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Science News Archive April 2021


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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.

International study: Humans accelerate the change of biodiversity

A recent study published in Science found that human activities have significantly altered biodiversity on 27 islands across different regions over the past 5,000 years. The researchers discovered a marked acceleration of species composition changes after human colonization, particularly on islands settled within the last 1,500 years.

Study aims to improve tobacco treatment delivery for people with HIV

Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center are evaluating the impact of a proactive opt-out approach to smoking cessation interventions on people living with HIV. The study aims to refine delivery and implementation strategies to increase tobacco treatment uptake and reduce smoking-related health complications.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Navigating the squircle

Researchers found that modulation of map-like representations in the brain's hippocampal formation can predict contextual memory retrieval in an ambiguous environment. The study used virtual reality navigation tasks to test human participants' ability to recall object positions in different contexts.

Light as a fairy tale: What makes a feel-good film feel good?

A new study from the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics identifies key characteristics of feel-good films, including romantic comedies and classic happy endings. The research provides insights into what makes these films emotionally uplifting and enjoyable for audiences.

Neural nets used to rethink material design

Rice University engineers have developed a new technique using neural networks to predict the evolution of microstructures in materials, which can be used to design new materials with desired properties. The method has been shown to speed up computations significantly, making it easier to create novel materials.

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.

How much does it itch?

A new wearable sensor can quantify itch by measuring scratching motions, providing a crucial tool for diagnosing and treating atopic dermatitis. The device's accuracy has been validated in pediatric patients, making it an exciting development for managing the condition.

How to invest in a fairer and low carbon energy system

A team of researchers explores how Game-theoretic models can optimize value proposition for different stakeholders in renewable energy investments. The study reveals a practical framework for analyzing investor decision-making and investigating feasible tariffs that encourage distributed renewable investment.

New methods: Faster, safer, greener

Lutz Ackermann's ERC Advanced Grant project aims to replace toxic reagents with green electricity and control electrocatalytic transformations of biomolecules. The project combines two resource-saving concepts to minimize waste products and bypass lengthy synthesis sequences.

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.

Pandemic deepens health inequalities for mental health patients

A UK study of 360 people with severe mental illness found that 55% of smokers increased their smoking and 29% of drinkers increased their alcohol consumption during the pandemic. Targeted support, including face-to-face interactions, is needed to mitigate these effects.

Social factors did not impact families' acceptance of telehealth in early pandemic

A study found that social factors like household income, language, and insurance did not impact families' acceptance of telehealth for their children's cardiac care during the pandemic. The study suggests telehealth is a feasible option for families, with higher acceptance rates among patients with certain diagnoses or Hispanic ethnicity.

New brain-like computing device simulates human learning

Researchers developed a brain-like device with organic, electrochemical synaptic transistors that mimic human brain's short-term and long-term plasticity. The device can learn by association and overcome traditional computing limitations, such as energy consumption and limited multitasking capabilities.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Decoding the effect of body mass index on breast cancer

A new study reveals that higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with worse survival in early breast cancer patients but improved survival in advanced disease. The 'obesity paradox' highlights the need to understand the biological basis of obesity impacts on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Piecing together the LanCL puzzle

LanCL proteins play a vital role in regulating kinases in eukaryotic cells. Their absence leads to the accumulation of activated kinases, causing cell death in mice. The study suggests a new mechanism for controlling abnormal kinases and their potential link to cancer.

DNA building blocks regulate inflammation

Researchers found that a shortage of DNA building blocks triggers an inflammatory response in cells when mitochondria release their genetic material. This link could lead to new treatments for various diseases associated with the mitochondrial genome and ageing process.

CO2 catalysis made more accessible

Researchers have discovered a new aerogel electrocatalyst formed from inexpensive metal alloys, enabling highly efficient electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide. The process achieves an efficiency of 93% with minimal byproducts.

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.

Wildfire smoke trends worsening for Western US

A new study from the University of Utah ties worsening wildfire activity to poor air quality events in Western regions, with smoke impacts clear into September. The researchers found consistent trends in air quality correlating with wildfire activity, but with different spatial patterns in August and September.

Holographic histopathology enables fast, precise diagnostics

A new optical diffraction tomography technique allows for high-resolution imaging of thick tissue sections without chemical staining, increasing diagnostic speed and accuracy. The method has been demonstrated to visualize individual cells and multicellular tissue architectures with subcellular resolution.

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.

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.

Researchers promote usability for everyone, everywhere

A new paradigm for usability aims to address accessibility issues worldwide, with a focus on marginalized groups. The approach emphasizes the importance of user-centered design and its potential to drive improvements in various fields.

Move over CRISPR, the retrons are coming

Researchers created Retron Library Recombineering (RLR) to generate up to millions of mutations simultaneously and screen mutant cells efficiently. RLR eliminates the toxicity observed with CRISPR and improves genome-level exploration of mutations.

NIH study identifies diverse spectrum of neurons that govern movement

A recent NIH study has identified a diverse range of motor neurons along the spinal cord that govern movement, including subtypes susceptible to neurodegenerative diseases. The research provides an atlas of 21 neuron types, offering new understanding of how these neurons control movement and contribute to organ systems.

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.

Research spotlights Minnesota's successes in eradicating Palmer amaranth

Researchers highlight Minnesota's success in eradicating Palmer amaranth, a hard-to-control noxious weed that can significantly reduce crop yields. The state's coordinated approach, including broad cooperation among stakeholders and swift action, led to the eradication of infestations at multiple sites across the state.

WIN's DDPP biomarker to guide cancer therapy and predict response duration

The Digital Display Precision Predictor (DDPP) is a global biomarker model that predicts the duration of progression-free survival for cancer patients undergoing targeted therapy. It provides insight into the status of activation of almost all drug targets in tumor progression, enabling optimal treatment selection.

Too much salt suppresses phagocytes

Research found that high salt concentrations suppress the activation and function of immune cells called monocytes, which can lead to reduced efficiency in fighting infections. The effects are reversible, but continuous exposure to high salt intake may pose a risk, particularly when combined with other factors.

Engineering T cells to attack cancer broadly

A new approach uses T cell engineering to deliver the gene coding for IL-24, which targets cancer cells regardless of their expression of target molecules. This method blocks tumor growth, starves tumors of nutrients, and generates memory T cells that can theoretically kill tumors if they recur.

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.

Why are there superspreaders?

Researchers are analyzing the emergence and spread of infectious aerosols in human breath to understand why some people spread diseases more easily. The team is developing simulation models to predict aerosol distribution and develop medications that can reduce aerosol formation.

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.

Illnesses of controversial celebrities can negatively affect public health

A study by Penn State researchers found that people who felt pleasure in a controversial celebrity's misfortune were less likely to take steps to prevent lung cancer or COVID-19. The study suggests that schadenfreude can demotivate people from taking preventive actions, having serious public health implications.

Newly discovered miocene biome sheds light on rainforest evolution

A new research discovery reveals an exceptionally diverse tropical seasonal rainforest biota from the Miocene era, with over 250 arthropod families and 78 broadleaf tree species. This find provides insights into the evolution of rainforests and their potential adaptability to a warmer world.

Important factor in the development of dendritic cells identified

A recent study found that c-Jun and JunB proteins play a crucial role in the development of Type 1 dendritic cells, which are essential for defending against bacteria and viruses. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches for cancers and viral infections.

eNeuro publishes commentaries on upcoming documentary "In Silico"

The eNeuro special collection explores the documentary In Silico, featuring reactions from leading neuroscientists on brain modelling and massive research collaborations. The commentaries discuss next steps for large-scale initiatives, charismatic leadership's impact, and the history of building brain models.

Articles for Geosphere posted online in April

Scientists study the Central Anatolian Plateau and Southern Rocky Mountain Volcanic Field, while examining fluvial siliciclastic rocks from the San Juan Basin. In another study, researchers investigate the evolution of the Portland and Tualatin forearc basins in Oregon, highlighting their relation to the Cascadia convergent margin. Add...

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.

Vaccines bring us closer

High-quality vaccination programs protect people of all ages, from infants to the elderly, but many adults remain under- or unvaccinated. The article highlights the importance of vaccines in preventing life-threatening diseases and discusses challenges in ensuring equitable access to vaccines.

Awake brings proton bunches into sync

Scientists at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft report a breakthrough in plasma wakefield acceleration technology. They successfully timed the production of proton microbunches that drive a wave in the plasma, fulfilling an important prerequisite for using Awake technology in collision experiments.

Large collaboration creates cell atlas of COVID-19 pathology

A team of scientists created a cell atlas using autopsy samples from COVID-19 patients, revealing how infected cells and lungs responded to the virus. The study found repeated attempts by the lungs to repair themselves failed due to viral-induced changes in cellular programs.

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.