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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 258


Page 258 of 510

Hippos and anthrax

A team of researchers tracked the movements of hippos in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania, to better understand how anthrax outbreaks spread. They found that infected individuals roamed just as much as healthy hippos, highlighting the importance of wildlife movement in disease transmission.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcosphere·DateJun 15, 2021
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.

Two COVID-19 vaccines show safety, strong immunity in infant model

Researchers have developed two COVID-19 vaccines that elicited durable neutralizing antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 in pre-clinical research. The Moderna mRNA vaccine and a protein-based vaccine candidate showed strong immunity in infant rhesus macaques, with no adverse effects.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalScience Immunology·DateJun 15, 2021
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.

NIH study offers new evidence of early SARS-CoV-2 infections in US

Researchers analyzed 24,000 blood samples and multiple antibody testing platforms to discover SARS-CoV-2 infections in five states earlier than reported. The findings expand on previous studies suggesting the virus was present in the US as early as December 2019.

SourceNIH/All of Us Research Program·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJun 15, 2021

Novel calibration procedure for super-resolution brain imaging

A novel calibration procedure developed by scientists enables precise super-resolution brain imaging at greater depth. The method corrects spherical aberration of the depletion beam, allowing for high-quality images of biological tissue.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateJun 15, 2021

Chatbots for dementia patients and caregivers need more work

A systematic review of 501 chatbot apps found that none performed well on all testing criteria, with linguistic biases and usability challenges. The apps' limited program content made it hard to have extended or varied conversations between users and chatbots.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJun 15, 2021

Rarest bee genus in North America is not so rare after all

A Canadian researcher has reclassified a rare bee thought to be one of the rarest in the world, discovering it is an unusual specimen of a widespread species. The discovery was made using DNA barcoding and morphological analysis, confirming that the bee is part of the California digger-cuckoo bee genus.

SourceCanadian Museum of Nature·JournalEuropean Journal of Taxonomy·DateJun 15, 2021

Investigating carbonate mineral chemical variations to improve oil recovery

Researcher Dr. Igor Ivanishin is investigating the impact of varying calcium contents on dolomite and calcite mineral stability, which can lead to improved well stimulation operations. His findings suggest that injected acids may unevenly dissolve rock in carbonate reservoirs, leaving some areas untouched.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Petroleum Science and Engineering·DateJun 15, 2021
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.

Teens experienced helplessness when exposed to secondhand racism

A qualitative study found that adolescents feel helpless when exposed to secondhand racism online, with many describing it as a constant force. However, participating in activism is seen as a way to cope with vicarious racism, and may even mitigate negative emotions.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 15, 2021

New treatment stops progression of Alzheimer's disease in monkey brains

A new therapy has been shown to reduce amyloid beta plaque deposits and toxic tau levels in elderly monkeys' brains, slowing neurodegeneration. The treatment also improved cognitive function in the monkeys, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalBrain·DateJun 15, 2021

Analysis: Chile's transition to democracy slow, incomplete, fueled by social movements

A new article analyzes Chile's transition from dictatorship to democracy between 1990 and 2019, highlighting the role of social movements in expanding democracy. The authors argue that Chile's political system became illegitimate, providing space for various social movements, including feminist, student, and indigenous rights movements.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalThe Latin Americanist·DateJun 15, 2021

Enormous flock of declining shorebird discovered in South Carolina

A massive flock of over 20,000 whimbrel has been discovered on Deveaux Bank in South Carolina, marking the world's largest known night roost for the declining shorebird species. The discovery provides critical hope for protecting this rare bird and highlights the importance of coastal habitat conservation.

SourceSouth Carolina Department of Natural Resources·JournalWader Study·DateJun 15, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The long view

Researchers at UCSB's LTER sites investigate the impact of climate change on diverse ecosystems, including kelp forests and coral reefs. Their findings highlight the importance of long-term research in understanding complex relationships between environmental drivers and ecosystem responses.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcosphere·DateJun 15, 2021

Quality supervision, coworker support key to child welfare caseworker retention

A recent study by Oregon State University researchers found that quality supervisory support and strong relationships with coworkers are crucial for child welfare caseworkers' job satisfaction. The study also highlighted the importance of adequate technology and equipment in managing workload effectively.

SourceOregon State University·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateJun 15, 2021

The evolution of good taste

The study found that animals have evolved to prefer tastes that correspond with their elemental needs, helping them prioritize nutrient-rich foods. Convergent evolution was observed across mammalian, fish, and insect groups, highlighting the importance of taste in foraging and nutrient cycling.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateJun 14, 2021
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.

Scientists discover how oxygen loss saps a lithium-ion battery's voltage

Researchers have measured the super-slow process of oxygen loss in lithium-ion batteries, revealing how it changes the electrode's structure and chemistry over time. This new understanding could lead to the development of new ways to engineer electrodes and prevent oxygen loss-related degradation.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateJun 14, 2021

Many prolonged sick leaves for COVID-19

A University of Gothenburg study found that nearly 12,000 people in Sweden received sickness benefit for COVID-19 during the first wave, with a median sick leave duration of 35 days. For 9% of participants, sick leave was still ongoing after 4 months, and those affected by long-term COVID-19 made up 13.3% of recipients.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJun 14, 2021
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.

For transplant recipients, third time may be the charm for better COVID vaccine protection

Researchers found that a third vaccine dose increased antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 in transplant recipients more than the standard two-dose regimen. The study suggests booster doses should be investigated for those who are immunocompromised to determine if they can receive COVID-19 vaccines as standard clinical practice.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 14, 2021

High genetic running capacity promotes efficient metabolism with aging

A new study reveals that high genetic running capacity promotes more efficient amino acid metabolism in skeletal muscle, potentially contributing to healthier metabolism with aging. Adipose tissue may also play a key role in promoting healthy aging, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalGeroScience·DateJun 14, 2021

Anaerobic methane oxidation by microbial communities

Researchers discovered microbial communities with the potential to consume methane, a greenhouse gas, at high rates in carbonate rocks from seven geologically diverse deep-sea methane seeps. The study found that these microorganisms can consume methane at rates up to 5,500 nanomoles per cubic centimeter per day.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2021
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.

Researchers create switchable mirrors from liquid metal

Scientists developed a method to dynamically switch liquid metal surfaces between reflective and scattering states using electricity. This technology could be used to create electrically controllable mirrors or illumination devices, enabling new applications in art and advanced devices.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateJun 14, 2021

Sources of lead in the western Arctic Ocean

A study reveals that 60% of lead in Canadian Arctic seawater comes from human sources, particularly historic lead emissions from Europe and Russia. The findings suggest that permafrost melting and coastal erosion will continue to remobilize these contaminants, making lead isotopes a sensitive tracer for pollutants in Arctic seawater.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2021
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.

Study finds dosing strategy may affect immunotherapy outcomes

A study published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer found that immunotherapy outcomes differ based on dosing strategy and patient weight. Overweight patients receiving weight-based dosing lived an average of over 20 months, compared to less than 10 months for lighter patients.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateJun 14, 2021

USC study reveals potential new treatment target for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC identified APOE4 as associated with the activation of an inflammatory protein that causes a breakdown in the blood-brain barrier, leading to cognitive decline and memory problems. The study suggests a potential treatment targeting this pathway could slow down or prevent cognitive decline in...

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNature Aging·DateJun 14, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Epigenetic inheritance of methylation changes in fish

A species of fish, Poecilia mexicana, developed a unique pattern of DNA methylation in response to exposure to toxic hydrogen sulfide. This epigenetic signature was found to be inherited by subsequent generations, even when reared in the absence of high hydrogen sulfide concentrations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2021
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.

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.

Research reveals why people pick certain campsites

A University of Montana study analyzed nearly 23,000 reservations at Watchman Campground in Zion National Park to identify the key drivers of demand. The researchers found that price and electricity were the largest influencers, followed by proximity to the river and ease of access.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateJun 14, 2021

Regenerating damaged eyes with mussel protein and amniotic membrane

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a new method for regenerating damaged conjunctiva using mussel adhesive protein, achieving stable tissue adhesion and biodegradation. The technique replaces traditional sutures in ocular surface reconstruction.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateJun 14, 2021

Clinical trial shows cell therapy improves clinical outcomes in heart failure

A clinical trial conducted at the University of Louisville showed that cell therapy using cells derived from a patient's own bone marrow and heart improved quality of life and reduced major adverse cardiac events. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction in hospitalizations and improved outcomes for patients with heart failure.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalEuropean Journal of Heart Failure·DateJun 14, 2021
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.

One step towards a daily-use deep UV light source for sterilization and disinfection

Osaka University researchers develop a novel monolithic microcavity wavelength conversion device that converts infrared radiation into blue light, potentially leading to a safe and practical deep UV light source for sterilization and disinfection. The device achieves high reflectivity and efficient emission of second harmonic waves.

SourceOsaka University·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateJun 14, 2021

Toward the first drug to treat a rare, lethal liver cancer

Scientists at Rockefeller University have identified a new class of therapeutics that destroy fibrolamellar tumor cells growing in mice. The team tested over 5,000 compounds to find these effective treatments, which could potentially transform the landscape of precision medicine by tailoring treatment options for individual patients

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCancer Discovery·DateJun 14, 2021

Stomach microbe illuminates peopling of Siberia and the Americas

A study on the gastric bacterium Helicobacter pylori reveals that humans persisted in Siberia during the last ice age and recolonized northern regions. The findings also suggest a single migration of ancient Eurasians into the Americas via the Bering land bridge approximately 12,000 years ago.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2021

Gaps to fill: Income, education may impact inequalities in seeking dental care

A new study reveals regional disparities in dental care utilization in Japan, particularly among lower-income and less educated populations. The research found that these groups are more likely to neglect preventive treatments like calculus removal, leading to more severe tooth problems and increased healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·DateJun 14, 2021
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.

'Ice' flavoured e-cig use may be linked to nicotine dependence among the young

Research suggests that 'ice' flavoured e-cigarettes may be positively associated with conventional smoking and nicotine dependence among young adults. The study found that vapers of ice flavours were more likely to report smoking regular cigarettes, symptoms of vaping dependence, and using disposable non-cartridge devices.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·DateJun 14, 2021