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Science News Archive April 2021 - Page 9


Page 9 of 46

New clues on how networks such as Twitter are organized to respond to viral news

Scientists analyzed Twitter data during the 2019 Spanish general elections and Charlie Hebdo attack, finding a modular structure with internal hierarchies responding to user interests. This breakthrough in network analysis sheds light on the conditions required for coexistence of macro-scale patterns.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 27, 2021

Don't go fracking my heart

A new study found that people living near fracking sites are at a higher risk of heart attacks, with rates increasing by 1.4-2.8% depending on age group and level of activity. The research also highlights the potential negative impact of fracking on cardiovascular health in rural communities.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateApr 27, 2021

Plasma acceleration: It's all in the mix

Researchers at DESY have achieved two critical milestones in developing innovative plasma accelerators. By combining nitrogen and artificial intelligence, they significantly reduced the energy distribution of accelerated electron bunches, a crucial property for various applications. The team also successfully used AI to optimize the ac...

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalPhysical Review Letters·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.

Polymer-based coatings on metallic implants improve bone-implant integration

Researchers developed natural polymer coatings that significantly improved metal electrochemical corrosion properties and allowed for cell attachment while disallowing bacterial attachment. These coatings can be modified to possess multifunctionality, opening a new era of applications in bone tissue engineering.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiointerphases·DateApr 27, 2021

Circadian clock in the mouse placenta

A study reveals that the mouse placenta's circadian clock regulates the expression and activity of ABCB1, a drug efflux transporter, in a 24h rhythm. This finding suggests that the timing of maternal treatment could be crucial to avoid non-desirable effects on foetal development during pregnancy.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·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.

Men's loneliness linked to an increased risk of cancer

A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland found that middle-aged men who experience loneliness are at an increased risk of developing cancer. The study, which followed 2,570 men over time, found that loneliness was associated with a 10% higher risk of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateApr 27, 2021

ORNL licenses revolutionary AI system to General Motors for automotive use

General Motors has licensed the award-winning AI software system MENNDL from Oak Ridge National Laboratory to accelerate advanced driver assistance systems technology and design. MENNDL uses evolution to design optimal convolutional neural networks, dramatically speeding up the process of recognizing patterns in datasets.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateApr 27, 2021

Skoltech researchers propose a new data-driven tool to better understand startups

Researchers at Skoltech propose a new methodology for analyzing startup growth, leveraging Google Trends' big data. The approach enables building accurate and real-time data-driven growth paths for startups, offering an X-ray scan into technology-based ventures.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalTechnological Forecasting and Social Change·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.

New method preserves viable fruit fly embryos in liquid nitrogen

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a method to cryopreserve fruit fly embryos, preserving their viability for up to generations. This breakthrough enables genetic research, disease modeling, and potential pest control applications, such as combating the invasive Drosophila suzukii.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 27, 2021

Improved catalyst may translate to petrochemical production gains

Researchers have developed a new method for synthesizing zeolite catalysts that improves catalytic performance by up to five-fold. The improved hierarchical zeolite catalysts show unprecedented improvement in stability and selectivity, potentially reducing the need for costly turnarounds.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 27, 2021

New mouse model provides first platform to study late-onset Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have developed a new genetically engineered mouse model that mimics the most common form of late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The model, which embodies the remaining 95% of cases, holds promise for understanding causes of the disease and developing new treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 27, 2021

Droperidol most effective sedation medication for agitation with less sides effects

A randomized trial found that droperidol was more effective than lorazepam or ziprasidone for sedation in patients with acute undifferentiated agitation. Additionally, it was associated with lower rates of respiratory depression compared to the other medications. The study suggests that larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·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.

Could corals use sound to communicate?

Researchers found evidence of sound-related genes in corals, which could enable them to use sound to interact with their environment. This discovery has significant implications for understanding coral communication and developing restoration and conservation projects to protect these critical ecosystems.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 27, 2021

EHR usability issues linked to nurse burnout and patient outcomes

A new study investigated associations between EHR usability and nurse job outcomes (burnout, job dissatisfaction) and surgical patient outcomes (inpatient mortality, readmission). The results found that EHR usability is critical to reducing nurse burnout and improving patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalMedical Care·DateApr 27, 2021

Limited value of tree plantations for biodiversity conservation

Research found tree plantations host significantly fewer beetle species, contributing to lower biodiversity compared to old-growth forests. Plantations' limited ability to support diverse food chains makes them less effective for forest conservation.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateApr 27, 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.

Diabetes drug could protect against dangerous infection

Researchers found that metformin inhibited the spread of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) in three study models, including cell cultures and mouse models. The treatment reduced C. diff proliferation and increased the growth of closely related nonpathogenic bacteria.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 27, 2021

Nontoxic, flexible energy converters could power wearable devices

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new method to harness waste heat from wearables using nanotube-based thermoelectric generation. This technology converts uneven heat distribution into electrical energy, reducing the need for batteries and making wearable devices more sustainable.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 27, 2021

New approaches for teaching science remotely arise from the COVID-19 crisis

A new paper explores effective methods for teaching science remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, including experiential hands-on activities, interactive labs, and environmental science research projects. These approaches enhanced student engagement, collaboration, and learning outcomes, despite the challenges of remote instruction.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Microbiology and Biology Education·DateApr 27, 2021

Life in a wheatbelt oasis

The study highlights the importance of creating and managing habitat oases to protect remaining species in threatened habitats. The research reveals that a diverse array of habitat types is critical for the survival and thrival of birds and other animals, such as the endangered Australian numbat.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalAustralian Journal of Zoology·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.

Study links child behaviour problems to prenatal tobacco smoke and traffic density

A recent study found that prenatal tobacco smoke exposure and increased residential traffic density are strongly associated with child behavioral problems. Children who received more hours of sleep, ate a healthy diet, and had strong parental ties or social connections exhibited fewer behavioral issues.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateApr 27, 2021

Capsaicin analog could help treatment-resistant lung cancer

A new study found that a non-pungent synthetic capsaicin analog, arvanil, made small cell lung cancer cells more responsive to chemotherapy. The compound enhanced the anti-cancer activity of SN38, a commonly used treatment for relapsed small cell lung cancer.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 27, 2021

Five new insights in the fight against COVID-19

Researchers have made significant findings in the fight against COVID-19, including a link between long-term blood vessel problems and an increased risk of heart disease. Studies also suggest promising leads for antiviral treatments and potential therapies using stem cells, as well as changes in science education during the pandemic.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 27, 2021

Lack of educational opportunities influence drug use for rural youth

A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Wilson Majee found that rural youth who lack access to education are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as substance abuse. The study suggests that a combination of factors, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of resources, can create feelings of hopelessness and desp...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalHealth & Social Care in the Community·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.

Women's football in Japan had a rich history before WWII

Researchers uncovered evidence of women's football in pre-war Japan through historical records and photographs. They found that football was a popular sport among girls, particularly during the Taisho era, with casual play and competitions involving throwing and kicking the ball.

SourceHokkaido University·DateApr 27, 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.

Horizontal transmission can cause severe and persistent eye inflammation

A new study by Tokyo Medical and Dental University clinicians reveals that horizontal transmission is responsible for HTLV-1 uveitis, a severe eye inflammation. The patient was treated with corticosteroids, showing promise in managing the condition, but highlighting the need to consider infection route in diagnosis and treatment.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateApr 27, 2021

Seaweed solutions

Researchers propose using cultivated seaweed to draw down available nutrients, limiting algae blooms and oxygen-poor dead zones. Seaweed aquaculture could also generate revenue through the production of biofuel, fertilizer, and food products.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMarine Policy·DateApr 27, 2021

A new treatment that might keep COVID-19 patients off the ventilator

A new treatment has shown promising results in reducing the severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by the flu in mice. The therapy, based on natural molecules, improves lung function and prevents progression of disease in infected animals.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology·DateApr 27, 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.

Few young adult men have gotten the HPV vaccine, study finds

A recent study found that only 16% of male teenagers received the HPV vaccine, highlighting a significant gap in vaccination rates. The vaccine is essential for preventing oropharyngeal cancer, which affects 80% of male patients diagnosed with this condition.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·DateApr 27, 2021

Incentives could turn costs of biofuel mandates into environmental benefits

Researchers argue that targeted policies and incentives are needed to promote perennial bioenergy crops over cheaper options, reducing nitrogen runoff and improving water quality. In contrast, a cellulosic ethanol mandate with the right policies could provide substantial economic and environmental benefits.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 27, 2021

Shoe scanner technology on the horizon

Researchers developed a holographic millimeter wave scanning technology that can detect threats concealed under clothing and footwear, reducing false alarms. The new technology allows for shoe scans while passengers wear shoes on, potentially speeding up the screening process by 15-20%.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateApr 27, 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.

HPV vaccination in young adults

The study estimates that only about 24% of young adults aged 18 to 21 in the United States have been fully vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV). The low vaccination rate is a cause for concern given the significant health risks associated with HPV infection, including cervical cancer and other types of cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 27, 2021

Could heart medications increase COVID-19 risk?

A new mouse study found that ACE inhibitors can increase levels of SARS-CoV-2 receptors in the body. The researchers suggest that people taking these medications should work with their healthcare providers to manage their treatments.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 26, 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.

Genetic discovery in songbird provides new insights

A study published in PNAS found that zebra finches have a low-density lipoprotein receptor gene with key domains missing, allowing them to carry high levels of good cholesterol while avoiding high cholesterol-related diseases. This genetic adaptation may hold clues for improving cardiovascular disease treatment.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2021

Toward painless oral insulin administration

Researchers from Kumamoto University have successfully developed oral insulin using DNP peptides and zinc insulin hexamers. This breakthrough aims to improve the quality of life for diabetics who struggle with painful self-injection therapy.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateApr 26, 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.

Shopping online or locally - an individual choice

A study by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) found that personal opinions on purchasing security, environmental protection, and work conditions play a significant role in deciding whether to shop online or locally. The study used microeconometric models to analyze the shopping habits of 1,400 consumers in the Middle Upper-Rhine R...

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalApplied Geography·DateApr 26, 2021