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Science News Archive April 2021 - Page 13


Page 13 of 46

COVID-19 vaccine responses to be studied in people with immune deficits

Researchers are enrolling 500 participants, 400 with primary/secondary immune system disorders and 100 without, to study COVID-19 vaccine responses. The study aims to characterize features and adequacy of immune responses and provide valuable information about benefits and potential risks in individuals with immune deficiencies.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 23, 2021

People with heart rhythm disorders warned over cannabis use

A study of 2.4 million hospitalised cannabis users found that those with an arrhythmia were 4.5 times more likely to die in hospital than those without. Patients with arrhythmias also had longer hospital stays and more co-existing health conditions.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateApr 23, 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.

Toward new solar cells with active learning

Active learning is used to identify promising organic molecules for efficient solar cells by iteratively deciding which data to learn from. This approach allows the algorithm to efficiently explore a vast molecular space and continuously improve its performance.

SourceFritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021

An easy-to-use platform is a gateway to AI in microscopy

Researchers have developed a cloud-based platform called ZeroCostDL4Mic that uses artificial intelligence to analyze microscopy images, improving image quality and detecting features such as tumors in biopsy samples. The platform is freely available online and requires no coding expertise, making it accessible to non-experts.

SourceAbo Akademi University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

US asbestos sites made risky by some remediation strategies

New research suggests that capping US Superfund sites with soil to lock in asbestos may increase human exposure to the cancer-causing mineral. Lab experiments found that soil's organic material enables asbestos to move through the ground and potentially into nearby water supplies.

SourceStanford University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials Letters·DateApr 23, 2021

Army, ASU publish human-autonomy communication tips

Researchers identified a set of approaches to assess human-automation teams' communication, focusing on structure, emotion, and content. The 11-critical approaches aim to improve Soldier-robot interactions, enabling less manual input and more natural teamworking.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalHuman-Intelligent Systems Integration·DateApr 23, 2021

Hubble captures giant star on the edge of destruction

Astronomers capture breathtaking images of AG Carinae, a luminous blue variable star surrounded by a glowing halo of gas and dust. The star is in a constant battle to maintain stability due to its massive form and super-hot temperatures.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 23, 2021
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.

Synthetic gelatin-like material mimics lobster underbelly's stretch and strength

A new hydrogel-based material has been developed that mimics the structure of a lobster's underbelly, exhibiting remarkable fatigue-resistance and stretch properties. The material's angled architecture is thought to hinder crack propagation, allowing it to withstand repeated stretches and strains without tearing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMatter·DateApr 23, 2021

Citizen science data tracks battle of birds vs bacteria

New research from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology analyzes the impact of a bird eye disease on house finch populations, revealing an escalating arms race between the birds' immune systems and bacterial strains. The study suggests that imperfect immunity is driving this battle, with bacteria evolving to overcome strengthened finch defenses.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateApr 23, 2021

Fight or flight response may hinge on protein in skeletal muscular system

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that a protein in skeletal muscle fibers regulates the body's fight or flight response, enabling quick bursts of power. This discovery may lead to advancements in understanding and addressing skeletal muscular disorders.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 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.

Patching up your health

Researchers at Osaka University and JOANNEUM RESEARCH developed ultrathin self-powered e-health patches that can monitor a user's pulse and blood pressure. The patches use embedded piezoelectric nanogenerators to harness biomechanical energy, enabling wireless health monitoring without the need for wires or batteries.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021

'Planar and curved' pyrrole-fused azacoronenes

The study presents two new derivatives of pyrrole-fused azacoronene, one with alkyl groups and the other with concave π-planes, exhibiting distinct redox properties and π-electron functions. The curved structure leads to a strong interaction with spherical fullerene.

SourceEhime University·DateApr 23, 2021

NIH establishes new childhood asthma clinical research network

The NIH has established a new clinical research network called Childhood Asthma in Urban Settings (CAUSE) to study pediatric asthma in low-income urban settings. The network aims to develop tailored treatment and prevention approaches for children living in these communities.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 23, 2021
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.

New alloy can directly reduce the weight of heat removal systems by a third

Scientists at NUST MISIS created new magnesium alloys that can reduce the weight of heat-removing elements in electric vehicles and consumer electronics by one third. The alloys offer high thermal conductivity and low cost, making them suitable for modern gadgets.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalJournal of Magnesium and Alloys·DateApr 23, 2021

With new optical device, engineers can fine tune the color of light

Researchers at Stanford University developed an optical device that allows engineers to change the frequencies of individual photons in a stream of light. This enables the creation of compact and flexible neural networks for artificial intelligence, transforming fields such as digital communications, AI, and quantum computing.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021

New data could inform youth-focused pandemic messaging

Recent polls of people aged 14 to 24 reveal most young people are taking COVID-19 seriously and motivated by a desire to protect others. They prioritize following public health guidance when near close contacts or in 'pod' situations.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateApr 23, 2021

Newly discovered immune cell function vital to healing

Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered that macrophages, a common immune cell, play a crucial role in re-establishing blood flow in damaged tissue. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments for cardiovascular diseases by increasing local concentrations of signal substances in damaged muscles.

SourceUppsala University·JournalCirculation Research·DateApr 23, 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.

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.

Gauging groundwater

A comprehensive study finds that many global groundwater wells are at risk of running dry due to declining water levels. The researchers analyzed construction records and monitoring well data from 40 countries, finding that 6-20% of wells may dry up if water levels continue to decline.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2021

US and Iranian researchers collaborate on Lake Urmia restoration

Scientists from US and Iran are collaborating on restoring Lake Urmia, which has lost 95% of its volume over two decades. The team's findings show that setting a target water level may not solve the lake's problems, highlighting the need for ecosystem-based restoration efforts.

SourceUtah State University·DateApr 23, 2021

Successful cancer therapy using artificial metalloenzymes to deliver drugs

A team of researchers at RIKEN CPR has demonstrated a successful cancer therapy using artificial metalloenzymes to deliver targeted drug therapies. In mouse tests, they found a 40% survival rate for mice treated with selective cell therapy and a higher survival rate over 77 days when targeting tumors that had already formed.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 23, 2021

Bacteria and viruses infect our cells through sugars: Now researchers want to know how they do it

A study by University of Copenhagen researchers reveals how sugar molecules bind to cell receptors, activating the immune system in autoimmune diseases. The discovery also sheds light on the development of Alzheimer's disease, identifying a potential natural sugar that binds to the Siglec-3 receptor.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2021

Quantum steering for more precise measurements

Researchers at the University of Basel have proposed a new scheme for measuring magnetic or electric fields using quantum steering, which enhances measurement precision. By analyzing entangled particle states, scientists can make more accurate predictions about possible measurement results.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021
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.

New blood markers may reveal heart attack in chest pain patients

A new study identifies three molecules in the blood that can distinguish between heart attack and chest pain caused by other conditions. The researchers hope to develop a simple blood test for early diagnosis, which could help doctors quickly confirm or rule out a heart attack.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·DateApr 23, 2021
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.

Comprehensive NICU discharge planning essential for at-home readiness

A new study highlights the importance of comprehensive NICU discharge planning in preparing parents to care for their medically needy infants at home. Families who were both satisfied and prepared had better outcomes than those who were not, with higher-risk groups benefiting from additional education and training.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAdvances in Neonatal Care·DateApr 23, 2021

Researchers realize high-efficiency frequency conversion on integrated photonic chip

Researchers realized efficient frequency conversion in microresonators via a degenerate sum-frequency process, achieving cross-band frequency conversion and amplification of converted signal. The study demonstrated precise tuning of the frequency window with a 42% efficiency and a 250GHz tuning bandwidth.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 23, 2021

Critical understanding of why and how solid-state batteries

The study reveals two competing theories on lithium metal dendrite growth through ceramic electrolytes, proposing a new mechanism for solid-state battery failure. The researchers used X-ray computed tomography and spatially mapped X-ray diffraction to visualize and characterize crack growth and dendrite propagation.

SourceThe Faraday Institution·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 23, 2021
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.

Sculpting radiation beam spares lung cancer patients from severe, disabling complication

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital develop a new radiation technique that carefully targets tumors while sparing surrounding tissues, reducing inflammation and preserving swallowing function. The study shows promising results in patients with localized lung cancer, with none developing severe esophagitis despite high-dose ra...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateApr 22, 2021

Ankle exoskeleton enables faster walking

Researchers developed an ankle exoskeleton that significantly increased self-selected walking speed in young adults, with a 42% average increase. The device has potential for improving daily life and may also reduce pain caused by weight on joints or improve balance in older adults.

SourceStanford University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateApr 22, 2021

Fossils of "giant cloud rats" discovered in Philippine caves

Scientists have discovered fossils of three new species of giant cloud rats in Philippine caves, dating back tens of thousands of years. The rodents filled an ecological role similar to that of squirrels in the US and were resilient for at least 60,000 years, but two of the species disappeared around 2,000 years ago.

SourceField Museum·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateApr 22, 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.

Successful research development approach helps cancer patients using mobile tech

The UVA Center for Engineering in Medicine has developed a robust process to help researchers win funding from institutions like the National Institutes of Health. The center's first seed grant cohorts have achieved astonishing results, including $12 million in follow-on funding with just a $2 million initial investment.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateApr 22, 2021

Taking down human traffickers through online ads

Researchers adapted an algorithm to identify similarities in escort ads, highlighting common parts and indicating potential human trafficking activity. The InfoShield algorithm outperformed other algorithms at identifying trafficking ads with 85% precision, flagging them without false positives.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateApr 22, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New therapy target for malignant melanomas in dogs

Scientists have discovered a potential new therapy target for canine cancer, specifically oral malignant melanoma in dogs. The treatment targets the PD-L1 molecule, which has shown promise in human cancer treatments, and significantly increased survival time for dogs with pulmonary metastatic OMM.

SourceHokkaido University·Journalnpj Precision Oncology·DateApr 22, 2021

Firearms laws curb rates of gun violence across United States

A Rutgers University study found that states with stricter firearms laws reported lower suicide and homicide rates. The study analyzed data from 1991 to 2017 and found a significant correlation between the total number of firearm laws in a state and its corresponding suicide and homicide rates.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateApr 22, 2021

Common antibiotic effective in healing coral disease lesions

A new study by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute reveals that a common antibiotic, amoxicillin, is effective in treating stony coral tissue loss disease. The study showed a 95% success rate in healing individual lesions, but did not prevent the development of new lesions over time.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 22, 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.

New research data on the regulation of hormone-dependent breast cancer

Researchers discovered that distinct Notch family members are modified differently by phosphorylation, leading to opposite effects on transcriptional activity and oncogenic behavior. The study suggests that targeting PIM or Notch proteins may provide new treatment options for hormone-dependent breast cancer with poor prognosis.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 22, 2021

China requires switch to zero-carbon energy to achieve more ambitious Paris Agreement goal, models S

A new analysis suggests China needs to reduce carbon emissions by over 90% and energy consumption by almost 40% to achieve the 1.5°C target, with industry being the main emission contributor. The study also highlights the need for more research on economic consequences of working towards this goal.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 22, 2021

Possible new PET tracer for early detection of Alzheimer's

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new astrocyte-specific PET tracer, BU99008, which detects reactive astrogliosis in the brain. This finding could improve early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, with potential implications for other disorders related to astroglial dysfunction.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 22, 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.

Emergency EMR created in a week to respond to COVID-19 crisis

A team from Regenstrief Institute created an emergency EMR for Indianapolis first responders in just one week using OpenMRS, a global open-source electronic medical record system. The system allowed for quick registration of patients, collection of basic clinical information, and transmission to the Indiana health information exchange.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Informatics·DateApr 22, 2021