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Science News for February 19, 2021


Neural pathway critical to correcting behavioral errors related to psych disorders found

Mount Sinai researchers identified a neural pathway that detects errors and guides subsequent behavioral improvement, which is frequently dysregulated in psychiatric disorders. They also suggest that neurostimulation of this brain pathway could provide an important mechanism for attention adjustments following behavioral errors.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 19, 2021

Spina bifida can be caused by uninherited genetic mutations

A new study published in Nature Communications shows that genetic mutations during embryonic development can cause spina bifida, a severe birth defect. Researchers found that even when these mutations occur randomly in only 16% of spinal cord cells, it's enough to lead to spina bifida.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2021

HKUST decodes a deep-sea vent-endemic snail hologenome

Researchers have discovered a dual symbiosis system in deep-sea vent-endemic snails, where they host both sulfur-oxidizing and methane-oxidizing bacteria for nutrient synthesis. This finding provides new insights into how animals thrive in extreme environments and sheds light on the adaptation to microbes.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 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.

Innovative parenting programs address inequality in young children's development

A NYU-led study shows that a first-of-its-kind parenting program significantly improves parent-child interactions in low-income families. The Smart Beginnings Project addresses early childhood development challenges, providing a comprehensive approach to promoting school readiness and equity.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 19, 2021

Parasites' dispersal capacity and rates of genetic introgression--a study

A recent study published in Communications Biology analysed the relationship between parasite dispersal capacity and genetic introgression rates. The research found that species with higher dispersal abilities present increased genomic signatures of introgression, which could have implications for understanding parasite-host dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 19, 2021

New study highlights lack of diversity and inclusion in vaccine clinical trials

A new report highlights disparities in vaccine clinical trials, showing that certain racial/ethnic groups and older people are not adequately represented. The study emphasizes the need for increased diversity and inclusion to ensure equitable representation of all populations, particularly those disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 19, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

To end HIV epidemic, we must address health disparities

The HIV epidemic continues to disproportionately affect marginalized groups, particularly in the US South. Experts recommend allocating resources to areas and populations hardest hit by the epidemic to implement targeted interventions and promote HIV prevention and treatment adherence.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 19, 2021

How the brain processes sign language

Researchers identified Broca's area as a key region for sign language processing, showing an overlap with areas used for spoken language. The study highlights the brain's linguistic specialization and its role in processing abstract information across different forms of language.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateFeb 19, 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.

Mason researchers planning ukulele workshops

Researchers at George Mason University are planning a series of four ukulele workshops as part of the National Endowment for the Arts Military Healing Arts Network initiative. The project aims to improve the health, wellness, and quality of life for military and veteran populations exposed to trauma through arts engagement.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateFeb 19, 2021

Seeing stable topology using instabilities

Researchers have developed a method to characterize topological phases of light using nonlinear instabilities, offering a simpler way to probe and generate these states. The approach exploits the quantized properties of vortices formed during modulational instability, providing a new tool for identifying different topological phases.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 19, 2021

Amination strategy improves efficiency of CO2 electrocatalytic reduction

Researchers developed a two-step amination strategy to enhance the intrinsic activity of M-N/C catalysts, leading to improved current density and Faraday efficiency. The new method enabled CO2 electrocatalytic reduction at an industrial level, with a remarkable current density of over 400 mA cm−2.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·DateFeb 19, 2021

Conservation paradox - the pros and cons of recreational hunting

Scientists reviewed over 1,000 studies on recreational hunting, finding both environmental and social benefits, as well as detrimental effects. The research highlights the need for more analysis to understand how recreational hunting can work for good and in which areas it can be detrimental.

SourceFlinders University·JournalOne Earth·DateFeb 19, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

'In the blink of an eye' statistics

Researchers found that when people visually estimate object size, they consider the surrounding context and distance from the observer, rescaling sizes before estimating variance. This ability allows for quick estimation of statistical characteristics of multiple objects.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalActa Psychologica·DateFeb 19, 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.

Time-lapse reveals the hidden dance of roots

Scientists discovered that plant roots make corkscrew-like motions to burrow into the soil and anchor themselves. The growth pattern is coordinated by the hormone auxin and helps roots find the best path forward.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2021

3D biopsies to better understand brain tumors

Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona developed a novel 3D microscopy analysis to recreate human glioblastoma features. This new approach provides complete information on tumor blood vessels and immune cell interactions, aiding diagnosis and therapy development.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·DateFeb 19, 2021

What happens when consumers pick their own prices?

A new paper examines the benefits of pick-your-price (PYP) over pay-what-you-want (PWYW) and fixed pricing strategies for firms and consumers. The study finds that PYP enhances purchase outcomes, increases feelings of pricing control without effort, and boosts sales in various contexts.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateFeb 19, 2021

Insight-HXMT gives insight into origin of fast radio bursts

The latest observations from Insight-HXMT have discovered the origin of fast radio bursts (FRBs), revealing they come from soft-gamma repeater (SGR) J1935+2154, a magnetar in our Milky Way. This discovery resolves the longstanding puzzle concerning the origin of FRBs.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Astronomy·DateFeb 19, 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.

2021 Seismological Society of America Annual Meeting

The 2021 SSA Annual Meeting will showcase the latest seismological research globally, with sessions on recent earthquakes and new technologies for monitoring glacier change. Journalists can register for free access to technical presentations and events.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateFeb 19, 2021

RUDN University chemist used iodine to synthesize new chalcogenides

Scientists from RUDN University have synthesized three new chalcogenides using iodine-based high-temperature synthesis, resulting in rare rhombic system crystal structures. The new compounds were obtained using nickel, gallium, indium, sulfur, and tellurium, showcasing the key role of iodine in their formation.

SourceRUDN University·JournalDalton Transactions·DateFeb 19, 2021

An eco-route for heavy-duty vehicles could reduce fuel consumption

A proposed algorithm could reduce carbon dioxide emissions from semi-trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles by up to 9.3%. The Cloud Computing System uses data from external sources like road slope, speed limits, and weather conditions to determine the most fuel-efficient route.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateFeb 19, 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.

New technology enables predictive design of engineered human cells

Researchers developed a design-driven process using computational modeling to identify useful genetic designs for cellular engineering. The approach accelerates the development of new treatments for diseases by enabling the efficient identification and testing of genetic programs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 19, 2021

A better tool for the job: Laser-based technique to elucidate the mysteries of exosomes

A team of undergraduate students from Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology developed a laser-based technique to measure protein-containing vessels released by cells. The technique, known as dynamic light scattering (DLS), is reliable, convenient, and inexpensive, making it an efficient tool for studying exosomes.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 19, 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.

Race, income, education affect access to 3D mammography

Research reveals women of minority races and ethnicities with less education and income have lower access to 3D mammography, a technology that improves breast cancer detection. Despite FDA approval for over a decade, the technology's benefits are not equally shared across sub-populations.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 19, 2021

Tuberculosis: New biomarker indicates individual treatment duration

A new biomarker has been identified that can determine individual treatment duration for tuberculosis patients, reducing the need for prolonged therapy. The biomarker is based on an RNA signature from 22 genes and was developed using patient cohorts from Germany and Romania.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateFeb 19, 2021

Animal evolution -- glimpses of ancient environments

A research team led by LMU zoologists identified fossils of insect larvae in Baltic amber, which suggest open areas of grassland nearby. In another sample, a rare Cretaceous butterfly larva with spines was discovered in Myanmar amber, supporting the idea that butterflies underwent early diversification.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalGondwana Research·DateFeb 19, 2021

Targeting MAPK4 emerges as a promising therapy for prostate cancer

Research from Baylor College of Medicine reveals that inhibiting MAPK4 can simultaneously activate and inhibit key cellular signaling pathways driving prostate cancer growth, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy. This approach may provide a more effective treatment for advanced prostate cancer.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 19, 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.

Mental health, substance use, suicidal ideation during COVID-19 pandemic

A survey study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in mental health concerns, substance use and suicidal ideation among at-risk demographic groups. The study examined patterns of mental health concerns, substance use and suicidal ideation during June and September of the pandemic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 19, 2021

Researchers explore 'face blindness' in children

A new study aims to improve understanding and treatment of developmental prosopagnosia, a condition affecting face recognition. The research will develop and test training interventions for children with facial recognition difficulties.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·DateFeb 19, 2021

The melting of large icebergs is a key stage in the evolution of ice ages

A new study reveals a key connection between Antarctic iceberg melt and the activation of mechanisms leading to prolonged global cooling and the beginning of ice ages. Researchers found that changes in ocean circulation patterns, triggered by the melting of icebergs, can draw CO2 from the atmosphere, reducing the greenhouse effect.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalNature·DateFeb 19, 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.

Making sense of the mass data generated from firing neurons

Researchers developed a new framework to analyze massive data from thousands of individual neurons, outperforming previous models. The method captures complex dynamics and fluctuations, offering insights into animal processing information and adapting to environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2021

Turbocharging the killing power of immune cells against cancer

Researchers develop DNA modifying epigenetic therapy to transform immune killer T-cells into "super soldiers" with enhanced ability to kill cancer cells. The therapy uses available chemotherapy drugs to remove epigenetic tags, turning key genes back on and turbocharging the cells' killing function.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 19, 2021

A speed limit also applies in the quantum world

Researchers at the University of Bonn have determined a minimum time for transporting cesium atoms using quantum mechanics. The study reveals that complex operations are limited by both energy uncertainty and the number of intermediate states, with implications for quantum computing.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review X·DateFeb 19, 2021

Sun and Tong to develop geoweaver platform

Sun and Tong's project aims to make AI workflows more shareable and replicable. The researchers will further develop the open-source GeoWeaver system into a stable operational platform for NASA's EOSDIS archive.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateFeb 19, 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.

First multi-whole-genome study of IBD in African Americans

African Americans have a distinct genetic risk landscape for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with specific genes contributing to risk, according to the first whole-genome study. The study identified rare genetic variants and highlights the need for personalized approaches to IBD treatment.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 19, 2021

Symptoms months after COVID-19

Researchers analyzed persistent COVID-19 symptoms in adults for up to nine months after illness onset, finding that these symptoms can significantly impact daily life. The study suggests that ongoing health issues and limitations may persist even after the initial illness has resolved.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 19, 2021

Study reveals energy sources supporting coral reef predators

Research reveals that coral reefs in the Maldives get more than 70% of their predator's diet from offshore resources. The findings highlight the importance of understanding food web dynamics to predict impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 19, 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.

Sweet marine particles resist hungry bacteria

Researchers found a microalgal sugar that is resistant to microbial degradation, forming particles that sink to the ocean floor and store carbon. This discovery challenges the assumption that sugars are rapidly degraded by bacteria, making them an important carbon sink.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2021

Study reveals how a longevity gene protects brain stem cells from stress

A new study reveals that the Forkhead box protein O3 (FOXO3) gene helps preserve brain stem cells by preventing them from dividing until the environment is safe. This mechanism may contribute to the longevity of certain individuals and explain why exercise boosts mental sharpness.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 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.

Northern Hemisphere cold surges caused by Arctic and tropical Pacific synergistic effects

Researchers analyzed temperatures from Dec. 1, 2020, to mid-January 2021, finding that warming in the Arctic and cooling in the tropical Pacific contributed to record-breaking low temperatures across 58 cities in China. The synergistic effect intensified cold air intrusions into mid-high latitudes, influencing extreme cold conditions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2021

Sounding rocket CLASP2 elucidates solar magnetic field

The CLASP2 sounding rocket experiment charted the magnetic field strength all the way up to the top of the chromosphere, a long-sought goal. This breakthrough brings scientists closer to understanding how magnetic fields heat the solar corona.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 19, 2021

Basque ethnic identity and collective empowerment are associated with wellbeing

A study by Jon Zabala found that Basque individuals with strong identity and collective empowerment display high levels of personal and social wellbeing, as well as community participation. The researcher suggests that feeling identified with Basques balances negative aspects of being a linguistic minority.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 19, 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.

Good cop, bad cop

Researchers use zebrafish to study human cancer and discover that the innate immune system actively destroys cancer cells. However, tumor cells can adapt and evade immune detection through a process called 'Immunoediting', leading to immunotherapy resistance.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2021

Direct cloning method CAPTUREs novel microbial natural products

Researchers developed a direct cloning method, CAPTURE, to accelerate large-scale discovery of novel natural products. The method allows for efficient cloning of large genomic fragments, including those with high-GC content or sequence repeats.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2021

Data show lower daily temperatures lead to higher transmission of COVID-19

Research found that warmer temperatures lead to decreased COVID-19 case rates, while cooler temperatures increase the rate of new cases. The study analyzed daily low temperatures and infection rates from Jan 22 to April 6, 2020, in 50 countries and showed a significant correlation between temperature and transmission.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 19, 2021

Prion diseases: new clues in the structure of prion proteins

A new study has sequenced the carbohydrate structures of glycoproteins from two different sheep prion strains, revealing no major differences that could explain the diversity in prion strains. The findings suggest glycans may not be responsible for the biochemical and neuropathological differences between strains.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 19, 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.

Atomic nuclei in the quantum swing

Researchers have successfully controlled quantum jumps in atomic nuclei using X-ray light, enabling ultra-precise atomic clocks and potentially powerful nuclear batteries. The technique requires precise control of high-energy X-ray pulses to manipulate quantum dynamics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateFeb 19, 2021

42,000-year-old trees allow more accurate analysis of last Earth's magnetic field reversal

Researchers have found that 42,000-year-old New Zealand kauri trees can accurately analyze the last complete reversal of the Earth's magnetic field. The study's findings suggest that the weak magnetic field had a significant impact on the atmosphere, leading to increased cosmic radiation and changes in ozone levels.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScience·DateFeb 19, 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.

Call to action for research ethics in the time of COVID-19 and BLM

University of Illinois Chicago faculty members advocate for research ethics reforms to engage Black populations in COVID-19 and BLM-related studies. The authors recommend understanding ongoing trauma, acknowledging historical context, and ensuring diverse research teams to foster trust.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Medical Ethics·DateFeb 19, 2021

Origin of life -- Did Darwinian evolution begin before life itself?

Researchers demonstrate that basic features of simple polymers and prebiotic environment can give rise to selection processes that reduce disorder. They identify specific base sequences that enable oligomers to fold into particular shapes, leading to the emergence of catalytically active complexes like ribozymes.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 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.

Sex that is not for reproduction

Paramecium uses a complex system to determine mating types, allowing for genetic variation and reproduction. The mechanism involves programmed genome rearrangements and small RNAs that eliminate unnecessary DNA sequences.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 19, 2021