Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2021 - Page 318


Page 318 of 510

Breakthrough thanks to helices made of nickel

Physicists at FAU have confirmed the long-predicted chiral Faraday effect in an experiment using nickel helices. This breakthrough provides a new piece of fundamental magneto-optical theory and has implications for astrophysics and quantum electronics.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 7, 2021

The Lancet Rheumatology: Largest study to date confirms non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications do not result in worse COVID-19 outcomes

A new observational study published in The Lancet Rheumatology found that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) taken prior to hospital admission for COVID-19 do not increase mortality rates. In fact, the use of NSAIDs was similar among patients who had taken them and those who had not. This large-scale study provides reassura...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·DateMay 7, 2021

New innovation successfully treats neonatal hypothermia

The Dream Warmer, a low-cost, reusable non-electric infant warmer, reduces neonatal hypothermia rates by 11% and infant death rates by 70% in a new study. The warmer is effective, safe, and easy to use, making it a promising solution for optimizing the health of vulnerable infants in resource-limited settings.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·DateMay 7, 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.

How we retrieve our knowledge about the world

The study found that the brain processes individual features of an object, such as sounds and actions, and also abstract symbol-like features. The researchers developed a hierarchical model to reflect how conceptual knowledge is represented in the human brain.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateMay 7, 2021

How bullying and obesity can affect girls' and boys' mental health

A study by Uppsala University found that bullying is a greater risk factor than overweight for developing depressive symptoms in both girls and boys. However, boys' mental health is more affected if they suffer from obesity, with a five-fold higher risk of having depressive symptoms in 2015 compared to normal-weight boys.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateMay 7, 2021

Novel matrix-based slow-release urea improves crop production

A novel matrix-based slow-release urea was developed to improve nitrogen use efficiency in rice production, reducing nitrogen loss and increasing soil nitrogen availability. The new fertilizer showed significant agronomic nitrogen efficiency gains and improved rice yields.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalPedosphere·DateMay 7, 2021

UTMB scientists awarded $11.3 million for new studies on Ebola virus

Researchers at UTMB will investigate Ebola infections in human cell culture and nonhuman primates, with the goal of developing new insights into prevention and treatment. The $11.3M grant will also support the development of sophisticated models using 'big data' to predict infection outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·DateMay 7, 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.

Winning gene combination takes all

Scientists have successfully identified the complete avenacin biosynthetic pathway in oats, which provides resistance to soil-borne diseases like take-all. This discovery has implications for creating disease-resistant lines of wheat using modern technologies.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2021

Archaeologists pinpoint population for the Greater Angkor region

A new study using airborne lidar sensing and machine-learning algorithms estimates that the Greater Angkor region was home to 700,000-900,000 people. The findings provide valuable insights into the region's population dynamics and its relevance to understanding urbanization in the face of climate change.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 7, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Too much, too little or just right: WVU researchers study proper 'dosing' of telehealth

A systematic review of studies on telehealth and chronic conditions found that frequent services benefited patients more when continued for about a year. However, the optimal frequency and duration of telehealth services remain unknown. Researchers are working to measure dose in standard ways to inform best practices.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalE-Health Telecommunication Systems and Networks·DateMay 7, 2021

New study examines social network's relation to binge drinking among adults

A new study by Indiana University researcher Hank Green found that cohesive neighborhoods where people get along and help each other have a lower likelihood of binge drinking. In contrast, disordered neighborhoods with less social cohesion tend to increase binge drinking, especially among those with denser social networks.

SourceIndiana University·JournalHealth & Place·DateMay 7, 2021

How viruses and bacteria can reach drinking water wells

A study by researchers in Berlin and Milan found that floods can increase bacteria concentrations in groundwater due to reduced purification capacity of bank filtration. The research highlights the importance of considering seasonal dynamics and sediment properties in risk assessment practices.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalWater Resources Research·DateMay 7, 2021

The first hydroxide conductivity in anion conducting polymer thin films

Scientists from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have successfully developed a new humidity measurement technique for anion conducting polymer thin films. The study revealed high hydroxide ion conductivity of 0.05 S cm^-1, comparable to thick membrane forms.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalChemSusChem·DateMay 7, 2021

Essential virulence proteins of corn smut discovered

A complex of seven proteins is essential for Ustilago maydis to infect its host plant maize. The discovery could lead to developing new fungicides and understanding how effectors function in biotrophic fungi.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 7, 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.

Losing an only child is more devastating than losing a spouse, according to study of Chinese parents

A recent study published in Aging & Mental Health suggests that Chinese parents experience approximately 1.3 times more psychological distress after losing an only child compared to losing a spouse. The loss of an only child is devastating due to the emotional, financial, and instrumental support it provides to older adults.

SourceNew York University·JournalAging & Mental Health·DateMay 7, 2021

Study helps to better understand the link between indoor and outdoor air quality

A recent study by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics found that indoor aerosol species are primarily from outdoor air exchange. The researchers measured indoor PM2.5 concentrations and chemical compositions, revealing differences in organic aerosol due to temperature changes. Improved ventilation strategies may actually increase expo...

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalIndoor Air·DateMay 7, 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.

Not so wicked after all?

A new study challenges the long-held notion that stepparents are responsible for negative outcomes in stepchildren. The research found that parental mortality has a negative impact on children under 18, especially for infants losing a mother, but does not affect stepchild mortality rates.

SourceEast Carolina University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMay 6, 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.

Better healthcare guidance needed for trans people

A review of international clinical practice guidelines found significant gaps in the physical and mental health needs of gender minority and trans people. Researchers highlight the need for better research to improve healthcare guidance, including addressing mortality and quality of life.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBMJ Open·DateMay 6, 2021

Greater effectiveness in the treatment of arrhythmia with radio frequency energy and catheterization

Researchers have developed a new, high-power short-duration (HPSD) protocol for treating cardiac arrhythmias using radiofrequency energy and catheterization. The study shows this protocol is more effective than conventional ones in achieving shallower but extensive lesions, minimizing clinical complications.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalInternational Journal of Hyperthermia·DateMay 6, 2021

Blocking viruses' exit strategy

Researchers develop a novel antiviral targeting Marburg virus, blocking its departure from infected cells. Preliminary results also show potential against SARS-CoV-2, with ongoing studies underway.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateMay 6, 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.

Online learning doesn't improve student sleep habits, research suggests

Research from Simon Fraser University suggests that remote learning leads to delayed sleep timing without increased overall sleep duration. Students slept later but did not sleep more, contrary to assumptions that would suggest better time management would lead to improved sleep habits.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 6, 2021

Researchers find the secret behind maintaining a healthy weight loss

A new study by University of Copenhagen researchers reveals the key to maintaining long-term weight loss in people with obesity. Combining moderate-intensity exercise with appetite-inhibiting medication yields significant health benefits, including reduced blood sugar levels, improved fitness ratings, and muscle mass preservation.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 6, 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.

Ice core data show why, despite lower sulfur emissions in US and Western Europe, air pollution is dropping more slowly

Researchers analyzed ice core data from Greenland to understand the relationship between sulfur dioxide emissions and sulfate aerosols. They found that sulfate levels have declined more slowly than sulfur dioxide emissions, especially in wintertime, due to a reaction that partially mitigates reductions.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 6, 2021

NIST team directs and measures quantum drum duet

Researchers at NIST successfully entangled two small aluminum drums, measuring the subtle statistical relationships between their motions. They analyzed radar-like signals to verify the fragile entanglement, demonstrating a new capability in large-scale quantum networks.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateMay 6, 2021

New boost in quantum technologies

Researchers at the University of Stuttgart have successfully identified promising quantum bits in two-dimensional materials. The discovery enables robust generation, reading out, and control of quantum bits, paving the way for a new boost in quantum technologies.

SourceUniversitaet Stuttgart·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 6, 2021

Significant progress in lithium-air battery development

Research from the University of Liverpool and Loughborough University has developed electrolyte formulations for lithium-oxygen batteries, significantly improving cycle stability. The technology could provide greater energy storage than conventional lithium-ion batteries.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 6, 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.

Zero to hero: Overlooked material could help reduce our carbon footprint

Scientists from Okayama University have discovered a high-performance CO2 adsorption material in zeolites at room temperature. The discovery, reported in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A, opens up new possibilities for efficient air purification, including applications in space shuttles and concert halls.

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateMay 6, 2021

FAST detects 3D spin-velocity alignment in a pulsar

A recent study published in Nature Astronomy has found evidence for three-dimensional (3D) spin-velocity alignment in pulsars. The research, conducted using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST), reveals new insights into the origins of these rapidly rotating neutron stars.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMay 6, 2021

New evidence links gut bacteria and neurodegenerative conditions

Researchers found a link between specific gut bacteria species and physical manifestations of neurodegenerative diseases. The study showed that introducing certain bacteria into worms caused protein aggregation, a common symptom of these conditions. This finding may help explain the connection between gut bacteria and neurodegeneration.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 6, 2021

To be or not to be: An organoid

Researchers from Utrecht University publish a consensus on what constitutes an organoid, highlighting the importance of using primary cells for personalized therapies. The new system categorizes organoids into three types based on defining characteristics, providing clarity for future research and clinical applications.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 6, 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.

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.

Hollings researchers study SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in asymptomatic & symptomatic individuals

Researchers screened over 60,000 blood samples from asymptomatic individuals for IgG antibody to the viral spike protein, finding strong correlations between high anti-S IgG levels and neutralizing activity. The study also showed age-related differences in antibody responses and a higher prevalence of COVID-19 among African Americans.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournaliScience·DateMay 6, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic: Even mild disease impacts mental health

Significant levels of depressive, anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms were reported by 26%, 22% and 17% respectively among patients with mild COVID-19 disease. These findings highlight the need for early mental health intervention to prevent incident mental health problems.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalProgress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry·DateMay 6, 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.

Inner ear biology reveals the origin of birdlike features in dinosaurs

Researchers analyzed inner ear anatomy in extinct and living species to understand dinosaur sensory biology and behavior. The studies found clear patterns relating the shape of the semi-circular canal and cochlea to movement ability and hearing high-frequency sound.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 6, 2021

How we created the 'perfect storm' for pandemics

The world's vast population of people, pets, and livestock has created an ideal environment for the evolution and transmission of zoonotic infectious diseases. To mitigate this threat, experts recommend using vaccination passports, maximizing genetic variation in livestock, and reducing animal protein consumption.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalVirulence·DateMay 6, 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.

Defective epithelial barriers linked to two billion chronic diseases

Damage to the epithelial barrier is responsible for a wide range of chronic diseases, including allergies, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. Research suggests that environmental toxins and pollutants play a significant role in causing these disruptions, emphasizing the need for prevention and intervention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Reviews Immunology·DateMay 6, 2021

The effects of eliminating race-based adjustments in estimates of kidney function

Eliminating race-based adjustments in equations to estimate kidney function may lead to significant changes in medication prescribing practices for Black adults, according to a new study. The findings suggest that this change could result in lower eGFR values and potentially impact treatment outcomes for diabetic patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 6, 2021