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Science News Archive April 2021


Page 29 of 46

How nonprofits can drive more giving from their current donor base

Researchers identified strategies to increase repeat giving from individual donors and identify more committed givers. Multiple giving options and targeted marketing helped retain givers for longer periods. The study provides insights to nonprofits to structure their fundraising efforts and increase the impact of every dollar raised.

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.

Mystery canine illness identified

A 2019-2020 canine vomiting outbreak was identified as a variant of canine enteric coronavirus (CeCoV), affecting male dogs more than females. A national surveillance system is being developed to monitor canine health.

Most young people eager for COVID-19 vaccine, poll shows

A recent survey of youth aged 14-24 found that most are willing to get vaccinated against COVID-19, with 75% unconditionally willing or already vaccinated. Black young people were more likely to express concerns about vaccine safety.

Social wasps lose face recognition abilities in isolation

A new study found that solitary paper wasps experience reduced facial recognition abilities due to lack of social interaction. This impact is reflected in smaller visual areas of their brains, affecting individual identity processing and social behavior.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Increased risk of liver cancer in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver

A new registry study linked non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) to a 17-fold increased risk of liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD patients were also found to have a higher risk of other cancers, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and personalized screening strategies.

Get your head in the game -- One gene's role in cranial development

A study by researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that the Distal-less homeobox 5 (Dlx5) gene plays a significant role in directing cell fate in the mouse head. Higher expression levels of Dlx5 were linked to enhanced cartilage and bone formation, suggesting its importance in proper cranial development.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

UBCO engineer cautions pregnant women about speed bumps

Researchers found that accelerating over speed bumps poses a danger for pregnant women and their fetuses, leading to minor injuries to the fetal brain and other complications. The study advises drivers to slow down over 45km/h when hitting a speedbump, with even lower speeds recommended for maximum safety.

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.

ETRI develops a haptic film activated by LEDs

A Korean research team developed a technology generating various vibrations using LED light signals, allowing for localized and varied tactile sensations. The technology, developed by ETRI, is expected to be applied to industries such as automobiles and electronics, offering improved feedback and durability.

Inside the protein channel that keeps bacteria alive

Researchers at Rockefeller University have developed a novel method to activate and visualize protein channels in bacteria, shedding light on their function. The findings offer potential new avenues for designing antibiotic drugs that target these channels, which are essential for bacterial survival.

Elusive particle may point to undiscovered physics

Researchers confirm the original findings that suggested a significant discrepancy in the muon's magnetic field from the Standard Model prediction. This discovery may indicate the presence of an undiscovered type of fundamental physics, leading to further investigation into the nature of particles and forces.

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.

Towards automatic design for freeform optics

Researchers developed a result-diversified automatic design method for freeform optics, generating various three-mirror systems with high imaging qualities. The method provides a brand new thought for fully automatic optical design, enabling exploration of solution spaces and changing the working mode in engineering applications.

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.

New research shows how immune response to TB differs in babies

New research reveals fundamental differences in how baby and adult immune cells respond to TB, with a greater ability of adult cells to shift their energy profile after infection. The study highlights the importance of understanding how the immune system uses energy to develop better treatments for vulnerable populations.

Narratives can help science counter misinformation on vaccines

Author Michael Dahlstrom's paper examines how narratives or storytelling can help counter misinformation on vaccines by providing context and connection between facts. This approach recognizes the disproportionate influence of narratives on attitudes and behaviors, and highlights their potential as a tool for public health education.

Researchers reveal aging signatures across diverse tissue cells in mice

A comprehensive analysis of the molecular signatures of aging across diverse tissue cells in mice reveals coordinated global aging behavior. The study identifies shared aging genes and develops a single-cell aging score, shedding light on the complex aging process in different types of cells.

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.

Amoeba biology reveals potential treatment target for lung disease

Researchers identified a genetic pathway that could help treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by sweeping out excess mucus from the lungs. The pathway involves the ANT2 gene, which produces proteins that enhance cilia function and hydration layer formation in lung cells.

Joyful screams perceived more strongly than screams of fear or anger

Researchers at the University of Zurich found that humans respond more quickly and with higher sensitivity to positive screams, which indicate joy, than to negative screams. The study revealed six distinct types of scream calls, including pain, anger, fear, pleasure, sadness, and joy.

DNA structure itself is involved in genome regulation

A recent study published in Cell Reports reveals that DNA supercoiling is involved in regulating gene expression, rather than being just collateral damage. The researchers found that specific genes are massively activated in response to stimuli, and topoisomerase TOP2A plays a crucial role in this process.

Lundquist investigator Chang's study in JAMA Internal Medicine

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that training physicians to use time-limited trials of ICU treatments improves the quality of family meetings. This approach engages families in decision-making, reducing unnecessary ICU treatments for critically ill patients with poor prognoses.

Unlocking richer intracellular recordings

A team of Carnegie Mellon University researchers has developed a novel microelectrode platform using 3D fuzzy graphene to enable richer intracellular recordings of cardiac action potentials. This advancement could revolutionize research on neurodegenerative and cardiac diseases, as well as the development of new therapeutic strategies.

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.

Life expectancy lower near superfund sites

A nationwide review of hazardous waste sites found that living near a Superfund site could decrease life expectancy by over two months. Those with lower incomes and sociodemographic disadvantage face the greatest risk, with decreases in life expectancy ranging from seven to 15 months.

'Our Changing Menu': Warming climate serves up meal remake

A new book from Cornell University Press explores how climate change will alter the world's dinner plate. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns threaten staple crops like rice, avocados, and bananas, with some varieties facing yields reduced by up to 80%.

New method of artificially creating genetic switches for yeast

Researchers from Kobe University and Chiba University developed a flexible method to create genetic switches for yeast, allowing for the control of gene expression. They successfully produced yeast that biosynthesized orange pigment under AND-gated control, paving the way for sophisticated, artificially regulated cells.

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.

Atom interferometry demonstrated in space for the first time

A team of scientists has demonstrated atom interferometry on a sounding rocket, enabling precise measurements of gravity and potentially detecting gravitational waves. The success of this experiment marks a significant milestone in the field of quantum technologies.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Novel theory addresses centuries-old physics problem

A new study by Hebrew University researcher Professor Barak Kol introduces a novel approach to the three-body problem, predicting the probability of each body escaping the system. The theory avoids infinite probabilities and provides strong agreement with computer simulations, indicating a paradigm shift in understanding the system.

Scaling up genome editing big in tiny worms

Researchers use CRISPR-Cas9 to introduce thousands of mutations into C. elegans worms, then analyze the effects on physical traits and functions. They discover a surprise finding that mutations in specific microRNA binding sites can affect gene expression.

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.

Physical activity may reduce risk of poor COVID-19 outcomes

A Kaiser Permanente study found that regular physical activity significantly reduced the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospitalization, ICU admission, and death. Even inconsistent exercise provided some protection against poor outcomes.

Finding resiliency in local, community news gathering

Community newspapers across the US are reevaluating their business models in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, embracing self-advocacy and exploring new revenue streams. Journalists are now open to discussing the challenges facing their profession and recognizing the importance of community investment.

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.

Gene therapy shows promise in treating rare eye disease in mice

A gene therapy protects eye cells in mice with a rare disorder, suggesting a combination approach may preserve vision in people with retinitis pigmentosa. Researchers found that using Txnip gene therapies, along with treatments for oxidative stress and inflammation, provided additional protection for the cells.

Doctors still reluctant to prescribe medical cannabis: McMaster

Despite growing demand, Ontario doctors are hesitant to prescribe medical cannabis due to potential ill-effects and limited knowledge about its effectiveness as a painkiller. The study highlights the need for more evidence, education, and guidance to help physicians better assist patients seeking this treatment.

Cloth face covering curbs exercise performance and physical capacity

A small clinical trial found that cloth face coverings reduce exercise performance and increase shortness of breath and claustrophobia at higher intensities. The researchers suggest modifying exercise frequency, intensity, duration, and type to compensate for the discomfort associated with mask-wearing.

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.