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Science News Archive April 2021 - Page 16


Page 16 of 46

The future looks bright for infinitely recyclable plastic

A new type of plastic, poly(diketoenamine), can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. The material's production and recycling processes are designed to be inexpensive and energy-efficient, making it commercially competitive with conventional plastics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 22, 2021

COVID-19 mobility restrictions effective for short duration, study finds

A new study found that people's mobility declined sharply in March and April but quickly recovered to pre-pandemic levels from April through June. However, during the second wave, there was very little change in mobility despite the pandemic becoming more severe.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·DateApr 22, 2021

Silver ions hurry up, then wait as they disperse

Researchers at Rice University reveal a two-step process by which silver ions are released from nanoparticles, with the possibility of stabilizing the alloy through gold manipulation. The discovery could lead to the development of new catalysts and materials for various applications.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 22, 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.

C-Path opens access to Duchenne Regulatory Science Consortium database

The Duchenne Regulatory Science Consortium (D-RSC) database will share individual-level data with qualified researchers to accelerate therapy development for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The database includes data from clinical trials and natural history studies, and is fully de-identified to ensure participant anonymity.

SourceCritical Path Institute (C-Path)·DateApr 22, 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.

Early Neolithic farmers modified the reproductive cycle of sheep

Researchers discovered early flocks of domesticated sheep in the Iberian Peninsula fed and reproduced on a controlled diet, with births occurring outside optimal seasons. This study reveals significant advances in animal husbandry during the Neolithic period.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateApr 21, 2021

Astronomers release new all-sky map of the Milky Way's outer reaches

Astronomers have released a new all-sky map of the Milky Way's outer halo, revealing a massive reservoir of dark matter. The map also shows a wake of stars stirred up by the Large Magellanic Cloud, set to collide with the Milky Way in about 2 billion years.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalNature·DateApr 21, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Novel agent shows promise in treating the most aggressive type of breast cancer

A global phase 3 clinical study confirms the effectiveness of targeted antibody drug conjugates against refractory metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. The ADC drug sacituzumab govitecan delivered a high dose of a cancer-killing drug to tumor cells, improving progression-free and overall survival.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 21, 2021

Study: 'Fingerprint' for 3D printer accurate 92% of time

Researchers developed a unique identification system using a 3D printer's hot end, allowing for accurate tracking of intellectual property and security threats. The 'ThermoTag' method compares the printing process to a human fingerprint, enabling precise identification of printer models.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalIEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security·DateApr 21, 2021

Study explains 'cocktail party effect' in hearing impairment

New research reveals that people with hearing impairment experience abnormal binaural pitch fusion, which can lead to sound blending together and difficulties with understanding speech in noisy environments. This discovery suggests the possibility of targeted rehabilitation strategies to improve speech perception in noise.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology·DateApr 21, 2021

Great white feeding ground

A new study found an aggregation site of great white sharks in the Gulf of California, with estimated mortality rates potentially three times higher than previously thought. This discovery raises concerns about conservation efforts and highlights opportunities for sustainable eco-tourism.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalConservation Letters·DateApr 21, 2021

Outback radio telescope discovers dense, spinning, dead star

Astronomers have discovered a pulsar, a dense and rapidly spinning neutron star sending radio waves into the cosmos. The finding is significant as it hints at a large population of pulsars awaiting discovery in the Southern Hemisphere, with the potential to be detected by the Square Kilometre Array telescope.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 21, 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.

New process makes 'biodegradable' plastics truly compostable

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a method to make biodegradable plastics break down easily in weeks, solving the problem of single-use plastics not being biodegradable. The process involves embedding polyester-eating enzymes in the plastic, which degrades into small molecules when exposed to heat and water.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateApr 21, 2021

Toward safer stem cell transplants

Researchers are developing new conditioning therapies with fewer side effects, targeting specific proteins on hematopoietic stem cells to make room for healthy ones. This could lead to more patients being able to safely undergo stem cell treatments, reducing complications and improving outcomes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateApr 21, 2021

Genes linked to creativity were the "secret weapon" in the survival of Homo sapiens

An international team of scientists has identified 267 genes linked to creativity that differentiate Homo sapiens from Neanderthals, suggesting this genetic difference enabled humans to replace them. These genes are also associated with superior adaptation to the environment, resilience to ageing and disease, and greater physical fitness.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 21, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

To design truly compostable plastic, scientists take cues from nature

Researchers have developed an enzyme-activated compostable plastic that can break down into its building blocks and be reformed into a new product. This innovative material has the potential to diminish microplastics pollution and offers a promising solution for plastics upcycling.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 21, 2021

First of its kind study links wildfire smoke to skin disease

A new study found that short-term exposure to hazardous air quality from wildfire smoke can harm skin health, particularly for those with eczema. The research, conducted during the Camp Fire in 2018, saw a significant increase in patients visiting clinics with concerns of eczema and general itch.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateApr 21, 2021

Do school shootings have a copycat effect?

An analysis of US school shootings between 1990 and 2017 found that following a shooting, the risk of additional incidents in the same and neighboring states increases significantly. The study suggests that media coverage can minimize the risk of provoking further shootings by finding a balance between reporting on these events.

SourceWiley·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateApr 21, 2021

New conductive polymer ink opens for next-generation printed electronics

Researchers at Linköping University developed a stable, high-conductivity n-type polymeric ink, known as BBL:PEI. This breakthrough paves the way for innovative printed electronics with improved energy efficiency. The new ink is eco-friendly and can be deposited using a simple spraying process.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 21, 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.

Pregnant women stressed, depressed and lonely during COVID-19 pandemic

A survey of 6,894 pregnant and postpartum women in 64 countries found that a substantial number scored high for symptoms of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and post-traumatic stress in relation to COVID-19. High information seeking from any source was associated with increased odds of elevated post-traumatic stress and anxiety/depress...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 21, 2021

Insurance isn't enough for women at high risk of breast cancer

A new study from Ohio State University reveals that women with high-risk profiles struggle to access genetic counseling and testing due to financial constraints. The research emphasizes the need for greater transparency in healthcare pricing and policies to eliminate barriers to early cancer detection.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Genetic Counseling·DateApr 21, 2021

A receptor that controls appetite presents a target for anorexia, suggests mouse study

Researchers have successfully altered feeding and anxiety-like behaviors linked to anorexia in mice by targeting the MC3R receptor. The study suggests that fine-tuning the receptor's activity could help change feeding habits and promote weight gain in patients with eating disorders, offering a potential new treatment for anorexia.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 21, 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.

Gaps in genetic knowledge affect kiwi conservation efforts

Researchers found that kiwi populations differ genetically between areas, but lack understanding of local adaptations and breeding changes. The study emphasizes the importance of strategic sample regimes and informative markers for developing effective conservation policies.

SourceWiley·JournalIbis·DateApr 21, 2021

The sweet taste of success for a supported nickel phosphide nanoalloy catalyst

Osaka University researchers report a stable and reusable nickel phosphide nanoalloy catalyst that achieves high activity and selectivity in the selective hydrogenation of maltose to maltitol. The catalyst's cooperation with its support enhances performance, allowing for efficient production of this sugar alcohol.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateApr 21, 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.

Energy unleashed by submarine volcanoes could power a continent

Research reveals that submarine volcanic eruptions can release massive amounts of energy, enough to power the whole US, by forming megaplumes and dispersing ash. The study suggests that these eruptions lead to rapid emptying of hot fluid reservoirs within the earth's crust.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 21, 2021
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.

No-Cath forecast

Researchers at MUSC developed an AI software to predict CAD blockages' significance without catheterization. The software analyzes CT images of heart vessels and plaques, estimating blood flow and identifying high-risk features. This noninvasive method saves time, costs, and risks for patients and clinicians.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateApr 21, 2021

Illuminating invisible bloody fingerprints with a fluorescent polymer

Researchers developed a fluorescent polymer that binds to blood in fingerprints without damaging DNA, creating high-contrast images on various surfaces. This technology enhances the detection of invisible bloody prints, critical for forensic evidence analysis.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 21, 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.

Time seems to pass more slowly in the UK COVID-19 lockdown

During England's second national lockdown, people with depression experienced distorted perceptions of time, while those dissatisfied with social interactions also reported slower time passage. The findings suggest that mental health and social dissatisfaction play a significant role in how we experience time during isolation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 21, 2021

First study into prevalence of COVID-19 symptoms amongst high-risk children

A new study published in BMJ Open suggests that COVID-19 symptoms are common in high-risk children, but may be related to unrelated upper respiratory tract symptoms. Researchers found that nearly two-thirds of participants experienced at least one symptom, with anxiety levels remaining consistently high throughout the 16-week period.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBMJ Open·DateApr 21, 2021

Direct observation of the ad- and desorption of guest atoms into a mesoporous host

Scientists have developed a new method to directly observe the filling and emptying of tiny pores in materials, revealing complex mechanisms behind guest-atom interactions. This breakthrough uses combined X-ray methods to provide empirical insights into confined matter in battery electrodes, catalysts, and hydrogen storage materials.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateApr 21, 2021

Continuing Arecibo's Legacy

The University of Texas at Austin, in partnership with the Arecibo Observatory and other organizations, has successfully moved telescope data to a secure storage system. This move will ensure the continued discovery and innovation sparked by Arecibo's legacy, making its vast astronomy data accessible for over 50 years.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateApr 21, 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.

Solar panels are contagious - but in a good way: Study

A new study reveals that proximity to existing solar panels is the most significant factor influencing an individual's likelihood of installing solar panels on their own roof. The findings suggest that seeding solar panels in areas with few or no panels can create a tipping point, potentially leading to widespread adoption and replacin...

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 21, 2021

Music improves older adults' sleep quality

Listening to music before bed significantly improves sleep quality among older adults. Longer listening periods yield the most effective results. Music therapy is an easy-to-administer strategy that may become a first-line treatment option.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 21, 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.

Identification of the wettability of graphene layers at the molecular level

A research team observed hydrogen-bond structure of water molecules on graphene-water interfaces using vibrational sum-frequency generation spectroscopy. They found that as the number of layers increases, graphene becomes increasingly hydrophobic. VSFG spectroscopy provides a detailed picture of interfacial water at the molecular level.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalChem·DateApr 21, 2021

Stress and death in female baboons

A new study has found that female baboons with high levels of glucocorticoids, a hormone involved in the 'fight or flight' response, have a greater risk of dying. The research, which analyzed data from over 20 years, showed that females with higher levels of glucocorticoids tend to die younger than those with lower levels.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 2021

Central African forests are unequally vulnerable to global change

Researchers mapped forest composition and vulnerability in Central Africa, finding some areas more sensitive to climate change than others. The study suggests that preserving diversity of forest types is essential for sustainable management policies and fighting against climate change.

SourceInstitut de recherche pour le développement·JournalNature·DateApr 21, 2021

Scientists glimpse signs of a puzzling state of matter in a superconductor

Researchers observed pair-density waves (PDW) intertwined with charge density wave stripes in a copper oxide material, supporting the possibility that PDW is present in all superconducting cuprates. The new technique used to detect PDW has potential for directly sighting its correlations with other phases.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 21, 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.

Pedram Hassanzadeh wins NSF CAREER Award

Pedram Hassanzadeh, a fluid dynamicist at Rice University, has been awarded a prestigious NSF CAREER grant to investigate the physics behind atmospheric blocking events that cause extreme weather. His research aims to improve climate modeling capabilities and predict how these events will change in the future.

SourceRice University·DateApr 21, 2021

Probiotic strain helps pregnant women maintain healthy iron levels

A new study found that taking a specific probiotic strain improves iron levels in healthy pregnant women, reducing the risk of iron deficiency and anemia. The probiotic product Lp299v was shown to reduce prevalence rates by 78% compared to placebo.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateApr 21, 2021
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.