed a novel peripheral serotonin antagonist, which showed promising results in obese mice with impaired liver function. The compound improved symptoms of fatty liver disease and reduced body fat. Researchers hope the drug candidate will offer relief to patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateMay 28, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalCity and Environment Interactions·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceSociety of NeuroInterventional Surgery·JournalJournal of NeuroInterventional Surgery·DateMay 28, 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.

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.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalStroke·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 28, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalSSM - Population Health·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateMay 28, 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.

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.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Cancer·DateMay 28, 2020

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.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateMay 28, 2020