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Science News Archive April 2021 - Page 23


Page 23 of 46

Researchers develop microscopic theory of polymer gel

Researchers have proposed a new microscopic theory of polymer gel collapse, shedding light on the dramatic reduction in volume of zwitterionic hydrogels when cooled. The theory explains the role of electrostatic interactions between polymer units in leading to gel collapse, and identifies key parameters that influence this transition.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalChemical Communications·DateApr 16, 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.

New nanoscale device for spin technology

Researchers at Aalto University developed a new device for spintronics, allowing control and filtering of spin waves in devices as small as hundreds of nanometres. The device uses exotic magnetic materials to trap and cancel out unwanted frequencies, enabling faster processing and wireless transmission.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2021

Wearable sensors that detect gas leaks

Researchers at POSTECH developed an ultra-compact wearable gas sensor that detects toxic gases and displays a holographic alarm. The sensor uses metasurface technology to provide immediate visual notification without relying on external mechanical or electronic devices.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 16, 2021

An antibody-drug combo to combat cancer

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University developed an antibody-drug conjugate that selectively targets human monocyte progenitors to combat chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). This strategy effectively blocks malignant cell proliferation with minimal collateral damage to other cell lineages.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateApr 16, 2021

Coronavirus does not infect the brain but still inflicts damage

A new study found no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in COVID-19 patients' brains, despite significant pathological changes and neurological effects. Inflammation triggered by the virus may cause damage to the brain's blood vessels and lead to 'brain fog' in mild cases.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalBrain·DateApr 16, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

COVID-19: Scientists identify human genes that fight infection

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have identified a set of human genes that help control SARS-CoV-2 infection, including interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) that inhibit viral replication. The study provides new insights into the biology of the virus and suggests possible therapeutic options.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 16, 2021

A new guide for communicating plant science

A new guide for communicating plant science aims to bridge the gap between scientists and non-scientists, promoting diversity and inclusion. The document, developed by 30 scientists over two years, provides strategies to effectively communicate plant research to various audiences, including educators and policymakers.

SourceIowa State University·JournalPlant Direct·DateApr 16, 2021

How tangled proteins kill brain cells, promote Alzheimer's, CTE

A University of Colorado Boulder study reveals that tau aggregates interfere with RNA splicing, leading to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. The findings provide new insights into the mechanism of action of tau tangles, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNeuron·DateApr 16, 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.

On the pulse of pulsars and polar light

A new approach using reimagined telescopes in both hemispheres could help study dark matter and gravitational waves. The BICEP/Keck array is exploring the possibility of increasing scan length to capture larger areas, yielding promising early results.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateApr 16, 2021

Scientists report remarkable enhancement of α-particle clustering in uranium isotopes

Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences discover abnormal enhancement of α-particle clustering in uranium isotopes, revealing strong proton-neutron interaction influence on α-decay properties. The study reveals systematics trends and anomalies in α-decay reduced widths for polonium-plutonium nuclei near shell closure.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 16, 2021

Experiments cast doubts on the existence of quantum spin liquids

Researchers used broadband electron spin resonance spectroscopy to study the properties of spins in a triangular lattice compound. They found that magnetic moments do not arrange themselves in an up-down pattern, contradicting the existence of quantum spin liquids.

SourceUniversitaet Stuttgart·JournalScience·DateApr 16, 2021

Combining news media and AI to rapidly identify flooded buildings

A research group from Tohoku University has developed an AI model that can accurately identify flooded buildings using news media photos within 24 hours of a disaster. The model achieved an 80% estimation accuracy, showcasing the potential for rapid damage mapping and accelerated disaster response.

SourceTohoku University·JournalRemote Sensing·DateApr 16, 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.

Research shows to disrupt online extremism freewill is key

A recent study published in Social Influence found that when people are explicitly told they are free to accept or reject propagandistic claims, their likelihood of choosing a moderate view increases. This approach, based on self-determination theory and psychological reactance theory, aims to disrupt the radicalization process among v...

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalSocial Influence·DateApr 16, 2021

New CRISPR technology offers unrivaled control of epigenetic inheritance

Scientists have developed a novel CRISPR-based tool called CRISPRoff, which allows for the silencing of almost any gene in human cells without making DNA edits. This technology has significant therapeutic potential, particularly for rare genetic disorders that are caused by a single damaged copy of a gene.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateApr 16, 2021

Long-term consequences of CO2 emissions

A new study reveals that ocean oxygen depletion will continue for centuries if all CO2 emissions were stopped immediately, more than quadrupling the current loss. The long-term decrease in oxygen primarily affects deeper layers, leading to major shifts in marine ecosystems and potentially changing habitats.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 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.

The fate of the planet

Experts warn of potential global catastrophes such as engineered pandemics and nuclear annihilation, while also identifying areas for improvement. Scientists like Martin Rees argue that promoting wise technology deployment can minimize risks and ensure a sustainable future.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateApr 16, 2021

Older adults most likely to make the effort to help others

New research from the University of Birmingham found that older adults are more likely to work harder for others, even without financial reward. This 'prosocial behaviour' is crucial for social cohesion and contradicts the stereotype that older adults become less altruistic as they age.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 16, 2021

NSF award to help understand ocean ecology where Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic meet

Researchers will conduct scientific research cruises, sampling fixed stations to understand how the Chesapeake Bay plume changes over time and its impact on fisheries and nutrient cycling. The project aims to develop a hydrodynamic model of the plume and gather empirical data to inform ecosystem-based management applications.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·DateApr 16, 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.

Global street drug supply and its effects on high-risk groups for COVID-19

The global street drug supply has changed dramatically, with heroin and cocaine now cut with up to 17 pharmaceutically active and potentially toxic adulterants. This trend poses significant risks to public health and safety, particularly for high-risk groups during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Psychopharmacology·DateApr 16, 2021

Heart health of shift workers linked to body clock

Research found that shift workers with a deviated body clock had higher cardiovascular risk, even after adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. The study's findings suggest that staff with atypical work schedules may need closer monitoring for heart health.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateApr 16, 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.

Tarantula's ubiquity traced back to the cretaceous

Researchers use genetic analysis to determine tarantulas' ancient ancestry, tracing them to the Americas around 120 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. They found that these spiders were not limited to sedentary burrows, but also exploited ecological niches and displayed surprising dispersal capabilities.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 16, 2021

Vitamin D deficiency may impair muscle function

A mouse study found that vitamin D deficiency impairs skeletal muscle mitochondrial function, leading to reduced energy production and potentially poor muscle strength. The study suggests that preventing vitamin D deficiency in older adults could help maintain better muscle function and reduce age-related muscle deterioration.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·JournalJournal of Endocrinology·DateApr 16, 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.

Surprise twist suggests stars grow competitively

A survey of star formation in the Orion Nebula Cluster found similar mass distributions for newborn stars and dense gas cores, suggesting that gas accretion rate determines final star mass. The results contradict the core-collapse model, supporting the competitive accretion model instead.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateApr 16, 2021

Triangular-shaped spikes key to coronavirus transmission, finds new study

A recent study published in Physics of Fluids reveals that the triangular shape of coronavirus spikes plays a crucial role in its ability to spread. The research, conducted by scientists at OIST and Queen's University, found that the spikes' lower rotational diffusivity enables the virus to better attach itself to objects and people.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 16, 2021

The Trojan-Horse mechanism: How networks reduce gender segregation

Researchers at Linköping University found that network-based recruitment can reduce segregation levels by encouraging individuals to form ties with those of different genders. This 'Trojan-horse mechanism' suggests that networks can counteract the segregating impact of mobility events, leading to desegregating moves.

SourceLinköping University·DateApr 16, 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.

Egg and sperm cell size evolved from competition

Researchers found that competition for resources led to the development of vastly different sizes between egg cells and sperm cells. The study used mathematical modeling to demonstrate how natural selection favored larger gametes due to increased nutritional value, while smaller gametes required fewer resources.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateApr 16, 2021

Underweight and overweight women at higher risk of successive miscarriages

A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that underweight and overweight women are significantly more likely to experience recurrent miscarriages due to their abnormal Body Mass Index. The research highlights the importance of weight management in reducing the risk of repeated pregnancy losses.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 16, 2021
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.

Leonardo da Vinci definitely did not sculpt the Flora bust

A team of scientists from CNRS has proven that Leonardo da Vinci did not sculpt the Flora wax bust, which was conserved at the Bode Museum in Berlin. The radiocarbon dating revealed that the sculpture was made in the 19th century, nearly 300 years after da Vinci's death.

SourceCNRS·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 16, 2021

Dust at work can lead to rheumatic diseases

A large cohort study by Aarhus University found a clear association between silica exposure and increased risk of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis. Exposure to low levels of silica dust also posed a significant health risk.

SourceAarhus University·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 16, 2021

A new treatment for rare muscular disease

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a new treatment for Pompe disease, a genetic condition that affects 1 in 40,000 people in the US. The treatment has been shown to be safer and more effective than current therapy, improving respiratory muscle function, endurance, and overall quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateApr 16, 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.

Research sheds new light on pancreatic cancer metastasis

A recent study published in Gastroenterology reveals that overexpression of the ZIP4 protein in patients with pancreatic cancer enables tumor cells to transform into a shape-shifting form, evading detection and metastasizing to other organs. Understanding this process is crucial for developing targeted therapies to stop metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateApr 16, 2021

New tech builds ultralow-loss integrated photonic circuits

Scientists have developed a new technology for building silicon nitride integrated photonic circuits with record low optical losses, significantly reducing power budgets for chip-scale optical frequency combs. The technology enables high-quality-factor microresonators and meter-long waveguides on small chips.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2021

The future of particle accelerators is here

The Electron Ion Collider will take 3D images of electrons colliding with polarized protons and ions, shedding light on fundamental questions in nuclear physics. The collider's experimental equipment may also detect the elusive chiral magnetic effect, a crucial prediction for understanding the universe's matter-antimatter imbalance.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateApr 16, 2021
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.

Fit matters most when double masking to protect yourself from COVID-19

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that wearing two face coverings can significantly improve filtration efficiency, especially when properly fitted. Researchers found that cloth masks placed over surgical masks or vice versa can improve fit and effectiveness, but loosely fitting masks do not provide the same benefit.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 16, 2021

Study identifies new targets in the angiogenesis process

The study reveals the involvement of SARAF and Orai1 proteins in VEGF-mediated activation of endothelial cells, affecting blood vessel development. This discovery could lead to therapeutic strategies controlling angiogenesis in pathological conditions.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateApr 16, 2021

Researchers revise indicator of mobility limitation in older adults

A revised handgrip cutoff value of 32 kg for men and 21 kg for women can accurately identify mobility impairment, increasing the likelihood of early diagnosis by 88% for men and 89% for women. This revised metric promotes preventive treatment to avoid muscle weakness and mobility loss.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalArchives of Gerontology and Geriatrics·DateApr 16, 2021

Are our oil and gas pipelines safe during an earthquake?

Scientists have discovered that current methods for calculating stress received by underground pipelines during an earthquake are inaccurate, leading to a significant risk assessment. The new theory of seismic wave propagation addresses this issue, highlighting the need for modernization and replacement of existing pipelines.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalApplied Sciences·DateApr 16, 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.

Scientists call for climate projections as part of more robust biodiversity conservation

Researchers call for climate projections to be taken into account in conservation planning to protect areas at risk of biodiversity loss and climate impacts. Climate change is expected to impact 58% of montane forests in the Peruvian Andes, highlighting the need for adaptive management frameworks.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalForests·DateApr 16, 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.