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Science News Archive April 2021 - Page 35


Page 35 of 46

Dismantling white supremacy in public health

A new analysis suggests that public health institutions must address white supremacy to achieve true equity. Researchers propose strategies for dismantling white supremacy, including tracking exposure to police brutality and educating policymakers on its impact.

SourceLehigh University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 9, 2021

Fostered flamingos just as friendly

Researchers found that fostered flamingo chicks formed stable social ties and behaved like parent-reared birds after rejoining their species. The study provides valuable insights into the success of fostering for conservation breeding programs.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens·DateApr 8, 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.

MOF data set provides 10k structures free for academic research

The CSD MOF Collection offers 10,636 metal-organic framework crystal structures for free access to academics, simplifying computational research. This collection is expected to advance fundamental research and support the growing industry interest in MOFs.

SourceCCDC - Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre·JournalMatter·DateApr 8, 2021

'Pain is always a perception': Physical therapy can help prevent, treat opioid use disorder

A new model in physical therapy education aims to address opioid use disorder by incorporating topics such as women's health, pediatric care, and sports therapy. By understanding the complex interplay between physical activity, pain perception, and addiction, physical therapists can provide holistic care to patients across the lifespan.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalPhysical Therapy·DateApr 8, 2021

Stanford researchers and others illuminate mystery of sea turtles' epic migrations

A Stanford-led study illuminates the mystery of North Pacific loggerhead turtles' epic migrations between Japan and Baja California, providing evidence of a 'thermal corridor' that allows them to cross inhospitably cold ocean barriers. The findings could inform conservation measures to protect sea turtles amidst climatic changes.

SourceStanford University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateApr 8, 2021

Gut bacteria "talk" to horse's cells to improve their athletic performance

A study published in Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences found that certain types of equine gut bacteria produce chemical signals that communicate with the mitochondria in horse cells, delaying low blood sugar and inflammation. This discovery paves the way for dietary supplements to enhance equine athletic performance.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Biosciences·DateApr 8, 2021

Supportive partners protect relationship quality in people with depression or stress

A new study by UMass Amherst researchers found that couples where one partner is responsive and supportive can maintain better relationship quality despite the other's depression or external stress. The study involved over 200 newlywed couples and found that responsiveness was associated with improved relationship outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateApr 8, 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.

Research gives new insight into formation of the human embryo

Researchers have discovered a unique regenerative property of human early embryo cells, allowing them to regenerate trophectoderm and produce placental cell types. This breakthrough may benefit assisted conception treatments and help understand causes of infertility and miscarriage.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 8, 2021

The spintronics technology revolution could be just a hopfion away

Researchers have successfully demonstrated and observed 3D hopfions emerging from skyrmions at the nanoscale, a major breakthrough in realizing high-density, high-speed, low-power magnetic memory devices. The discovery could lead to significant advancements in spintronics technology.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2021

Archaeologists uncover earliest evidence of domesticated dogs in Arabian Peninsula

The discovery reveals a significant finding about the lives of ancient humans and their animals. The site contains 26 fragments of dog bones alongside human remains, dated to circa 4200-4000 BCE, indicating a long-term bond between species. The research challenges current understanding of Neolithic periods in the Middle East.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Field Archaeology·DateApr 8, 2021

Third of Antarctic ice shelf area at risk of collapse as planet warms

A third of Antarctic's ice shelf area could collapse into the sea if global temperatures reach 4°C above pre-industrial levels, new research shows. Limiting temperature rise to 2°C could halve the area at risk and potentially avoid significant sea level rise.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 8, 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.

A new agent for the brain diseases: mRNA

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University have developed an mRNA delivery system that effectively produces BDNF protein in rat brain to protect neurons from ischemia. The system, known as an mRNA nanomicelle, increases the survival of hippocampal neurons and shows long-term therapeutic benefits.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalBiomaterials·DateApr 8, 2021

Curiosity rover explores stratigraphy of Gale crater

The Curiosity rover has explored the stratigraphy of Gale crater, providing insights into Mars' early climatic history. The study reveals alternating wet and dry depositional environments recorded in the sedimentary sequence, shedding light on the Red Planet's environmental changes during the Hesperian age.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateApr 8, 2021

Leisure physical activity is linked with health benefits but work activity is not

A large study of over 100,000 adults found that leisure time physical activity was associated with a 26-40% reduced risk of death, while work activity had the opposite effect. The researchers suggest that occupational activities often do not sufficiently increase heart rate to improve fitness and may even increase blood pressure.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateApr 8, 2021

Enhanced X-Ray emissions coincide with giant radio pulses from crab pulsar

Researchers observed that X-ray emissions coincide with giant radio pulses from the Crab Pulsar, providing constraints on mechanisms underlying these phenomena. The study found that total emitted energy during GRPs is tens to hundreds of times higher than previously known.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 8, 2021

A song of ice and fiber

Sandia National Laboratories has successfully analyzed the first seafloor dataset from under Arctic sea ice using a new underwater technique. The team detected natural and human-caused activities, including ice quakes and transportation activities, while also monitoring for climate signals and marine life.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateApr 8, 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.

Unique method to fabricate freeform structures of thermoplastics in microparticulate gels

Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design have developed a unique method to fabricate freeform structures of thermoplastics in microparticulate gels. This innovation uses immersion precipitation of polymer inks in microparticulate gels, enabling the creation of mechanically strong components without support materials.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalACS Applied Polymer Materials·DateApr 8, 2021

'Emotional' reviews predict business success, new study shows

A Northwestern University study finds that emotional reviews, not star ratings, predict business success in various industries such as movies, books, and restaurants. The research uses computational linguistics to analyze the emotionality of reviews and shows that higher emotionality is associated with greater success.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateApr 8, 2021

A discovery that "literally changes the textbook"

A team of international researchers has shown that the network of nerves connecting eyes to brains evolved at least 450 million years ago in ancient fish, predating animals living on land. This discovery challenges existing theories and has implications for future health research.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateApr 8, 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.

Even "safe" ambient CO levels may harm health, Yale study finds

A Yale study analyzing 40 million deaths found that even short-term exposure to ambient CO below current guidelines was associated with increased mortality. The research suggests reducing ambient CO concentrations could achieve considerable public health benefits through stricter control of traffic emissions.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateApr 8, 2021

Higher rates of chronic pain in women linked to genetics

A new study published in PLOS Genetics has found that genetic differences may contribute to higher rates of chronic pain in women. The study analyzed genetic variants associated with chronic pain in 209,093 women and 178,556 men, revealing sex-specific differences in gene activity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 8, 2021

Accelerated cellular aging associated with mortality seen in depressed individuals

A study found that cells from people with major depressive disorder (MDD) have accelerated DNA methylation clocks, indicating an increased risk of mortality. The researchers discovered that these changes persisted even after accounting for lifestyle factors, suggesting a potential biological mechanism underlying the condition.

SourceWalter Reed Army Institute of Research·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateApr 8, 2021

Association of symptoms of PTSD with posttraumatic psychological growth among US veterans during COVID-19 pandemic

A national survey of US veterans found that those with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experienced positive psychological changes, including personal growth and appreciation for life, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests a complex relationship between PTSD symptoms and posttraumatic psychological growth.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 8, 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.

Graphene: Everything under control

A team of scientists from Bielefeld and Berlin successfully controlled graphene's nonlinearity by applying modest electrical voltages, enabling efficient processing of high-frequency signals. This breakthrough paves the way for using graphene in THz frequency converters, mixers, and modulators.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 8, 2021

New test to study language development in youth with Down syndrome

A new test, expressive language sampling (ELS), has been validated as a reliable tool to measure communication development in youth with Down syndrome. The study found that ELS measures were generally valid and reliable across ages and IQ levels, demonstrating strong validity for vocabulary, syntax, and speech intelligibility variables.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders·DateApr 8, 2021

Corals carefully organize proteins to form rock-hard skeletons

Scientists discovered that coral structures consist of a biomineral containing organized organic mix of proteins. This process is critical to forming a rock-hard coral skeleton. The research suggests that corals will withstand climate change due to their impressive biomineralization process.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateApr 8, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lockdown for genome parasites

Researchers at GMI discovered that Arabidopsis's Decreased DNA Methylation I (DDM1) gene product silences undesirable genetic elements and transposable elements, preventing genome instability. This mechanism dominates other known TE silencing mechanisms.

SourceGregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 8, 2021

Cycling study transforms heart health of dialysis patients

Patients with kidney failure who cycled during dialysis showed improved heart health, including reduced scarring and stiffness of major blood vessels. The study found significant savings in healthcare costs, potentially benefiting the NHS.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalKidney International·DateApr 8, 2021

Altering traumatic memories

Texas A&M researchers have developed a method to indirectly retrieve and weaken fear memories, which could lead to more effective therapy for treating trauma. By reactivating traumatic memories through conditioning procedures, scientists can make them vulnerable to disruption.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 8, 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 fastest one wins

A team at the Indian Institute of Science developed a catalytic version of the Fischer indole synthesis that primarily produces one enantiomer. The reaction involves a dynamic kinetic resolution mechanism with a chiral catalyst, resulting in moderate yields and good to excellent enantiomeric selectivity.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 8, 2021

Evolution of outcomes for patients hospitalized during the COVID pandemic

A retrospective analysis of 198,846 hospitalizations in France from March to November 2020 reveals major changes in the age and sex of hospitalized patients during the pandemic. The probability of ICU admission and death varied substantially over time, with a decrease followed by an increase in both cases.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·DateApr 8, 2021

The impact of COVID-19 on people with kidney failure

The study reveals that COVID-19 hospitalizations peaked between March 22 and April 25, with rates 40 times higher than in the general population. Patients undergoing dialysis had a 17% increase in death rates compared to 2017-2019 rates.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 8, 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.

Endophytic fungi as promising producers of bioactive small molecules

Researchers discovered a total of 23 new compounds in the endophytic fungus P. dangeardii, including azaphilone monomers, dimers, and trimers with unique structures. The compounds showed significant cytotoxicities, anti-inflammatory, or antioxidant activities.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalActa Pharmaceutica Sinica B·DateApr 8, 2021

New pig brain maps facilitate human neuroscience discoveries

Researchers have updated a pig brain atlas, increasing its resolution and adding a new atlas for adolescent pigs. The updated atlases will enable more precise studies of brain development and the impact of nutritional interventions on human infants. With improved detail, researchers can now study brain development in pigs up to adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Methods·DateApr 8, 2021

The truth about doublespeak: Is it lying or just being persuasive?

A new study by the University of Waterloo found that using euphemistic language can bias people's evaluations of actions to be more favorable. The researchers used agreeable terms, such as 'enhanced interrogation,' instead of disagreeable ones, like 'torture,' to see how it affects people's judgments.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCognition·DateApr 8, 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.

Energy transmission by gold nanoparticles coupled to DNA structures

Researchers have successfully created chiral objects using DNA origami and gold nanoparticles, exhibiting efficient energy transmission. The discovery enables potential applications in virus detection and optical computing, leveraging the unique properties of plasmonic transmitters.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2021

Children and Corona: More infections than reported cases during second wave in Germany

A German study found that preschool and school children were more infected with SARS-CoV-2 than previously reported cases during the second wave. Antibody tests revealed a significant increase in infections among both age groups, with antibody frequencies up to eight times higher than those reported via PCR testing.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalMed·DateApr 8, 2021

Billboard and storefront ads for cannabis linked to problematic use in teens

A new study found that adolescents who frequently see billboard or storefront advertisements for recreational cannabis are more likely to use the drug weekly and have symptoms of a cannabis use disorder. Researchers used social media sites and apps to recruit 172 teens, ages 15 to 19, who lived in states with legal recreational marijuana.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateApr 8, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

All-in-one device uses microwave power for defense, medicine

Researchers at Purdue University have created a new device that uses composite-based nonlinear transmission lines to generate high-power microwaves for biomedical and defense purposes. The system eliminates the need for bulky auxiliary equipment, making it more portable and efficient.

SourcePurdue University·DateApr 8, 2021

Failure to rescue a major driver of excess maternal mortality in Black women

A study analyzing over 73 million hospitalizations found that site of delivery is a key factor contributing to racial disparities in maternal mortality. Black women are more likely to die from severe maternal morbidity at birth or immediately after childbirth compared to White and Hispanic women.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateApr 8, 2021

Bacteria help plants grow better

A new study found that bacteria in the soil enhance plant growth by promoting lateral root formation and improving nitrogen absorption. This breakthrough could lead to more sustainable agriculture practices by reducing fertilizer use and environmental pollution.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 8, 2021

How did 500 species of a fish form in a lake? Dramatically different body clocks

Researchers identify a single nocturnal species of Lake Malawi cichlid that exhibits dramatic differences in body clocks, suggesting an acute response to light. The study reveals that nocturnal behavior is associated with increased eye size, providing insights into the molecular and neural basis underlying variation in nighttime activity.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateApr 8, 2021

Study: Scant evidence that 'wood overuse' at Cahokia caused collapse

A new study from Washington University in St. Louis challenges the long-held theory that the collapse of Cahokia, a pre-Columbian Native American city, was caused by excessive tree cutting and deforestation. Researchers found no evidence of flooding issues or environmental missteps, contradicting previous narratives about ecocide.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalGeoarchaeology·DateApr 8, 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.

Solar and wind power could mitigate conflict in northeast Africa

A new study suggests that expanding solar and wind power across the region could alleviate disagreements between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt over Africa's largest hydropower plant. Integrating GERD operation with solar and wind power would provide regional win-win situations, benefiting all countries involved.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 8, 2021

Can a 3D printed beetle model simulate the real thing?

Researchers designed and tested 3D printed beetle models to study mate choice in insects. The results show that the models are effective in simulating real behavior, with males preferring chemical signals and color cues over 2D counterparts.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalChemoecology·DateApr 8, 2021

How to tame a restless genome

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found that a protein called Asterix/Gtf1 suppresses small specific regions of mobile genetic elements by binding to tRNA molecules. This discovery could lead to understanding how cells protect themselves against these elements and potentially tame an overly restless genome.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 8, 2021