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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 326


Page 326 of 510

Need to vent? Turn to real-life support, not social media

A study by Michigan State University found that excessive social media use can lead to poor mental health due to limited real-life social support. The research suggests that people who engage in too much social media use often receive less social support in their daily lives, which can negatively impact their mental well-being.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateMay 3, 2021

Applying UV light to common disinfectants makes them safer to use

A new study from the University of Waterloo discovered that UVC light can neutralize benzalkonium chloride (BAK), a common ingredient in disinfectants, making them safer for humans and the environment. The treatment reduces BAK's toxicity and minimizes its harmful effects on skin and eyes.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCutaneous and Ocular Toxicology·DateMay 3, 2021

Scientists find small molecule cocktail to improve stem cell use in research, medicine

Researchers at NIH have devised a four-part small-molecule cocktail, CEPT, that protects induced pluripotent stem cells from stress and maintains normal stem cell structure and function. The cocktail enhances the potential therapeutic uses of stem cells in treating diseases like diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injury.

SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 3, 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.

Housing subsidies reduce health care costs for vulnerable veterans

Veterans who received temporary financial assistance for housing had fewer hospital visits and an average reduction in health care costs of $2,800 over two years compared to those who did not receive the benefit. This model could help better serve homeless Americans, including non-veterans.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMay 3, 2021

Previously unrecognized tsunami hazard identified in coastal cities

Researchers discovered overlooked tsunami hazards linked to undersea strike-slip faults, especially in areas like the San Francisco Bay and Izmit Bay. The study highlights the need to reassess tsunami hazard ratings for underwater strike-slip faults traversing narrow bays worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2021

Volunteer firefighters have higher levels of 'forever chemicals'

A Rutgers University study found that volunteer firefighters have higher levels of 'forever chemicals' in their bodies than the general public. The chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are linked to numerous health conditions including cardiovascular disease and cancer.

SourceRutgers University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMay 3, 2021

Study finds disparities in colorectal cancer screenings

New research reveals patients with multiple comorbidities are more likely to be screened for colorectal cancer than those without any health conditions. Regular screenings significantly reduce cancer mortality.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalJournal of Osteopathic Medicine·DateMay 3, 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.

Plastic pollution in the deep sea: A geological perspective

Research highlights the persistence of plastic waste in deep-sea environments, with potential implications for marine life and the sedimentary record. The study suggests that plastics can survive for thousands of years in ocean trenches, posing a significant challenge to mitigation efforts.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMay 3, 2021

Thermal resilience of Red Sea corals

The study found that Red Sea corals can withstand temperatures up to 32°C without major gene expression changes, but 34.5°C is above the lethal limit for some species. The corals' resilient gene expression enhances their chances of survival in a warming world.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2021

33% of neighborhoods in largest US cities were 'pharmacy deserts'

A USC study reveals that 1 in 3 neighborhoods in the largest US cities have limited pharmacy access, disproportionately affecting Black and Latino residents. This 'pharmacy desert' phenomenon may contribute to persistent racial and ethnic health disparities.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMay 3, 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.

At the heart of globalization

The new Käte Hamburger International Research Center will study globalization from the dynamics of 'dis:connectivity', considering opposing forces, diversions, and loss of connectivity. Researchers hope to develop a practice-based understanding of globalization combining scholarly approaches with aesthetic points of view.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·DateMay 3, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Blockchain as 'TechQuity': How tech solutions have the power to help the homeless

Researchers from Dell Medical School propose using blockchain to manage identities of people experiencing homelessness, providing secure access to critical services. The technology has shown promise in establishing an identity system for those in need, improving their ability to navigate complex bureaucracies.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved·DateMay 3, 2021

Prehistoric humans first traversed Australia by 'superhighways'

Researchers created detailed maps of prehistoric human migration to Australia, identifying 'superhighways' that aligned with earliest known archaeological sites. The approach could help forecast modern-day human migration and inform the search for undiscovered archaeological sites.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMay 3, 2021

UTEP study examines movement in children with autism

A UTEP study published in Perceptual and Motor Skills found that children with autism exhibit highly individualized responses to live animation biofeedback when learning motor skills. The results suggest that each child with autism requires tailored instruction to overcome their unique motor learning characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalPerceptual and Motor Skills·DateMay 3, 2021
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.

New class of drug gives hope to some ovarian cancer patients

A study published in Nature Communications found that rucaparib is effective in treating ovarian cancers with inherited or somatic mutations in DNA repair genes. The drug targets the Achilles heel of cancers with defects in DNA repair, outperforming chemotherapy in early treatment stages.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 3, 2021

Strong and flexible cofactors

Scientists have created a cube-shaped iron-sulfur cluster that can support a multiple bond between iron and nitrogen, a structural motif involved in biological nitrogen fixation. The discovery shows the cluster's ability to accommodate an unusual bond without distorting its structure.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 3, 2021

Bai lab develops stable, efficient, anode-free sodium battery

Bai lab creates a stable, efficient anode-free sodium battery that achieves high performance while eliminating the need for a traditional anode material. The new design uses a thin layer of copper foil as the current collector, resulting in significant improvements in size and cost compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMay 3, 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.

Less precipitation means less plant diversity

A recent study suggests that climate change may cause a decline in plant diversity, particularly in dryland regions. The researchers found that changes in precipitation levels have a greater effect on plant diversity in drylands compared to wetter regions.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 3, 2021

Lead found in rural drinking water supplies in West Africa

A study by researchers from the University of Leeds and colleagues found that 80% of community water supply systems in Ghana, Mali, and Niger had at least one lead-containing component. Sixty percent of tested water samples contained lead, with nine percent exceeding World Health Organisation guidelines.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 3, 2021

Modulating placebo and nocebo effects

Repeated transcranial direct current stimulation of the right dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex boosts the pain-relieving placebo effect while blunting the pain-enhancing nocebo effect. This suggests a potential new approach to modulating placebo and nocebo effects and improving pain management outcomes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 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.

Clayborne to study response properties of porphyrin molecules

Porphyrin molecules have electrical and optical properties that can be tailored for molecular-based materials and quantum information technologies. Researchers will develop a comprehensive database for porphyrins and metal-porphyrins with experimental and theoretical values, including response functions and conductance curves.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateMay 3, 2021

Development of microsatellite markers for censusing of endangered rhinoceros

Researchers have developed 29 novel polymorphic microsatellite markers to accurately census endangered Sumatran rhinos. These markers are ideal for non-invasive wild sampling and can help determine genetic diversity, aiding conservation plans.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalBMC Research Notes·DateMay 3, 2021

Assessing child abuse hotline inquiries in wake of COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant increase in child abuse hotline inquiries was observed, with a notable rise in calls from previously unscreened individuals. The study suggests that this shift may be attributed to increased isolation and reduced supervision among children.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 3, 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.

Heart cells cozy up to prevent deadly arrhythmias

Researchers discovered subtle changes in potassium, calcium, and sodium levels regulate heartbeats. Increasing sodium and calcium levels together reduces distances between cells, improving cardiac conduction.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPflügers Archiv - European Journal of Physiology·DateMay 3, 2021

Tailor-made therapy of multi-resistant tuberculosis

Researchers developed a genetic material-based catalogue to predict antibiotic resistance in MDR-TB, enabling accelerated treatment development. The study found that 99% of predicted drug combinations were effective in traditional microbiological testing.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMay 3, 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.

Solar development: super bloom or super bust for desert species?

A new study by the University of California - Davis suggests that rapid solar development may harm rare desert plant species more than common ones. The research found that weather and landscape features influenced how plants respond to solar panels, with rare species facing potential threats from panel shade.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEcological Applications·DateMay 3, 2021

Increased use of minimally invasive non-endoscopic tests for Barrett's esophagus screening

A new commentary suggests that more extensive use of minimally invasive non-endoscopic tests for Barrett's esophagus (BE) screening could lead to better early detection and prevention of esophageal adenocarcinoma, a deadly form of cancer. BE is often asymptomatic, but endoscopic treatment can reduce the risk of progression to cancer.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 3, 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.

UM professor awarded $430,000 NASA grant

Hilary Martens receives $443,000 grant to investigate the structure of the Earth's interior using GPS observations of ocean tides. The project aims to improve understanding of plate tectonics and surface hazards like earthquakes and volcanoes.

SourceThe University of Montana·DateMay 3, 2021

Suitable spawning habitat awaits salmon

Researchers assess underwater habitat to understand how spawning fish would fare in the river's blocked stretch, finding acres of suitable habitat. The study reveals that hundreds of miles of streams are available to support both adult and juvenile salmon.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNorthwest Science·DateMay 3, 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.

The enzyme that could help 700 million people worldwide

Researchers at UniSA identified an enzyme, NEDD4-2, that regulates sodium reabsorption in kidneys. Low levels of the protein are linked to chronic kidney disease progression, even without high blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalCell Death and Disease·DateMay 3, 2021

How a bad day at work led to better COVID predictions

A team of researchers, including Saket Navlakha and Dr. Sejal Morjaria, developed a computational tool to predict COVID-19 severity in cancer patients. The tool has an accuracy rate of 70-85% and prevents unnecessary expensive testing, improving patient care.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalBMC Infectious Diseases·DateMay 3, 2021

Speeding new treatments

Researchers at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center have created a powerful computational tool called REDIAL-2020. This online suite of models enables scientists to quickly identify small molecules capable of disarming COVID-19, narrowing the field for future experiments and accelerating the discovery process.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateMay 3, 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.

A new way to make AR/VR glasses

University of Rochester researchers developed a novel technology using freeform optics and metasurfaces to deliver high-quality images with socially acceptable optics. The metaform component gathers visible light rays from all directions and redirects them directly into the human eye, achieving a significant improvement in image quality.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 3, 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.

Mating with relatives? Not a big deal in nature

Researchers at Stockholm University found little evidence that animals avoid mating with relatives, contradicting long-held assumptions. This study synthesizes 139 experimental studies across 88 species and has implications for conservation breeding programs aimed at maintaining genetic diversity.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 3, 2021