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Science News Archive April 2021


Page 21 of 46

DNA robots designed in minutes instead of days

Researchers at Ohio State University developed a new software tool called MagicDNA that can design more complex DNA robots and nanodevices in a fraction of the time. The software allows for 3D design and simulation, enabling fine control over individual component properties and increasing the complexity of overall geometry.

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.

Understanding interfaces of hybrid materials with machine learning

Researchers from TU Graz and FSU Jena discovered three opposing driving forces controlling the self-assembly of functionalized molecules at interfaces. A design principle using machine learning was established to predict structures and properties. This breakthrough enables the easy assembly of desired interfacial properties on demand.

B cell activating factor possible key to hemophilia immune tolerance

A study by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers has found that B cell activating factor (BAFF) plays a role in the generation and maintenance of inhibitors in hemophilia A patients. Blocking BAFF with a combination therapy may induce tolerance in these patients, offering a potential solution to treatment failure.

Can cirrhosis of the liver be treated with faeces transplantation?

Researchers from Aarhus University are conducting a treatment trial using faeces-microbiome transplantation to improve cirrhosis outcomes and lower mortality rates. The project replaces patients' sick intestinal bacteria with those from healthy donors, aiming to alleviate complications and disease progression.

Sustainable chemical synthesis with platinum

Researchers have created a new catalyst that allows for more efficient and sustainable production of aromatic hydrocarbons using renewable sources like woody biomass. The catalyst reduces the need for high temperatures and pressures, minimizing energy costs and emissions.

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 drill down to the core of wellbeing worldwide

A meta-analysis of 400+ clinical trials involving over 50,000 participants found that mindfulness, positive psychological interventions, and cognitive behavioural therapy can increase wellbeing across different groups. Consistent and prolonged practice is crucial for these interventions to be effective in improving wellbeing.

Land use legacy affects ecosystem restoration

A study found that land use legacies, such as agriculture and forestry, can have lasting impacts on ecosystems, with only limited effects from restoration efforts. The researchers discovered that soil compaction, a common issue caused by agricultural use, was difficult to mitigate through restoration alone.

Study shows education is not enough to overcome inequality

A recent study by North Carolina State University found that education alone cannot overcome social inequality, particularly among men. The research examined data from over 56,000 individuals and found that a parent's social status continues to provide an advantage to their children in terms of earnings.

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.

Intellectual disability is rarely inherited -- risk for younger siblings is low

A recent study conducted at the University of Helsinki found that the risk of intellectual disability in younger siblings is low. The study utilized exome sequencing to determine the genetic background of developmental disorders and identified 9 new candidate genes, including 1 potentially novel gene enriched in the Finnish population.

Defects in a specific cell type may cause ulcerative colitis

A new study from the University of Gothenburg suggests that defective goblet cells may contribute to ulcerative colitis by damaging the mucus protection layer. The research team identified specific types of goblet cells and found that their premature rejection leads to inflammation and increased cancer risk.

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.

Snake venom complexity is driven by prey diet

Research reveals that pitviper species consuming more evolutionarily diverse prey produce more complex venom. The study found that the evolutionary distance between consumed prey species affects venom complexity, suggesting subtle differences in venom targets.

Bone microenvironment fosters breast cancer metastatic behavior

Two studies found that the bone microenvironment reduces ER expression in breast cancer cells, leading to resistance to endocrine therapy. The bone microenvironment also triggers reprogramming of cancer cells, promoting their ability to metastasize to other tissues and evade treatment.

To forget or to do not forget?

Researchers discovered a new molecule, K162, that inhibits beta-amyloid toxicity and protects neurons from damage. The study provides hope for alternative therapeutic strategies against Alzheimer's disease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Adherence to CMS SEP-1 measures found to have variable effects on patient outcomes

A longitudinal study found that adherence to the Medicare Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Early Management Bundle (SEP-1) had variable effects on sepsis treatment and patient outcomes. Researchers suggest that clinicians may have discretion in applying SEP-1 components to focus on aspects of care driving improvements in patient outcomes.

New pulsed magnet reveals a new state of matter in Kondo insulator

Researchers have discovered an exotic new state of matter in the Kondo insulator ytterbium dodecaboride, which exhibits properties of both metals and insulators. The study used a newly developed 75-tesla duplex magnet to suppress insulating properties and measure quantum oscillations.

More than 60 years to achieve gender equity?

The astronomy industry has a long way to go before achieving gender parity, with women making up less than one-third of professional astronomers by 2080. Implementing 50:50 hiring ratios and retention initiatives, such as exit surveys and work-life balance improvements, can help reach the goal of 30% female representation in a decade.

Anthropogenic transformation of terrestrial nature

A study found that human populations transformed wildlands into human biomes as early as 12,000 years ago, with 75% of the Earth's biosphere inhabited by humans. Anthropogenic land use reshaped more than 80% of the terrestrial biosphere by 2017 CE.

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.

End-Permian extinction patterns in South Africa

A study analyzing 588 fossil land vertebrate specimens from the Karoo Basin, South Africa, found high extinction rates initially co-occurred with low origination rates. The ancient mammal relative Lystrosaurus experienced population peaks both before and after the end-Permian extinction event.

Leg muscle action assists blood flow independently of age

A recent study by Kanazawa University researchers found that leg muscle action can improve blood flow independently of age. The study used MRI imaging to measure changes in blood flow and pump action in the legs of healthy volunteers aged 24, 47, and 72 years.

Omega-3 supplements do double duty in protecting against stress

Researchers found that high-dose omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation suppressed damage and boosted protection during and after stressful events. This led to sustained anti-inflammatory activity and preserved telomere length in healthy but sedentary, overweight, and middle-aged individuals.

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.

Two blood thinners at once: More risk with the same reward

A new study found that nearly one-third of patients prescribed a direct oral anticoagulant were also taking aspirin without a clear reason, leading to an increased risk of bleeding events. The researchers emphasize the importance of consulting with doctors to determine if combination therapy is necessary for individual patients.

Stanford researchers use AI to empower environmental regulators

A new Stanford University-led study uses AI and satellite imagery to locate and monitor hard-to-regulate industries, such as brick kilns in Bangladesh. The approach reveals that over three-fourths of kilns are illegally constructed near schools, and the government under-reports kilns with respect to regulations.

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.

SARS-CoV-2 variants from mink evade inhibition by antibodies

Researchers have found that SARS-CoV-2 variants from minks can evade inhibition by COVID-19 antibodies, reducing immune control. The study showed that the Y453F mutation in the spike protein reduces the effectiveness of both therapeutic and human-made antibodies.

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.

Beetles that pee themselves to death could be tomorrow's pest control

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a better way to target and eliminate beetles using eco-friendly methods. The study found that beetles regulate their kidney function in a unique way, which can be exploited to disrupt their fluid balance without harming other insects.

How wind shapes genetic diversity in trees

A study found that wind patterns strongly affect genetic differentiation, gene flow, and genetic diversity in tree populations. Downwind populations tend to exhibit high genetic diversity.

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.

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.

Pandemic eviction bans found to protect entire communities from COVID-19 spread

A new study suggests that pandemic eviction bans reduced infection rates and protected not only evicted individuals but also entire communities from the spread of COVID-19. The researchers found that without eviction bans, people who experience eviction or live with evictees have a higher risk of being infected, increasing transmission...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Energy consumption of urban electric vehicles

Researchers analyzed a database of over 3 million urban electric vehicles in China to understand energy consumption patterns. They found that energy consumption changes by up to 21% during winter-to-spring seasonal transitions.

New model describes the (scaling) laws of the jungle

A new framework connects metabolic principles to forest patterns, revealing regularities beneath apparent randomness. The model allows for generalization to diverse species and situations, providing insights into forest structure and biological complexity.

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.

Green hydrogen: "Rust" as a photoanode and its limits

Research on haematite, a widely known rust material, has been hindered by low photocurrent conversion efficiency compared to theoretical maximum values. A recent study reveals that the wavelength of absorbed light in hematite thin films affects its photoelectrochemical properties.

Novel drug regenerates erectile nerves damaged by prostate surgery

Researchers at Einstein College of Medicine developed a topical drug that regenerates and restores function of erectile nerves damaged by radical prostatectomy. The siRNA gel enhanced nerve regeneration and restored nerve function in rat models, restoring erectile function.