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Science News Archive April 2021 - Page 6


Page 6 of 46

El Niño can help predict cacao harvests up to 2 years in advance

Researchers found that El Niño can accurately predict cacao yields with a high degree of confidence, even 25 months before the harvest. This innovative approach uses machine learning and rigorous data collection to provide valuable insights for farmers and policymakers, enabling them to make informed investment decisions.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 28, 2021

Designing new alloys for additive manufacturing

Researchers aim to develop new alloys that can be additively manufactured to produce strong yet ductile structures. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of grain refinement in complex concentrated alloys, they hope to create materials suitable for various engineering applications, including space exploration.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateApr 28, 2021

Scientists create first-of-its-kind 3D organoid model of the human pancreas

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have successfully created 3D organoid models of the human pancreas from human stem cells, including both acinar and ductal structures. The new platform could lead to the discovery of markers for early diagnosis and monitoring of pancreatic cancer.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 28, 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.

A path to graphene topological qubits

Researchers have successfully demonstrated the coexistence of magnetism and superconductivity in graphene, opening a pathway towards graphene-based topological qubits. This breakthrough finding enables the creation of Yu-Shiba-Rusinov states, which are crucial for achieving topological superconductivity.

SourceAalto University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 28, 2021

Many children with cardiomyopathy have a genetic mutation but few are screened

A national study found that only half of children with cardiomyopathy have undergone genetic screening, despite critical benefits for treatment and potentially curing the disease. Genetic screening can provide lifesaving information to families and prioritize children for a lifesaving cardiac transplant.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 28, 2021

Research gives trees an edge in landfill clean-up

A new contaminant prioritization tool could increase the effectiveness of environmental approaches to landfill clean-up by matching tree species with specific contaminants. The tool allows site managers to prioritize the most hazardous contaminants or customize it to address local concerns.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateApr 28, 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.

IPK scientists identify networks for spikelet formation in barley

Researchers from the IPK Leibniz Institute identified regulatory networks and signalling pathways controlling barley floral meristem development. The findings provide a deeper understanding of spikelet formation and offer an important tool for future studies.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 28, 2021

Delayed antibiotic prescribing is safe and effective for most patients

A large analysis of patient data suggests that delayed antibiotic prescribing is a safe and effective strategy for most patients, including those in higher risk subgroups. The study found no significant difference in symptom severity or duration between delayed and immediate antibiotics, but a slight benefit in reducing re-consultation...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 28, 2021

Uncertainty of future Southern Ocean CO2 uptake cut in half

A new study has reduced the Southern Ocean's CO2 uptake uncertainty by 50% using a novel method that constrains the ocean's carbon sink. The approach links human-made CO2 uptake to surface water salinity, allowing for more accurate projections of future climate change.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 28, 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.

Skipping the second shot could prolong pandemic, study finds

A Cornell-led research survey found that many Americans believe the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines provide weak protection against COVID-19 after a second dose. The study highlights the need for improved guidance on continued public health precautions, such as wearing masks, to combat vaccine attrition and prolong pandemic recovery.

SourceCornell University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 28, 2021

CCNY team makes single photon switch advance

The City College of New York team demonstrated the use of Rydberg states to enhance nonlinear optical interactions in solid state systems, creating a chip-scale scalable single photon switch. This breakthrough enables the realization of quantum photonic technologies by amplifying scalability.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 2021

Socioeconomic deprivation modifies genetic influence on higher education

A Uppsala University study found that genetic variants contribute more to educational attainment in socioeconomically deprived regions. The study of over 350,000 UK Biobank participants suggests an interaction between genes and environment, with socioeconomic deprivation modifying genetic effects.

SourceUppsala University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateApr 28, 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.

Hidden air pollutants on the rise in cities in India and the UK - study

A recent study reveals increased levels of air pollutants in cities like Kanpur and Delhi in India, while showing decreasing trends in the UK. The researchers used satellite observations to monitor these changes, highlighting the need for continued enforcement of clean air policies.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateApr 28, 2021

Driving behaviors harbor early signals of dementia

Using naturalistic driving data, researchers developed random forests models that accurately predicted mild cognitive impairment and dementia with 88% accuracy. The study identified age, trip patterns, and braking events as key predictors of the conditions.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalGeriatrics·DateApr 28, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Childhood air pollution exposure linked to poor mental health at age 18

A multidecade study found higher rates of mental illness symptoms among young adults exposed to traffic-related air pollutants during childhood and adolescence. The link between air pollution exposure and mental health symptoms was observed across sub-domains of psychopathology, with strongest links to thought disorder symptoms.

SourceDuke University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 28, 2021

New method might improve prostate cancer and high cholesterol treatments

Researchers have developed a new method to control human hormones and metabolism, which could help prevent diseases such as prostate cancer and high cholesterol. The method involves binding to the POR protein, influencing hormone production and degradation, and has shown promise in treating prostate cancer by regulating CYP17 levels.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 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.

UMass Amherst-led team awarded $3M grant to decarbonize computing

A UMass Amherst-led team will develop a self-powered, decentralized network of computing hardware and solar batteries to reduce carbon emissions. The team plans to virtualize energy systems and engineer digital carbon-capping policies to track applications' use of traditional grid-based carbon emissions.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateApr 28, 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.

Bone collagen of fish shows individual history of migration and feeding habits

A new study using bone collagen analysis shows that Japanese flounder exhibit behavioral groups with different migration patterns and feeding habits. The researchers analyzed vertebral-bone collagen isotope ratios to reconstruct individual migration and feeding history, revealing distinct differences among fish.

SourceResearch Institute for Humanity and Nature·JournalMarine Biology·DateApr 28, 2021

Christmas Eve coke works fire followed by asthma exacerbations

The study found that nearly half of people with asthma closest to the fire were unaware of the pollution problem and unable to take steps to avoid exposure. The incident led to an 80% increased risk of worsened asthma symptoms for those living within a 10-mile radius of the plant.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateApr 28, 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.

People of color hardest hit by air pollution from nearly all sources

A new study models people's exposure to air pollution by race-ethnicity and income level, finding that exposure disparities among people of color and white people are driven by nearly all emission source types. The researchers found that air pollution disparities arise from a more systemic set of causes than previously understood.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateApr 28, 2021

May Day: How electricity brought power to strikes

Historical research from Lund University reveals that electrification strengthened professional groups' negotiating power, leading to more strikes over wage increases. The study analyzed 8,000 strikes between 1859 and 1938 and found that technological change was a rare trigger.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Journal of Economic History·DateApr 28, 2021

Job changes following breast cancer are frequent in some cases

Breast cancer patients experience frequent job changes after diagnosis, with around ten percent reporting involuntary changes. The study suggests that a supportive work environment and understanding from managers can facilitate a satisfactory return to work.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Cancer Survivorship·DateApr 28, 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.

Doctors overestimate risk leading to over-diagnosis, overtreatment, study finds

Researchers at University of Maryland School of Medicine found that primary care practitioners significantly overestimated the likelihood of conditions such as cardiac ischemia and breast cancer. The study highlights the need for better decision-making tools to help doctors estimate risk based on laboratory findings.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 28, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

UChicago scientists harness molecules into single quantum state

Researchers at UChicago have successfully brought multiple molecules into a single quantum state, a major technological feat. This achievement has the potential to open new fields in quantum physics and chemistry, enabling innovative applications such as unhackable networks and earthquake sensors.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature·DateApr 28, 2021

FSU researchers develop tool to track marine litter polluting the ocean

Researchers at FSU's Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies have developed a new virtual tool to track marine litter in the ocean. The tool provides insights into where mismanaged plastic waste is released and ends up, informing policies and regulations to mitigate its impact.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateApr 28, 2021

Measuring the Moon's nano dust is no small matter

Researchers at NIST measured moon dust particles as small as 400 nanometers, revealing a strong link between particle shape and light scattering. The study uses X-ray nano computed tomography to analyze particle shapes and improve satellite tracking of weather patterns.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters·DateApr 28, 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.

How can we stop mankind from stagnating?

The global human population is projected to lead to food and water shortages, pollution, poverty and social tension. A new mathematical model suggests that intrinsic factors, such as Turing instability, may drive heterogeneous population distribution, regardless of geographical heterogeneity.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateApr 28, 2021

Research delves into link between test anxiety and poor sleep

A study from the University of Kansas found that test anxiety triggers poor sleep, which can lead to reduced performance on tests. The research revealed a correlation between sleep, anxiety, and test scores, with students experiencing significant differences in grades due to anxiety levels.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine·DateApr 28, 2021

Awakening 'ghosts' in patients with Parkinson's, a powerful diagnostic tool

Researchers develop a robotic-medical device and procedure to safely induce presence hallucinations in Parkinson's patients, providing a new diagnostic tool for the disease. The study findings suggest that the test may help predict the severity of the disease's progression.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 28, 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.

The Vertebrate Genomes Project introduces a new era of genome sequencing

The Vertebrate Genomes Project has produced 16 diploid high-quality vertebrate reference genome assemblies, showcasing technological improvements and standardization for genomics. These assemblies enable unprecedented novel discoveries in biodiversity, conservation, and human health and disease.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateApr 28, 2021

Spring forest flowers likely key to bumble bee survival, Illinois study finds

A new Illinois-based study finds evidence of a steady decline in the availability of springtime flowers in wooded landscapes, which likely endangers queen bees' ability to start their nesting season. The scarcity of early-season flowers, particularly in forests, is attributed to declining forest plant cover since 1997.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateApr 28, 2021

Nearly all fine particulate air pollution sources disproportionately affect people of color in the US

A new study found that nearly all fine particulate air pollution sources affect people of color more than whites, with industry and vehicle emissions being major contributors. The disparities persist across income levels and geographic regions, suggesting systemic issues behind the findings.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 28, 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.

Dead lithium: The culprit of low Coulombic efficiency with LIBs

Dead lithium, comprising active and inactive Li components, leads to reduced cycle life in LIBs. Researchers propose design principles to minimize dead lithium formation for higher Coulombic efficiency.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of Energy Chemistry·DateApr 28, 2021

Restricting internet searches causes stock market instability: study

A new study published in the Journal of Financial Economics found that restricting internet searches for investors can lead to increased stock market instability. The research, conducted by RMIT University, discovered that firms regularly searched on Google were 19% more unstable after Google's withdrawal from mainland China in 2010.

SourceRMIT University·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateApr 28, 2021

UC San Diego engineering professor solves deep earthquake mystery

A University of California San Diego engineering professor has solved the mystery of deep-focus earthquakes, which originate between 400 and 700 kilometers below the Earth's surface. Her new theory explains how high pressures cause olivine rock to transform into denser spinel, leading to volume collapse and seismic waves.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids·DateApr 28, 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.

A pioneering study: Plant roots act like a drill

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered that plant roots grow with a spiral motion, controlled by the hormone auxin, which also assists cancer cells in penetrating tissue. This finding significantly advances plant research and has potential applications in understanding cancer cell behavior.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 2021