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Science News Archive April 2021


Page 24 of 46

Experimental antiviral for COVID-19 effective in hamster study

A new study from the NIH found that MK-4482 treatment significantly decreased virus levels and lung damage in hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2. The treatment was effective when administered before or after infection, suggesting potential for mitigation of high-risk exposures.

HIV has been had

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University develop novel molecules that mimic CD4 proteins, preventing HIV particles from entering immune cells. These compounds show promise in reducing side effects while increasing effectiveness in stopping viral proliferation.

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.

Penn study suggests those who had COVID-19 may only need one vaccine dose

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine suggests that individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 may only need one vaccine dose to produce a sufficient antibody response. In contrast, those who have not had COVID-19 require two doses to achieve strong levels of immunity.

Dutch researchers establish the first entanglement-based quantum network

Researchers from QuTech in the Netherlands have established the first multi-node quantum network, connecting three quantum processors and achieving proof-of-principle demonstration of key quantum network protocols. The breakthrough enables the creation of a scalable quantum network that can distribute quantum information over large dis...

The whitest paint is here - and it's the coolest. Literally.

Purdue University engineers develop ultra-white paint that reflects up to 98.1% of sunlight, keeping surfaces cooler than surroundings. The paint, made with barium sulfate particles of different sizes, can reduce the need for air conditioning by 10 kilowatts.

Keep calm! How blood vessels are kept in check

Scientists at BIH have found a new metabolite, S-2-hydroxyglutarate, that regulates endothelial cell quiescence and prevents excessive vessel growth. This discovery brings the researchers closer to developing targeted therapies for vascular diseases.

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.

University of Guam launches Drone Corps for students

The University of Guam's Drone Corps aims to develop a team of FAA-certified drone pilots, providing opportunities for researchers to utilize drones in their fields. Students will practice flying unmanned aerial vehicles, capturing footage and data for local agencies.

One year of SARS-CoV-2 evolution

Research identifies SARS-CoV-2 variants emerging from immunocompromised hosts, leading to increased frequency of mutations. The study highlights the importance of monitoring genetic changes in SARS-CoV-2 to design effective vaccines and diagnostics.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Reliable COVID-19 short-term forecasting

Researchers developed a new model using the SEIR framework to project daily COVID-19 cases, achieving accuracy and reliability. The model forecasts future infections under three scenarios, with limitations due to data accuracy and assumptions about transmission rates.

Water crisis took toll on Flint adults' physical, mental health

A recent study found that Flint adults suffered a range of adverse physical and mental health symptoms, including skin rashes, hair loss, depression, anxiety, and PTSD, linked to the water crisis. Black residents were particularly affected, with higher rates of reported symptoms.

Measuring neutron star squeezability

Researchers used NASA's NICER telescope on the International Space Station to measure the size of PSR J0740+6620, the most massive known neutron star. The team's findings provide insights into the squeezability of matter in neutron star cores, shedding light on what happens when neutrons break down into smaller particles.

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.

Researchers unveil new 'time machine' technique to measure cells

WeHI researchers have developed a new single-cell technique, SIS-seq, to understand the programming behind stem cells making particular cell types. The research uncovered 30 new genes that program stem cells to make dendritic cells that kick-start the immune response.

Baked meteorites yield clues to planetary atmospheres

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz heated meteorite samples in a high-temperature furnace and analyzed the gases released. The study suggests that the initial atmospheres of terrestrial planets may differ significantly from current theoretical 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.

An ion pump to deliver chemotherapy agents to the brain

Researchers at Linköping University and Medical University of Graz developed an ion pump that can deliver chemotherapy agents like gemcitabine directly into the brain with high precision. This method may provide a more effective treatment for glioblastoma, a type of brain tumor.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Child vaccination rates declined during COVID-19 pandemic

A Kaiser Permanente study found that child vaccination rates declined significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with measles vaccination coverage remaining substantially reduced in many age groups. The decline was more severe and persistent in older children, highlighting concerns about vaccine-preventable diseases.

New benefits from anti-diabetic drug metformin

Researchers at Kumamoto University discovered that metformin prolongs survival of mice with non-diabetic chronic kidney disease by reducing kidney function and inflammation. The study suggests that a combination of metformin and losartan may be beneficial for patients with ND-CKD.

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.

Discovery of epigenetic factors predicting the severity of COVID-19

A study published in EBiomedicine found that epigenetic variations predict COVID-19 severity, particularly in genes related to inflammation and overall health. The 13% of the global population with this signature is considered the group at maximum risk requiring special care.

Couples and young-onset dementia: Study of coping offers hope for new interventions

A study published in JAMA Network Open explores the experiences of individuals with young-onset dementia and their partners, highlighting the importance of open communication and mutual problem-solving. The research team developed a couples-based framework to describe coping patterns, which can inform new interventions and increase qua...

CityU biologists discover super-enhancers that switch on breast cancer genes

Researchers have identified specific super-enhancers that stimulate the activity of critical cancer genes in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The study reveals that deleting certain super-enhancers can reduce tumour cell growth and improves survival chances. Dr Rebecca Chin and Dr Wang Xin's findings may lead to the development of...

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.

Later school start times let students get adequate sleep

A new study published in SLEEP found that later school start times significantly benefit middle and high school students' sleep schedules. Researchers discovered that the greatest improvements occurred for high school students, who obtained an extra 3.8 hours of sleep per week after a later start time was implemented.

New way of diagnostics detects 'undetectable' genetic defects

Researchers at Radboud University Medical Center have developed a new way to detect hidden genetic defects using the Expansion Hunter method. This technique can identify repeat expansions, a type of mutation that causes fragile X syndrome and Huntington's disease, in patients with movement disorders.

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.

Medically savvy smartphone imaging systems

Smartphone-based imaging systems can guide diagnosis and treatment with portable, user-friendly biomedical imaging. Emerging technologies like multispectral and quantitative fluorescence imaging offer promising diagnostic applications.

New paper shows how disease can affect economies for generations

A new study reveals that disease can alter social networks and economic growth for generations, with high diffusion networks promoting growth in low-disease countries but hindering it in high-disease environments. Small initial differences in epidemiological environment can trigger large and persistent differences in network structure,...

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.

Latest Neuropixels probes can track neurons over weeks

The new Neuropixels 2.0 probes have improved recording-site density and long-term stability, allowing scientists to track individual neurons for weeks. This enables the study of complex phenomena like learning and memory in mice.

UZH researchers find new measure to predict stress resilience

Researchers at UZH found that increased sensitivity in a specific brain region contributes to anxiety and depression in response to stress. The study establishes an objective neurobiological measure for stress resilience in humans, which may aid in selecting professions or developing stress resilience training.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Tiny cat-sized stegosaur leaves its mark

A single footprint from a tiny cat-sized stegosaur has been discovered in China, revealing characteristics similar to other stegosaur footprints but with a heel-lifted gait. The finding suggests that young stegosaurs may have walked on two legs or used a 'toe-walking' posture.

Drought-induced mortality of conifers

Researchers from Basel and Würzburg investigated spruce trees' reaction to extreme heat and drought, finding a sudden collapse of the water-conducting system leading to tree death. The study reveals that dehydration occurs abruptly after exceeding a species-specific threshold value, causing trees to be unable to recover.

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.

A more complete account

A new dataset includes over 21,000 interactions between 942 species, thoroughly annotated, providing a detailed look at kelp forests. The study highlights unseen parasite interactions that have been overlooked by ecologists.

How many T. rexes were there? Billions.

The study uses Monte Carlo computer simulation to determine the population numbers of T. rexes, with a standing population size of 20,000 adults at any given time. The total number of individuals that existed over its lifetime could have been anywhere from 140 million to 42 billion.

A method to assess COVID-19 transmission risks in indoor settings

MIT researchers developed a publicly available model to estimate COVID-19 transmission risks in indoor settings, considering variables like people number, space size, activity type, mask wearing, and ventilation rates. The model provides a detailed guideline for policymakers, businesses, schools, and individuals to gauge their own risks.

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.