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Science News Archive April 2021 - Page 11


Page 11 of 46

Oncotarget receives 2021 Best of Orchard Park Award

Oncotarget, a journal honoring achievements and accomplishments of local businesses, has received the 2021 Best of Orchard Park Award for its exceptional marketing success. The award recognizes companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to customers and the community.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateApr 26, 2021

Plastic electronics: Ushering in the next generation of technology

Researchers have developed a new semiconductor material that can conduct electricity more efficiently than before, using inexpensive chemicals like dimethyl sulphoxide and hydrobromic acid. The material has the potential to improve solar cells, mobile phones, and wearable electronics, with costs 5000 times lower than existing materials.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 26, 2021
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.

Psst! Have you heard that gossip isn't all bad?

A Dartmouth study reveals that gossip creates social connections and enables learning through indirect information sharing. The research finds that participants who engaged in private chats with their group members felt more connected and shared similar impressions of others.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 26, 2021

Freeze! New model to help protect ships from ice accretion

Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict ice accretion on ships, helping improve safety in the Arctic climate. The model simulates the freezing of water droplets moving in cold air and their interaction with ship surfaces.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalEnergies·DateApr 26, 2021

CRISPR/Cas-based diagnostics and gene therapy

CRISPR/Cas technology has advanced diagnostics and gene therapy, enabling fast and accurate disease diagnosis and treating untreatable diseases like cancer and blood disorders. Recent advances in CRISPR-Cas technologies are highlighted, with a discussion of the strength and challenges for its future clinical usage.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateApr 26, 2021

Results of study could be biggest rehab advance in decades for patients after stroke

A study published in The Lancet found that patients who incorporated vagus nerve simulation during physical or occupational therapy showed a significant improvement in arm and hand function, up to 2-3 times more than those with sham stimulation. This breakthrough could be one of the most impressive advances in decades for stroke patients.

SourceMGH Institute of Health Professions·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 26, 2021
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.

We've been at it a long time

A team of geologists and archaeologists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem confirms that ancient humans were making simple Oldowan stone tools inside the Wonderwerk Cave 1.8 million years ago. The discovery also dates the deliberate use of fire by prehistoric ancestors to 1 million years ago.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateApr 26, 2021

Weight loss surgery reduces brain pressure in patients with neurological condition

A study published in JAMA Neurology found that weight loss surgery is more effective than dieting in reducing brain pressure in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Bariatric surgery resulted in a significant reduction of brain pressure and weight loss, with the surgery group losing an average of 23Kg after 12 months.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 26, 2021
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.

Social tensions preceded disruptions in ancient Pueblo societies

Researchers found that Pueblo farmers persevered through droughts, but when social tensions were increasing, even modest droughts could end an era of development. The study suggests that societies with internal divisions are more susceptible to climate challenges, and warns of the relevance of this finding in today's world.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2021

Association of preeclampsia with stroke in later life

A new study published in JAMA Network Open explores the link between preeclampsia during pregnancy and increased risk of stroke in later life. The research suggests that women with a history of preeclampsia may be at higher risk for stroke, highlighting the importance of monitoring and managing this condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 26, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Foraminifera occupy a static thermal niche

Planktonic foraminifera retained a stable temperature preference over 700,000 years of glacial-interglacial climate fluctuations. The species' inability to adapt suggests they may be vulnerable to extinction if habitats shift suddenly.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2021

Normally harmless cell molecule triggers neuron death

Researchers discovered that farnesyl pyrophosphate, an intermediate in normal cell metabolism, causes rapid and extensive cell death when present at high concentrations outside cells. Inhibition of TRPM2 channels or targeting its metabolic pathway may offer new avenues for reducing stroke damage.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 26, 2021

Cleaner water through corn

Researchers at the University of California - Riverside have developed an energy-efficient way to convert corn stover into activated carbon for water treatment. The process produces activated carbon that absorbs up to 98% of vanillin from water, showcasing a promising approach to combating climate change by repurposing idle resources.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalACS Omega·DateApr 26, 2021

AGS honors Dr. Megan Huisingh-Scheetz with Arti Hurria Memorial Award

Dr. Megan Huisingh-Scheetz, a geriatrician and epidemiologist, received the fourth Arti Hurria Memorial Award for Emerging Investigators in Internal Medicine Who are Focused on the Care of Older Adults. Her research investigates ways to advance frailty assessment and care through technology. Dr. Huisingh-Scheetz developed a program usi...

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·DateApr 26, 2021
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.

New clues to the conundrum of mother-to-child HIV transmission

A Weill Cornell Medicine team found rare variants of the virus in mothers' blood that can escape broadly neutralizing antibodies. These variants are associated with increased transmission risk to infants, suggesting vaccines or treatments need to be effective against them. Researchers propose high-dose combination therapy for pregnant ...

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateApr 26, 2021
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.

Football Fitness gives an important boost to health in women treated for breast cancer

A study by the University of Southern Denmark found that Football Fitness improves balance, strengthens muscles, and increases bone density in women treated for breast cancer. The 12-month training program reduced the risk of falls and broken bones, making everyday activities easier.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateApr 26, 2021

Tandem micro-LEDs for full-color displays

Tandem micro-LEDs featuring stacked red, green, and blue micro-LEDs enable full-color displays. This method alleviates the issues of reduced LED size performance.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Netflix commits to local productions to continue leading the streaming platform market

A study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya researchers reveals Netflix's diverse strategy for original feature films, which includes premieres, film festivals and local production. The platform has increased its investment in in-house production and distribution to offer unique content and differentiate itself from rival platforms.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalCommunication & Society·DateApr 26, 2021

Genetic changes in head and neck cancer, immunotherapy resistance identified

A multi-institutional team of researchers has identified genetic abnormalities that drive pre-cancer cells into becoming invasive head and neck cancer. The study found that patients with specific genetic imbalances are less likely to respond to immunotherapy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Higher education does not influence how the brain ages

A recent study by the Lifebrain consortium found that brains shrink at the same rate in highly educated and less educated individuals. Despite slightly larger brain volumes in highly educated people, their brains age similarly throughout life. The researchers measured brain aging using MRI scans from over 2000 participants and tracked ...

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2021

Supervisors focused on others' needs get 'benefit of the doubt' from employees

Employees perceive prosocially motivated supervisors as fairer and are more likely to give them the benefit of the doubt, even when they make mistakes. Research from the University of Notre Dame found that supervisor motives impact fairness judgments and that focusing on prosocial motives can buffer the negative effects of low justice ...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateApr 26, 2021
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.

Taking vitamin D could lower heart disease risk for people with dark skin

New research suggests a link between vitamin D deficiency and higher rates of heart disease among African Americans. The study found that darker-skinned individuals may be at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency due to lower levels of nitric oxide availability, which can lead to blood vessel dysfunction and hypertension.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 26, 2021

Research result reporting set for boost under new system

A new MDAR Framework has been developed to harmonize outcome recording across major journals and establish basic minimum reporting requirements. The framework is designed to be flexible and adaptable to individual journal needs, aiming to reduce the burden on authors and editors.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2021
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.

Preeclampsia during pregnancy increases stroke risk later in life

Researchers at University of Utah Health found a strong association between preeclampsia and stroke risk in women who had the condition during pregnancy. Over an average follow-up period of 32 years, women with preeclampsia were 3.8 times more likely to have strokes compared to those without the condition.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 26, 2021

Common inflammatory bowel disease treatment blunts COVID-19 vaccine response

A large-scale study found that people treated with infliximab had significantly lower antibody concentrations after a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine. However, the vaccine-triggered antibody responses rose significantly in those who had previously been infected with COVID-19 or received a second dose. The researchers recommend prioriti...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGut·DateApr 26, 2021

A new perspective on the genomes of archaic humans

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new technique to analyze the genomes of archaic humans, revealing key differences in gene expression that may lead to physical traits. The study found associations with the vocal tract and cerebellum, suggesting rapid evolution of these organs in modern humans.

SourceStanford University·DateApr 26, 2021
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.

COVID-19 lockdowns and snow melt in South Asia

The study found a 30% decrease in dust and soot on snow and ice, leading to the retention of 6.6 km3 of meltwater. The COVID-19 lockdowns delayed the onset of melt by absorbing less solar radiation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2021

Higher education and brain aging

A study of over 2,000 individuals found that higher education does not influence the pace of brain aging, contradicting previous assumptions. However, educational attainment is linked to improved cognitive outcomes and reduced risk of dementia.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2021

Ozone pollution in Germany falls thanks to lower nitrogen oxide emissions

A recent study found that ozone pollution in Germany has decreased primarily due to reduced nitrogen oxide emissions. Ozone formation is often linked to NOx emissions from traffic and industrial processes. Lower NOx levels are positively correlated with lower ozone concentrations, especially in regions like southwestern Germany.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateApr 26, 2021

Is night shift really helping you sleep better?

A Brigham Young University study found that mobile night shift functions do not improve sleep quality, contrary to manufacturer claims. Researchers tested 167 emerging adults and found no significant differences in sleep outcomes between those using phones with Night Shift enabled or disabled.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalSleep Health·DateApr 26, 2021

Energy-saving gas turbines from the 3D printer

A research team has successfully used neutrons to non-destructively detect internal stress in complex 3D-printed components. The innovation could lead to energy-saving gas turbines by optimizing production processes and reducing destructive stresses.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Applied Crystallography·DateApr 26, 2021
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.

How COVID-19 impacted UK healthcare

A new study by University of East Anglia researchers found that despite high levels of unmet healthcare need, the NHS upheld its principle of equal treatment for equal need, with no difference in access to hospital care between income groups. However, those on higher incomes had better access to GP consultations and medical helplines.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalHealth Economics·DateApr 26, 2021

Forensic scientists unlocking unique chemical signatures in tires

Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a new method to analyze tire skid marks and identify vehicles involved in crimes. By classifying the chemical profile of tires, forensic scientists can link vehicles to potential crime scenes, providing valuable evidence for investigations.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalApplied Spectroscopy·DateApr 26, 2021

Structure gives insight into how plants keep their "mouths" shut

Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences have uncovered the atomic structure of SLAC1, a protein responsible for closing stomatal pores in plants. The discovery sheds light on how plants respond to environmental changes, such as high CO2 levels and drought.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Discovery of an elusive cell type in fish sensory organs

Researchers identified a new cell type called neuromast-associated ionocytes in zebrafish sensory organs that play a crucial role in regulating the fluid composition. These cells are responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation, and their dysfunction is linked to hearing loss and vestibular defects.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateApr 26, 2021

Icy clouds could have kept early Mars warm enough for rivers and lakes, study finds

A new simulation led by University of Chicago geoscientist Edwin Kite finds that high-altitude water ice clouds could have created a greenhouse effect on early Mars, enabling the presence of flowing rivers and lakes. The study challenges previous assumptions about the Martian climate and offers insights into the planet's habitability.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2021