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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 293


Page 293 of 510

Mapping the local cosmic web

Researchers have created a new map of dark matter in the local universe using machine learning, revealing previously undiscovered filamentary structures connecting galaxies. The map provides a detailed understanding of the distribution of dark matter and its gravitational influence on galaxies.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 24, 2021

Is closing the gap working?

A five-year study found that Australia's Closing the Gap program has not improved disparities in Indigenous health, income, employment, child removal, and incarceration. Researchers suggest that 'Western' cultural beliefs over Indigenous cultures hinder policy change.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAustralian Journal of Public Administration·DateMay 23, 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.

New immune players involved in metabolic liver disease

A recent study has discovered a subtype of immune cells called dendritic cells, which become activated in the liver and promote the progression of non-alcoholic steato-hepatitis (NASH). Manipulating these cells may lead to new treatments for NASH, a condition that can lead to life-threatening cirrhosis and liver cancer.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 23, 2021

Early research suggests climate change could lead to more stillbirths

Research suggests that climate change could lead to an increase in stillbirths, particularly in low-resource settings where women are already disproportionately affected. The study found a link between high and low ambient temperatures during pregnancy and increased risk of stillbirth, with the highest risk above 29.4 degrees Celsius.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateMay 23, 2021

Myopia link to poor sleep, and screen time

People with myopia experience poorer sleep quality due to delayed circadian rhythms and lower melatonin production. The study highlights the importance of adequate sleep for good vision, particularly in children exposed to excessive screen time.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSLEEP·DateMay 23, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers develop novel raman method to capture target molecules in small gaps actively

A new Raman spectroscopy method has been developed to capture target molecules in small gaps using nano-capillary pumping, enabling ultrasensitive detection of various substances. This breakthrough allows for real-time monitoring of cell behavior and chemical kinetics, with potential applications in medicine and chemistry.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 23, 2021

A natural food supplement may relieve anxiety

Researchers found that beta-sitosterol reduced anxiety in mice by altering gene expression and neural pathways. The supplement showed synergistic effects when combined with an antidepressant, potentially reducing side effects. Further clinical testing is needed to confirm its effectiveness in humans.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateMay 23, 2021

No cause for alarm about graduate students' mental health

A University of Otago study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that transitioning into PhD study in New Zealand does not lead to a significant drop in mental health. The research used data from the Graduate Longitudinal Study New Zealand, tracking students before and after entering a PhD program.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 23, 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.

New study targets secrets of great entrepreneurial cities

A new research study by QUT and RMIT reveals that cities with empowered open-minded populations and dense, diverse environments drive high-impact entrepreneurship and economic growth. Cities like San Francisco and Austin top the list, scoring high in entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalResearch Policy·DateMay 23, 2021

Identifying how chemotherapy drug works could deliver personalized cancer treatment

Decitabine, used to treat blood cancers like MDS and AML, works by activating endogenous retroviruses that induce an immune response. The study found two key gene sequences involved in this process, Staufen1 and TINCR, whose expression levels determine a patient's response to the drug.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2021

Otago study helps explain how religious beliefs are formed

A University of Otago study found that anxiety enhances recall of supernatural agents, leading to the formation of religious beliefs. The research suggests that anxious individuals are initially attracted to the scary traits of gods and other supernatural concepts due to their alarming effects on our expectations.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalInternational Journal for the Psychology of Religion·DateMay 23, 2021

UK invests over £30 million in large-scale greenhouse gas removal

The UK is investing £30 million in five large-scale greenhouse gas removal projects, including peatland management and biochar use, to complement emission reductions. The projects will assess the effectiveness and scalability of innovative methods to remove CO2 from the atmosphere.

SourceUK Research and Innovation·DateMay 23, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Smart toilet may soon analyze stool for health problems

A new artificial intelligence tool can analyze patients' stool images to help diagnose chronic gastrointestinal issues such as IBD and IBS. The Smart Toilet technology provides a more accurate and timely diagnosis by collecting long-term data on stool form and presence of blood.

SourceDigestive Disease Week·DateMay 22, 2021

Virtual SLEEP 2021 meeting brings international research to you

The Virtual SLEEP 2021 meeting features over 60 sessions on clinical sleep science and practice, basic and translational sleep and circadian science, and technologist tracks. Keynote speakers include Eus JW Van Someren and Wendy Troxel, presenting on topics such as insomnia, COVID-19 impact on adult sleep health, and disparities in sleep.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateMay 21, 2021

Infants recognize rapid images, just like adults

Researchers found that infants aged 7 and 8 months could identify two faces when the temporal interval was 800ms, but overlooked the second face when separated by 200ms. This suggests that infants take less than a second to process visual information and have the same temporal limitation as adults.

SourceChuo University·JournalCognition·DateMay 21, 2021
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.

Making the gray cells happy

Research using neutrons reveals a connection between lithium concentration and depression, with healthier individuals having more lithium in their gray matter. The findings suggest that lithium may play an important role in the body, with implications for therapy and understanding of physiological processes.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 21, 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.

Examining variation in SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, socioeconomic disadvantage in Mayan-Latinx population

A study examining SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and socioeconomic disadvantage among a Mayan-Latinx population in California revealed significant variation in infection rates. The researchers identified socioeconomic factors as a key predictor of increased risk, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address health disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 21, 2021

New mechanism to control tomato ripening discovered

Researchers have identified a genetic mechanism called CHLORAD that plays a crucial role in the tomato ripening process. Activated CHLORAD systems produce more lycopene, a health-promoting compound, resulting in faster red coloration and higher nutritional value.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalNature Plants·DateMay 21, 2021

Green light on gold atoms

Gold nano-antennas concentrate light to enhance signal from nanoscale region, creating orange and red flashes of fluorescence. The phenomenon allows for observation of atomic scale dynamics without sophisticated microscopes.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 21, 2021
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.

How human cells and pathogenic shigella engage in battle

A study by UT Southwestern researchers reveals that a protein called gasdermin B (GSDMB) is killed by the infectious bacteria Shigella flexneri, which tags GSDMB with a chemical tag for destruction. This discovery could lead to new antibiotics and treatments for inflammatory diseases such as asthma and Type 1 diabetes.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell·DateMay 21, 2021

Nanoparticles: The complex rhythm of chemistry

Research at TU Wien reveals that individual facets of nanoparticles can form oscillations of different frequencies when exposed to oxygen and hydrogen. This complex behavior can lead to more effective catalysts and insights into non-linear reaction kinetics.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·DateMay 21, 2021

Missing role of finance in climate mitigation scenarios

The study introduces a dynamic approach to complement existing climate mitigation scenarios, taking into account the financial system's enabling or hampering role. This framework helps investors adjust their expectations and reallocate capital to low-carbon investments, leading to a smoother transition to a sustainable economy.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience·DateMay 21, 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.

Clues from soured milk reveal how gold veins form

Researchers find that hyper-enriched gold deposits form like soured milk, with butterfat particles clumping together to form a jelly. This process explains the rapid formation of these rare and valuable deposits, solving a decades-old scientific puzzle.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2021
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.

Darwin foreshadowed modern scientific theories

Recent research confirms Darwin's insights on human evolution, revealing shared characteristics with apes, talent for high-level cooperation, and expanded social learning capacity

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalScience·DateMay 21, 2021

Telling up from down: How marine flatworms learn to sense gravity

Scientists from Okayama University discovered that marine flatworms develop gravity-sensing ability within 0-7 days after hatching, with a statolith forming in the statocyst. The statocyst comprises nerve cords and is connected to the nervous system through the basal lamina and stc.

SourceOkayama University·JournalZoomorphology·DateMay 21, 2021

Itch insight: Skin itch mechanisms differ on hairless versus hairy skin

Studies show distinct neuron populations control itching in hairy and hairless skin, offering hope for targeted therapies. Researchers aim to develop treatments that block itch-inducing neurons, improving quality of life for patients with chronic skin itch conditions.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2021
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.

Long-term gluten intake, cognitive function among women

An observational study of over 1,000 middle-aged women without celiac disease found no link between gluten consumption and cognitive decline. The study suggests that the relationship between gluten and cognitive function is more complex than previously thought.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 21, 2021

Russian wildfires and tropospheric ozone pollution over Northern Tibetan Plateau

Researchers analyzed vertical ozone distributions and found deep stratospheric intrusions contributed to large ozone partial pressure in the troposphere. Long-range transport of wildfire smoke from central Russia in 2016 caused ozone pollution over the northern Tibetan Plateau.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric Research·DateMay 21, 2021

Preventing the spread of plant pandemics

Global plant disease outbreaks are increasing, threatening global food supply, due to climate change and increased trade. Researchers call for improved detection systems, surveillance, and modeling to prevent disease outbreaks.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2021
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.

Sand's urban role demands key part on sustainability stage

Scientists call for stronger focus on understanding sand use and extraction to achieve economic and environmental justice. A new approach considers the interlinkages of sand supply and demand, linking extraction, processing, distribution, economics, and policy to reduce negative impacts.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalOne Earth·DateMay 21, 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.

Study shows which North American mammals live most successfully alongside people

Research analyzing camera trap data from across North America found that smaller, faster-reproducing mammals with generalist diets are best equipped to live alongside humans. Conversely, larger species like grizzly bears and lynx tend to avoid more developed areas and are less active when present.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMay 21, 2021

Legitimation strategies for coal exits in Germany and Canada

Researchers examine how governments use stakeholder commissions to legitimize their transition policies, finding similarities and differences between the two countries. Both Canada and Germany face challenges in phasing out coal due to job losses and regional concerns.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalPolitical Geography·DateMay 21, 2021
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.

Best predictor of arrest rates? The 'birth lottery of history'

A longitudinal study by Harvard sociologist Robert J. Sampson and Ph.D. candidate Roland Neil found that the era in which adolescents came of age significantly influences their chances of arrest, with older cohorts facing nearly double the risk of arrest compared to younger cohorts born in the 1990s.

SourceHarvard University·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateMay 21, 2021

A novel defense mechanism for SARS-CoV-2 discovered

Researchers at Hokkaido University have identified a unique defense mechanism against SARS-CoV-2, involving the viral pattern recognition receptor RIG-I. Upregulating RIG-I expression may help predict COVID-19 patient outcomes and could be a potential strategy to control SARS-CoV-2 infection.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Immunology·DateMay 21, 2021

Medication use in hospitalized patients with COVID-19

A study analyzed medication use among hospitalized patients with COVID-19, revealing insights into effective treatment strategies. The research highlights the importance of careful medication management to improve patient outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 21, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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