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Science News Archive 2021


Page 281 of 510

Childhood cancer discovery may stop tumour spread before it starts

Researchers have discovered a potential way to prevent Ewing sarcoma tumours from spreading by understanding how they develop a protective shield against the harsh environment of the bloodstream. This breakthrough may lead to the development of a clinical-grade immunotherapeutic treatment for Ewing sarcoma.

The evolutionary fates of supergenes unmasked

A recent review in Genome Biology and Evolution discusses the evolutionary fates of supergenes, revealing new findings that challenge classical models. The genomic architecture of a supergene is inextricably tied to its evolutionary fate, with empirical studies yielding surprises about their origin and genetic architecture.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

UCI-led study sheds light on mysterious genotype-phenotype associations

A UCI-led study has identified key molecular mechanisms underlying complex traits and diseases, providing new insights into the role of genetic variation and environmental factors. The research reveals that specific molecular features associated with phenotypic variations contribute substantially to disease risk.

Chimeric viruses unearth hidden gems in dengue virus structure

Researchers have identified 'pocket factors' as new therapeutic targets for flaviviruses, including dengue virus. The chimeric viruses mimic infectious particles with unprecedented detail, providing a universal path to structure determination and potential vaccines or diagnostic tools.

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.

Study: Parler provided echo chamber for vaccine misinformation, conspiracy theories

A new study from the University of Kansas reveals that people flocked to Parler to discuss COVID-19 vaccines in an echo chamber-type environment, where they shared misinformation and reinforced conspiracy theories. The analysis shows that users followed themes and used hashtags to spread their content, highlighting the importance of ad...

Light-shrinking material lets ordinary microscope see in super resolution

Electrical engineers at UC San Diego developed a technology that converts low-resolution light to high-resolution light, enabling ordinary microscopes to image living cells with a resolution of up to 40 nanometers. The technology uses a specially engineered material that shortens the wavelength of light as it illuminates the sample.

Clinical Trial Evaluating Mixed COVID-19 Vaccine Schedules Begins

A Phase 1/2 clinical trial has begun at the NIH to assess the safety and immunogenicity of different COVID-19 vaccine booster regimens. Participants will receive a single booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, followed by telephone check-ins and in-person follow-up visits for one year.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Seeds of economic health disparities found in subsistence society

Researchers found a connection between high inequality in subsistence societies and increased blood pressure, as well as respiratory diseases like pneumonia. However, chronic conditions like hypertension and cardiovascular disease were less prevalent in these communities.

UB researchers look to improve the WIC shopping experience

Researchers at University at Buffalo are working on ways to improve the WIC shopping experience, making it easier for customers to find eligible products and navigate checkout processes. The team has identified several key barriers, including restrictions on foods, identifying product sizes and types, and poor staff training.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Moffitt Cancer Center experts to present new clinical research data

Moffitt Cancer Center experts present phase 2 results from several clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy, ixazomib maintenance therapy, and immunotherapies for various types of cancer, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer.

A new direction of topological research is ready for take off

Scientists at the Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat have successfully created non-Hermitian topological states in topolectric circuits, exhibiting stable and robust features. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for future quantum technologies and may establish a milestone towards developing light-controlled computers.

Harmonious electronic structure leads to enhanced quantum materials

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism in magnetic compounds that couples multiple topological bands, significantly enhancing the effects of quantum phenomena. The coupling leads to an anomalous Hall effect, where spontaneous symmetry breaking causes a transverse acceleration of electron currents.

Scientists say active early learning shapes the adult brain

Researchers used structural brain imaging to detect developmental effects of linguistic and cognitive stimulation on infant brains. They found that high-quality educational experiences in early childhood were associated with increased brain size, particularly in males.

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.

Researchers report reference genome for maize B chromosome

The researchers reported a reference sequence for the supernumerary B chromosome in maize, with key properties such as its origin and molecular mechanism remaining unclear. The study found that the current gene content is a result of continuous transfer from the A chromosomal complement over an extended evolutionary period.

New 'Swiss Army knife' cleans up water pollution

Researchers develop porous membrane that sequesters up to 99% of phosphate ions from water, making it reusable and efficient. The technology has promise in scaling up to tackle massive environmental problems like eutrophication.

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.

Diabetes remission diet also lowers blood pressure and reduces need for medication

A weight management program has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce the need for anti-hypertensive medications in people with type 2 diabetes. The program, developed by researchers at Universities of Glasgow and Newcastle, induces substantial weight loss and leads to remission of type 2 diabetes in 8 out of 10 participants.

Overconfidence in detecting false news

A study of two surveys involving 8,285 US participants found that people who were overconfident in their news judgments on legitimate versus false news were more likely to visit untrustworthy websites and share false content. This overconfidence may contribute to the spread of false information via social media.

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.

Oxygen levels and eukaryote evolution

Researchers analyzed Raman spectral analysis data from nine geological formations to estimate oxygen levels during the Proterozoic Eon, finding minimum oxygen levels were 2-20% of present levels. This suggests that oxygen did not hinder eukaryote and early animal evolution during this time period.

Newly discovered African 'climate seesaw' drove human evolution

African researchers identify ancient El Niño-like weather patterns as major climate drivers, challenging existing views on human evolution. The 'climate seesaw' shifted rainfall between eastern and western Africa over 100,000 years, influencing vegetation, mammal fauna, and human dispersal.

The secret lives of Canada lynx

Scientists used accelerometers and audio recorders to study the behavior of Canada lynx, capturing detailed sounds of hunts, escapes, and social interactions. The findings provide valuable insight into the hunting habits and social dynamics of this elusive species.

Gene plays major role in brain development

A study has identified a gene that plays a crucial role in brain development, with mutations affecting inheritance patterns. The Plexin-A1 gene is found to have dominant and recessive forms, which can cause significant damage to the brain and eyes.

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.

Overweight or obesity worsens liver-damaging effects of alcohol

A recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people with overweight or obesity are at a greater risk of developing liver diseases compared to those within a healthy weight range. The study analyzed data from nearly half a million participants and found that even moderate alcohol consumption can lead...

Emotional impact of mass shootings

Researchers analyzed US adult survey data from 2008-2016 to understand mass shooting emotional impact. They found a short-lived emotional response in days following a mass shooting, restricted to local residents.

Uncertainties in climate model inputs

A study analyzing climate simulations reveals that small differences in aerosol forcing can significantly affect simulated temperatures and Arctic sea ice area. The results show that natural and anthropogenic forcing uncertainties can markedly impact simulations of Earth's past and future climate.

The price is right: Modeling economic growth in a zero-emission society

A study by Tokyo University of Science researchers analyzed the relationship between economic growth and environmental preservation. The model indicates that achieving a 'zero-emission society' is compatible with economic growth, but only if GDP is above a certain level and pollution reduction allocation is flexible.

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.

Extreme CO2 greenhouse effect heated up the young Earth

New research suggests that high CO2 levels in the atmosphere may have warmed the young Earth's climate, accounting for apparent anomalies such as hot seawater temperatures above 70°C. The study proposes a plausible explanation for these phenomena, indicating temperatures closer to 40°C when considering ocean composition changes.

Declining deer population likely due to natural regulation

The Yakushima sika deer population has been declining since 2014, with an estimated annual decrease of 15%. The decline is attributed to natural factors, with only 3.5% of the population migrating outside the Hanyama district. Natural regulation may hold the key to managing sika deer populations in Japan.

Study suggests tai chi can mirror healthy benefits of conventional exercise

A new study shows that tai chi mirrors the beneficial effects of conventional exercise by reducing waist circumference in middle-aged and older adults with central obesity. The 12-week intervention found significant reductions in waist circumference, body weight, and improved lipid profiles among those who practiced tai chi.

Overconfidence in news judgement

A new study published in Proceedings of National Academics of Sciences found that individuals who believe they can identify false news are more likely to fall victim to it. The researchers used two large surveys with 8,285 respondents and found that 90% reported being above average in their ability to discern false news headlines.

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.

Neuronal basis of duet singing in plain-tailed wrens

Researchers found that HVC neurons increase activity during solo syllable production and decrease when the partner sings, suggesting inhibition of motor circuits. This neural mechanism enables rapid turn-taking in duet singing, where males and females rapidly take turns singing at a rate of 2 to 5 Hz.

A new soft electronic material for human-machine-interfacing

Researchers have developed CareGum, a green and recyclable sensor material that can monitor motor impairment associated with neurological disorders. The material offers stretchability, self-healing capacities, and electrical conductivity, allowing for personalized bioelectronics and real-time monitoring of movements.

Low levels of omega-3 associated with higher risk of psychosis

Research found that adolescents with higher levels of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, were less likely to develop psychotic disorder in early adulthood. Those with lower levels of DHA had a higher risk of developing the condition, even after accounting for other factors.

Duetting songbirds 'mute' the musical mind of their partner to stay in sync

Researchers studied the brain activity of singing male and female plain-tailed wrens, discovering that they synchronize their duets by inhibiting the song-making regions of their partner's brain. This inhibition allows for a seemingly telepathic performance, with the birds becoming a single entity through sensory linkages.

Greenhouse effect warmed early Earth

Carbon dioxide played a crucial role in warming early Earth's climate, offsetting the reduced light from the young Sun. The δ18O ratio of ancient seawater suggests a warm but not hot environment, with high CO2 concentrations, around 3 billion years ago.

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.

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.

Ethnically diverse research identifies more genetic markers linked to diabetes

A global collaboration has identified 24 new loci linked to glycemic traits, improving our understanding of type 2 diabetes and its impact on different ancestries. This study highlights the importance of including diverse populations in genetic research, yielding better results and enabling more precise diagnosis and treatment.

Hybrid redox-flow battery with a long cycle life

A team of researchers from the University of Freiburg has developed a non-aqueous All-Manganese Flow battery with a long cycle life, achieving an energy density roughly twice that of previous batteries. The new design uses sustainable manganese as its active material and has shown promising results for stationary energy storage.

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.

Unraveling DNA packaging

Scientists from Kanazawa University use HS-AFM to study DNA-histone interactions, revealing spatiotemporal dynamics and real-time observations of wrapping, sliding, sandwiching, and wrapping motions. The study provides valuable insights into the compactification of DNA and its potential applications in understanding human diseases.