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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 311


Page 311 of 510

The triple threat of coronavirus

SARS-CoV-2 employs a three-pronged strategy to outsmart the immune system, including reducing gene translation, degrading messenger RNAs, and preventing mRNA export. This 'host shutoff' tactic delays and muddles the immune response, resulting in severe symptoms of COVID-19.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateMay 12, 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.

We need herd immunity against COVID-19 vaccine misinformation

A new UNSW Sydney study examines content between December 2019 to November 2020 and found over 103 million people globally shared or reacted with misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines. The study highlights the need for traditional risk communication and community engagement methods to counter misinformation.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 12, 2021

Kefir packs less of a probiotic punch than labels claim

A new study found that five major kefir brands fell short of their claims, delivering between 10 million to 1 billion bacteria per gram. The researchers also identified discrepancies between the labeled species and those present in the products.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJDS Communications·DateMay 12, 2021

Researchers reveal the internal signals cells use to maintain energy

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute identified lipid kinases as essential for balancing cellular metabolism and promoting overall health. The findings support targeting these proteins as a promising approach to treating diseases like cancer.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMay 12, 2021

Mitochondrial enzyme found to block cell death pathway points to new cancer treatment strategy

Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that targeting the mitochondrial enzyme DHODH can induce ferroptosis and suppress tumor growth in cancer cells. The study suggests a new therapeutic strategy for inducing ferroptosis, which could have broad implications for treating various types of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateMay 12, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brain computer interface turns mental handwriting into text on screen

Researchers have deciphered brain activity associated with trying to write letters by hand and developed an algorithm to identify letters. The system displayed the text on a screen in real time, allowing the participant to type 90 characters per minute, more than double the previous record for typing with a brain-computer interface.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 12, 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.

Oleoyl-LPE exerts neurite stimulation and neuroprotection

Researchers found that 18:1 LPE promotes neurite outgrowth and protects neurons from glutamate toxicity, suggesting a key role for LPE in brain function. The study provides new insights into the physiological importance of LPE and its potential as a therapeutic agent for cranial nerve damage.

SourceShinshu University·JournalThe Journal of Biochemistry·DateMay 12, 2021

Can fisheries benefit from biodiversity and conserve it too?

A new study reveals that fish biodiversity can provide benefits to mixed-stock fisheries, such as stabilizing catches, but comes with the cost of increased conservation risks. By targeting specific productive stocks and avoiding unproductive weak ones, fisheries can maintain high harvest rates while reducing these risks.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateMay 12, 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.

Health status of vulnerable gopher tortoises revealed in Southeastern Florida

Researchers conducted a comprehensive health assessment of gopher tortoises, finding that 42.9% had circulating antibodies to Mycoplasma agassizii, indicating an outbreak at one site. The study provides important baseline data on emerging pathogens and highlights the need for further surveillance.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalConservation Physiology·DateMay 12, 2021

UCLA scientists decode the 'language' of immune cells

Researchers at UCLA have identified six signaling codons that specific immune cells use to call up immune defense genes. These codon-words can lead to incorrect gene activation and cause autoimmune diseases like Sjögren's syndrome, which is found when the body mistakenly attacks itself.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalImmunity·DateMay 12, 2021

Organic meat less likely to be contaminated with multidrug-resistant bacteria, study suggests

A new study found that organic-certified meats are 56 percent less likely to be contaminated with multidrug-resistant bacteria compared to conventionally produced meat. The research analyzed data from the US National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System and covered over 39,000 meat samples.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 12, 2021

Peptide could allow medical marijuana to relieve pain without side effects

Researchers have developed a peptide that enables THC to fight pain without the cognitive side effects associated with cannabis. In mice, the optimized peptide showed improved memory and reduced immune response, making it an ideal drug candidate for reducing cognitive side effects from cannabis-based pain management.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateMay 12, 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.

Ancient gut microbiomes may offer clues to modern diseases

Scientists have discovered dramatic differences in gut microbiomes between ancient North American peoples and modern industrialized populations. The analysis of human paleofeces from dry caves reveals novel species of microbes and higher numbers of transposases, which may help microbes adapt to changing environments.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalNature·DateMay 12, 2021

10 years after obesity surgery: How did life turn out?

Patients who underwent bariatric surgery ten years ago reported that their eating habits and appetite remained affected, with reduced cravings for unhealthy foods. However, they also described struggling to manage their lives, including supporting overweight children, due to ongoing guilt and self-blame.

SourceLund University·JournalSurgery for Obesity and Related Diseases·DateMay 12, 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.

Quantum machine learning hits a limit

A new theorem limits the use of quantum machine learning to learn processes like black holes, highlighting its fundamental limits. However, most physical processes are structured enough that they don't resemble random ones, making the impact less severe.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 12, 2021

COVID-19 vaccine does not damage the placenta in pregnancy

A new Northwestern Medicine study of placentas from vaccinated patients found no evidence of injury, supporting the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy. The study adds to growing evidence that vaccination can protect fetuses without increasing harm.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 11, 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.

UQ research finds new way to reduce scarring

Researchers at University of Queensland develop gene therapy to block scar formation by targeting SOX9 gene, promising benefits for burn patients and others with significant scarring. The study uses siRNA technology to reduce scarring in animal models, paving the way for potential human treatment.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 2021

Tiny, wireless, injectable chips use ultrasound to monitor body processes

Researchers created a tiny, wireless chip that uses ultrasound to monitor body processes, enabling the development of miniaturized implantable medical devices. The team achieved volumetric efficiency with their design, paving the way for chips that can be injected into the body and communicate wirelessly.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 11, 2021

Electromagnetic levitation whips nanomaterials into shape

By vaporizing metals within a magnetic field, UC Riverside engineers direct the reassembly of metal atoms into consistent shapes and surfaces. The approach enables manipulation of particle assembly, producing string-like aggregates or globular clusters with tunable properties.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 11, 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.

Novel circuitry solves a myriad of computationally intensive problems with minimum energy

Researchers created a design for an electronic hardware system that directly replicates network architectures, solving complex puzzles rapidly and with minimal power consumption. This new approach uses race logic to encode and process information as time signals, reducing the need for bit flips and thus energy expenditure.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACM Journal on Emerging Technologies in Computing Systems·DateMay 11, 2021

Rules of the road: the navigational 'strategies' of bacteria in motion

Researchers at McGill University studied bacterial movement through microfluidic environments to understand their navigational 'strategies'. The findings have implications for diagnosing infectious diseases, developing devices for genomics and bio computation, and maintaining human health.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2021

Most frequently asked questions in rheumatology clinics answered

The Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology has developed consensus recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in adult patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The guidelines address concerns about vaccine efficacy and safety, as well as considerations for immunosuppressed patients.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalJournal of Clinical Rheumatology and Immunology·DateMay 11, 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.

Better treatment for miscarriage patients is more cost effective than standard NHS treatment

A new study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that a combined drug treatment for missed miscarriage is more effective and cheaper than current standard medication. The treatment, combining mifepristone and misoprostol, was on average £182 cheaper per successfully managed miscarriage.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateMay 11, 2021

History of giants in the gene: Scientists use DNA to trace the origins of giant viruses

A recent study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution reveals that the DNA replication machinery of Mimivirus, a giant virus, is ancient and evolved over time. The research suggests that Mimiviral genes related to DNA replication are subject to purifying selection, indicating their essential role in the organism's survival.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMay 11, 2021

Southern African dinosaur had irregular growth

A new study found that Massospondylus carinatus, a medium-sized southern African dinosaur, had growth variations from year to year. The dinosaur's growth directly responded to environmental conditions, with significant increases in good years and minimal growth in bad years.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalBiology Letters·DateMay 11, 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.

Scientists will protect the "Smart City" from cyber threats

Researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University developed a methodology for assessing cyber risks in Smart City infrastructure. The new approach analyzes asset types, threats, and risk values using a quantitative approach, demonstrating superiority over existing methods.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·DateMay 11, 2021

Extreme weather affecting UK agriculture -- But adapting to changing climate a challenge for many farmers, study shows

A new study reveals that many UK farmers are not prioritizing adapting to the effects of climate change due to uncertainty and focus on short-term profitability. However, innovative practices such as improving soil health and adopting risk-spreading strategies can help build resilience within farming businesses.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalClimate Risk Management·DateMay 11, 2021

New research outlines a critical driver in an immune cell's defense against melanoma

Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute discovered that nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) plays a key role in how immune cells fight melanoma tumors. The study found that disrupting the NAMPT pathway impairs antitumor function, and novel therapies targeting this pathway may lead to improved outcomes for patients.

SourceHuntsman Cancer Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 2021

Protecting local water has global benefits

A new paper found that cleaning local lakes and waterbodies can slow climate change and save trillions of dollars by reducing methane emissions. The study estimated the costs of global climate change due to eutrophication from 2015 to 2050 to be as much as $81 trillion.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 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.

Zoo YouTube videos prioritize entertainment over education

A new study found that zoo YouTube videos focus disproportionately on mammals, with only 3% of content dedicated to conservation. However, the study also notes an increase in conservation-focused videos in recent years, highlighting the potential for social media to support global conservation education.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens·DateMay 11, 2021

Transferability of surface-functionalized metallic nanoparticles

The review explores recent strategies in surface functionalization, their specific biomedical applications, and comparative toxicities with non-functionalized metallic nanoparticles. It discusses the challenges for metallic NPs to undergo human clinical trials due to their aggregation and toxic nature.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateMay 11, 2021

New marine sulfur cycle model after the Snowball Earth glaciation

Researchers propose novel sulfur cycle model incorporating volatile organosulfur compounds to explain global occurrence of superheavy pyrite. The Cryogenian interglacial interval saw sulfidic oceans with pervasive VOSC generation, leading to vertical isotopic gradients and superheavy pyrite precipitation.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 11, 2021
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.

Gene editing expands to new types of immune cells

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have adapted CRISPR-Cas9 technology to edit human monocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays key roles in the immune system. The study shows the potential utility of gene editing for understanding how the human immune system fights viruses and microbes.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 11, 2021

Box fan air cleaner greatly reduces virus transmission

A low-cost box fan air cleaner can greatly decrease airborne virus particles in public school classrooms by drawing in contaminated air and filtering out clean air. Placing the air cleaner near an HUV or other ventilation unit is most effective in reducing aerosol spread.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 11, 2021

Many people could reduce their 'feeding window' by three hours

A study from the University of Surrey found that 67% of UK adults are overweight or obese, with time-restricted feeding showing potential to combat obesity. More than 400 participants believed they could reduce their 'feeding window' by three hours if associated health benefits were clear.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAppetite·DateMay 11, 2021

Microorganisms to transform CO2 into sustainable fuel

A team of researchers aims to increase microorganism's ability to convert CO2 into methane for efficient production of sustainable fuel. The ReMeSh project will examine bio-electrochemical systems and accelerate electron transfer to microbes.

SourceAarhus University·DateMay 11, 2021
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.

Study of 1.5 million British people shows BMI cut offs for obesity and diabetes risk do not work for non-white populations

A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that BMI cut-offs used by the World Health Organization and UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence are not suitable for adults from Black Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. The research, which included over 1.5 million people, shows that these groups...

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateMay 11, 2021

Simulating sneezes and coughs to show how COVID-19 spreads

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories used advanced computer simulations to study the spread of COVID-19 through droplets in the air. Their findings show that protective measures like masks and social distancing are crucial in reducing transmission. The studies also revealed that even with face coverings, smaller particles can pe...

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalAtomization and Sprays·DateMay 11, 2021

Focus on outliers creates flawed snap judgments

Researchers found that participants overestimated minority groups and looked more often at these groups, even in quick visual scans. This bias occurs regardless of social context and is driven by a fundamental feature of human perception

SourceDuke University·JournalCognition·DateMay 11, 2021