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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 305


Page 305 of 510

Shrinking planets could explain mystery of universe's missing worlds

Researchers investigating the 'radius gap' in exoplanet sizes found that younger mini-Neptunes shrink drastically over billions of years, leaving behind solid cores and becoming super-Earths. As planets age, their gas is stripped away, shifting the radius gap between rocky super-Earths and larger, gas-shrouded planets.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateMay 15, 2021

Early biomarker warning of heart disease for diabetic patients

Researchers at Newcastle University discovered that tiny pieces of genetic material, miR-424-5p, increase in early stages of heart disease in type 1 diabetes patients. This biomarker has the potential to define additional therapeutic options to help patients with type 1 diabetes.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateMay 15, 2021

Left atrial appendage occlusion associated with low rate of stroke

The study analyzed over 36,000 LAAO procedures performed with the WATCHMAN device in older, higher-risk patients with atrial fibrillation. At one year, the estimated 1.53% ischemic stroke rate was lower than predicted by stroke risk scores, suggesting effective stroke prevention.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMay 15, 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.

Left atrial appendage occlusion reduces stroke after heart surgery

Researchers found that left atrial appendage occlusion significantly reduced stroke risk by 33% in patients with AFib or atrial flutter. The procedure, performed during heart surgery, added less than 10 minutes to the operation and demonstrated long-term safety.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 15, 2021

Simple surgery prevents strokes in heart patients

A large international study led by McMaster University found that removing the left atrial appendage significantly cuts the risk of strokes by more than one-third in patients with atrial fibrillation. The procedure is simple, quick, and safe for the majority of heart surgery patients with this condition.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 15, 2021

Low- and high-dose aspirin achieve similar protection, safety for those with heart disease

A study presented at ACC.21 found that low- and high-dose aspirin achieved similar health benefits for those with cardiovascular disease, including reduced death and hospitalization rates. However, the higher dose group was more likely to switch doses and discontinue use due to tolerability concerns.

SourcePatient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 15, 2021

Apixaban not superior to standard care after TAVR

Researchers found that apixaban reduced blood clot formation around implanted valves with no increased bleeding risk. However, a subset of patients showed higher rates of non-cardiovascular death without anticoagulation indication.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMay 15, 2021
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.

Climate change threatens one-third of global food production

New research by Aalto University warns that climate change could push a third of global food production out of safe climatic space if greenhouse gas emissions continue growing unchecked. The study assesses the impact of climate change on crop production and livestock, highlighting regions most vulnerable to changes.

SourceAalto University·JournalOne Earth·DateMay 14, 2021

New research will improve safety and quality of Heparin

A new analytical approach for detecting contaminants in Heparin has been developed, increasing sensitivity by over 100 times and reducing analysis time and material requirements. This technique has the potential to improve the quality and safety of the widely used anticoagulant drug.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateMay 14, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Building a foundation for high-power tech

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are working on new soft magnetic materials and manufacturing processes to enable ultra-high frequency power electronics switching devices. The four-year project aims to establish a foundation for ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor materials in novel power electronics switching devices.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateMay 14, 2021

The eyes offer a window into Alzheimer's disease

A new study reveals that retinal scans can identify early signs of Alzheimer's disease by detecting changes in blood vessels associated with the APOE4 gene. The research provides a potential path forward for early detection and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateMay 14, 2021

Bio-inspired scaffolds help promote muscle growth

Rice University bioengineers have created electrospun scaffolds from decellularized skeletal muscle that mimic native tissue and direct the growth of myotubes. The tunable scaffolds promote muscle regeneration with minimal crosslinking agents, offering a promising solution for reconstructive surgeries.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 14, 2021

Is the past (and future) there when nobody looks?

Researchers investigate the limits of quantum theory in describing an observer's experience, leading to a 'no-go theorem' for the persistent reality of Wigner's friend perception. The study challenges traditional assumptions about the nature of reality and raises questions about the reliability of an observer's predictions.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCommunications Physics·DateMay 14, 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.

Scientists rewrite the genesis of mosquito-borne viruses

Researchers have discovered a misinterpreted model of immature flavivirus particles, revealing an unexpected organisation that could lead to new and better vaccines. The study's findings define the exact wiring of the immature virus before it becomes infectious, providing a solid foundation for designing tomorrow's treatments.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 14, 2021

Access to overdose-reversing drugs declined during pandemic, researchers find

A study published in JAMA Health Forum found that nonfatal opioid overdose visits have more than doubled during the pandemic, while few patients who overdosed on opioids had received a prescription for naloxone. The number of individuals filling naloxone prescriptions fell by over 25% throughout the pandemic.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMay 14, 2021

New immunotherapy 'highly effective' against hepatitis B

Scientists at UCL have identified a new immunotherapy that targets acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT), an enzyme helping to manage cholesterol levels in cells. Boosting ACAT inhibition boosts specific immune cells fighting both the virus and cancerous tumours, demonstrating its effectiveness as an immunotherapy.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 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.

Maternal stress during pregnancy may shorten lifespans of male lizard offspring

A Penn State-led study found that maternal stress during pregnancy can shorten the telomeres of male lizard offspring, leading to decreased lifespan. The researchers discovered a sex-specific effect, where stressed mothers give birth to sons with significantly shorter telomeres, highlighting potential implications for human longevity.

SourcePenn State·JournalComparative Biochemistry and Physiology·DateMay 14, 2021

New technology enables rapid sequencing of entire genomes of plant pathogens

A new technology has made it possible to quickly sequence the entire genome of plant pathogens, enabling faster diagnosis and identification of emerging pathogens. This breakthrough has great implications for the plant pathology field, allowing for more accurate identification of difficult-to-diagnose pathogens.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Health Progress·DateMay 14, 2021

Yoga and breathing exercises aid children with ADHD to focus

Researchers at Ural Federal University found that yoga and breathing exercises can improve attention and reduce hyperactivity in children with ADHD. The studies involved 16 children aged six to seven years who received special classes, including diaphragmatic rhythmic deep breathing exercises.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMay 14, 2021

Genes associated with COVID-19 risk identified

Research identified specific genetic variants associated with COVID-19 risk, including the ABO gene and others like SLC6A20 and ERMP1. These variants can increase the chances of developing COVID-19, highlighting the importance of genetic factors in disease susceptibility.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 14, 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.

Researchers pinpoint possible way to prevent permanent hearing loss caused by cancer drug

University of Alberta scientists have identified Toll-like receptor 4 as a potential target for preventing permanent hearing loss caused by the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. By inhibiting this receptor, they may be able to eliminate toxic side effects from the drug that cause hearing loss in childhood cancer survivors.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalEMBO Reports·DateMay 14, 2021

New pre-clinical model could hold the key to better HIV treatments

Researchers developed a unique pre-clinical model of long-term HIV infection using subset of human CD4 cells, excluding those prone to attacking mouse tissue. The model showed that memory CD4 cells can be infected and killed by HIV or protected by anti-HIV drugs, paving the way for T-cell based therapies

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 14, 2021

Few realistic scenarios left to limit global warming to 1.5°C

Only a few hundred climate scenarios avoid significantly overshooting the 1.5°C limit, according to a new study. All realistic scenarios require significant emission reductions and rely on multiple mitigation levers, including carbon removal and land use changes. The window for meeting the target is rapidly closing.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 14, 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.

Cataloging breast cells to find cancer origins

The study created a comprehensive catalog of healthy breast tissue cells, enabling scientists to pinpoint the origin of abnormal changes. By tracking gene activity in over 15,000 cells, the team redefined healthy breast tissue and identified subpopulations with different responses to therapies.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalJournal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia·DateMay 14, 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.

Solar wind from the center of the Earth

Researchers from Heidelberg University found solar noble gases in an iron meteorite, indicating that solar wind particles encased in the Earth's core over 4.5 billion years ago. The discovery suggests a new perspective on the Earth's mantle and its geochemical development.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateMay 14, 2021

Pandemic boosts demand for postal delivery of abortion pill

Two studies published in Contraception found that telehealth abortion improves access to reproductive health services, particularly for low-income persons and those living in rural areas. The studies also showed that most patients prefer receiving abortion pills through the mail and interacting with healthcare providers via telehealth.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalContraception·DateMay 14, 2021

U-M researchers trace path of light in photosynthesis

Researchers at the University of Michigan have determined the first steps in converting light into energy for a type of bacteria that uses photosynthesis. By studying heliobacteria's reaction centers, they identified which pigments initially donate and accept electrons during charge separation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2021

Emergence of a new heteronanostructure library

A research team at USTC reports a new class of axial superlattice nanowires (ASLNWs) that enable large lattice-mismatch tolerance and vast material combinations. They achieve this by designing an axial encoding methodology for predictable, high-precision synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 14, 2021

Researchers develop first-in-class inhibitors against key leukemia protein

A team of researchers has developed first-in-class small molecules to inhibit the SET domain of the ASH1L protein, preventing critical molecular interactions in leukemia development. The lead compound, AS-99, successfully reduced leukemia progression in mouse models.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2021
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.

New research optimizes body's own immune system to fight cancer

A groundbreaking study by University of Minnesota researchers shows how engineered immune cells can move faster and more effectively through tumors, improving cancer therapies for millions worldwide. The research uses advanced gene editing technologies to modify T cells, enabling them to recognize and destroy cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2021

Fairness 'important - but not enough'

Researchers discovered that fair treatment alone is insufficient to foster a sense of value in groups; instead, recognizing individual talents and qualities provides a sense of inclusion while promoting mental health. This approach complements the idea of 'fitting in' by allowing individuals to stand out and feel valuable.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 14, 2021

Fibre-optics used to take the temperature of Greenland Ice Sheet

Researchers used fibre-optic sensing to obtain highly detailed temperature measurements from the surface of the ice sheet to its base, revealing a heterogeneous temperature distribution. This finding contradicts previous theories and highlights limitations in current models, including those predicting global sea-level rise.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 14, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

The chemistry of magnesium turned on its head

Researchers at FAU have discovered a new class of magnesium complexes in which the metal has a zero-oxidation state, forming elemental Mg in complex compounds. This discovery represents a landmark in the chemistry of magnesium and opens up new avenues for research into its unusual reactivity.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature·DateMay 14, 2021

Above the noise

Scientists from Osaka University used machine learning methods to enhance signal-to-noise ratio in nanopore data, enabling higher precision measurements. The 'Noise2Noise' technique improved resolution of noisy runs, revealing faint features hidden by random fluctuations.

SourceOsaka University·JournalSmall Methods·DateMay 14, 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.

Nagoya University scientists reveal unprecedentedly versatile new DNA staining probe

Kakshine is a new DNA fluorescent dye with unprecedented versatility, enabling super-resolution imaging of mitochondrial DNA in living cells and deep tissue imaging. Its applications include electrophoresis, quantitative PCR, and flow cytometry, making it a promising tool for DNA analysis.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 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.

Most pediatric spinal fractures related to not wearing seatbelts

A study published in Spine Journal reveals that most pediatric spinal fractures occur in motor vehicle accidents where seatbelts are not used. The majority of these injuries (63%) occur in teenagers aged 15-17, who are at highest risk for MVA-related spinal fractures. Wearing a seatbelt significantly reduces the risk of death and spina...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalSpine·DateMay 14, 2021

You're so vein: Scientists discover faster way to manufacture vascular materials

Researchers at Beckman Institute develop new manufacturing process that shortens production time from two days to just minutes, enabling the creation of self-healing structural materials. The technology has potential applications in various fields, including aerospace and construction.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 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.