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Science News Archive April 2021 - Page 31


Page 31 of 46

Study links structural brain changes to behavioral problems in children who snore

A large study of children found a positive correlation between habitual snoring and behavioral problems, such as inattention or hyperactivity. The research suggests that snoring may contribute to the development of behavioral problems, and highlights the importance of early evaluation and screening for oSDB.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 13, 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 advice for medics treating high blood pressure

A new study by NUI Galway researchers found no evidence that diastolic blood pressure can be harmful when reduced to levels previously thought too low. The study suggests treating systolic values between 100-130mmHg is beneficial, freeing doctors from worrying about diastolic readings falling too low.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalCirculation·DateApr 13, 2021

Tropical forest soils capture CO2 under elevated nitrogen deposition

Tropical forest soils capture carbon dioxide into organic matter interacting with soil minerals, leading to reduced CO2 emissions. Excessive nitrogen deposition stimulates soil carbon storage by 7-21% in tropical forests.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2021

Childbirth versus pelvic floor stability

A new study published in PNAS suggests that a smaller pelvic canal is biomechanically advantageous for supporting the fetus and organs, despite being disadvantageous for childbirth. This 'pelvic floor hypothesis' was tested through finite element analysis, revealing that larger pelvic floors deform disproportionately more under pressure.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 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.

Habitual snoring linked to significant brain changes in children

Children who regularly snore have structural brain changes that may explain behavioral problems such as lack of focus, hyperactivity, and learning difficulties. Thinner gray matter in certain brain regions correlates with these issues.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 13, 2021

Guide for science outreach

The guide aims to improve science outreach by providing examples of successful programs, funding sources, and assessment methods. It also emphasizes the importance of considering context and supporting underrepresented students in STEM education.

SourceStanford University·JournalPlant Direct·DateApr 13, 2021

Study provides novel platform to study how SaRS-CoV-2 affects the gut

Researchers created human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived intestinal organoids to study SARS-CoV-2's effects on the gut. This new model enables testing of potential therapeutics and identifying common disease mechanisms that can be targeted by drugs.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 13, 2021

Mindfulness can make you selfish

A new study by University at Buffalo researchers found that mindfulness can have both positive and negative effects on social behaviors. While it increases prosocial actions for those who view themselves as more interdependent, it decreases them for those who are more independent. The findings suggest that pairing mindfulness with inst...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 13, 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.

Why are there relatively few aftershocks for certain cascadia earthquakes?

Researchers found that Cascadia intraslab earthquakes produce fewer aftershocks, with rates lower by more than half the global average. The study suggests a 'clock-advance' model, where mainshock causes tectonically loaded fault patches to slip earlier.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateApr 13, 2021

Study finds rapid evolution in foxgloves pollinated by hummingbirds

Researchers found common foxgloves in the Americas have evolved longer flower tubes to accommodate hummingbird pollinators, outperforming native bumblebee-pollinated populations. This rapid evolution has occurred over 85 generations, indicating a significant adaptation to their new environment.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateApr 12, 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.

Thawing permafrost cools Arctic currents: This might affect fish stocks

A new study by a University of Copenhagen researcher finds that thawing permafrost in Alaska causes colder water in smaller rivers and streams. This unexpected consequence of climate change could affect the survival of fish species in the Arctic's offshore waters, as warmer air temperatures cause frozen soil to thaw.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalAGU Advances·DateApr 12, 2021

Prenatal opioid exposure, risk of infant death

Researchers investigated prenatal opioid exposure and its impact on infant mortality, discovering a significant association between the two. Infants exposed to opioids in utero are at higher risk of death, with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome also increasing mortality rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 12, 2021

Spanking may affect the brain development of a child

A new study by Harvard researchers found that spanking can alter a child's neural responses to their environment, similar to experiencing more severe forms of violence. The study, published in the journal Child Development, analyzed brain activity in children who were spanked and compared it to those who were not.

SourceHarvard University·JournalChild Development·DateApr 12, 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.

Scientists watch 2D puddles of electrons emerge in a 3D superconducting material

Researchers found that electrons behave like they're confined to ultrathin layers or stripes within the material, creating 2D puddles of superconductivity. This phenomenon has practical implications for crafting 2D materials and offers an alternative method for making 2D superconducting states.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2021

Early cannabis use linked to heart disease

A recent University of Guelph study found that early cannabis use may be linked to an increased risk of developing heart disease. The research, which analyzed data from 35 young subjects aged 19-30, revealed subtle but potentially important changes in heart and artery function among cannabis users.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateApr 12, 2021

Paying for whose performance? Teacher incentive pay and the black-white test score gap

A study found that teacher incentive pay programs in North Carolina expanded the test score gap between Black and White students, with gains smaller for Black students. The programs aimed to increase teaching effectiveness in high-need schools but had little impact on average student achievement overall.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateApr 12, 2021

CNIC researchers explain how high blood pressure, the most important cause of disease worldwide, acc

Researchers found that high blood pressure alters artery structure, facilitating atherosclerosis development and increasing accumulation of LDL cholesterol in human-like arteries. Keeping both LDL cholesterol and blood pressure low is crucial for preventing atherosclerosis.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 12, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers engineer probiotic yeast to produce beta-carotene

Researchers successfully engineered a probiotic yeast called Saccharomyces boulardii to produce beta-carotene in the mouse gut. The production of beta-carotene was achieved using widely used genetic engineering tools, and its feasibility for human application is being explored.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateApr 12, 2021

Study snapshot: 21st century tracking and de facto school segregation

This study found that Black, non-Hispanic students in high schools without AP or IB courses cannot be explained by resource or school factors. The author discovered a significant relationship between the proportion of Black, non-Hispanic students enrolled in a school and whether the district puts college-prep resources in that school.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·DateApr 12, 2021

USC Stem Cell study reveals neural stem cells age rapidly

A new study published in Cell Stem Cell reveals that neural stem cells in the nervous system age rapidly, leading to a decrease in their ability to divide and replicate. The researchers found that certain genes, including Abl1, play a key role in this process, which may contribute to cognitive decline and dementia.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 12, 2021

E-cigarettes with a cigarette-like level of nicotine are effective in reducing smoking

A new study led by VCU researchers found that e-cigarettes delivering a high amount of nicotine are effective in reducing smoking and exposure to NNAL, a major pulmonary carcinogen. The study suggests that when e-cigarettes deliver nicotine effectively, smokers have greater success in quitting or reducing their smoking habit.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateApr 12, 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.

AI and immunotherapy: Taking the next step

A team of researchers has developed AI tools to predict which lung cancer patients will respond to immunotherapy, with the goal of improving patient outcomes and reducing costs. The study uses machine learning algorithms to analyze tissue scan patterns and identify previously unseen indicators that can inform treatment decisions.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateApr 12, 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.

NIH training grant enhances opportunities for biomedical graduate students at AU

The $1.5 million NIH grant will support four to six graduate students in cardometabolic disease research, enhancing their educational experience and providing more dollars for student stipends. This grant expands opportunities for minorities in AU's PhD programs, particularly those studying cardiometabolic diseases.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateApr 12, 2021

Chemists at St. Petersburg University create renewable plant-based polymers

Researchers at St Petersburg University have synthesized polymers from biomass, making them recyclable and potentially replacing traditional plastics. The new polymers are based on terpenols, natural compounds found in plants like mint and white fir trees, and can be recycled at moderate temperatures.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateApr 12, 2021

Husbands still seen as the experts on their household's finances

In a study published by Ohio State University, men are more likely to be designated as the most knowledgeable about household finances, especially in wealthy households. The study found that among households in the top 1% of net worth, husbands were designated as the most knowledgeable in 90% of the households.

SourceOhio State University·JournalFinancial Planning Review·DateApr 12, 2021

Spotting cows from space

A team of researchers used satellite imagery to study the interactions between cows and elk at the interface of wildland and rangeland. Their findings suggest that elk have acclimated to cattle by avoiding cow pastures and selecting separate foraging sites, reducing potential grazing conflicts.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalBiological Conservation·DateApr 12, 2021

Researchers awarded $3 million to study neural dynamics of mental disorders

Georgia State University researchers have received a five-year, $3 million grant to develop new strategies for identifying mood disorders using whole brain dynamics. The team will integrate four-dimensional brain imaging with clinical and cognitive data to identify clues about how mental illness presents in the brain.

SourceGeorgia State University·DateApr 12, 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.

New research reveals why some of us are hungry all the time

A study published in Nature Metabolism found that individuals who experience significant 'sugar dips' after eating tend to be hungrier and consume more calories throughout the day. Big dippers had a 9% increase in hunger and ate around 312 calories more than little dippers, potentially leading to weight gain over time.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Metabolism·DateApr 12, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked with six unhealthy eating behaviors

A new study by the University of Minnesota Medical School and School of Public Health found correlations between COVID-19 and six unhealthy eating behaviors, including extreme weight control and binge eating. The study highlights the need for affordable and accessible interventions to prevent and treat eating disorders, particularly am...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of Eating Disorders·DateApr 12, 2021

Having employees overseas helps companies reap US tax benefits

Research finds large US companies with more foreign employees are more likely to shift income to low-tax jurisdictions and face lower IRS scrutiny. This helps them substantiate economic substance of transactions, increasing likelihood of defending aggressive tax planning activities.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Accounting Review·DateApr 12, 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.

More than the sum of mutations

A new algorithm can predict which genes cause cancer without DNA sequence changes. Researchers have identified 165 previously unknown cancer genes using machine learning technology, interacting closely with well-known cancer genes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateApr 12, 2021

Breakthrough in plant protection: RNAi pesticides affect only one pest species

Researchers found that chronic dietary exposure to RNAi pesticides enhances their efficacy in controlling pests, allowing for lower concentrations to be used for effective control. This breakthrough has implications for optimizing dsRNA spray approaches and developing genetically engineered crops with built-in pest control.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalCommunications Biology·DateApr 12, 2021

Researchers identify surface protein as a new osteosarcoma therapeutic target for antibody-drug conjugates

Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a new surface protein, MT1-MMP, as a promising therapeutic target for osteosarcoma. The protein is highly expressed on the surface of osteosarcoma cells but not in normal human tissues, making it an attractive target for antibody-drug conjugate therapy.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateApr 12, 2021

Following atoms in real time could lead to better materials design

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a technique to track individual atoms in real time, allowing for greater control over material growth. This breakthrough could enable more precise design and manufacture of materials with unique properties.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 12, 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.

Pain receptors linked to the generation of energy-burning brown fat cells

A study published in Nature Metabolism reveals that vascular smooth muscle-derived Trpv1+ progenitors are a source of cold-induced energy-burning brown fat cells. This finding could lead to the development of new therapies targeting obesity and metabolic disorders by increasing overall energy expenditure.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalNature Metabolism·DateApr 12, 2021

CNIO scientists discovers a combination therapy for aggressive brain tumors

Researchers propose a novel therapeutic strategy combining temozolomide with dianhydrogalactitol to overcome resistance mechanisms in glioblastoma. The combination shows synergistic effects in slowing tumour growth, suggesting a promising new approach for treating aggressive brain tumors.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateApr 12, 2021

COVID-19 pandemic may have increased mental health issues within families

Research by Penn State found that parents reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems in their children after the pandemic, with some experiencing 'clinically significant' symptoms. The study highlights the importance of a positive coparenting relationship for family well-being during times of stress.

SourcePenn State·JournalFamily Process·DateApr 12, 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.

Bottom-up is the way forward for nitrogen reduction at institutions

Researchers at Marine Biological Laboratory found that replacing beef with chicken, swapping meat meals for vegetarian options, and upgrading lighting could reduce the institution's nitrogen footprint by up to 7.7%. These 'low-effort' solutions require no major changes or additional funding.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 12, 2021

Exercise benefit in breast cancer linked to improved immune responses

Researchers found that exercise training in mice with human breast cancer grew tumors more slowly and responded better to immunotherapy, with increased anti-tumor immune responses. Exercise also enhanced the activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8+ T cells), which killed cancer cells.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateApr 12, 2021

For tomato genes, one plus one doesn't always make two

Researchers used CRISPR to study tomato gene interactions, revealing a complex relationship between mutations and fruit size. The findings suggest that predicting the effects of mutations on different varieties is crucial for efficient crop breeding.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 12, 2021

EuroCMR 2021: Imaging the heart to personalize treatment

At EuroCMR 2021, experts presented novel research on using hypnosis to enable claustrophobic patients to undergo CMR, the effect of weight loss on heart function in obese people, and improving detection of cardiotoxicity in lymphoma survivors. CMR is also revealing sex differences in how the heart adapts after a myocardial infarction.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateApr 12, 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.

The indestructible light beam

Researchers at Utrecht University and TU Wien have developed special light waves that can bypass scattering in complex media, enabling precise imaging of objects. This breakthrough could revolutionize biological experiments, such as studying cells, by controlling light distribution inside tissues.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 12, 2021

Common approach to diversity in higher education reflects preferences of white Americans

A study by Princeton researchers found that universities adopting an 'instrumental rationale' for diversity, emphasizing benefits for all students, reflect the preferences of predominantly white Americans. This approach is associated with lower graduation rates and poorer outcomes for Black students.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2021

Profound loss of pleasure related to early-onset dementia

A recent study has discovered a profound loss of ability to experience pleasure in people with early-onset dementia, known as frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Grey matter deterioration in the 'pleasure system' of the brain was found, distinct from those implicated in depression or apathy.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBrain·DateApr 12, 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.