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Science News Archive April 2021 - Page 40


Page 40 of 46

Transportation noise pollution and cardio- and cerebrovascular disease

Epidemiological studies confirm that transportation noise increases cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, leading to ischaemic heart disease. The authors review the effects of noise on vascular dysfunction, inflammation, and hypertension, highlighting the need for noise-mitigation efforts and legislation.

SourceDpt of Cardiology - University Medical Center Mainz·JournalNature Reviews Cardiology·DateApr 6, 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.

Moffitt researchers demonstrate tissue architecture regulates tumor evolution

Researchers found that spatial constraints from the surrounding environment significantly affect tumor evolution, leading to diverse mutational patterns among patients. The study highlights the importance of tissue architecture in regulating tumor growth and behavior.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Silencing vibrations in the ground and sounds underwater

Researchers at POSTECH have designed a metasurface that can control acoustic and elastic waves, achieving underwater stealth capability untraceable by SONAR. The technology also enables drastic alteration of wave propagation through curved plates, such as vibrations.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 6, 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.

Assessing the impacts of nodule mining on the deep-sea environment

The 'MiningImpact' project monitors the first in-situ test of a prototype collector vehicle, assessing environmental impacts of deep-sea mining on ecosystems. The study aims to inform improved standards for mining codes, focusing on ecosystem health and biodiversity loss.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·DateApr 6, 2021

Leptin puts the brakes on eating via novel neurocircuit

Researchers discovered novel neurocircuitry in mice that links leptin to the brain's dopamine reward system, reducing food intake. The study suggests targeting specific neurons may help treat anorexia nervosa and support dieting in obese individuals.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 6, 2021

Tiny brains grown in 3D-printed bioreactor

Researchers developed a low-cost 3D-printed microfluidic bioreactor for real-time observation of growing organoids. The device reduced cell death and improved tissue development, enabling seven-day observations of brain organoids.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateApr 6, 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.

Wild barley from Jordan holds key to stem rust resistance

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified a gene, Rpg7, responsible for high stem rust resistance in wild barley from Jordan. This discovery could provide valuable insights into breeding programs to combat this devastating disease affecting global cereal crops.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytopathology·DateApr 6, 2021

For chronic kidney disease, an ounce of prevention can be economical

A University of Tsukuba study identifies a cost-effective way to promote dietitian-led patient education and lifestyle advice for chronic kidney disease management. By adjusting reimbursements and incentivizing general physicians, the intervention can slow CKD progression and extend patients' lives.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Renal Nutrition·DateApr 6, 2021

Maternal stress in conception linked to higher chance of female foetus

Research by the University of Granada found that women experiencing stress before conception are almost twice as likely to give birth to a girl. Higher cortisol levels in hair were also detected in mothers who gave birth to girls, suggesting a possible biological mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalJournal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease·DateApr 6, 2021

Cardiac care during pandemic reveals digital shifts

Researchers found that patients with medical risk factors or from underserved communities opted for telehealth appointments, which led to fewer diagnostic tests and medications. Despite the benefits of increased access to care, researchers note potential pitfalls and plan to examine patient outcomes.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 6, 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.

Mapping North Carolina's ghost forests from 430 miles up

Satellite images reveal 35 years of changes in North Carolina's Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula, showing 11% of tree cover taken over by ghost forests. Extreme weather events contribute to the spread of saltwater inland, poisoning soils and killing tree species.

SourceDuke University·JournalEcological Applications·DateApr 6, 2021

Droughts longer, rainfall more erratic over the last 50 years in most of the West

Across most of the western US, dry periods between rainstorms have become longer and annual rainfall has become more erratic over the last 50 years. This is according to a new study that used actual rainfall data from 337 weather stations, revealing changes in drought length and rainfall patterns.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 6, 2021

Americans are super-spreaders of COVID-19 misinformation

A study by McGill University found that Canadians exposed to US-based information on social media are more likely to consume and spread COVID-19 misinformation. The researchers analyzed the behaviors of 200,000 active Canadian Twitter users and found that exposure to US news outlets was associated with misperceptions about COVID-19.

SourceMcGill University·JournalFrontiers in Political Science·DateApr 6, 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.

Distinctive MJO activity during 2015/2016 super El Niño

Research reveals enhanced western Pacific MJO-related convection during the 2015/2016 super El Niô event. The warm SST anomaly was located more westward than previous events, leading to increased moisture and air temperature in the central-western Pacific.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 6, 2021

An international study reveals how the 'guardian' of the genome works

An international study reveals that the MutS protein, known as the guardian of our genome, coordinates the essential DNA repair process from beginning to end. The researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the protein and describe its mechanism of action.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateApr 6, 2021

Digital breast tomosynthesis reduces rate of interval cancers

A study published in Radiology found that digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) reduces the rate of interval cancers, which are more aggressive than screen-detected cancers. The study suggests that DBT may contribute to lower breast cancer mortality by detecting rapidly growing cancers with poorer prognosis.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateApr 6, 2021

Sharing and enjoying meals with loved ones reduces obesity and improves the health of adolescents

A study conducted by researchers at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that family meal routines, such as sharing food and engaging in pleasant conversation, contribute to healthier eating habits among adolescents. The Mediterranean diet's emphasis on conviviality is crucial for promoting a healthy lifestyle.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateApr 6, 2021

Discovery is key to creating heat-tolerant crops

UC Riverside researchers identified a gene, RCB, that enables plants to sense heat and respond accordingly. This discovery is crucial in developing heat-tolerant crops to address the impact of global warming on crop yields by one-third by 2050.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 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.

Seismic coda used to locate and define damage from explosions

Researchers used coda wave interferometry to determine the location of underground chemical explosions and characterize damage caused by an explosion. The technique can improve estimates of larger explosion locations and put a limit on damage extent.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalThe Seismic Record·DateApr 6, 2021

Origins of life could have started with DNA-like XNAs

Researchers at Nagoya University discovered a DNA-like molecule called XNA that could be synthesized without enzymes, supporting the hypothesis of an XNA world before the RNA world. The findings suggest that XNAs can carry genetic code stably and potentially transfer genetic information between DNA and RNA.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2021

Key brain molecule may play role in many brain disorders

Scientists identified microRNA-29 as a powerful controller of brain maturation, which was found to be depleted in mice with autism-like symptoms. The study suggests that boosting levels of miR-29 could lead to therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 6, 2021

Aquatic invasive species cause damage worth billions of dollars

A global study has revealed that aquatic invasive species have caused significant economic losses, with an estimated $345 billion in damages since the 1970s. The study found that the largest costs were reported in North America and Asia, mainly due to damage to infrastructures, fisheries, and healthcare systems.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 6, 2021

Are you using antihistamines properly?

A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal highlights the need to rethink antihistamine use, as millions worldwide take these medications incorrectly. The study emphasizes that newer generation antihistamines are safer and more effective than first-generation antihistamines.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 6, 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.

'The Futures of Feminism', a new book by Professor Emerita Valerie Bryson

Valerie Bryson's new book argues for an inclusive form of socialist feminism that prioritizes women with multiple disadvantages. The discussion featured a panel of inspirational women who shared their personal journeys and experiences with feminism, highlighting the importance of intersectionality and activism.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateApr 6, 2021

Cancer discovery could revive failed treatments for solid tumors

Researchers at UVA Cancer Center discovered that antibody approaches targeting death receptor-5 could be revived by co-targeting negative biological processes with immune-activating therapy. This combination therapy increased the effectiveness of cancer killer immune cells, shrinking tumors and improving survival in lab mice.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateApr 6, 2021

Competing for high status speeds up aging in male baboons

A study published in eLife suggests that high social status contributes to accelerated aging in male baboons, with higher body mass index and increased physical demands being key factors. In contrast, early life adversity is not a significant predictor of premature aging.

SourceeLife·DateApr 6, 2021

Radical attack on live cells

Researchers create a microfluidic probe that generates free radicals with controlled size and concentration, allowing them to manipulate small areas on cellular surfaces. This approach enables the study of cell reactions to radicals in a controlled way, opening up new possibilities for subcellular research.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 6, 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.

Is combat-induced post-traumatic stress disorder unique to industrialized warfare?

Research by ASU researchers finds that Kenyan Turkana pastoralist warriors experience PTSD symptoms similar to Western combat veterans, but with lower rates of depressive symptoms. The study suggests that aspects of Turkana military organization and practice may contribute to the difference.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2021

Hubble spots double quasars in merging galaxies

The discovery of four double quasars offers insights into galaxy formation and the evolution of supermassive black holes. Quasars are brilliant beacons that can outshine entire galaxies, and their proximity in merging galaxies provides a unique window into the early universe.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 6, 2021

Human activities sound an alarm for sea life

A study of over 10,000 papers reveals significant impacts of human sounds on marine mammals, fish, and invertebrates, disrupting behaviors such as communication, foraging, and navigation. Researchers suggest solutions like reducing shipping speeds, quieter propellers, and floating wind turbines to alleviate anthropogenic noise.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2021

Being top baboon costs males their longevity

A recent study by Duke University researchers reveals that male baboons who attain high social status experience accelerated aging due to the physical and energetic demands of competing for dominance. This is in contrast to humans, where high social status typically predicts better health.

SourceDuke University·DateApr 6, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Small cell lung cancer: Scientists identify two new approaches for therapy

Researchers discovered two subsets of tumor cells that can be targeted using different methods, one inducing ferroptosis and the other inhibiting antioxidant production. The study found that combining these approaches could improve treatment outcomes for small cell lung cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2021

Research identifies gender bias in estimation of patients' pain

A new study published in the Journal of Pain found that when male and female patients express the same amount of pain, women's pain is perceived as less intense. The researchers analyzed facial expressions and self-reported pain levels to measure bias, concluding that gender stereotypes play a role in these disparities.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Pain·DateApr 6, 2021

Fossil discovery deepens snakefly mystery

A recent fossil discovery of four new snakefly species has deepened the mystery surrounding their evolutionary history and distribution. The ancient insects, dating back 50 million years, were found in British Columbia and Washington state, where scientists had previously believed they required cold winters to thrive.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalZootaxa·DateApr 6, 2021

How do lakes affect energy, heat, and carbon exchange processes in mountainous areas?

Research reveals lakes promote latent heat mixing but suppress carbon dioxide exchange compared to other land surfaces. The findings published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences highlight the need for future field experiments to investigate energy and carbon dioxide exchange at different scales.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 6, 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.

Cannabis legalization and link to increase in fatal collisions

Legalization of recreational cannabis may be associated with a small but significant increase in fatal motor vehicle collisions. The number of individuals who reported driving after recent cannabis use increased significantly after legalization.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 6, 2021

Secure type: consumers say compact logos signal product safety

A new study found that compact logos, where letters are closely spaced, encourage favorable brand attitudes and perceptions of product safety. Consumers associate tight lettering with sturdiness and security, whereas loose spacing implies vulnerability.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 6, 2021

How the spinifex got its hole

Researchers have found that pathogenic soil microbes impede seedling emergence and subsequent growth in the centre of spinifex rings. The study suggests that older parts of the plant succumb to a build-up of these microbes, while new seedlings establish at the outside edge of the rings.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalAustralian Journal of Botany·DateApr 6, 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.

Tibetan Plateau will warm faster than expected

The Tibetan Plateau has warmed more rapidly than the global average in recent decades, primarily caused by greenhouse gas emissions. The plateau's rapid warming poses significant risks for regional hydrological cycles and ecosystem services.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 6, 2021

People with HIV at high risk for intimate partner violence

A new study finds that people with HIV who experienced intimate partner violence are more likely to engage in riskier behaviors and have poor adherence to HIV treatment. IPV is associated with increased depression, anxiety, and poor clinical outcomes, highlighting the need for screening and supportive services.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 6, 2021

Deep learning networks prefer the human voice -- just like us

Researchers found that neural networks trained on sound files of human language reached higher performance in image recognition, identifying objects and animals correctly 92% of the time. Using sound as a training tool improved results even with limited training data, outperforming traditional binary input methods.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateApr 6, 2021

New multiple sclerosis subtypes identified using artificial intelligence

Researchers used AI to identify three new MS subtypes based on brain images, which can help predict disease progression and treatment response. The study found a clear difference in patients' response to different treatments by subtype, paving the way for individualized treatment planning.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 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.

COVID-19 pandemic highlights the urgent global need to control air pollution

A new commentary examines links between air pollution and COVID-19 outcomes, finding associations between long-term fine particle exposure and increased mortality. Higher air pollution exposure also impairs the immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to viruses and more severe infections.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateApr 6, 2021