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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 333


Page 333 of 510

Using cosmic-ray neutron bursts to understand gamma-ray bursts from lightning

Analysis of data from a lightning mapper and radiation detector revealed neutrons generated from soil by large cosmic-ray showers, matching simulations that included both hadrons and gamma rays. This discovery suggests natural phenomena producing ground-pointed gamma-rays could produce similar neutron burst signatures.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 28, 2021

Should masks be worn outdoors?

Experts debate whether wearing masks outdoors can help reduce covid-19 transmission and encourage mask-wearing indoors. Some argue that normalising outdoor mask-wearing can bring benefits, while others believe efforts should focus on reducing indoor transmission.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 28, 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.

Does your neighborhood affect your stroke recovery?

A study published in Neurology found that people living in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic status experience worse stroke recovery, including more disability and depression. The study suggests that factors such as access to public spaces and perceived safety may contribute to these outcomes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 28, 2021

Study examines racial inequity in suicide prediction models

Researchers tested two suicide prediction models on nearly 14 million health records and found they performed poorly on Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native patients. The study highlights the need to test how prediction models perform in all racial and ethnic groups before implementing them in clinical care.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateApr 28, 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.

Black hole-neutron star collisions may help settle dispute over Universe's expansion

A new simulation study led by UCL researchers suggests that studying black hole-neutron star collisions could provide a new measurement of the Universe's expansion rate, helping to resolve a long-standing dispute. The study found that instruments on Earth could detect ripples in space-time caused by up to 3,000 such collisions by 2030.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 28, 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.

Using microbes to remove microplastics from the environment

A new technique uses bacterial biofilms to capture microplastics, which are then processed and dispersed for recycling. This method has the potential to remove microplastics from wastewater treatment plants, helping to stop their release into oceans and protect human health and food chains.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateApr 28, 2021

Inactive oil wells could be big source of methane emissions

A recent study by the University of Cincinnati found that inactive oil wells in Texas can leak significant amounts of methane, with some emitting up to 132 grams per hour. The study suggests that regular inspections using infrared cameras could help address the issue.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 28, 2021

More sleep or more exercise: the best time trade-offs for children's health

A study of 1179 children aged 11-12 years found that moderate-to-vigorous physical exercise was 2-6 times more potent than sleep or sedentary time in improving physical and mental health. Exercising 17 minutes more, sleeping an extra 52 minutes, or reducing sitting time by 56 minutes can achieve similar benefits.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 28, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How to get salt out of water: Make it self-eject

Researchers at MIT developed a method to reduce fouling on heat exchanger surfaces by making salts self-eject, using hydrophobic surfaces and heat. The process involves the formation of 'crystal critters' that grow legs and eventually tip over, allowing the salts to be removed easily.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 28, 2021

Side effect of cancer treatment can be safely reduced with topical cream

Researchers developed a topical cream using BRAF inhibitor LUT014 to reduce skin rash caused by EGFR inhibitors in colorectal cancer patients. The study showed that the treatment improved skin condition and reduced severity of the rash in 6 out of 10 patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer Discovery·DateApr 28, 2021

The shape of light changes our vision

Researchers from UNIGE used mice to study the complex processing of light by the retina, revealing that both light intensity and its temporal shape influence the signal sent to the brain. The findings, published in Science Advances, may lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities for eye weaknesses.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 28, 2021

El Niño can help predict cacao harvests up to 2 years in advance

Researchers found that El Niño can accurately predict cacao yields with a high degree of confidence, even 25 months before the harvest. This innovative approach uses machine learning and rigorous data collection to provide valuable insights for farmers and policymakers, enabling them to make informed investment decisions.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 28, 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.

Designing new alloys for additive manufacturing

Researchers aim to develop new alloys that can be additively manufactured to produce strong yet ductile structures. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of grain refinement in complex concentrated alloys, they hope to create materials suitable for various engineering applications, including space exploration.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateApr 28, 2021

Scientists create first-of-its-kind 3D organoid model of the human pancreas

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have successfully created 3D organoid models of the human pancreas from human stem cells, including both acinar and ductal structures. The new platform could lead to the discovery of markers for early diagnosis and monitoring of pancreatic cancer.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 28, 2021

A path to graphene topological qubits

Researchers have successfully demonstrated the coexistence of magnetism and superconductivity in graphene, opening a pathway towards graphene-based topological qubits. This breakthrough finding enables the creation of Yu-Shiba-Rusinov states, which are crucial for achieving topological superconductivity.

SourceAalto University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 28, 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.

Many children with cardiomyopathy have a genetic mutation but few are screened

A national study found that only half of children with cardiomyopathy have undergone genetic screening, despite critical benefits for treatment and potentially curing the disease. Genetic screening can provide lifesaving information to families and prioritize children for a lifesaving cardiac transplant.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 28, 2021

Research gives trees an edge in landfill clean-up

A new contaminant prioritization tool could increase the effectiveness of environmental approaches to landfill clean-up by matching tree species with specific contaminants. The tool allows site managers to prioritize the most hazardous contaminants or customize it to address local concerns.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateApr 28, 2021

IPK scientists identify networks for spikelet formation in barley

Researchers from the IPK Leibniz Institute identified regulatory networks and signalling pathways controlling barley floral meristem development. The findings provide a deeper understanding of spikelet formation and offer an important tool for future studies.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 28, 2021

Delayed antibiotic prescribing is safe and effective for most patients

A large analysis of patient data suggests that delayed antibiotic prescribing is a safe and effective strategy for most patients, including those in higher risk subgroups. The study found no significant difference in symptom severity or duration between delayed and immediate antibiotics, but a slight benefit in reducing re-consultation...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 28, 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.

Uncertainty of future Southern Ocean CO2 uptake cut in half

A new study has reduced the Southern Ocean's CO2 uptake uncertainty by 50% using a novel method that constrains the ocean's carbon sink. The approach links human-made CO2 uptake to surface water salinity, allowing for more accurate projections of future climate change.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 28, 2021

Skipping the second shot could prolong pandemic, study finds

A Cornell-led research survey found that many Americans believe the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines provide weak protection against COVID-19 after a second dose. The study highlights the need for improved guidance on continued public health precautions, such as wearing masks, to combat vaccine attrition and prolong pandemic recovery.

SourceCornell University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 28, 2021

CCNY team makes single photon switch advance

The City College of New York team demonstrated the use of Rydberg states to enhance nonlinear optical interactions in solid state systems, creating a chip-scale scalable single photon switch. This breakthrough enables the realization of quantum photonic technologies by amplifying scalability.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 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.

Socioeconomic deprivation modifies genetic influence on higher education

A Uppsala University study found that genetic variants contribute more to educational attainment in socioeconomically deprived regions. The study of over 350,000 UK Biobank participants suggests an interaction between genes and environment, with socioeconomic deprivation modifying genetic effects.

SourceUppsala University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateApr 28, 2021

Hidden air pollutants on the rise in cities in India and the UK - study

A recent study reveals increased levels of air pollutants in cities like Kanpur and Delhi in India, while showing decreasing trends in the UK. The researchers used satellite observations to monitor these changes, highlighting the need for continued enforcement of clean air policies.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateApr 28, 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.

Driving behaviors harbor early signals of dementia

Using naturalistic driving data, researchers developed random forests models that accurately predicted mild cognitive impairment and dementia with 88% accuracy. The study identified age, trip patterns, and braking events as key predictors of the conditions.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalGeriatrics·DateApr 28, 2021

Childhood air pollution exposure linked to poor mental health at age 18

A multidecade study found higher rates of mental illness symptoms among young adults exposed to traffic-related air pollutants during childhood and adolescence. The link between air pollution exposure and mental health symptoms was observed across sub-domains of psychopathology, with strongest links to thought disorder symptoms.

SourceDuke University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 28, 2021

New method might improve prostate cancer and high cholesterol treatments

Researchers have developed a new method to control human hormones and metabolism, which could help prevent diseases such as prostate cancer and high cholesterol. The method involves binding to the POR protein, influencing hormone production and degradation, and has shown promise in treating prostate cancer by regulating CYP17 levels.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 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.

UMass Amherst-led team awarded $3M grant to decarbonize computing

A UMass Amherst-led team will develop a self-powered, decentralized network of computing hardware and solar batteries to reduce carbon emissions. The team plans to virtualize energy systems and engineer digital carbon-capping policies to track applications' use of traditional grid-based carbon emissions.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateApr 28, 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.

Bone collagen of fish shows individual history of migration and feeding habits

A new study using bone collagen analysis shows that Japanese flounder exhibit behavioral groups with different migration patterns and feeding habits. The researchers analyzed vertebral-bone collagen isotope ratios to reconstruct individual migration and feeding history, revealing distinct differences among fish.

SourceResearch Institute for Humanity and Nature·JournalMarine Biology·DateApr 28, 2021

Christmas Eve coke works fire followed by asthma exacerbations

The study found that nearly half of people with asthma closest to the fire were unaware of the pollution problem and unable to take steps to avoid exposure. The incident led to an 80% increased risk of worsened asthma symptoms for those living within a 10-mile radius of the plant.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateApr 28, 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.

People of color hardest hit by air pollution from nearly all sources

A new study models people's exposure to air pollution by race-ethnicity and income level, finding that exposure disparities among people of color and white people are driven by nearly all emission source types. The researchers found that air pollution disparities arise from a more systemic set of causes than previously understood.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateApr 28, 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.

May Day: How electricity brought power to strikes

Historical research from Lund University reveals that electrification strengthened professional groups' negotiating power, leading to more strikes over wage increases. The study analyzed 8,000 strikes between 1859 and 1938 and found that technological change was a rare trigger.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Journal of Economic History·DateApr 28, 2021

Job changes following breast cancer are frequent in some cases

Breast cancer patients experience frequent job changes after diagnosis, with around ten percent reporting involuntary changes. The study suggests that a supportive work environment and understanding from managers can facilitate a satisfactory return to work.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Cancer Survivorship·DateApr 28, 2021

Doctors overestimate risk leading to over-diagnosis, overtreatment, study finds

Researchers at University of Maryland School of Medicine found that primary care practitioners significantly overestimated the likelihood of conditions such as cardiac ischemia and breast cancer. The study highlights the need for better decision-making tools to help doctors estimate risk based on laboratory findings.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 28, 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.