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Science News Archive April 2021


Page 2 of 46

New genetic target for blood cancer treatment

A new study has identified a genetic mutation in the CUX1 gene that contributes to the development of acute myeloid leukaemia. Targeting this pathway could lead to new targeted therapies for patients with poor-prognosis AML, which affects people of all ages and often requires intensive chemotherapy.

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.

Save the mother, save the child

A new study from the University of South Australia reveals that most cases of child maltreatment occur within intergenerational cycles, with 83% of substantiated cases involving mothers who experienced abuse. The study highlights the urgent need for better support for victims and their children to disrupt this cycle.

Care teams differ for black, white surgical patients in the same hospitals

A new study found that Black patients are more likely to die after heart bypass surgery in hospitals where care teams are segregated by race, but not when teams treat patients of all races. Researchers used social network analysis to track provider overlap and created a care team segregation score for each hospital.

A milestone in muscular dystrophy therapy

Researchers have successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to edit genetic mutations in patients with muscular dystrophy, enabling the development of a potential therapy. The treatment involves removing stem cells from a patient's muscle tissue, editing them outside the body, and then injecting them back into the muscle.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Panel finds 30-day course of VTE prophylaxis post-discharge improves outcomes

A new set of guidelines developed by AATS and ESTS recommends a 30-day course of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis post-discharge for patients undergoing surgical resection for lung or esophagus cancer. The guideline panel endorsed by American Society of Hematology and International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis found th...

Brazilian Amazon released more carbon than it stored in 2010s

A new study found that the Brazilian Amazon released more carbon than it stored over the last decade due to forest degradation. Degradation accounted for three times more carbon loss than deforestation, highlighting its significant impact on overall biomass and carbon storage in the rainforest.

'Twisting' atomic materials may convert light into electricity

Researchers at UC Riverside are developing a new approach to convert light falling on atomically thin semiconductor materials into electricity. By twisting these materials, they aim to create new sensing capabilities for layered and stacked monolayer semiconductors.

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.

Lateral flow testing should not be used as a green light for activities

A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that Lateral Flow Devices (LFDs) are more effective at detecting higher quantities of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA, but struggle to identify infections in individuals with lower viral loads. The research highlights the need for frequent testing, particularly in early or late stages of infection.

Expressing variety of emotions earns entrepreneurs funding

A recent study published in the Journal of Business Venturing found that entrepreneurs whose facial expressions conveyed a mix of emotions during funding pitches were more successful. The study analyzed nearly 500 pitch videos and found that varying three emotional expressions (happiness, anger, fear) led to the most fundraising success.

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.

A third of kids develop a mental health problem after concussion

A third of children and adolescents experience mental health problems after a concussion, which can persist for several years post-injury. The review emphasizes the importance of evaluating mental health as part of standard pediatric concussion assessment and management.

The Arctic's greening, but it won't save us

New research suggests that the Arctic's increasing plant biomass is not enough to absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide, as most of it is released through fires and timber harvests. The study estimates that only 430 million metric tons of biomass have accumulated over 31 years, with much of it being lost due to wildfires.

Icebreaker's cyclone encounter reveals faster sea ice decline

A recent study published by University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers found that sea ice declined 5.7 times faster than normal during the Great Arctic Cyclone of 2016. The rapid decline was driven by cyclone-triggered processes within the ocean, including warm water upwelling and surface turbulence.

New algorithm for the diagnostics of dementia

A new algorithm developed by researchers from the University of Eastern Finland uses blood biomarker measurements to aid in early diagnosis and differentiation between types of dementia. This innovation aims to provide precise diagnoses, enabling targeted treatment and improving patient outcomes.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New optical hydrogen sensors eliminate risk of sparking

A new study from the University of Georgia has developed an inexpensive and spark-free optical-based hydrogen sensor that detects hydrogen presence without electronics, making it safer for widespread use. The sensor boasts faster response time and increased sensitivity compared to previous models, addressing key hurdles in hydrogen pow...

Geisinger awarded $3.6 million to study genetics of cancer

Geisinger Health System has been awarded a $3.6 million contract from the National Cancer Institute to analyze genetic data from its MyCode Community Health Initiative. The study aims to identify specific gene variants linked to cancer risk, expanding the list of genes used for genetic cancer screening.

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.

Mammals evolved big brains after big disasters

The study reveals complex patterns in brain-body scaling, with many large-brained species having low relative brain sizes due to selective pressures. The authors conclude that the evolution of intelligence cannot be solely measured by brain size.

NSU researcher part of a flagship study on vertebrate genomes

Researchers have sequenced high-quality genomes for 16 vertebrate species, revealing new avenues for increasing immune defenses against emerging diseases. The study also standardizes genome assembly quality metrics using novel algorithms, paving the way for thousands of future genome assemblies.

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.

Alzheimer's disease is composed of four distinct subtypes

Researchers have identified four distinct patterns of tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease, each leading to unique symptoms and prognoses. These subtypes include variant one, which primarily affects memory, and variants two, three, and four, which impact executive functions, visuospatial processing, and language ability, respectively.

Kratom use rare, but more common among people with opioid use disorder

A study found that kratom use is relatively rare in the general US population, affecting only 0.7% of adults and adolescents, but more prevalent among people with opioid use disorder, who report a 10.3% rate of kratom use. Kratom use is also associated with depression, serious mental illness, and other factors.

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.

Study reveals need for equitable access of minimally invasive heart procedure

A study analyzing Medicare claims data between 2012 and 2018 found that TAVR hospital programs are predominantly located in metropolitan areas serving patients with higher socioeconomic status. As a result, the study reveals inequitable access to TAVR programs for non-metropolitan or lower-income areas across the country.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among patients undergoing dialysis

A nationwide survey of US patients on dialysis found that 20% were hesitant to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, with rates higher among certain groups. The study highlights the need for targeted outreach efforts to address concerns about vaccine safety and side effects.

Mapping the 'superhighways' travelled by the first Australians

A team of experts used advanced modelling techniques to recreate the journey of Australia's indigenous people, who navigated the continent tens of thousands of years ago. The study reveals that prominent landscape features and water sources played a crucial role in their survival and growth.

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.

Avocado discovery may point to leukemia treatment

A University of Guelph study identifies a compound in avocados that targets an enzyme critical for cancer cell growth, offering a potential route to better leukemia treatment. The compound, derived from avocado, has been shown to inhibit the enzyme VLCAD involved in leukemia cell metabolism.

Baby mantis shrimp don't pull their punches

Larval mantis shrimp display impressive accelerations despite being smaller than expected, highlighting the limitations of theoretical models. Their transparent exoskeletons allow researchers to study the inner workings of their spring-latch mechanisms.

Silicon chip will drive next generation communications

Researchers have developed a new multiplexer made from pure silicon for terahertz-range communications, enabling ultra-broadband wireless communications. The device can support aggregate data rates of up to 48 Gbit/s, paving the way for applications in 6G and beyond.

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.

Fish have been swallowing microplastics since the 1950s

Researchers analyzed museum specimens to find that fish have been ingesting microplastics since the 1950s, with concentrations increasing over time. The study highlights the importance of natural history collections in museums and serves as a wake-up call for addressing plastic pollution.

Poorer communities hardest hit by toxic pollution incidents

Research from Lancaster University Management School found that potentially polluting firms choose locations based on local income demographics, leading to higher toxic releases in poorer areas. Firms reduce pollutant releases and increase waste management spending in higher-income areas.

New Geology articles published online ahead of print in April

The latest Geology articles publish research on shocked zircon, the Holocene Sonoran Desert, Himalayan collision dynamics, and more. Recent studies reveal nonlinear fault damage zones, a history of the Larsen C Ice Shelf reconstructed from sediment cores, and evidence for slow titanium diffusion in quartz.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Science snapshots From Berkeley Lab

A new desalination process removes nearly 100% of toxic metals, producing clean water while capturing valuable metals. An infant-warming device reduces neonatal mortality rates by threefold in Rwanda, proving safe and effective without electricity.

The Lancet: Many more people could benefit from blood pressure-lowering medication

A large study of 345,000 people from 48 trials found that blood pressure-lowering medication lowers the risk of cardiovascular events by around 10% regardless of starting blood pressure level. The research calls for global guidelines to be changed so that anyone with increased risk of cardiovascular disease is considered for treatment.

Many Hispanics died of COVID-19 because of work exposure

A new study by Ohio State University researchers suggests that Hispanic Americans are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 due to workplace exposure. The analysis of federal data showed that Hispanics of working age have died of COVID-19 at a higher rate than whites, with excess cases and deaths also highest among this group.

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.

Methane release rapidly increases in the wake of the melting ice sheets

A new study reveals that rapid methane release occurs in response to Arctic ice sheet melting, with thousands of years of data showing a correlation between deglaciation events and methane emissions. The research suggests that the release of this potent greenhouse gas is strongly linked to the retreat of ice sheets.

More than 25% of infants not getting common childhood vaccinations, study finds

A recent study from the University of Virginia Health System found that more than a quarter of American infants in 2018 had not received all recommended childhood vaccines. Disparities were observed among African-American infants, low-income families, and those with lower education levels. The researchers warn that these gaps can lead ...

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.