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Science News Archive April 2021 - Page 8


Page 8 of 46

Lactic acid bacteria can extend the shelf life of foods

Researchers developed natural lactic acid bacterium that secretes antimicrobial peptide nisin, extending food shelf life and reducing waste. Nisin is approved for use in various foods to prevent spoilage and foodborne illness.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 27, 2021

Researchers show new holistic approach to genetics and plant breeding

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new method for plant breeding that considers the internal 'calculator' of plant seeds, allowing for more efficient crop improvement. The approach uses NIRS to analyze the chemical composition of grains and identify optimal genetic traits.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateApr 27, 2021

Study first to explore combined impacts of fishing and ocean warming on fish populations

A new study by the University of Melbourne found that combining fishing and ocean warming has a devastating impact on fish populations. The research, published in PNAS, discovered that four generations are needed for the effects to manifest, with strongest declines observed where large individuals were fished out.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 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.

Gene changes might explain long-haul COVID-19 symptoms

Researchers discovered that exposure to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can cause persistent gene expression changes in airway cells, which may contribute to COVID long-hauler symptoms. The study's findings suggest a potential genetic basis for the lingering symptoms and could lead to personalized treatment approaches.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 27, 2021

Marine biodiversity: Enormous variety of animal life in the deep sea revealed

A recent study has shown that the deep sea is home to a vast array of unique and highly specific organisms, including protists, foraminifera, and ciliates. The diversity of these organisms was found to be highly specific to individual deep-sea basins, with little overlap between them and coastal regions.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalCommunications Biology·DateApr 27, 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.

Why older people should chill when it's hot out

A new study suggests that cooling breaks can improve autophagic function in older adults, potentially reducing cellular damage from extreme heat. Researchers found that visiting a cooling center reduced core body temperature and improved markers of autophagy in participants.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 27, 2021

Researchers find breastfeeding linked to higher neurocognitive testing scores

Researchers found that breastfed children scored higher on neurocognitive tests, with the strongest association seen in those breastfed for more than 12 months. The study, which analyzed over 9,000 participants, suggests that any amount of breastfeeding has a positive cognitive impact.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateApr 27, 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.

Nature provides inspiration for breakthrough in self-regulating materials

Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a platform for interactive soft materials that can respond to external stimuli in predictable ways. By mimicking the natural oscillators found in animals, the team created a diverse array of oscillators that can move in unison and adapt to changes in light and temperature.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2021

Cholestenone shows antibiotic properties against H. pylori

Cholestenone inhibits H. pylori cell wall biosynthesis by suppressing CGL production, effective against clarithromycin-resistant strains and eradicating bacteria in mice fed with cholestenone-containing diets.

SourceShinshu University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

California campaign lowers statewide C-section rate, Stanford-led study finds

A four-year effort in California has lowered the state's C-section rate for low-risk, first-time mothers to below the national average, according to a Stanford-led study. The campaign, which included messaging, public reporting, and quality improvement initiatives, resulted in a reduction from 26% in 2014 to 22.8% in 2019.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateApr 27, 2021

Ship traffic dropped during first months of Covid pandemic

Researchers tracked global ship movements and found a 70.2% decrease in Exclusive Economic Zones during the pandemic's early stages. The impact of reduced boat traffic allowed some marine ecosystems to recover, with clearer water observed in Venice's canals and reduced underwater noise at Vancouver.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 27, 2021

Linguists predict unknown words using language comparison

Researchers use computer-assisted techniques to reconstruct ancient pronunciation of undocumented words, achieving a success rate of 76% in predicting word forms. The study's findings improve understanding of Western Kho-Bwa languages and their linguistic history.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalDiachronica·DateApr 27, 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.

Using big data to save babies

Researchers used machine learning to analyze data from preterm infants with BPD, identifying clusters that predicted comorbidities and rehospitalizations. This could lead to earlier and more precise diagnoses, enabling personalized treatments.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 27, 2021

The science of sound, vibration to better diagnose, treat brain diseases

A team of engineers is exploring new methods to focus ultrasound waves through the skull, offering a safer and less expensive alternative to MRI technology. The researchers are also investigating how vibrations and waves across different frequencies can be used to extract information from or focus energy on the brain.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalUltrasound in Medicine & Biology·DateApr 27, 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.

Exercise reduces risk of airway disease

A recent study published in Radiology found that regular exercise can reduce the long-term risk of bronchiectasis, a potentially serious airway disease. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,000 healthy young adults, found that preservation of cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with lower odds of developing bronchiectasis.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateApr 27, 2021

Physical activity reduces cardiovascular risk in rheumatic patients

People with autoimmune rheumatic diseases are more likely to develop heart attacks and strokes due to chronic inflammation. Regular exercise improves vascular function, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and promoting structural recovery of damaged arteries.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalRheumatology·DateApr 27, 2021

Canola growth environments and genetics shape their seed microbiomes

A study examined how seed microbiomes of canola are assembled, finding that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. The researchers discovered a core microbiome in all seed samples with potentially beneficial microbes like Pseudomonas spp., which promote plant growth.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateApr 27, 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.

Fair climate policy could help reduce extreme poverty

A new study suggests that ambitious climate policies can alleviate poverty reduction challenges by redistributing emission pricing revenues and promoting fair international burden sharing. The research projects that implementing these measures could lead to a small reduction in global poverty of around 6 million people by 2030.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 27, 2021

Light therapy helps veterans treated for traumatic brain injury

A new study by researchers at the VA Portland Health Care System found that morning bright light therapy improved physical and mental symptoms for veterans with traumatic brain injury. The therapy showed significant benefits in cognitive function, sleep, depression, and neuropsychiatric trauma symptoms.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 27, 2021

Heat-inactivation method successfully neutralizes coronavirus in less than a second

A team of researchers at Texas A&M University has successfully developed a heat-inactivation method that can neutralize the coronavirus in less than a second. This innovative approach uses high temperatures to break down the virus, providing a potential solution for mitigating the spread of COVID-19. The findings have significant impli...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateApr 27, 2021

Depression medication could also protect against heart disease

Researchers found that duloxetine inhibited platelet function and protected against clot formation, potentially benefiting patients with both depression and cardiovascular disease. The study aims to develop new drugs based on the structure of duloxetine to protect from thrombosis.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 27, 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.

Climate crises in Mesopotamia prompted the first stable forms of State

Severe droughts prompted landowners to grant rights to non-elites, who promoted institutional changes through cooperation. Climate shocks also influenced agricultural activities and social orders in developing countries., Climate crises in Mesopotamia led to the development of cooperative relationships between elites and non-elites.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2021

The first comprehensive single-cell atlas of human teeth

A team of researchers has created the first-ever single-cell atlas of the human teeth, revealing cellular heterogeneity and stem cell populations with great regenerative potential. The study highlights the importance of microenvironmental specificity in functional differences between stem cells in various tooth compartments.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournaliScience·DateApr 27, 2021

International research team discovers new two-dimensional material

A global research team has created a previously unknown two-dimensional material called beryllonitrene, which exhibits a distorted electronic lattice structure. This new material has great potential for applications in quantum technology, including high-performance computing and secure communication.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 27, 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.

An atlas of HIV's favorite targets in the blood of infected individuals

Gladstone researchers have identified specific subsets of CD4+ T cells that are most susceptible to HIV infection. The team used a technology called CyTOF/PP-SLIDE to classify these cells and found that remodeling caused infected blood cells to alter their surface, potentially helping the virus infect more cells.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 27, 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.

Pandemic significantly increases insomnia in health care workers

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a 44% increase in insomnia disorder among health care workers, with the highest rates among those who spent less time in direct patient care. Surprisingly, about 10% of faculty physicians and nurses reported their insomnia improving after the onset of the pandemic.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateApr 27, 2021

Fishing in African waters

African waters contribute to global fish supply, generating $15 billion for Africa's GDP in 2011. However, climate change and pollution threaten fish stocks, raising concerns about sustainability. A new study uses AIS satellite data to describe spatial characteristics of African and foreign industrial fishing activities.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateApr 27, 2021

The new EU climate target could phase out coal power in Europe as early as 2030

A new EU climate target of cutting emissions by 55% by 2030 will dramatically speed up the decarbonization of Europe's power sector, leading to a significant phaseout of coal power. Renewable energies are expected to contribute nearly three-quarters of power generation in 2030 and reach zero emissions in the power sector by 2040.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalApplied Energy·DateApr 27, 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.

Five studies point to dangers of environmental exposures

Recent studies point to links between environmental exposures and health risks, including respiratory problems from hog farms and inflammation caused by triclosan. Gulf War veterans may also be more susceptible to alcohol-induced liver damage due to environmental factors.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 27, 2021

Do senior faculty publish as much as their younger colleagues?

A study found senior faculty's research publication activity exceeded expectations across disciplines, with a focus on book and chapter publications. Senior scholars are uniquely positioned to invest time in long-term publication efforts.

SourceAcademic Analytics Research Center (AARC)·JournalScientometrics·DateApr 27, 2021

NUS researchers discover protein that promotes chemotherapy resistance

Researchers identified DUSP16 as a protein that promotes chemotherapy resistance in four types of cancer. Elevated DUSP16 levels can lead to reduced treatment effectiveness, highlighting its potential use as a biomarker for sensitivity to chemotherapy.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 27, 2021

ASBMB announces its first class of fellows

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has launched an honorific program to recognize members who have made significant contributions to the field. The first class of 30 fellows includes renowned scientists from around the world, who will be honored at the society's annual meeting.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateApr 27, 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.

Switching to light

A team of scientists at the University of Freiburg has developed a new optogenetic tool called BLADE that allows for controlled expression of genes in Escherichia coli using blue light. This breakthrough simplifies biotechnology methods and enables targeted protein production and signaling process studies.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 27, 2021

SARS-CoV-2 spike protein alone may cause lung damage

A new mouse model of acute lung injury reveals that exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein alone can induce COVID-19-like symptoms. The study's findings suggest a previously unknown mechanism causing lung damage, potentially leading to new targets for therapeutic development.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 27, 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.

U-M RNA scientists identify many genes involved in neuron development

A team of University of Michigan researchers identified many genes crucial for fruit fly neuron development, including three previously unknown ones. The discovery provides insights into the complex process of neurogenesis and may lead to new approaches for understanding human brain development and regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 27, 2021

SARS-CoV-2 curtails immune response in the gut

Researchers created human intestinal cells to study SARS-CoV-2 infection process. The findings indicate the virus silences immune response in infected cells, suggesting new ways to treat it.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateApr 27, 2021