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Science News Archive December 2021


Page 20 of 33

First structure of human protein complex with ‘licence to kill’

Researchers have visualized the first structure of a human cell death complex linked to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The discovery could lead to new treatments for inflammatory bowel disease, renal injury, diabetes, and other conditions. The study reveals how RIPK3 proteins regulate necroptosis, a type of inflammatory cell death.

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.

Infant immune systems are stronger than you think

A new study reveals that infant immune systems are robust and efficient, allowing them to quickly respond to new pathogens. This may explain why infants are less affected by COVID-19 than adults, who take longer to react.

Mutations in TP53 gene linked to aggressive prostate cancer

A study found that men with Li-Fraumeni syndrome have a 25-fold increased risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer, and those with inherited TP53 variants are diagnosed at a young age. Routine screening for prostate cancer is recommended for these individuals.

Widespread plants displace rarer species across habitats

A new study reveals that widely distributed plant species are outcompeting rarer species for resources in European habitats. This shift is driven by increased nutrient levels in soils due to human activity, leading to competitive exclusion of smaller-ranged specialist species.

Seasonal temperature impacts patient lab results

Temperature fluctuations in labs affect over 90% of individual tests and 51 assays, including kidney function and lipid panels. Laboratories can statistically adjust for ambient temperature to reduce weather-related variability.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Differentiating friends from foes in the fungal root microbiome

Researchers found that many beneficial fungi in plant roots retain ancestral pathogenic capabilities, with some strains causing detrimental effects. A key gene family encoding enzymes that degrade plant cell walls was identified as a driver of these negative effects.

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.

A newly discovered anti-senescence function of Vitamin B2

Researchers at Kobe University discover that adding Vitamin B2 to stressed cells increases mitochondrial energy production and prevents cellular senescence. This finding has potential implications for preventing age-related disorders and extending healthy lifespans.

Asthma may reduce risk of brain tumors -- but how?

Researchers found that asthma causes immune cells to behave in a way that prevents brain tumor growth, suggesting a potential new therapeutic approach. The findings suggest reprogramming T cells to act like those in asthma patients could be a new treatment for brain tumors.

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.

Melatonin exacerbates asthma discovers research group

A research group from Tohoku University discovered that melatonin, a sleep hormone, exacerbates asthma by potentiating bronchoconstriction. Melatonin weakens the relaxing effect of bronchodilators through the activation of the melatonin MT2 receptor.

Getting childhood obesity initiatives across the finish line

The Medical University of South Carolina's Boeing Center for Children's Wellness offers a menu of wellness initiative options that schools can tailor to their needs. Schools with health professionals on the wellness committee implement 25% more initiatives, leading to a culture change and increased student participation.

Collaborative project of quantum computer developers

The ATIQ project aims to develop reliable, user-friendly quantum computing demonstrators based on ion trap technology within 30 months. The consortium will optimize hardware for applications in chemistry and finance, paving the way for new approaches in credit risk assessment.

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.

Researchers unveil new cyber protections against “logic bombs”

Researchers propose new ways to protect 3D printed objects from stealthy logic bombs, which can cause catastrophic failures. Two strategies are proposed: designing a sensor to detect changes in raw materials or using high-resolution CT images to detect residual stresses.

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.

Doctoral student finds alternative cell option for organs-on-chips

A doctoral student at Texas A&M University has discovered blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOECs) as an alternative to induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) for organs-on-chips, offering a cheaper and more accessible option for patient-specific research. The new cells can be isolated from just 50-100 milliliters of blood and have sh...

Molecule from approved malaria medicine protects lung cells against COVID-19

Researchers from Aarhus University have shown that the approved medicine Atovaquone has a protective effect on human lung cells in laboratory settings, potentially preventing Covid-19 infection. The study reveals its potent antiviral properties against various coronavirus variants, offering hope for a new treatment option.

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.

Catch me if you can: how mRNA therapeutics are delivered into cells

Researchers have visualized the entry routes of mRNA into cells and found that it must escape two barriers to reach the cytoplasm. The study reveals that late endosomes are counterproductive for delivery, increasing cell toxicity. Better vehicles for efficient mRNA delivery can now be developed.

Towards the achievement of megatesla magnetic fields in the laboratory

A research team at Osaka University successfully generated megatesla magnetic fields through three-dimensional particle simulations on laser-matter interaction. The strength of MT magnetic fields is significantly stronger than geomagnetism, enabling laboratory experiments that were previously thought impossible.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Diversity among US radiation, medical oncology faculty

A recent study found that despite some progress, the US academic workforce in radiation and medical oncology remains underrepresented compared to the broader US cancer population. The study emphasizes the need for continued efforts to recruit and retain diverse faculty members.

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.

Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine incentive lottery programs

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that implementing lottery programs as an incentive for COVID-19 vaccination led to substantial increases in vaccine uptake. The study analyzed data from over 40 states and showed a strong correlation between the implementation of these programs and subsequent vaccine adoption.

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.

Tropical forests can recover quickly on reclaimed agricultural lands

Tropical forests worldwide have disappeared rapidly due to deforestation. However, they can recover quickly on abandoned lands, with key forest functions rebounding within a decade. The study found that tropical forests can regain 78% of their old-growth values in just 20 years and near-total recovery occurs in less than 10 years.

High-tech sleeping bag could solve vision issues in space

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a high-tech sleeping bag that may prevent vision problems caused by brain pressure in space. The study found that suctioning fluids from the body can unload brain pressure and prevent progressive flattening of the eyeball, swelling of the optic nerve, and vision impairment.

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.

New mathematical model to predict viruses

A new mathematical model developed by USC researchers uses a generator-based approach to analyze mutations in genomic datasets, allowing for the prediction of virus evolution and detection. This tool can be applied to various pathogens, including crops, enabling proactive protection measures.

Scientists show how bone-bordering cells may help shape a skull

A new study by researchers at Mount Sinai found that a specific gene, HHIP, helps regulate the development of the coronal suture, a fibrous joint that connects the front and middle bone plates. The study showed that embryos with a missing HHIP gene had misshapen skulls and fewer mesenchymal cells separating the bones.

Retention is a major factor in racial disparities in academia

Researchers at the University of Minnesota found that retention biases contribute significantly to racial disparities in academia, affecting diversity among tenured professors and graduate students. The study suggests exploring intersectional effects and diverse experiences within broad racial or ethnic categories.

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.

Cognitive aging: Work helps our brain

A recent study by SISSA and University of Padua shows that occupation influences the course of cognitive decline. Work activity is found to be a protective factor for cognitive reserve, contributing to brain's resistance to damage caused by illness or aging.

A career built on the strongest force in the universe

Latifa Elouadrhiri received the 2021 Jesse W. Beams Research Award for her fundamental contributions to nuclear science. Her team made a groundbreaking measurement of proton pressure distribution, opening up new directions in particle physics research.

NIH study traces molecular link from gene to late-onset retinal degeneration

A NIH study has identified a molecular link between a gene mutation and late-onset retinal degeneration, a rare eye disease. The researchers found that the diabetes drug metformin and gene therapy may be effective treatments for the condition, which can cause abnormal blood vessel growth and deposits of apolipoprotein E.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Study: Fire hastens permafrost collapse in Arctic Alaska

A new analysis of 70 years of data reveals that tundra fires significantly contribute to the decline of permafrost integrity in Arctic Alaska. The study found that fire was responsible for more than 10% of thermokarst formation, despite only burning 3% of the Arctic landscape.

Stretchy, washable battery brings wearable devices closer to reality

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a flexible and washable battery that can withstand repeated use and laundry cycles. The battery's construction creates an airtight seal and uses safer chemistry, making it suitable for wearable devices worn next to the skin.