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Science News Archive May 2020 - Page 5


Page 5 of 42

Children's temperament traits affect their motor skills

A recent study found that children's motor skills are positively associated with activity and attention span persistence. Participation in organised sports also supports motor skill development. Parents and educators should be aware of individual factors like temperament traits to encourage motor skill growth.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMay 27, 2020

Study shows erosion of ozone layer responsible for mass extinction event

Researchers discovered that a brief ozone layer collapse led to the extinction of plant and freshwater aquatic life 360 million years ago. This finding has profound implications for our warming world today, as Earth's temperatures may reach comparable levels, potentially triggering a similar event.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 27, 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.

Depression viewed differently when thought to be biological

Researchers found that people who believe depression is biologically caused tend to think it is more severe and long-lasting, but are also more optimistic about treatment. Those with a genetic or brain-related perspective on depression are less likely to hold negative attitudes towards individuals with the disorder.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Mental Health·DateMay 27, 2020

A few months of vaping puts healthy people on the brink of oral disease

Researchers at Ohio State University found that e-cigarette users' mouths contain potent infection-causing organisms, similar to those found in people with periodontitis. The study suggests that vaping can lead to gum disease and cancer, even in healthy individuals who have not smoked. The findings challenge the claim that e-cigarettes...

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 27, 2020

Gene inactivation of PTEN drives cancer predisposition

Researchers identified WWP1 mutations as a genetic driver of PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome-associated cancer. The study found that WWP1 variants lead to abnormal activation of the enzyme inhibiting PTEN function and contributing to cancer development, suggesting a new therapeutic target.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 27, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Clean without scrubbing and using chemicals

Dresden scientists have created a periodic surface structure that repels water and ice, while also removing dirt particles solely by rolling water drops. This technology has potential applications in the automotive, food, and home appliance industries.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalApplied Surface Science·DateMay 27, 2020

Studying the development of ovarian cancer with organoids

A study by the Hubrecht Institute found that oviduct cells are more prone to develop into tumors than ovarian surface epithelium cells. This suggests a possible shift in treatment approach, with earlier removal of fallopian tubes considered as a preventive measure for high-risk patients.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 27, 2020

Simple and readily available saline solution can reliably transport COVID-19 samples to testing labs

A new study published in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics found that phosphate buffered saline (PBS) can reliably transport COVID-19 samples to testing labs for up to 18 hours. This inexpensive and commonly available solution overcomes the shortage of virus transport media, enabling faster diagnosis and more widespread surveillance.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateMay 27, 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.

Follow-up treatments after opioid overdose rare among insured patients

A study found that only 16% of commercially insured patients received timely follow-up care after an opioid overdose, with black patients being half as likely to receive treatment. The lack of care is attributed to barriers beyond insurance status and highlights the need for increased adoption of pathways to initiate buprenorphine in EDs.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 27, 2020

Treatment shows promise in treating deadly brain cancer

Researchers developed a promising immunotherapy treatment for glioblastoma using CD133-targetting CAR-T therapy, which showed enhanced activity in preclinical models of human glioblastoma. The therapy was considered successful due to reduced tumor burden and improved survival rates.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 27, 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.

These tiny, self-assembling traps capture PFAS

Researchers have created iron-based and organic building blocks that connect to form tetrahedral cages, capturing certain PFAS. The traps bind to the outside of the cages instead of getting caught inside, providing insights into how they work.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalInorganic Chemistry·DateMay 27, 2020

Strong convictions can blind us to information that challenges them

A UCL brain imaging study found that highly confident individuals tend to ignore contradictory evidence, while less confident ones process it accurately. This phenomenon, known as confirmation bias, may be stronger in real-world scenarios where people are motivated to stand by their beliefs.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 27, 2020

Developing a sensor to detect diabetes

A hybrid sensor is being developed to detect diabetes from exhaled breath using nanoparticles loaded on 1D metal oxides. This innovative technology aims to provide a non-invasive, affordable, and rapid detection method for continuous diabetes monitoring, potentially reducing serious health problems and life-threatening side effects.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·DateMay 27, 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.

How do we disconnect from the environment during sleep and under anesthesia?

New studies reveal that low noradrenaline activity during sleep allows us to block sensory responses, while high noradrenaline levels may lead to hyperarousal. Researchers also found that anesthesia disrupts communication between cortical regions, leading to loss of consciousness.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2020

Cyclones can damage even distant reefs

Research reveals that cyclones can cause significant damage to coral reefs as far as 1000 kilometres away from their paths. The study found that Scott Reef lost 50% of its Porites corals and virtually all its Acropora coral species due to Cyclone Lua's high seas.

SourceAustralian Institute of Marine Science·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMay 27, 2020

'Nature's antifreeze' provides formula for more durable concrete

Researchers at CU Boulder have discovered a synthetic molecule that mimics natural antifreeze proteins, minimizing freeze-thaw damage and increasing the strength of concrete. This new method challenges conventional approaches and has the potential to reduce costs and decrease carbon emissions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateMay 27, 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.

Yale finds a (much) earlier birth date for tectonic plates

Researchers found evidence of continental growth starting as early as 4.4 billion years ago, indicating that tectonic plate movement began more than a billion years earlier than previously believed. This discovery challenges our understanding of Earth's geological history and suggests a complex process involving the recycling of crust.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 27, 2020

Finding a genus home for Alaska's dinosaurs

A team of researchers found that dinosaur skulls from northern Alaska belong to the genus Edmontosaurus, not a newly proposed genus. The discovery suggests these plant-eating dinosaurs existed over a broad range, extending from northern Colorado to the Arctic.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 27, 2020

Age, gender and culture 'predict loneliness'

A global study involving over 46,000 participants found that younger people report greater feelings of loneliness than older adults. The study also revealed cultural differences in loneliness levels, with individuals in collectivist societies experiencing lower levels of loneliness.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMay 27, 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.

June's SLAS discovery features the special collection, 'ion channels and relevant drug screening approaches'

A special collection in SLAS Discovery highlights new screening tools and assays for ion channel drug discovery. The articles cover various techniques such as optical and automated patch clamp electrophysiology to identify new chemical matter for medically relevant membrane protein targets.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateMay 27, 2020

Mouse model mimics SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans

Researchers created a mouse model that produces human angiotensin-converting enzyme II (hACE2), the receptor SARS-CoV-2 binds to. The mice exhibited robust viral RNA replication in the lung and brain, as well as interstitial pneumonia. These features replicate those observed in COVID-19 patients.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 27, 2020

Electronic cigarettes trigger an inflammatory response that may set the stage for gum disease

A new study finds that e-cigarettes cause a proinflammatory response in the oral microbiome, coating commensal bacteria with slime and disrupting healthy colonization. The glycerol/glycol vehicle in e-cigarettes appears to drive these changes, according to researchers who analyzed bacterial genes in plaque samples from e-cigarette users.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 27, 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.

Van der Waals junction spin valves without spacer layer

Scientists create vertical spin valves using 2D van der Waals materials, eliminating the need for a spacer layer. The devices exhibit low resistance-area products and low operating current densities, making them suitable for future spintronics applications.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateMay 27, 2020

Target trials support drug safety in pregnant patients

Researchers propose target trials to gather human drug exposure data for pregnant people, offering a basis for causal inference. Genomic data and organ-on-a-chip technologies will help validate results, making this a valid and ethical workflow for large-scale drug screening.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 27, 2020

System designed to improve database performance for health care, IoT

The Purdue team's testing showed that SOPHIA achieved significant benefit over default and static-optimized database configurations, with improved throughput across various workload types. The technology was tested on metagenomics, high-performance computing, and IoT workloads, demonstrating its versatility.

SourcePurdue University·DateMay 27, 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.

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.

No laughing matter

A new study by Katie Welch and Marco Shappeck investigates the prevalence of 'LOL' in students' text messages, highlighting its potential applications in classroom learning. The research demonstrates how linguistic concepts can be effectively incorporated into courses that satisfy basic educational requirements.

SourceLinguistic Society of America·JournalLanguage·DateMay 27, 2020

Low vaccination rates and 'measles parties' fueled 2019 measles outbreak in NYC

A recent study found that delayed vaccinations and increased contact among young children, likely through 'measles parties', fueled the 2019 measles outbreak in NYC. Vaccination campaigns averted a huge spike in cases, but experts warn of potential future outbreaks as vaccination rates plummet.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 27, 2020

How a network of hospitals reduced average age at cerebral palsy diagnosis to 9.5 months

A network of hospitals successfully implemented international cerebral palsy diagnosis guidelines, reducing the average age at diagnosis from 19.5 months to 9.5 months in just one year. The initiative involved five hospital systems and demonstrated the practicality and effectiveness of the guidelines for improving early interventions.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 27, 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.

Masks reduce airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Growing evidence suggests masks can prevent spread of COVID-19 via aerosols. Studies estimate up to 100,000 infectious aerosols can be generated in one minute of loud speaking.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 27, 2020

Gathering big data to accelerate the COVID-19 fight

The National COVID Cohort Collaborative aims to turn coronavirus patient data into effective treatments and predictive tools. The secure database will enable diverse experts to analyze the data, identifying potential new drugs and treatments.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateMay 27, 2020

Fishing less could be a win for both lobstermen and endangered whales

A new study suggests that operating with fewer traps and a shorter season in the US lobster fishery may be more profitable for fishermen while also protecting endangered North Atlantic right whales. The research found that Massachusetts fishers have caught more lobster since implementing a three-month fishing closure, while Maine's lob...

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalMarine Policy·DateMay 27, 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.

Two anti-inflammatory drugs found that inhibit the replication of the COVID-19 virus

Researchers have identified two anti-inflammatory drugs that can inhibit the replication of the COVID-19 virus. The study used computational techniques to analyze 6,466 authorized drugs and predicted that Carprofen and Celecoxib could be effective in inhibiting the main protease enzyme responsible for the virus's replication.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMay 27, 2020

New study evaluates facial feminization outcomes, benefits for transgender women

A new study found that facial feminization surgery improves quality of life and provides a more feminine facial appearance in transgender women. The study, which analyzed 66 consecutive patients, showed median scores on a facial feminization score increasing from 47.2 to 80.6 at six months after surgery.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateMay 27, 2020

New protocol for organic synthesis using organoboron compounds and visible-light

Researchers at Kanazawa University have developed a novel method for generating alkyl radicals under mild conditions using organoboron compounds and visible-light. The new protocol enables the generation of bulky tertiary alkyl radicals and unstable methyl radicals, which are useful carbon sources for chemical reactions.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 27, 2020

Study reports nursing home hip fracture rates stay persistently high

A recent study reports a slight rise in hip fracture rates among long-stay residents in US nursing homes, with 36% of those who experience fractures dying within six months. The study suggests that underutilization of osteoporosis medications may be a contributing factor to the high rates.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateMay 27, 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.

Anxiety needs global health attention

A study found that nearly three-quarters of people with depression also suffered from anxiety, leading to a higher risk of long-term depression. The researchers highlight the need for integrated anxiety screening and culturally adapted therapies to address this complex combination of mental health issues.

SourceKing's College London·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateMay 27, 2020

Public parks guaranteeing sustainable well-being

A recent study found that public parks fulfill essential human needs, including social connection, self-determination, and community engagement. The use of parks is linked to improved overall well-being, making them a crucial component of sustainable development.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe Journal of Public Space·DateMay 27, 2020

A potential explanation for urban smog

New research suggests nitric acid can boost particle growth in cold climates, forming particles even in highly polluted cities. This mechanism also affects the oxidation characteristics of organic compounds, potentially reducing aerosol formation and contributing to climate warming.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 27, 2020