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Science News Archive April 2021


Page 20 of 46

Flushing a public toilet? Don't linger, because aerosolized droplets do

Researchers discovered that aerosolized droplets generated by flushing a toilet and urinal in public restrooms pose a significant risk of transmitting COVID-19. The study found that these small droplets can remain suspended for hours, contaminating the air and increasing the risk of infection.

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.

Was Cascadia's 1700 earthquake part of a sequence of earthquakes?

Researchers suggest that the 1700 Cascadia earthquake could be part of a longer-lived sequence of earthquakes, potentially spanning many decades. This hypothesis has significant implications for how earthquake hazard maps are created for the region, and may help explain why there is little geologic evidence of the event in some areas.

How lessons from past emergencies could improve the pandemic response

A new study suggests that lessons learned from past emergencies, such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, can inform improvements to the government's response to pandemics. By adopting a more centralized approach to procurement and communication, governments can achieve goals faster and more effectively.

Specialized technique captures unique protein structures in neuropathy disorders

Researchers have developed a specialized technique to capture unique protein structures associated with neuropathy disorders, such as Charcot Marie Tooth and Dejerine-Sottas syndrome. The technique, ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS), reveals that an unstable mutant version of the PMP22 protein forms a stable complex called a dimer.

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.

Examining clinician burnout

Researchers investigated the association of clinician burnout with clinician type, sex, work culture and use of electronic health records. The study found that burnout is more prevalent among certain types of clinicians and in work cultures with heavy reliance on technology.

The British variant is 45% more contagious than the original virus

A new study at Tel Aviv University found that the British variant (B.1.1.7) of Covid-19 is 45% more contagious than the original virus, with rapid spread and significant impact on vulnerable populations. Constant monitoring of at-risk populations and vaccination can prevent illness and mortality.

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.

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.

'Information theory' recruited to help scientists find cancer genes

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used information theory to identify a likely key genetic culprit in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood leukemia. By analyzing DNA methylation patterns, they discovered a gene called UHRF1 that drives the development of cancer.

"Molecular Tomographer" algorithm maps gene expression in space

The Tomographer algorithm transforms gene-sequencing data into spatially resolved images, mapping gene expression patterns across tissues. By analyzing tissue strips and mRNA measurements, the algorithm reconstructs spatial gene-expression patterns in tissues like the brain of the Australian Bearded Dragon.

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.

Defensive symbiosis leads to gene loss in bacterial partners

Researchers studying the symbiotic bacteria of beewolves found signs of genome erosion and metabolic streamlining for antibiotic production. The bacteria's genome is being reduced as it focuses on its defensive symbiosis with the host insects, suggesting an adaptation to their mutual benefit.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mellon grant boosts collaborative projects for equity, social justice

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has approved a $1.2 million grant to extend the AUH interdisciplinary seminar series at Cornell University for three years, focusing on social justice and equity in the built environment. The new funding will support two projects: Design Justice Workshop and Urban Justice series.

Airbnb hosts in college towns hike up prices game days to deter rival fans

A new study by the University of California San Diego found that Airbnb hosts in college towns increase their listing prices during home football games against rival teams, resulting in a 78% reduction in rental income. This phenomenon is attributed to strong emotions involved in college football rivalries and financial constraints.

Tiny implantable tool for light-sheet imaging of brain activity

Researchers developed a miniature light-sheet generator that can be implanted into a living animal's brain, enabling high-speed and high-contrast imaging of brain activity. The technology uses nanophotonic technology to create ultrathin silicon-based photonic neural probes that emit multiple addressable thin sheets of light.

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.

Water muting with THz optoacoustics: A breakthrough for biomedical applications

Researchers have developed a novel method to detect and manipulate the terahertz optoacoustic signal of water, enabling sensitive detection of solutes like ions with an order of magnitude greater sensitivity than traditional spectroscopy. This breakthrough allows for nondestructive analysis of aqueous solutions and tissues, opening up ...

Online farmers' markets valuable when crisis events like COVID occur

A recent study found that online farmers' markets can play a crucial role in maintaining community connections and supporting sustainable food systems. The Yellowknife Farmers Market's transition to an online market during the pandemic showcased its ability to adapt while prioritizing local businesses and social connections.

Gender-affirming hormone therapy may increase risk of high blood pressure

A new study found that gender-affirming hormone therapy was associated with changes in blood pressure among transgender men and women. Researchers monitored 470 patients who began hormone therapy between 2007 and 2015, and found that some experienced different blood pressure effects compared to their peers.

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.

Paternal drinking before pregnancy, risk of birth defects

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics examined the association between paternal drinking before pregnancy and the risk of birth defects in Chinese children. The research found a significant correlation, suggesting that fathers' consumption of alcohol prior to conception may pose a potential threat to fetal development.

New algorithm uses online learning for massive cell data sets

A new algorithm developed by Joshua Welch and his team enables researchers to analyze large datasets using standard computer memory, greatly speeding up single-cell sequencing research. The technique allows for real-time analysis of millions of cells without reprocessing older data.

Who is selling and trafficking Africa's wild meat?

A new study classifies different types of wildlife traffickers and sellers in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo. The findings help conservation and law enforcement authorities prioritize efforts on professional criminals and identify patterns among repeat offenders.

New COVID-19 vaccine may offer broad protection from coronaviruses

Scientists have developed a new COVID-19 vaccine that targets the spike protein of the virus, offering broad protection against existing and future strains. The vaccine's innovative approach uses a platform that can produce vaccines at very low cost, making it ideal for global vaccination efforts.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Mirror, mirror...viewing your own face, even subconsciously, is rewarding

Researchers from Osaka University discovered that subconscious viewing of one's own face can activate the dopamine reward pathway in the brain. This finding provides new insights into how the brain processes self-facial recognition and suggests that the dopamine reward pathway plays a key role in this process.

Epidural use at birth not linked to autism risk, study finds

A study published by Stanford Medicine has found no link between epidural use during childbirth and an increased risk of autism in children. The research controlled for various socioeconomic, medical, and family factors, including genetic influences, to reach this conclusion.

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.

Opioid vaccine in the works

Researchers are developing an opioid vaccine that targets fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, to reduce respiratory depression. The vaccine stimulates the body to create powerful antibodies that bind to opioid molecules, preventing them from reaching the brain and reducing overdose risk.

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.

COVID-19 News from Annals of Internal Medicine

A liver transplant recipient was reinfected with SARS-CoV-2 111 days after initial diagnosis, using genomic sequencing to distinguish relapse from reinfection. Additionally, a study found people of color have substantially higher risks for hospitalization and intensive-level care for COVID-19 compared to White persons

Army researchers create pioneering approach to real-time conversational AI

Researchers create an approach to flexibly interpret and respond to Soldier intent derived from spoken dialogue with autonomous systems. The technology enables bi-directional conversational interactions between Soldiers and autonomous systems, allowing for hands-free operation to improve situational awareness.

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.

After 40 years, new fish species in named by students on Guam

Three new snailfish species, Paraliparis echongpachot, P. kadadakaleguak, and P. marianae, have been named after student suggestions in the Chamorro language. The specimens were collected in the 1980s but not examined until recently, when they were analyzed by Oregon State University alums Bruce Mundy and David Stein.

Researchers find a way to mend a broken heart

A Monash University study has discovered a way to prevent and reverse the damage caused by broken-heart syndrome, also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The breakthrough uses Suberanilohydroxamic acid to target genes and improve cardiac health.

Learning about system stability from ants

A new type of collective behaviour in ants has been revealed by an international team of scientists. The ants use scaffolds to ensure traffic flow on sloped surfaces, resulting from individual sensing and decision-making without group-level communication. This simple yet effective mechanism may inspire designs for artificial systems.

How body mass index changes across lifespan and generations

Changes in BMI vary by sociodemographic group across lifespan and generations, highlighting racial and educational disparities. The study analyzed data from four national longitudinal surveys to understand the magnitude of future disease burden.

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.