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Science News Archive April 2021


Page 19 of 46

'Undruggable' cancer protein becomes druggable, thanks to shrub

A chemist at Purdue University has found a way to synthesize a compound that can fight a previously 'undruggable' cancer protein with benefits across various cancer types. The compound, curcusone D, was discovered in a shrub native to North America and has shown potent anti-cancer activity against breast cancer cells.

Predicting the next pandemic virus is harder than we think

Researchers argue that zoonotic risk predictions are limited in value and instead propose focusing on the human-animal interface for intensive viral surveillance to detect novel viruses early. This approach may help prevent future pandemics like COVID-19.

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.

Brain-on-a-chip would need little training

Researchers at KAUST developed a brain-on-a-chip that can learn real-world data patterns without extensive training, leveraging spiking neural networks and spike-timing-dependent plasticity model. The system is more than 20 times faster and 200 times more energy efficient than other neural network platforms.

Better marketing for a better world

This special issue of the Journal of Marketing explores how marketing can contribute to a better world by examining its impact on outcomes beyond financial performance. It highlights research on topics like sustainability, economic empowerment, health, and prosocial giving.

Green energy technology

Versogen, a UD spinoff company, has developed patented membrane technology to produce low-cost green hydrogen at scale using a new class of low-cost electrolyzer technology. This technology aims to decarbonize heavy industries and reduce industrial carbon emissions in an environmentally responsible way.

One in five American adults experience chronic pain

According to a new study published in Pain, nearly one-fifth of American adults (20.5%) suffer from chronic pain, with significant impacts on workdays missed, social activities, and daily living. The total economic burden is estimated at nearly $300 billion annually, including lost wages and productivity.

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.

New study reveal targeted therapy working in early breast cancer

A new study from the University of Bergen reveals that targeted therapy using PARP inhibitors can be effective in treating early-stage triple negative breast cancers. The study found a significant response rate among patients not harboring germline mutations, highlighting a potential for improved personalized treatment.

Is social media use a potentially addictive behaviour?

Research at University of Strathclyde suggests frequent social media use is not necessarily linked to addiction, contradicting previous studies on attentional bias. The study tested participants' attention towards specific apps and found no association with self-reported addictive severity or established measures of engagement.

Little Foot fossil shows early human ancestor clung closely to trees

A new study on the Little Foot fossil suggests that early human ancestors used their arms to bear substantial weight while climbing trees. The research, published in the Journal of Human Evolution, analyzed the upper body of the 3.67 million-year-old Australopithecus individual and found evidence of apelike characteristics.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

WHOI and Analog Devices launch ocean and climate innovation accelerator

The Ocean and Climate Innovation Accelerator (OCIA) consortium aims to advance knowledge of the ocean's role in combating climate change and develop new solutions. The consortium will focus on advancing the 'networked ocean' concept, placing sensors across oceanic environments to monitor critical metrics.

Understanding our restoring force

A research team led by Michigan State University found that restoration benefits outweigh detriments from land use history two-to-one. Despite the benefits, restoration could not erase all of farming's lasting effects. The study provides insights for ecologists to target restoration efforts effectively.

Predicting the onset of diseases

Scientists developed a new mathematical model to predict disease onset risk using patient genomic data, providing improved predictive quality and personalized health risks for patients. The model can analyze large datasets of genetic markers linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

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.

Chickens and pigs with integrated genetic scissors

Researchers at TUM have developed a method to introduce specific gene mutations into desired organs or correct existing genes without creating new animal models. This reduces the number of animals required for research and enables precise gene manipulation in farm animals, such as chickens and pigs.

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.

Helpful, engineered 'living' machines in the future?

Researchers created a soft mechanical metamaterial that can compute digital logic computations using binary inputs and outputs. The material thinks by reconfiguring its conductive polymer network in response to mechanical force and electrical signals.

AI agent helps identify material properties faster

A team of researchers has developed an AI agent called Crystallography Companion Agent (XCA) to analyze X-ray diffraction data and identify material properties faster. The agent collaborates with scientists to perform autonomous phase identifications, overcoming traditional neuronal network overconfidence.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Can extreme melt destabilize ice sheets?

Researchers at Stanford University used a new approach to analyze radar data to show that extreme melt events can create persistent structural changes in the ice sheet, reducing its ability to store meltwater. This change can lead to slippery conditions on the ice bed and speed up the ice sheet's melting.

6G technology: Domestic trio working on tomorrow's mobile communications

A European consortium is working on the technical feasibility of 6G technology, specifically RadioWeaves, which enables real-time data transmission with a dense network of access points. This technology has opportunities for industries such as sports stadiums, where it could provide wireless power and precise location tracking.

New biomaterial regrows blood vessels and bone, RCSI research

Scientists have developed a new biomaterial that regrows both blood vessels and bone, potentially providing an alternative to current systems. The biomaterial was inspired by the natural way in which bone defects regenerate and uses a mechanobiology-informed approach to promote both angiogenesis and osteogenesis.

Body mass index, age can affect your risk for neck pain

Researchers found body mass index and age impact neck strength and endurance, while time of day also plays a role. The study's results can inform strategies to prevent neck pain and improve musculoskeletal biomechanical models.

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.

E-cigarette users in rural Appalachia develop more severe lung injuries

A recent study from West Virginia University reveals that rural e-cigarette users are more likely to develop severe respiratory failure and require critical care. The study found a high correlation between lung injury and toxic volatile organic compounds in e-liquids, particularly in those produced by garage labs.

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.

Crucial action needed for coral reefs

Over 500 million people rely on coral reefs for protection and resources, but these ecosystems are threatened by global warming. A team of scientists recommends a massive energy transition as the most effective action to limit coral reef decline, with international political support necessary.

New findings suggest organ tissues become increasingly immune throughout life

A University of Minnesota Medical School study found that organ tissues develop immunity to viruses over time, leading to a broader understanding of the immune system's role in surveillance. The research reveals that up to 25% of cells in organs are immune cells, significantly contributing to the body's cellular makeup.

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.

ETRI successfully tests AR services on subway

A joint research project between Korea and UK successfully tested AR services on Seoul Subway Line No. 8, demonstrating immersive multimedia experiences with speeds up to 30 times faster than current transmission rates. The test utilized a 5G mobile backhaul network, enabling simultaneous use of AR-immersive services by 190 users.

Stone skipping techniques can improve reentry of space vehicles

Scientists from several Chinese universities investigated the physics of stone skipping and its relation to space vehicle reentry. They found that vertical acceleration and spinning direction affect bouncing and surfing motions, providing new insights for aerospace and marine engineering.

Designing healthy diets - with computer analysis

A new mathematical model developed by Chalmers University of Technology can predict how different bacteria interact and affect the intestinal microbiome. The model was tested on two clinical studies, one involving Swedish infants and another adults in Finland, showing high accuracy in predicting multiple variables.

Human land use wasn't always at nature's expense

A study combining global maps of population and land use with biodiversity data reveals effective environmental stewardship by Indigenous and traditional peoples. Human transformation of terrestrial nature has been long-standing, contradicting the assumption that development is inherently destructive.

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.

Tiny chip-based device performs ultrafast modulation of X-rays

Researchers developed a new x-ray optics-on-a-chip device that can modulate X-rays at speeds up to 100 times faster than conventional devices. The tiny device, weighing just 3 micrograms, has the potential to capture fast chemical, material and biological processes.

Earthquakes continued after COVID-19-related oil and gas recovery shutdown

A new study by Rebecca Salvage and David Eaton found that hundreds of small earthquakes occurred in the Kiskatinaw area after oil and gas recovery shut down. The researchers suggest aseismic slip driven by trapped fluid from previous hydraulic fracture injections may be causing these latent earthquakes.

Experimental Biology 2021 press materials available now

The Experimental Biology 2021 meeting will feature groundbreaking research on COVID-19, including potential treatments and long-haul symptoms. Researchers will also present findings on cancer, heart disease, and other life sciences topics.

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.

Large clinical trial to study repurposed drugs to treat COVID-19 symptoms

A large randomized Phase 3 clinical trial will test existing prescription and over-the-counter medications for treating mild-to-moderate COVID-19 symptoms. The ACTIV-6 trial aims to provide evidence-based treatment options for adult patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms, reducing the need for hospitalization.

Biologists discover a new type of placental structure in animals

Biologists have discovered a new type of placental structure in animals, specifically in the group Cyclostomata from the phylum Bryozoa. This unique structure, called coenocytes, is formed through nuclear multiplication and cytoplasmic growth, unlike traditional cell fusion in animals.

Dartmouth startup wins funding for remote physical therapy monitoring system

A Dartmouth startup has received funding to create a remote-sensing resistance band exercise system that can monitor patient progress and guide healthcare providers in at-home rehabilitation programs. The device aims to bridge the gap between clinicians and patients, increasing compliance rates and reducing unnecessary interventions.

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.

Reliably detecting cocoa off-flavors

A team of scientists has identified key odorants responsible for musty and moldy-smoky cocoa flavors using a molecular sensory science concept. The research provides an objective method to assess fermented cocoa's sensory quality based on odorant concentrations, benefiting the food industry with reliable identification of off-flavors.

Study highlights role of physical, mental health in cognitive impairment

A recent study suggests that preserving physical and mental health helps older adults experiencing cognitive impairment stave off declines in cognitive engagement. The researchers found that declines in physical and mental health were associated with more pronounced cognitive disengagement, particularly among participants with advanced...

Forensics puzzle cracked via fluid mechanical principles

Researchers from University of Illinois at Chicago and Iowa State University cracked a forensic puzzle by exploring the fluid physics involved in a 2009 murder case. They found that backward blood spatter droplets can be entrained within a turbulent vortex ring of muzzle gases, potentially leaving shooter clothing bloodstain-free.

2D nanomaterial MXene: The perfect lubricant

Researchers from TU Wien and international partners discovered MXene's exceptional properties as an ultra-durable dry lubricant, reducing friction to one sixth and withstanding 100,000 movement cycles without issues. Its heat resistance and independence from atmosphere and temperature make it suitable for various industrial applications.

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.

Our attention is captured by eye-glance

Researchers found that eye contact causes a distortion in temporal perception, making time seem shorter than it really is. In contrast, deviated gazes do not impact time perception.