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Science News Archive May 2020 - Page 30


Page 30 of 42

New AI diagnostic can predict COVID-19 without testing

Researchers developed an AI model that predicts COVID-19 infection based on symptoms and data from the COVID Symptom Study app. The model uses a combination of four key symptoms, including loss of smell or taste, to achieve nearly 80% accuracy.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 11, 2020

Use of PrEP for HIV prevention among at-risk teens in US

A review of nearly 60 articles found that PrEP use among at-risk teens in the US is increasing, but access and knowledge gaps persist. The study recommends strategies to improve PrEP uptake, such as increasing awareness and providing targeted interventions for underserved populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 11, 2020

Defective graphene has high electrocatalytic activity

A theoretical study found that defects in graphene can increase charge transfer rates by an order of magnitude, selectively catalyzing electron transfer to certain reagents. This property has great potential for developing efficient electrochemical sensors and electrocatalysts.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalElectrochimica Acta·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.

Flying foxes in SA exposed to zoonotic viruses

Researchers have found that South Australia's Grey-headed flying fox population has developed antibodies for Hendra, Cedar and Tioman viruses, indicating exposure. No evidence of Australian bat lyssavirus transmission was found, reducing the risk to humans in the region.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 11, 2020

Who takes the temperature in our cells?

Scientists discovered a critical protein, Ded1p, that changes its structure in response to heat stress, triggering the production of stress-protective proteins. This mechanism may help organisms adapt to temperature fluctuations and has implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalCell·DateMay 11, 2020

Moisture-sucking gels give solar panels the chills

A novel gel-based cooling system developed at KAUST has improved the efficiency of a prototype solar panel up to 20 percent, consuming no external energy. The technology taps into the natural properties of the Earth's climate, utilizing atmospheric water generation to reduce temperatures and enhance heat transfer.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMay 11, 2020

How to tune out common odors and focus on important ones

Fruit flies' brains learn to ignore prevalent smells and amplify rare ones through a signal filtering process. This understanding may apply to dogs and humans, and could be used to train AI machines.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2020

Putative ancestor of salamanders

Researchers report a Triassic-era fossil that may be an ancestor of modern salamanders, extending the fossil record by 60-74 million years. The discovery provides insight into the evolution of salamander-like body plans and suggests Eurasia as the point of origin for salamanders.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Emergency departments slow to adopt proven opioid use disorder therapy

A study by Yale researchers found that only 21% of emergency department clinicians indicated readiness to offer buprenorphine to patients with opioid use disorder. Barriers included lack of formal training, time limitations, and perceptions that initiating therapy falls outside the scope of emergency medicine.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 11, 2020

HKBU-led research team develops novel antiviral targeted drug for nasopharyngeal cancer

A HKBU-led research team developed a novel antiviral drug that selectively disrupts EBV protein, leading to tumour shrinkage and improved survival rates in animal models. The drug has shown promising results in targeting latent EBV infection, providing new treatment options for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

SourceHong Kong Baptist University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2020

The microbiome controls immune system fitness

The study found that the microbiome exerts a continuous effect on conventional dendritic cells, which are key players in the immune response. In their basal state, these cells require microbiome-derived signals to prime for future responses against pathogens.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalCell·DateMay 11, 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.

Exploring the impacts of climate change on hydropower production

A new study finds that climate change affects hydropower potential, with a 1.5°C scenario offering greater benefits than a 2°C scenario. Hydropower production will play an increasingly crucial role in the world's energy supply as a renewable and clean energy source.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalWater Resources Research·DateMay 11, 2020

Even before COVID-19, many adults over 50 lacked stable food supply

A new poll reveals that one in seven adults between 50 and 80 experience food insecurity due to cost or other issues. Older adults with lower household incomes and education face significant disparities. The pandemic may have worsened these disparities, highlighting the need for increased access to nutritious food and health resources.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateMay 11, 2020

'Data clouds fusion' helps robots work as a team in hazardous situations

A group of researchers developed a new way for robots to pool data in real-time, allowing them to navigate difficult terrain as a team. The system uses a centralized data cloud, where each robot draws on data from other robots to steer clear of obstacles.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateMay 11, 2020

COVID-19 lockdowns significantly impacting global air quality

Lockdowns led to significant reductions in nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter pollution globally, with decreases of up to 60% in some regions. However, surface ozone levels increased by a factor of 1.5-2 in northern China due to decreased nitrogen dioxide pollution.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 11, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Leap forward in the discovery and development of new antibiotics

Researchers at Monash University have made a significant breakthrough in the development of new glycopeptide antibiotics, which could provide a vital advantage in the fight against resistant bacteria. By combining natural enzymes with synthetic chemistry, scientists can now explore new antibiotics that have never been made before.

SourceMonash University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 11, 2020

RSNA publishes COVID-19 radiology surge and post-surge preparedness guidance

The RSNA COVID-19 Task Force has published documents on COVID-19 surge preparedness and post-COVID-19 preparedness for radiology departments. These resources provide tools and information to help radiologists manage the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance on departmental policies, surge and post-COVID preparedness insights.

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

Peptides that can be taken as a pill

Researchers have successfully developed a method to create proteolytically resistant therapeutic peptides that can survive the gastrointestinal tract. This breakthrough enables the development of oral peptide drugs targeting gastrointestinal targets, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMay 11, 2020

How handling meat leads to psychological numbness

A study by Dr Jared Piazza of Lancaster University found that butchers and deli workers become desensitized to handling meat within two years, leading to reduced feelings of disgust and empathy. They justify eating meat on grounds such as necessity for health or natural digestion.

SourceLancaster University·JournalEmotion·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.

Hayabusa2 reveals more secrets from Ryugu

Researchers studied Hayabusa2's readings from the Ryugu asteroid, finding evidence of solar heating that changed its chemical properties. This discovery sheds light on the early history of the solar system and the formation of asteroids.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·DateMay 11, 2020

New optical biosensor system may help round-the-clock management of gout

Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a minimally invasive biosensor system to monitor urate levels, which can help patients with gout manage their symptoms better. The technology uses benzoporphyrins and is designed for personal management of gout, potentially reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalSensors·DateMay 11, 2020

Researchers develop new drugs for treating polycystic hepatorena

Researchers have collaborated on developing new drugs that can effectively reduce the growth of cysts in the liver and kidneys, offering a promising therapeutic option for this genetic disorder. The drugs, based on the structure of bile acid UDCA, show promise in blocking the growth of cysts in an animal model.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalHepatology·DateMay 11, 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.

Steep decline in organ transplants amid COVID-19 outbreak

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant reduction in the number of organ donations and solid organ transplants in France and the United States. Kidney transplants have dropped by 91% in France, while overall solid organ transplant procedures have declined by 50%.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 11, 2020

Sex, genes and vulnerability

A recent study has identified the complement component 4 (C4) gene as a key factor in understanding sex biases in autoimmune disorders and schizophrenia. Individuals with more C4 genes were found to be less likely to develop autoimmune conditions but more likely to develop schizophrenia.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·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.

Simple molecular reagents to treat Alzheimer's disease

Researchers developed simple molecular reagents that can simultaneously target and modulate various pathogenic factors in Alzheimer's disease. The reagents displayed redox-dependent reactivities against free radicals, metal-free and metal-bound amyloid-beta, and led to chemical modifications that altered its aggregation.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 11, 2020

How is COVID-19 affecting the global economic order?

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a global economic crisis, forcing governments to develop unprecedented rescue packages and questioning the US dollar's dominance. Researchers have developed four scenarios that explore possible post-Coronavirus world developments.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalJournal of Institutional Economics·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.

Belt and Road's financiers fall short on biodiversity

The Belt and Road Initiative's six terrestrial infrastructure corridors crisscross ecologically fragile geographies, threatening 150,000 square kilometers of critical habitat. Financiers' lack of binding biodiversity impact mitigation requirements poses significant risks to the world's species.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMay 11, 2020

Young migrants at risk of mental illness

Research shows that young refugees exposed to traumatic experiences, abuse, and poverty are at risk of mental illness. The study found that multiple risk factors increase the likelihood of functional deficits and behavioral problems.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEClinicalMedicine·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.

Experimental two-in-one shot may give diabetics a better way to control their blood sugar

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a way to combine insulin with amylin, a second hormone that plays a synergistic role in controlling blood sugar levels. The new technique involves a protective coating that allows the two hormones to coexist in a single shot, enabling patients to take a double-acting injection.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMay 11, 2020

Street smarts required in heat mitigation

Researchers measured pedestrian heat exposure over regular asphalt roads, reflective coated roads and sidewalks next to the roads. The study found that the surface temperature of coated asphalt road was up to 6 degrees Celsius cooler than the regular road in the afternoon, but the radiant heat over coated asphalt was higher.

SourceArizona State University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 11, 2020

Breaking down wood decomposition by fungi

Researchers develop a trait-based understanding of fungal decomposition abilities, improving predictive power for early and mid-stage wood decay. The study identifies different fungal traits that explain wood decomposition variation, with great potential to improve carbon cycle predictions in forests.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2020

Material manufacturing from particles takes a giant step forward

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a method to create materials from particles using nanocellulose as a universal binder. The study reveals the ability of nanocelluloses to induce high cohesion in particulate materials, overcoming particle dependency and enabling the creation of materials with predictable properties.

SourceAalto University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 11, 2020

New test identifies lobster hybrids

Researchers have developed a test to identify lobster hybrids resulting from crossbreeding between European and American lobsters, posing a potential threat to conservation efforts. The study highlights the importance of genetics in distinguishing hybrid lobsters that may spread unwanted genes across native populations.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 11, 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.

Insulin resistance contributes to racial disparities in breast cancer prognosis in US women, Mount Sinai researchers reveal

A new study by Mount Sinai researchers found that insulin resistance is a key factor mediating racial disparities in breast cancer prognosis. Black women with invasive breast cancer had higher rates of insulin resistance and more aggressive tumors than white women.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateMay 11, 2020

New HIV vaccine strategy strengthens, lengthens immunity in primates

A new type of vaccination has been shown to substantially enhance and sustain protection from HIV in monkeys, with a two-armed approach stimulating both serum and cellular immunity. The findings have broad implications for immunologists pursuing vaccines for other diseases, particularly those caused by coronaviruses.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 11, 2020

Mathematics to keep farmers on track

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology used nonlinear mathematical modeling to study tractor instability caused by bouncing and sliding. The model helped identify conditions that lead to catastrophic vibrations, allowing for better control of automated agricultural systems and protection of farmers' safety.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·DateMay 11, 2020

Eurovision voting points to more than just musical tastes

New research from the University of Stirling and University of Glasgow reveals that Eurovision voting patterns can indicate the likelihood and nature of business exchanges across borders. The study found correlations between voting bias and levels of foreign direct investment, migration movements, and cross-border mergers.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalJournal of International Business Studies·DateMay 11, 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.

Waiting game: testing the patience of predators and prey

Researchers at Kyoto University found that snakes and frogs engage in a delicate waiting game, where each animal waits for and anticipates its opponent's actions. This allows them to predict successful capture or escape outcomes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCanadian Journal of Zoology·DateMay 11, 2020

Telehealth tools developed for Ebola improve COVID-19 care

UVA Health's telehealth tools improved patient care and healthcare provider safety during the Ebola outbreak. The Isolation Communication Management System (iSOCOMS) allowed doctors to provide personal, high-quality care while conserving vital PPE.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateMay 11, 2020

Photosynthesis in a droplet

A Max Planck research team led by Tobias Erb developed an artificial chloroplast platform capable of capturing and converting greenhouse gas carbon dioxide with light. The system, created using synthetic biology and microfluidics, outperforms previous synthetic-biological approaches in binding rates for carbon dioxide.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateMay 11, 2020

Solve invasive seaweed problem by turning it into biofuels and fertilisers

Researchers have developed a cheap and simple way to create biofuel and fertiliser from seaweed, removing plastic from the oceans and cleaning up tourist beaches in the Caribbean and Central America. The process uses acidic and basic catalysts to release sugars that can be used to feed a yeast that produces a palm oil substitute.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateMay 11, 2020

Grocery depot brings increased traffic to South Bronx

A new study led by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that the opening of a FreshDirect warehouse in Mott Haven, Bronx, increased truck and vehicle flow, leading to small increases in air and noise pollution. The researchers estimated increases of 0.06 dBA (noise) and 0.003 µg/m3 (black carbon air pollution).

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·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.

Research shows even animals benefit from social distance to prevent disease

Researchers studied 45 female colobus monkeys in Ghana to understand the impact of social groupings and distance on their gut microbiomes. They found that individuals from different groups with closer social connections had more similar gut microbiomes, suggesting microbes can be transmitted during occasional encounters.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMay 11, 2020

Researchers turn algae leftovers into renewable products with flare

The study by UC San Diego researchers develops a scalable method to produce microalgae-based polyols from waste oils, creating valuable monomers for sustainable bio-plastics. The team also converts co-products into food flavoring and fragrance molecules, with economic value.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateMay 11, 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.

Healthy eating behaviors in childhood may reduce the risk of adult obesity and heart disease

A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association suggests that healthy eating habits in childhood can reduce the risk of adult obesity and heart disease. Allowing children to choose their food options within a healthy environment encourages positive eating behaviors and weight management. Parents and caregivers should foc...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 11, 2020