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Science News Archive April 2021 - Page 24


Page 24 of 46

Experimental antiviral for COVID-19 effective in hamster study

A new study from the NIH found that MK-4482 treatment significantly decreased virus levels and lung damage in hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2. The treatment was effective when administered before or after infection, suggesting potential for mitigation of high-risk exposures.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2021

HIV has been had

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University develop novel molecules that mimic CD4 proteins, preventing HIV particles from entering immune cells. These compounds show promise in reducing side effects while increasing effectiveness in stopping viral proliferation.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateApr 15, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists more confident projecting ENSO changes under global warming

A team of scientists found that ENSO-related climate variability is expected to increase under global warming due to the amplification of tropical lower tropospheric humidity. This intensification in ENSO-driven atmospheric variability suggests a higher risk of extreme weather events.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 15, 2021

Penn study suggests those who had COVID-19 may only need one vaccine dose

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine suggests that individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 may only need one vaccine dose to produce a sufficient antibody response. In contrast, those who have not had COVID-19 require two doses to achieve strong levels of immunity.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Immunology·DateApr 15, 2021

Dutch researchers establish the first entanglement-based quantum network

Researchers from QuTech in the Netherlands have established the first multi-node quantum network, connecting three quantum processors and achieving proof-of-principle demonstration of key quantum network protocols. The breakthrough enables the creation of a scalable quantum network that can distribute quantum information over large dis...

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 15, 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.

The whitest paint is here - and it's the coolest. Literally.

Purdue University engineers develop ultra-white paint that reflects up to 98.1% of sunlight, keeping surfaces cooler than surroundings. The paint, made with barium sulfate particles of different sizes, can reduce the need for air conditioning by 10 kilowatts.

SourcePurdue University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 15, 2021

Keep calm! How blood vessels are kept in check

Scientists at BIH have found a new metabolite, S-2-hydroxyglutarate, that regulates endothelial cell quiescence and prevents excessive vessel growth. This discovery brings the researchers closer to developing targeted therapies for vascular diseases.

SourceBIH at Charité·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 15, 2021

Physicists develop theoretical model for neural activity of mouse brain

Researchers have created a theoretical model that accurately predicts the neural activity of a mouse brain without requiring fine-tuning. The model uses critical phenomena to explain phase transitions in physical systems and may have applications for studying complex dynamical systems.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 15, 2021

University of Guam launches Drone Corps for students

The University of Guam's Drone Corps aims to develop a team of FAA-certified drone pilots, providing opportunities for researchers to utilize drones in their fields. Students will practice flying unmanned aerial vehicles, capturing footage and data for local agencies.

SourceUniversity of Guam·DateApr 15, 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.

While species come and go, their ecosystems persist over millions of years

Researchers used deep-time approach to compare communities defined by species vs ecological roles, finding that ecosystems are more resistant to change than species compositions. They also found that preserving ecosystem functioning can help stabilize ecosystems in the face of disturbances.

SourceMuseum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institut für Evolutions-und Biodiversitätsforschung·JournalScience·DateApr 15, 2021

One year of SARS-CoV-2 evolution

Research identifies SARS-CoV-2 variants emerging from immunocompromised hosts, leading to increased frequency of mutations. The study highlights the importance of monitoring genetic changes in SARS-CoV-2 to design effective vaccines and diagnostics.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of General Virology·DateApr 15, 2021

Reliable COVID-19 short-term forecasting

Researchers developed a new model using the SEIR framework to project daily COVID-19 cases, achieving accuracy and reliability. The model forecasts future infections under three scenarios, with limitations due to data accuracy and assumptions about transmission rates.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 15, 2021

Water crisis took toll on Flint adults' physical, mental health

A recent study found that Flint adults suffered a range of adverse physical and mental health symptoms, including skin rashes, hair loss, depression, anxiety, and PTSD, linked to the water crisis. Black residents were particularly affected, with higher rates of reported symptoms.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateApr 15, 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.

Measuring neutron star squeezability

Researchers used NASA's NICER telescope on the International Space Station to measure the size of PSR J0740+6620, the most massive known neutron star. The team's findings provide insights into the squeezability of matter in neutron star cores, shedding light on what happens when neutrons break down into smaller particles.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateApr 15, 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.

Researchers unveil new 'time machine' technique to measure cells

WeHI researchers have developed a new single-cell technique, SIS-seq, to understand the programming behind stem cells making particular cell types. The research uncovered 30 new genes that program stem cells to make dendritic cells that kick-start the immune response.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalImmunity·DateApr 15, 2021

Baked meteorites yield clues to planetary atmospheres

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz heated meteorite samples in a high-temperature furnace and analyzed the gases released. The study suggests that the initial atmospheres of terrestrial planets may differ significantly from current theoretical models.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 15, 2021

Novel muscular dystrophy gene connects to a key biological pathway

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School discovered a novel gene, JAG2, associated with a specific form of muscular dystrophy. The study found a distinct pattern of abnormalities on muscle MRI that may aid in identifying patients with this condition.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 15, 2021

An ion pump to deliver chemotherapy agents to the brain

Researchers at Linköping University and Medical University of Graz developed an ion pump that can deliver chemotherapy agents like gemcitabine directly into the brain with high precision. This method may provide a more effective treatment for glioblastoma, a type of brain tumor.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateApr 15, 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.

97% of Earth's land area may no longer be ecologically intact

A recent study found that much of considered 'intact habitat' is missing species due to human impact. However, restoring certain species through reintroduction could potentially increase ecological integrity to up to 20% of the planet's land surface.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Forests and Global Change·DateApr 15, 2021

Child vaccination rates declined during COVID-19 pandemic

A Kaiser Permanente study found that child vaccination rates declined significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with measles vaccination coverage remaining substantially reduced in many age groups. The decline was more severe and persistent in older children, highlighting concerns about vaccine-preventable diseases.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 15, 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.

New benefits from anti-diabetic drug metformin

Researchers at Kumamoto University discovered that metformin prolongs survival of mice with non-diabetic chronic kidney disease by reducing kidney function and inflammation. The study suggests that a combination of metformin and losartan may be beneficial for patients with ND-CKD.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 15, 2021

Discovery of epigenetic factors predicting the severity of COVID-19

A study published in EBiomedicine found that epigenetic variations predict COVID-19 severity, particularly in genes related to inflammation and overall health. The 13% of the global population with this signature is considered the group at maximum risk requiring special care.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalEBioMedicine·DateApr 15, 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.

Couples and young-onset dementia: Study of coping offers hope for new interventions

A study published in JAMA Network Open explores the experiences of individuals with young-onset dementia and their partners, highlighting the importance of open communication and mutual problem-solving. The research team developed a couples-based framework to describe coping patterns, which can inform new interventions and increase qua...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 15, 2021

CityU biologists discover super-enhancers that switch on breast cancer genes

Researchers have identified specific super-enhancers that stimulate the activity of critical cancer genes in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The study reveals that deleting certain super-enhancers can reduce tumour cell growth and improves survival chances. Dr Rebecca Chin and Dr Wang Xin's findings may lead to the development of...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 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.

Later school start times let students get adequate sleep

A new study published in SLEEP found that later school start times significantly benefit middle and high school students' sleep schedules. Researchers discovered that the greatest improvements occurred for high school students, who obtained an extra 3.8 hours of sleep per week after a later start time was implemented.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalSLEEP·DateApr 15, 2021

New way of diagnostics detects 'undetectable' genetic defects

Researchers at Radboud University Medical Center have developed a new way to detect hidden genetic defects using the Expansion Hunter method. This technique can identify repeat expansions, a type of mutation that causes fragile X syndrome and Huntington's disease, in patients with movement disorders.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateApr 15, 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.

Medically savvy smartphone imaging systems

Smartphone-based imaging systems can guide diagnosis and treatment with portable, user-friendly biomedical imaging. Emerging technologies like multispectral and quantitative fluorescence imaging offer promising diagnostic applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateApr 15, 2021

Imaging agent enables better monitoring of patients with bacterial infections

Scientists developed an imaging agent that enables safe and rapid detection of Enterobacterales infections in patients, distinguishing between drug-susceptible and resistant strains. The agent revealed sites of infection, monitored response to antibiotics, and identified secondary bacterial infections.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 15, 2021

New paper shows how disease can affect economies for generations

A new study reveals that disease can alter social networks and economic growth for generations, with high diffusion networks promoting growth in low-disease countries but hindering it in high-disease environments. Small initial differences in epidemiological environment can trigger large and persistent differences in network structure,...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·DateApr 15, 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.

Latest Neuropixels probes can track neurons over weeks

The new Neuropixels 2.0 probes have improved recording-site density and long-term stability, allowing scientists to track individual neurons for weeks. This enables the study of complex phenomena like learning and memory in mice.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 15, 2021

UZH researchers find new measure to predict stress resilience

Researchers at UZH found that increased sensitivity in a specific brain region contributes to anxiety and depression in response to stress. The study establishes an objective neurobiological measure for stress resilience in humans, which may aid in selecting professions or developing stress resilience training.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 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.

Tiny cat-sized stegosaur leaves its mark

A single footprint from a tiny cat-sized stegosaur has been discovered in China, revealing characteristics similar to other stegosaur footprints but with a heel-lifted gait. The finding suggests that young stegosaurs may have walked on two legs or used a 'toe-walking' posture.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPalaios·DateApr 15, 2021

Drought-induced mortality of conifers

Researchers from Basel and Würzburg investigated spruce trees' reaction to extreme heat and drought, finding a sudden collapse of the water-conducting system leading to tree death. The study reveals that dehydration occurs abruptly after exceeding a species-specific threshold value, causing trees to be unable to recover.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 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.

Study estimates duration of employment loss experienced by adults with kidney failure

A new study estimates the years of employment loss experienced by working-aged adults with kidney failure, finding that most lost time is due to patients' loss of life expectancy. The study analyzed data from patients initiating dialysis in Taiwan and found that men had a higher rate of employment than women.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 15, 2021

A more complete account

A new dataset includes over 21,000 interactions between 942 species, thoroughly annotated, providing a detailed look at kelp forests. The study highlights unseen parasite interactions that have been overlooked by ecologists.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScientific Data·DateApr 15, 2021

How many T. rexes were there? Billions.

The study uses Monte Carlo computer simulation to determine the population numbers of T. rexes, with a standing population size of 20,000 adults at any given time. The total number of individuals that existed over its lifetime could have been anywhere from 140 million to 42 billion.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateApr 15, 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.

A method to assess COVID-19 transmission risks in indoor settings

MIT researchers developed a publicly available model to estimate COVID-19 transmission risks in indoor settings, considering variables like people number, space size, activity type, mask wearing, and ventilation rates. The model provides a detailed guideline for policymakers, businesses, schools, and individuals to gauge their own risks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2021