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Science News Archive April 2021 - Page 17


Page 17 of 46

Bistable pop-up structures inspired by origami

Researchers developed bistable inflatable structures using triangular building blocks that can fold flat and be combined to build closed, multistable shapes. These structures maintain their shape without constant input of pressure, enabling faster deployment and use in various applications.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateApr 21, 2021

California's worst wildfires are helping improve air quality prediction

Researchers at UC Riverside develop method to estimate air quality in neighborhoods affected by wildfire smoke, providing critical data for public health officials. The new approach fills gaps in current methods by predicting particulate matter concentrations over short distances.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAtmospheric Pollution Research·DateApr 21, 2021

New insights on inflammation in COVID-19

A new study in Arthritis & Rheumatology identifies specific blood markers to distinguish excessive COVID-19 inflammation from cytokine storm syndromes. This finding has significant implications for treating critically ill patients with COVID-19.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateApr 21, 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.

Simplifying our world

Scientists discovered that mice categorize surprisingly well, even assigning patterns they've never seen before into correct categories. Category-selective neurons in the prefrontal cortex gradually develop during category learning, playing a key role in long-term memory.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateApr 21, 2021

Mobility in terrestrial and underwater wireless sensor networks

The integration of mobile elements in terrestrial and underwater wireless sensor networks enhances communication between nodes. This leads to a decrease in energy consumption, improved energy efficiency, and extended network lifetimes.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Communication Systems·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.

21st century medical needles for high-tech cancer diagnostics

Researchers have developed ultrasonically oscillating needles that provide sufficient tissue samples for 21st century diagnostic needs, potentially reducing pain and trauma. The technology increases biopsy yields by 3 to 6 times compared to traditional needles, enabling high-tech cancer treatment options.

SourceAalto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 21, 2021

Cracking the code of the Dead Sea Scrolls

University of Groningen researchers used artificial intelligence to analyze the Dead Sea Scrolls, identifying two scribes who wrote the famous Great Isaiah Scroll. The AI tool separated text from background and analyzed handwriting patterns, revealing differences between the two scribes.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 21, 2021

New process breaks down biodegradable plastics faster

Scientists have invented a way to break down compostable plastics into small molecules within weeks using just heat and water. The new process involves embedding polyester-eating enzymes in the plastic, which then degrade it into lactic acid that can feed soil microbes.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature·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.

Humungous flare from sun's nearest neighbor breaks records

A massive flare from Proxima Centauri, the star closest to our sun, has been detected, shattering previous records. The flare was observed for 40 hours using nine telescopes and produced a wide spectrum of radiation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 21, 2021

Freshwater salt pollution threatens ecosystem health and human water security

Rising freshwater salt pollution poses a significant threat to ecosystem health and human water security, with predicted increases over 50% in US streams by 2100. Researchers have identified opportunities to reduce salt pollution through watershed management, industrial regulation, and household product adoption.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Sustainability·DateApr 21, 2021

Aerial photos uncover an invisible fault in Chinese City

Researchers used stereophotogrammetry to analyze aerial photos from the 1960s and 1970s, revealing a digital elevation model of part of Datong City before urbanization. Trenching along the fault trace found evidence of five previously unknown earthquakes, increasing the risk of a large earthquake in the future.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 21, 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.

A good night's sleep could do wonders for your sex life

A new study published in Menopause suggests that poor sleep quality is associated with female sexual dysfunction, while good sleep quality is linked to increased sexual activity. The study of over 3,400 women found that insufficient sleep quality was a significant factor in female sexual problems during midlife.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateApr 21, 2021

Higher mushroom consumption is associated with a lower risk of cancer

A new Penn State study has found that higher mushroom consumption is associated with a lower risk of cancer. The systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed data from over 19,500 cancer patients and found individuals who ate 18 grams of mushrooms daily had a 45% lower risk of cancer compared to non-mushroom eaters.

SourcePenn State·JournalNutrition·DateApr 21, 2021

Record-breaking flare from Sun's nearest neighbor

Astronomers have observed a record-breaking flare from Proxima Centauri, the Sun's nearest neighbor, using nine instruments. This extreme outburst offers valuable insights into stellar flares and their potential impact on exoplanet life.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 21, 2021
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.

Brushing away oral health disparities in America's rural children

A recent study from Medical University of South Carolina and the University of South Carolina found that rural children are less likely to receive preventive dental care than their urban counterparts. This disparity can have serious consequences for children's oral health, including increased risk of decay and bacterial growth.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Public Health Dentistry·DateApr 21, 2021

Scientists find CO2-rich liquid water in ancient meteorite

Researchers found a nanoscale aqueous fluid inclusion containing at least 15% carbon dioxide in the Sutter's Mill meteorite, confirming calcite crystals can contain liquid water and CO2. The discovery provides insights into the origins of the meteorite's parent asteroid and the solar system's early history.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 2021

Flowering rooted in embryonic gene-regulation

Researchers found that gene regulatory mechanisms at an early embryonic stage govern the flowering behavior of Arabidopsis later in development. The FLC transcript is antagonistically regulated by FCA and FRI, with FRI promoting longer and functional FLC protein levels.

SourceGregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2021

Consistent use of food pantries needed to address food insecurity, related health issues

A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center and economists at the University of Dallas found that consistent use of food pantries can improve food security, health, and well-being. The researchers calculated a 10 percentage-point increase in pantry visits led to a 5.7% reduced likelihood of food insecurity.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalApplied Economic Perspectives and Policy·DateApr 21, 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.

Esophage cancer: Discovery of the mechanisms involved

Scientists at Université libre de Bruxelles discover a new mechanism behind the development of metaplasia in the oesophagus, a precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma. The study reveals that reactivation of the Hedgehog pathway triggers cellular changes leading to the conversion of squamous cells into columnar cells.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 21, 2021

Review: Changing views on atherosclerosis

Recent advances in understanding atherosclerosis have shifted traditional views on who is at risk for heart attacks and strokes, highlighting the importance of HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammation. This review paper explores these changes and their implications for treatment and prevention.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature·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.

Earth's cryosphere is vital for everyone

The cryosphere plays a vital role in regulating global climate, and NASA studies its changes extensively. Scientists have reported dramatic ice sheet losses in Greenland and Antarctica, causing sea levels to rise by 0.55 inches over 16 years.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 21, 2021

People at high risk for HIV know about prevention pill, but use remains low

A Rutgers study found that while 98% of young sexual minority men and transgender women knew about PrEP, less than 25% were taking it. Factors associated with PrEP use varied by race, with white participants more likely to use it if they had positive beliefs and received education from healthcare providers.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateApr 21, 2021

Why climate change is driving some to skip having kids

A new study finds that climate change is a major consideration for people deciding whether or not to have children, with many citing concerns over resource depletion and population growth. The research identifies three themes: overconsumption, overpopulation, and an uncertain future, which can evoke feelings of guilt and moral obligation.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPopulation and Environment·DateApr 21, 2021

Stem cell therapy promotes recovery from stroke and dementia in mice

A new UCLA study finds that a one-time injection of an experimental stem cell therapy can repair brain damage and improve memory function in mice with conditions that replicate human strokes and dementia. The therapy, developed from glial cells, stimulates the brain's own repair processes and enhances neural connections.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·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.

Mechanical engineers develop new high-performance artificial muscle technology

Cavatappi artificial muscles, developed by Northern Arizona University researchers, exhibit specific work and power metrics ten and five times higher than human skeletal muscles, respectively. These flexible actuators respond as fast as they can pump pressurized fluid and have demonstrated contractile efficiency of up to 45 percent.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalScience Robotics·DateApr 21, 2021

Bubble with titanium trigger titanic explosions

Astronomers have found powerful evidence for a neutrino-driven explosion in the remains of a supernova called Cassiopeia A (Cas A). The discovery was made using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and suggests that titanium bubbles play a crucial role in driving the shock wave forward to trigger the supernova explosion.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalNature·DateApr 21, 2021

What leads young women to disclose abuse in their first relationships?

A new study examines the factors that influence young women's disclosure of partner violence in their first relationships. The research reveals four patterns of partner violence and disclosure, including stigmatization, shame, and lack of support. The study highlights the importance of raising awareness about different types of partner...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Family Violence·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.

In calculating the social cost of methane, equity matters

A new study reveals that the social cost of methane varies by an order of magnitude between industrialized and developing regions, with sub-Saharan Africa facing significantly lower costs. The study estimates a global mean cost of $922 per metric ton, decreasing to $130 for sub-Saharan Africa and rising to $8,040 for the US.

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

Scientists capture first ever image of an electron's orbit within an exciton

Researchers at OIST Graduate University have captured the first-ever image of an electron's orbit within an exciton using a revolutionary technique. The image shows the distribution of an electron around a hole inside an exciton, providing new insights into the nature of these fleeting particles.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 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.

COVID-19 peaks reflect time-dependent social activity, not herd immunity

Scientists developed a model showing that collective immunity emerged during the early COVID-19 epidemic but was destroyed as people changed their social behaviors over time. The model suggests that subsequent waves of infection will appear due to variations in imposed mitigations and pandemic fatigue.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2021

Researchers identify potential subtype of PTSD

A new study found a marker of PTSD in brain regions associated with emotional regulation, particularly in those with impaired executive function. The researchers suggest that this subgroup may respond best to specific treatments targeting cognitive and brain functioning.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateApr 21, 2021

Shift-work causes negative impacts on health, affects men and women differently

New research from the University of Waterloo reveals shift work disrupts the circadian clock, affecting immune response and increasing risk of infection. The study shows sex differences in immune system reactivity, with males more prone to overactivation and females better prepared to fight off infections.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 21, 2021

Researchers share strategies for making geosciences more inclusive

The Black in Geoscience Week aims to increase representation and raise visibility among Black researchers, fostering networks and connections worldwide. The event has generated discussions on the importance of community and awareness among Black geoscientists, highlighting severe underrepresentation in the field.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 21, 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.

Does listening to calming music at bedtime actually help you sleep?

A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that listening to calming music at bedtime can help older adults sleep better. Calming music improves sleep quality more than rhythmic music, and longer exposure (more than four weeks) is associated with greater benefits.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 21, 2021

New analysis addresses fear of cancer recurrence

A new analysis published in Psycho-Oncology found that fear of cancer recurrence leads to increased use of healthcare resources by cancer survivors. Implementing existing effective interventions for fear of cancer recurrence may improve both mental health and reduce unnecessary healthcare usage.

SourceWiley·JournalPsycho-Oncology·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.

Climate 'tipping points' need not be the end of the world

New research suggests that reversing global warming quickly enough can prevent abrupt and irreversible changes triggered by climate tipping points. The study found that thresholds could be temporarily exceeded without permanent shifts, providing a lifeline to avoid dangerous climate change.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature·DateApr 21, 2021

Using floodwaters to weather droughts

A new Stanford-led study develops a framework to calculate future floodwater volumes under climate change, identifying areas for infrastructure investments in California's aging water infrastructure. The tool aims to maximize groundwater recharge, reducing drought risks and building water reserves, while also mitigating flood risks.

SourceStanford University·DateApr 21, 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.