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Science News Archive April 2021


Page 27 of 46

COVID-19 in combination with hemorrhagic stroke doubles death risk

A new study found that COVID-19 significantly increases the risk of in-hospital death among patients with hemorrhagic stroke, leading to longer hospital stays and more medical complications. Patients from racial and ethnic minorities, as well as those with obesity and diabetes, were particularly vulnerable.

In pig brain development, nature beats nurture

Researchers found that piglets raised in a laboratory environment developed brain structures and function comparable to those raised on a traditional farm. The study used MRI scans to assess brain development over time and found no significant differences between the two groups.

Climate change is making Indian monsoon seasons more chaotic

The study predicts stronger and more erratic monsoon rainfall in India, with potentially grave consequences for the country's agriculture, economy, and food systems. Climate change is also causing more unpredictable weather extremes, posing a threat to the socio-economic well-being of the Indian subcontinent.

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.

Protein can release trapped histones in the cell

Researchers discovered that protein DNAJC9 actively engages cellular protein folding machinery to release trapped histones. This process is crucial for proper chromatin organization and is essential for cancer cell viability.

New evidence suggests sexual division of labor as farming arose in Europe

Researchers analyzed stone tools from graves in central Europe, finding that men were buried with tools used for woodwork, butchery, hunting, or violence, while women were buried with tools used on animal hides. This study provides new insights into the rise of gender inequalities in the Neolithic period.

Diabetes drug shows potential in fighting cancer

A new study suggests that immunotherapies combined with phenformin may be an effective way to fight cancer. Researchers found that phenformin has structural and therapeutic advantages over its sister compound metformin, which was previously used as an anti-diabetic agent.

Adults who view TV and social media as news sources on COVID are less informed

A new study published in Current Medical Research & Opinion found that adults who trust television and Facebook for news about the coronavirus pandemic are less knowledgeable. The survey of 5,948 adults in Pennsylvania showed that those who relied on social media and TV for news were less likely to answer COVID-19 questions correctly.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Climate change is making it harder to get a good cup of coffee

A new study finds that climate change may lead to a decline in suitable areas for high-quality specialty coffee types in Ethiopia, threatening the country's economy and coffee industry. The researchers suggest that tailored adaptation measures are needed to mitigate this trend.

Potential-dependent switch aids water-splitting using cobalt-oxide catalysts

Researchers from Boston College and Yale University found a mechanistic switch in the oxygen evolution reaction that uses water to produce hydrogen gas. The switch occurs when applying voltage to the catalyst surface, enabling efficient electrocatalysts to be chosen or optimized depending on the potential regime.

How to gain a sense of well-being, free and online

Researchers at Johns Hopkins and Yale found that free online courses teaching principles of positive psychology can enrich lives, reporting greater mental health benefits than a comparable course without exercises.

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.

NIAID funds new influenza research network

The Centers for Excellence in Influenza Research and Response (CEIRR) will conduct studies on influenza-related research areas, including immune responses to vaccination and infection, and zoonotic transmission. The network will also study SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging viruses of pandemic potential.

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.

Novel diabetes subgroups show differences in biomarkers of inflammation

Researchers have identified five novel diabetes subgroups with distinct biomarker profiles, highlighting the importance of inflammation in diabetes-related complications. These differences may enable early detection and therapy in individual subgroups, particularly those with severe insulin resistance.

A European project to develop electrodeless plasma thrusters

The ZARATHUSTRA project aims to develop electrodeless plasma thrusters that consume less propellant, allowing for longer and more ambitious space missions. The new thruster design features a U-shaped geometry and a toroidal magnetic field, which should improve efficiency and durability.

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.

Telling sunbathers what they don't want to hear: Tanning is bad

Researchers at Ohio State University found that using simple language and targeting specific audiences can increase the effectiveness of health campaigns. The study suggests that understanding audience psychology and designing messages with relevance in mind are crucial for changing behavior, especially when conveying risk information.

Bacteria that cause periodontitis are transmitted from parents to children

A study by researchers at the University of Campinas found that adults with periodontitis transmit bacteria to their children, leading to subgingival bacterial colonization at an early age. This highlights the importance of preventive care in infancy to avoid developing this inflammatory disease of the gums.

How we can reduce food waste and promote healthy eating

Researchers suggest reducing food waste in various settings, including schools, homes, and restaurants, while promoting healthy nutrition. Strategies include implementing behavioral cues, reusing leftovers, and developing cooking education curricula for low-income households.

Researchers establish intracellular interaction network in breast cancer

Researchers at HSE University have identified key molecules responsible for breast cancer metastasis by developing an algorithm that recreates the networks of intercellular interactions in cancer cells. The program detects prognostic genes, with transcription factor E2F1 playing a major role in predicting patient outcomes.

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.

Water and quantum magnets share critical physics

Physicists discovered a discontinuous phase transition in a quantum magnet, mirroring the behavior of water, allowing for precise control over its quantum properties. The study reveals critical-point physics, which is essential for understanding topological phases and protected qubits in these materials.

New in the Hastings Center Report, March-April 2021

Family clustering is a confirmed phenomenon associated with COVID-19, causing extreme emotional and physical distress among family members. The article provides strategies for patients, doctors, nurses, and families to navigate this challenging situation, including addressing guilt and shame stemming from transmission of the disease.

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.

SARS-CoV-2: New findings on the persistence of neutralizing antibodies

Research from the Rhineland Study in Bonn, Germany, suggests that neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 decline significantly within 4-5 months after infection. The study found that only about one-third of individuals testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies actually had specific antibodies against the virus.

Suicides fallen by 4% during the Covid-19 pandemic

An international study of 70 scientists in 21 countries found that suicides fell by 4% during the Covid-19 pandemic, with similar trends reported globally. The study attributes this decline to swift implementation of supportive measures, including psychotherapy and crisis intervention services.

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.

Picosecond electron transfer in peptides can help energy technologies

Scientists have observed unusually fast picosecond electron transfer in peptides mediated by hydrogen bonds, a rate 1 million times faster than previously known. This discovery has the potential to improve chemical transformations, energy conversion, electronic devices, and photonic technologies.

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.

Women describe specific techniques to increase their own pleasure

A nationally representative survey of US women identified four techniques to increase pleasure during vaginal penetration: Angling, Rocking, Shallowing, and Pairing. These techniques were previously unnamed in the literature, but provide language for women to communicate and advocate for their sexual pleasure.

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.

Photonic MEMS switches going commercial

Researchers demonstrate commercialization of photonic MEMS switches fabricated on silicon-on-insulator wafers using regular photolithographic and dry-etching processes. The switch design includes a 32x32 matrix of replicated elements, achieving excellent light power loss, optical bandwidth, and switching speed.

Self-assembling nanofibers prevent damage from inflammation

Researchers at Duke University developed self-assembling nanofibers that activate key cells in the immune system to limit damaging inflammation. The nanofibers, which include a protein called C3dg, were shown to be effective in treating psoriasis and other inflammatory diseases.

Triple combination therapy shows promise against a rare deadly asbestos cancer

Researchers at University Health Network found that combining immune-boosting drugs with radiation and surgery increased survival and anticancer immune response in mouse models of mesothelioma. The treatment extended survival and provided a durable immune response, even after re-injection of tumour cells up to 12 weeks later.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Suicide risk among nurses, physicians

A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry estimated the risk of suicide among nurses and physicians compared to the general population. The study found that these professionals are at a significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

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.

Counting pedestrians to make pedestrians count

A new model developed by MIT's Andres Sevtsuk can estimate pedestrian journeys and trip distribution, providing a solution for planners and developers to better understand foot traffic in cities. The model uses network analysis and real-world data to calculate pedestrian flows, which can be applied to various urban settings.

Backyard bird feeding sparks a songbird 'reverse migration'

Research shows Eurasian Blackcaps, a widespread warbler species, are adapting to changing climate by reversing their migration patterns to spend winters in British Isles backyard gardens. These birds have a steady food supply and better body condition, allowing them to move less and avoid predators more effectively.

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.

Toxic gas in rat brains shows potential for new dementia treatments

Researchers have found that treatments to reduce levels of hydrogen sulfide in the brain may help ward off damage caused by the gas, which is involved in blocking key brain cell gateways. The study shows that H2S disrupts normal brain functioning and can lead to nerve cell death.

With impressive accuracy, dogs can sniff out coronavirus

A study published in PLOS ONE found that specially trained dogs can identify positive COVID-19 samples with high accuracy, recognizing the unique odor of the infection. The research suggests large-scale training with diverse samples is crucial to ensure quality and validity for future applications.

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.

Researchers receive $2.7 million to study sex differences in social reward

Researchers are investigating how oxytocin and dopamine act in the brain's reward circuits to make social interactions rewarding for males and females. The project has the potential to provide new mechanisms for understanding well-known sex differences in neuropsychiatric disorders and spur the development of gender-specific treatments.

Plasma device designed for consumers can quickly disinfect surfaces

A new plasma device designed for consumers has been demonstrated to eliminate 99.99 percent of bacteria on surfaces, including textiles and metals, in just 90 seconds. The device uses room-temperature plasmas to produce reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that destroy bacterial cell walls and kill cells.