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Science News Archive May 2020 - Page 38


Page 38 of 42

UCLA researchers develop chemistry needed to create marijuana breathalyzer

UCLA chemists have reported the key chemical discovery necessary for creating a small, electronic marijuana breathalyzer. The research uses electricity to change the chemical structure of THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, making it easier to detect whether a person is impaired.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalOrganic Letters·DateMay 5, 2020

Discovery of an essential protein controlling brain blood vessel development and functions

Researchers at National University of Singapore discovered a critical protein, MFSD7c, in blood vessel cells that controls brain growth and development. The study found that loss of this protein causes microcephaly and neuronal cell death, highlighting the need for better understanding of essential nutrients required for brain health.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 5, 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.

Veterans battle homelessness long after discharge from the military

A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals that veterans often become homeless years after leaving the military, with a significant 'sleeper effect' delayed onset. Chronic medical and psychiatric conditions take time to develop, increasing the risk of homelessness over subsequent years.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 5, 2020

Potential new treatment for severe dry eye disease, RCSI Research

Scientists at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have discovered a potential new treatment for Sjögren's Syndrome, a disease that causes severe dry eyes and mouth. By reducing the levels of microRNA-744, they were able to reduce inflammation and damage to the eye.

SourceRCSI·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 5, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Cognition and gait speed often decline together, study shows

A study found that cognition and gait speed often parallel each other in determining a person's health trajectory. Mexican Americans were more likely to experience cognitive and physical vulnerability, which was associated with diabetes and a higher risk of mortality.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateMay 5, 2020

Protective shield: How pathogens withstand acidic environments in the body

Researchers at the University of Basel have elucidated a mechanism in which certain bacteria, including MRSA, withstand acidic conditions. This is achieved through the synthesis and transportation of lipoteichoic acids, which provide stability to the bacterial cell wall.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMay 5, 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.

Surf and turf: Green new deal should be a 'teal new deal'

A group of scientists recommend integrating terrestrial and ocean approaches to create a robust portfolio of climate adaptation and mitigation measures. They propose policies on renewable energy, sustainable transportation, food security, and habitat restoration to promote economic development and address climate change.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalConservation Letters·DateMay 5, 2020

Screw cancer: Microneedle sticks it to cancer tissue

Researchers have developed a microneedle that effectively targets and remains attached to cancerous tissue in lab experiments without needing continuous application of a magnetic field. The new technology allows for more precise drug delivery, avoiding unwanted side effects.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateMay 5, 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.

Unraveling one of prion disease's deadly secrets

Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified an unexpected role for prion nucleation seeds that enhances their ability to appear and resist curing. The minimum size of the seed complex determines whether the disease can persist, and controlling this transformation could lead to a cure.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMay 5, 2020

Innovative drunk driving program lowers risk of rearrest

A new study found that South Dakota's 24/7 Sobriety Program significantly lowers the likelihood of rearrest or probation revocation among drunk driving offenders, particularly those with a history of second or third offenses. The program's frequent alcohol testing and swift sanctions appear to be key factors in reducing recidivism rates.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of Policy Analysis and Management·DateMay 5, 2020

Age of NGC 6652 globular cluster specified

Researchers at Special Astrophysical Observatory and Kazan Federal University studied the globular cluster NGC 6652 and found its age to be approximately 13.6 billion years. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that younger galaxies are more metal-rich, revealing a complex history for this ancient object.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalResearch in Astronomy and Astrophysics·DateMay 5, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Healthcare workers face significant burdens from coronavirus infections, with increased risk associated with certain exposures. The journal Annals of Internal Medicine is publishing rapid reviews and living systematic reviews to keep up with emerging evidence during the pandemic.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 5, 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.

Clinical implications of chromatin accessibility in human cancers

Researchers analyzed ATAC-seq data from 404 cancer patients to correlate chromatin accessibility with tumor characteristics, age, sex, and survival rates. The study found that chromatin accessibility on the X chromosome is strongly dependent on patient sex, but not on age or tumor stage.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateMay 5, 2020

Otters juggle stones when hungry, research shows

A study by researchers at the University of Exeter found that captive otters tend to play with stones more when they are hungry. The behavior is thought to be linked to excitement for food, rather than practice for foraging skills.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMay 5, 2020

Four years of calculations lead to new insights into muon anomaly

Researchers have used a multi-institutional approach and the Mira supercomputer to refine one piece of the complex puzzle surrounding the muon anomaly. They found a new result for the hadronic light-by-light scattering contribution, which could indicate a real discrepancy between experimental results and theoretical predictions.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 5, 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.

Long-term developments of energy pricing and consumption in industry

Researchers found that price increases rarely impact short-term energy consumption, but have a significant effect after about five years. The study developed two scenarios for future development: E-POL and CLI, which focus on increasing electricity use and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy-efficient technologies.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·DateMay 5, 2020

Editing selfies is counter productive: Study

A study by Flinders University found that extended selfie editing time correlates with increased facial dissatisfaction and negative emotions among women. This suggests that excessive self-editing can lead to feelings of disingenuousness online.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBody Image·DateMay 5, 2020

Study pinpoints metrics of cost-effective screening for type 1 diabetes

Researchers screened 25,000 children in the Denver metro area and found that early detection can reduce incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis by 20%, leading to improved disease control and reduced healthcare costs. The study highlights the potential for screening to improve overall quality of life and reduce long-term health risks.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMay 5, 2020

Supportive oncodermatology interventions improve patient quality of life

A recent survey found that enrollment in supportive oncodermatology programs is associated with improved quality of life scores among cancer patients. The study, published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, highlights the benefits of these interventions on patient dermatologic health and overall well-being.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJournal of Drugs in Dermatology·DateMay 5, 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.

Fossil fuel-free jet propulsion with air plasmas

Researchers have demonstrated a prototype device that uses microwave air plasmas for jet propulsion, offering a potentially viable alternative to conventional fossil fuel jet engines. The engine can generate thrusting pressures comparable to those of commercial airplane jet engines using only air and electricity.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateMay 5, 2020

Time to re-define sex-specific symptoms of acute coronary syndrome, say researchers

A new study published in Journal of the American Heart Association has found that women and men experience overlapping and distinct symptoms when presenting with acute coronary syndrome. Women are more likely to present with fatigue, pain between the shoulder blades, and shortness of breath, while both sexes often experience chest pain.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 4, 2020

Different kinds of white fat are important in disease

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered two subtypes of human white subcutaneous fat cells with distinct patterns of gene expression, which may help control whether cells become mature fat cells. This study highlights the potential of bringing together biology, artificial intelligence, and data analysis to better understa...

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 4, 2020

Rethinking tsunami defense

A new study by Stanford researchers suggests that park-like tsunami defenses, featuring strategically arranged green hills along coastlines, can provide an effective alternative to towering seawalls. These designs prioritize coastal access, ecological function, and community well-being while offering improved risk mitigation benefits.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 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.

Ophthalmology after COVID-19

Changes in ophthalmology practices and procedures have been reported following the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for adjustments to ensure patient safety and well-being. The study examines the impact of the pandemic on eye care services and provides insights into future directions for ophthalmology.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMay 4, 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.

2016 presidential campaign emails reveal strategy, surprises

Researchers analyzed 10 months of campaign emails to find varied strategies and goals, with the Clinton campaign making a surprising decision to stop emailing inactive supporters. Trump campaign e-mails were more participatory, while Clinton sent eight emails a week to active supporters at peak.

SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalJournal of Information Technology & Politics·DateMay 4, 2020

Study reveals single-step strategy for recycling used nuclear fuel

Texas A&M University engineers have devised a simple one-step chemical reaction to separate out different components of nuclear waste. The method results in the formation of crystals containing all leftover nuclear fuel elements uniformly, reducing radioactivity and proliferation risk.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateMay 4, 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.

AI tool speeds up search for COVID-19 treatments and vaccines

Researchers at Northwestern University developed an AI-powered tool to speed up the search for COVID-19 treatments and vaccines. The model predicts which studies are most likely to be replicable, allowing researchers to prioritize resources on promising research.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2020

Predators help prey adapt to an uncertain future

A field experiment with a leaf galling fly and its parasitic wasps found that eliminating natural enemies constrains the fly's evolution toward only one optimal solution. This loss of genetic diversity may make it harder for the fly to adapt to changing environments.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalEvolution Letters·DateMay 4, 2020

A big comeback for a little switch

A team of researchers at Carnegie Mellon University is working on developing nanoscale mechanical switches to address the limitations of solid state switches. These switches have the potential to improve energy efficiency and complement existing solid-state technology in various applications.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·DateMay 4, 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.

PCSK9 inhibitor with statin does not cause loss in memory, mental skills in high-risk patients

A study of 22,655 patients found that taking a PCSK9 inhibitor with a statin to achieve very low LDL-C levels did not cause increased incidence of neurocognitive impairments, including memory loss or reduction in executive functions. This confirms the safety of intensive LDL-C reduction for high-risk patients.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 4, 2020

Eleven human genomes in nine days

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz developed an efficient de novo human genome assembly algorithm using the Shasta toolkit, achieving high accuracy and scalability. The algorithm can assemble a complete human genome in under six hours and costs around $70, paving the way for pangenome research to represent true human diversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 4, 2020

Smart use of genomic data needed in species conservation

The use of genomic data is crucial in combating extinction, as 44.3% of species are currently in decline. Conservation genomics can help identify bad mutations that can weaken populations and inform breeding strategies.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 4, 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.

Imaging technology allows visualization of nanoscale structures inside whole cells

Purdue researchers develop new technology to overcome resolution limit of light-based microscopy, allowing for high-resolution imaging of biomolecules within cells. This advancement has the potential to reveal structural complexities in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, enabling better understanding and treatment.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 4, 2020

How COVID-19 spread has been contained by travel bans

A new report suggests that strict international travel bans have contained the spread of COVID-19 in the EU. The study uses computer modeling to predict the impact of lifting air travel restrictions and highlights the importance of mobility in the global spread of the disease.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·DateMay 4, 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.

How synaptic changes translate to behavior changes

Scientists discovered widespread synaptic changes in sea slugs that learn to reject non-food objects, offering insight into human learning's impact on the brain. The study found that synaptic modifications occur in concert across various brain areas.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateMay 4, 2020

'Unnecessary' genetic complexity: A spanner in the works?

The human genome's complexity hinders personalized medicine by having an immense ability to change and cope with issues, context matters in our genome. Researchers conclude that precision medicine is crucial but must consider the full genomic blueprint including 'unnecessary' elements.

SourceMcMaster University·Journalnpj Genomic Medicine·DateMay 4, 2020

COVID-19 study: Impact of social distancing on older adults

A University of Stirling study explores the effects of social distancing on over 70s, examining whether technology can enhance social engagement and physical activity. The research aims to identify positive impacts and inform policy recommendations to minimize negative effects.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·DateMay 4, 2020