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Science News Archive May 2020 - Page 32


Page 32 of 42

How to manipulate light on the nanoscale over wide frequency ranges

An international team has discovered an effective method for controlling the frequency of confined light at the nanoscale in phonon polaritons. By intercalating alkaline and alkaline earth atoms in van der Waals materials, researchers can extend the range of working frequencies, enabling broader technological applications.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 8, 2020

Discovered a multilayer haze system on Saturn's Hexagon

The Cassini spacecraft captured high-resolution images of Saturn's Hexagon, revealing a multilayered haze system with particles as small as 1 micron. The team discovered that the hazes are organized by gravity waves and may be responsible for the hexagon's formation.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 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.

Novel radiotracer meets gold standard for imaging prostate cancer

Researchers have found that the new radiotracer 18F-PSMA-1007 offers advantages over established agent 68Ga-PSMA-11 in staging prostate cancer. The study showed near-equal performance between the two tracers, with 18F-PSMA-1007 detecting additional lesions in four patients.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMay 8, 2020

Epithelial GPS: Position of RNAi machinery is associated with epithelial identity

Researchers found that RNAi machinery primarily localizes at apical adherens junctions in healthy colon cells but becomes mis-localized in colon cancer. This localization plays a crucial role in maintaining epithelial homeostasis, with restoration of the RNAi machinery potentially serving as a brake on tumor progression.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMay 8, 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.

Better antibiotic dosing could save lives in ICU

The University of Queensland's new Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) guidelines aim to personalise antibiotic treatment for critically ill patients in ICU. By using advanced software to predict accurate drug dosages, the guidelines have shown promise in reducing adverse outcomes and improving patient response.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalIntensive Care Medicine·DateMay 8, 2020

How does the brain link events to form a memory? Study reveals unexpected mental processes

Scientists at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute mapped the brain's complex calculations to link distinct events separated in time, shedding light on anxiety and trauma-related disorders. The hippocampus uses bursts of activity to form associations, saving energy by encoding information in synapses rather than constant electrical activity.

SourceThe Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University·JournalNeuron·DateMay 8, 2020

Gene therapy in mice builds muscle, reduces fat

A study in mice suggests gene therapy can build significant muscle mass quickly and reduce the severity of osteoarthritis, even without exercise. The therapy also prevented obesity and improved cardiovascular health.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 8, 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.

Computer vision helps SLAC scientists study lithium ion batteries

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory used computer vision and X-ray tomography data to understand how nickel-manganese-cobalt cathodes degrade over time. They found that particles detaching from the carbon matrix contribute significantly to battery decline, contradicting previous assumptions about making smaller particle...

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2020

How a molecular 'alarm' system in plants protects them from predators

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have discovered a molecular 'alarm' system in plants that protects them from predators. The study identified two novel receptor-like kinases, GmHAK1 and GmHAK2, which trigger defense responses in soybean leaves when exposed to oral secretions from the cotton leaf worm.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMay 8, 2020

Sea level could rise by more than 1 meter by 2100 if emission targets are not met

A study led by Nanyang Technological University warns that global sea-level rise could exceed 1 meter by 2100 and 5 meters by 2300 if emission targets are not met. The study, which surveyed over 100 climate experts, found stark differences in sea-level projections for low versus high emissions.

SourceNanyang Technological University·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateMay 8, 2020

To err is human, to learn, divine

The human brain balances complexity and accuracy when processing patterns, with errors playing a crucial role in learning and cognition. The new model suggests that the brain constantly strives to represent things in simple terms, with participants showing quicker responses to sequences generated by modular networks.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Talent is key to school turnarounds

Research by University of Delaware reveals that hiring and retaining effective principals and teachers leads to significant gains in student achievement. Effective teacher retention strategies, such as financial incentives, were found to be persistently effective in reform efforts.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateMay 8, 2020

Perspiration problems? No sweat!

Osaka University researchers have generated immortalized human eccrine sweat gland myoepithelial cells (iEM cells), which can be cultured for over ten generations. This achievement has the potential to develop next-generation antiperspirants and promote research on sweat dysfunction and regeneration.

SourceOsaka University·DateMay 8, 2020

International research improves quality of CT scan imagery

Researchers developed a post-processing algorithm to increase the quality of reconstructed CT images while reducing noise and radiation exposure. The new method enhances tissue discrimination by 60%, enabling better decision-making for further treatments.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalJournal of Information Processing·DateMay 8, 2020

Forecasting urbanization

Researchers used data science and machine learning to forecast urbanization patterns, predicting a 1.8-5.9-fold increase in urban areas by 2100. Global simulations show countries transitioning from rapidly to steadily to urbanized over time, with varying impacts on environment and society.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 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.

Perspective: Rapid repurposing of drugs for COVID-19

Researchers emphasize the need to balance individual patient treatment decisions with well-designed clinical trials to test the efficacy and safety of repurposed drugs like hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, and remdesivir. Controlled, randomized trials are crucial to justify larger-scale trials during future disease peaks.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 8, 2020

Burning out in silence

A study by North Dakota State University and HSE University found a positive correlation between Russian's latent dissent at work and emotional burnout. Employees often express dissent through venting to co-workers or friends rather than management, leading to burnout and work-life imbalance.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Intercultural Communication Research·DateMay 8, 2020

Study to research impact of COVID-19 on people who use drugs

A new University of Stirling study investigates the health impacts of COVID-19 on people who use drugs in Scotland, exploring how social distancing affects their purchasing and using behaviors. The research aims to inform pragmatic risk reduction messages for this vulnerable group.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·DateMay 8, 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.

Neandertals were choosy about making bone tools

A new study from UC Davis shows that Neandertals selected bones from specific animals to create a lissoir, a tool used to work hides into leather. The analysis of collagen protein residues using ZooMS revealed a preference for bovine ribs over deer bones, suggesting deliberate tool choice.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 8, 2020

Editorial: US healthcare must take a more proactive approach to prepare for future disasters

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed major deficiencies in the US healthcare system, highlighting the need for improved health maintenance and emergency preparedness. The article argues that public health systems are underfunded and understaffed, leading to inadequate responses to slow-moving mass casualty incidents like COVID-19.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 7, 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.

Twitter -- not just pointless babble

The new book Twitter - A Biography explores the journey of Twitter from its inception to its current status as a global platform for news, political messages, and crisis communication. Professors Jean Burgess and Nancy Baym argue that Twitter's original social value has been lost amidst noise of antagonistic debate and self-promotion.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateMay 7, 2020

Quantum jump tipping the balance

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics have successfully measured infinitesimal changes in mass of individual atoms for the first time, opening a new world for precision physics. The team discovered a previously unobserved quantum state in rhenium, which could be interesting for future atomic clocks.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMay 7, 2020

See a 3D mouse brain with single-cell resolution

A new 3D atlas of the mouse brain provides cellular-level detail, identifying previously unseen structures and nerve fibers. The Allen Mouse Brain Common Coordinate Framework (CCFv3) is an average of serial images from 1,675 mice, allowing for comparison and integration of diverse data types.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMay 7, 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.

Skin-to-skin 'kangaroo care' shows important benefits for premature babies

A world-first study led by Monash University demonstrates significant benefits to premature babies' heart and brain function when held by parents in skin-to-skin contact. One hour a day of kangaroo care significantly improved blood flow to the brain and cardiac function, compared to measurements done while in the incubator.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMay 7, 2020

The Lancet Rheumatology: Small observational study of patients with severe COVID-19 treated with the arthritis drug anakinra finds clinical improvements

A small observational study of 29 Italian patients with severe COVID-19 and hyperinflammation found that high-dose intravenous anakinra was associated with respiratory improvements and reduced signs of cytokine storm in 72% of patients. The treatment was generally safe, but more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·DateMay 7, 2020

Laser loop couples quantum systems over a distance

Researchers have created a new tool for quantum technologies by coupling atoms with nanomechanical membranes using laser light. The technique enables strong interactions between quantum systems over longer distances, opening up possibilities for quantum networks and simulations.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 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 role reversal for the function of certain circadian network neurons

New research reveals that certain internal clock neurons in fruit flies, previously thought to send time-keeping cues to the brain, actually receive cues from the external environment. This finding has significant implications for understanding circadian rhythm disruptions and their associated health problems.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 7, 2020

Revealing links between education and a good diet

Researchers analyzed data from 27,334 individuals across 12 European countries to examine the relationship between socioeconomic status, education, and diet. The study found that higher educational status was associated with improved nutritional intake, particularly iron and total folate. This highlights the need for targeted policies ...

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 7, 2020

NASA CubeSat mission to gather vital space weather data

Dione will collect energy input and ionospheric-thermospheric data, providing insights into atmospheric drag and improving space weather forecasts. The mission complements the Geospace Dynamics Constellation and marks a new era for CubeSats in gathering similar data.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 7, 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.

Study finds breathing and talking contribute to COVID-19 spread

A recent study published in Risk Analysis suggests that breathing and talking may contribute to the spread of COVID-19 through the release of aerosol particles. These particles can remain airborne for extended periods, allowing them to travel significant distances and potentially infect others.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateMay 7, 2020

Treatment for opioid use disorder is rare in hospitals, study finds

A nationwide study reveals that only 2% of hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder receive life-saving medications during and after discharge. This finding highlights a critical gap in care, as evidence-based treatment is rarely prescribed in US hospitals.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 7, 2020

Can we estimate the time until the next recession?

A recent study by IIASA researchers found that there is an 85% probability of a new recession occurring before 2020, with the likelihood even higher before the Coronavirus crisis. The study developed a diagnostic model to estimate the duration of expansion periods and the onset of the next recession.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 7, 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.

New review of studies shows no link between prenatal antidepressant exposure and autism

A new meta-analysis by Jeffrey Newport found no association between prenatal antidepressant use and autism in children, despite previous studies suggesting a potential link. Limited access to healthcare among ethnic minority and immigrant mothers was identified as the root cause of bias, leading to inaccurate study results.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 7, 2020

Stem cells shown to delay their own death to aid healing

Researchers have found that stem cells in planarians can postpone their own death to respond to an injury, allowing them to gather around the site of the wound and mount a response. This unique ability has implications for cancer research and therapies, particularly when examining chemotherapy and surgery options.

SourceCornell University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 7, 2020

How nonprofits can boost donations using the marketing mix

Researchers found that marketing mix elements mitigate sacrifice, engaging individuals in donation tasks and increasing likelihood of continued giving. Nonprofit organizations can address various types of sacrifice using product, place, price, promotion, people, and process components.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 7, 2020

A closer look at superconductors

A new measuring method called Higgs spectroscopy helps understand the dynamics of paired electrons in superconductors, revealing typical precursors of superconductivity even above the critical temperature. The technique uses a multi-cyclic terahertz pulse to excite Higgs oscillations and measure them precisely.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 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.

Suppressing spatter reduces random defects in metal 3D printing

Researchers discovered that controlling laser power can mitigate spatter issues in L-PBF printing, reducing the formation of defects and deformations. This breakthrough could lead to more reliable and high-quality prints, revolutionizing manufacturing in advanced fields.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 2020

Middle age may be much more stressful now than in the '90s

A new study found that middle-aged adults reported more daily stress and lower well-being in the 2010s compared to the 1990s. The researchers attribute this increase to the added responsibilities of childcare, eldercare, and work, as well as the pace of technological advances.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateMay 7, 2020

Hygiene reduces the need for antibiotics by up to 30%

A new study reveals that everyday hygiene practices, such as hand-washing, can reduce the risk of common infections by up to 50% and the need for antibiotics by up to 30%. This could help prevent hundreds of thousands of deaths from antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally each year.

SourceSpink Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateMay 7, 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.

Vitamin D linked to low virus death rate -- Study

A new study has found an association between low average levels of vitamin D and high numbers of COVID-19 cases and mortality rates across 20 European countries. Vitamin D modulates the response of white blood cells, preventing excessive inflammatory cytokine release, which is a key factor in COVID-19 severity.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalAging Clinical and Experimental Research·DateMay 7, 2020