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Science News Archive February 2021


Page 2 of 45

Nanoparticles help untangle Alzheimer's disease amyloid beta plaques

Researchers have developed a new technique using bowl-shaped nanoparticles to study Alzheimer's disease amyloid beta protein aggregates. The findings confirm multiple forms of these aggregates co-exist and not all convert into brain plaques, opening possibilities for diagnostic and treatment applications.

Unburdening China of cancer: Trend analysis to assist prevention measures

A recent study reveals an increase in cancer incidence and mortality rates in China, with rising rates seen in colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancers. The study highlights the importance of implementing cost-effective approaches for primary prevention and collaborative efforts to reduce the cancer burden.

Bioinformatics tool accurately tracks synthetic DNA

A new bioinformatics tool called PlasmidHawk has been developed by Rice University researchers to track the origin of synthetic genetic code. The tool uses a sequence alignment-based approach and was found to outperform recent deep learning approaches in lab-of-origin prediction, achieving 76% accuracy.

When young people start smoking

Researchers assessed at what age young people aged 12 to 17 started using cigarettes. The study found that most young people begin smoking between ages 14 and 16.

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.

Under climate stress, human innovation set stage for population surge

Research highlights social resilience as key factor in overcoming climate adversity, with aridification sparking development of agriculture and complex social structures. The study shows that population surged around 3,900 to 3,500 years ago due to human adaptations and innovations.

C-Path and Global Partners launch Ataxia Consortium

The Critical Path to Therapeutics for the Ataxias (CPTA) Consortium aims to optimize clinical trials for inherited ataxias through a public-private partnership. CPTA will create a neutral space for stakeholders to share expertise and data, leveraging this input to guide the development of actionable solutions.

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.

Early PDA closure may improve outcomes in preterm infants

The study found that early PDA closure in extremely low birth weight infants with moderate to large PDA improved respiratory status, facilitated faster weaning off supplemental oxygen and ventilator support, and promoted normal weight gain. Delayed PDA closure and pulmonary hypertension were associated with worse respiratory outcomes.

New insights into an ancient protein complex

Researchers at VIB discovered the molecular architecture of the TPLATE complex, a crucial protein complex in plants that regulates the outer membrane composition. The study provides new insights into the evolution of this complex and its role in vesicle trafficking, essential for eukaryotic processes.

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.

Measuring the tRNA world

Researchers have developed a method to quantify transfer RNAs (tRNAs) in cells, which can reveal insights into tRNA regulation in health and disease. The mim-tRNAseq approach accurately measures tRNA abundance and modification status, enabling the study of tRNA dynamics in different tissues and during development.

Household transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Researchers used electronic medical records to estimate SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk and identify risk factors for household transmission. The study found that addressing in the home address could be used to predict transmission risk.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Maternal instincts lead to social life of bees

Research at York University found that maternal care of offspring leads to an expanding social life in bees, selecting more social genes over time. The study suggests a unifying principle driving social trait evolution across different species.

New study highlights importance of context to physical theories

A Swansea University scientist's research explores how geometrical characteristics affect physical theories, revealing the need for contextual understanding in quantum mechanics. The study determines the structural properties that make a theory prone to contextuality.

How housing discrimination affects environmental inequality

A University of Illinois study reveals racial discrimination in the home-renting process actively sorts minority renters into neighborhoods with higher levels of pollution. This leads to disparities in residential pollution exposures and contributes to health issues like respiratory illnesses and stress.

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.

Advanced practice nurses reduce hospitalizations from nursing home residents

A $35 million program implementing advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in 16 Missouri nursing homes reduced avoidable hospitalizations and emergency room visits, resulting in better overall health and cost savings. The APRNs' advanced training enabled them to recognize early issues and implement evidence-based interventions.

Curcumin for amyloidosis and lipid metabolism -- a novel insight

Researchers found that curcumin intake increases ApoA-II and HDL-cholesterol concentrations by activating the PPARα signaling pathway, leading to increased AApoAII amyloid deposition. This discovery provides a novel molecular target for understanding amyloidogenesis and treating metabolic disorders.

Using neutron scattering to better understand milk composition

A new study uses neutron scattering to investigate casein micelles in milk, aiming to develop a better understanding of dairy products. The researcher successfully applied their model to existing data and found that even skimmed milk has complex structures at the nanoscale.

Flickering the neural activities with LED lights

Researchers used LED lights to measure collective brain activities in a group of mice, finding that gamma bursts were reduced during social interactions. The findings suggest a 'social buffering effect,' where being together reduces stress and anxiety.

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.

KIMM develops all-round grippers for contact-free society

Researchers at KIMM developed an all-round gripper technology that can handle objects of various shapes and sizes. The gripper's soft structure allows it to perfectly match the target object contour, providing a firm grip and preventing damage.

A weak heart makes a suffering brain

Researchers found that heart failure causes impaired gene activity in the brain's memory center, leading to cognitive deficits. A specific drug alleviated mental deficits in mice, suggesting potential approaches for therapies.

Was 'science' really on the 2020 ballot?

The article suggests that disagreements over scientific facts reflect deeper social value differences. Science can become suspect when it neglects competing values, leading to eroded public trust.

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.

Survey reveals racial, political differences in COVID-19 responses

A recent survey from Michigan State University found racial and political differences in COVID-19 responses, with Black individuals more likely to adhere to public health standards. The study suggests that conservative White individuals are more likely to have noncompliance attitudes towards local and state COVID orders.

New insights into the mechanism of nuclear fission

A series of experiments at the ALTO particle accelerator facility revealed that fragments resulting from nuclear fission obtain intrinsic angular momentum after fission, not before. The study analyzed gamma rays emitted in the process and found a saw-tooth dependence of spin on fragment mass.

Bacterial toxin is found in patients with urinary tract infections

A study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that bacterial toxin colibactin is produced in patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs), a potential link to bladder cancer. The researchers detected colibactin in 55 of 223 patient samples and found it to induce DNA damage in bladder cells.

New signaling pathway in neurons

Researchers have identified a new signaling pathway that regulates the production of RNA-protein complexes in neurons, which are overproduced in neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and senile dementia. This discovery may lead to better understanding and potential therapeutic options for these conditions.

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.

Rapidly rising levels of sight loss are 'tip of the iceberg'

Rapidly rising levels of sight loss are largely due to untreated ocular conditions, affecting hundreds of millions globally. A new study highlights the need for standard terminology and robust definitions to measure non-visually impairing eye diseases.

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.

Researchers map metabolic signaling machinery for producing memory T cells

Immunologists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have mapped the biological machinery that generates T cells to kill bacteria, viruses, and tumor cells. The study reveals mechanisms that inhibit development of long-lived memory T cells, which can be blocked with pharmacological or genetic approaches to boost protective immunity.

AI identifies social bias trends in Bollywood, Hollywood movies

The study analyzed subtitles of 2,000 films from the past seven decades to find consistent biases in Bollywood and Hollywood movies. Bollywood films consistently depicted fair skin as a beauty standard, while male characters made up about 60-65% of all pronouns used.

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.

Short-term climate modeling forecasts drought for Southeast US

A new study predicts that the Southeastern United States is at high risk of extreme drought, which could expose its water-supply infrastructure to stress beyond its design limit. The researchers used short-term climate modeling forecasts to highlight the urgency of drought risk and inform policymakers' actions.

Men obstructed from entering female-dominated occupations

A study by researchers from Linköping University found that men are discriminated against in female-dominated occupations during the application process. Discrimination was observed in jobs such as nursing, childcare, and house cleaning, but not in male-dominated fields like auto mechanics or IT development.

Dentists' tool boost as engineers get to root of tiny bubbles

Researchers have gained insights into how tiny, powerful bubbles are formed by ultra-fast vibrations, which could improve dental hygiene devices and other technologies. The study's findings suggest that nanobubbles can form through boiling or cavitation processes, paving the way for future research.

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.

Why some coronavirus strains are more infectious than others

Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2's spike protein moves on a different time scale than SARS-CoV-1, giving it more stability and increasing its ability to infect cells. This discovery could lead to the development of therapeutics that alter the protein's dynamics and make it less transmissible.

Freshwater outflow from Beaufort Sea could alter global climate patterns

A new study shows that the Beaufort Sea freshwater release could impact the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, leading to significant changes in northern-hemisphere climate. The freshwater content has increased by 40% over the last two decades, with potential consequences for global climate patterns.

Study suggests greater need for grief support due to COVID-19

A recent study by Curtin University found that people grieving a COVID-related death require timely support to reduce challenges in everyday life. The research identified key psychological factors such as separation distress, dysfunctional grief, and post-traumatic stress as contributing to these difficulties.

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.

New tool reveals security and privacy issues with contact tracing apps

A new tool has identified significant security and privacy risks in COVID-19 contact tracing apps, including the use of insecure cryptographic algorithms and tracking of personal data to third parties. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing these issues to maintain user trust and ensure effective app functionality.

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.

Getting ahead of climate change

Researchers explore incorporating Earth observation data into flood forecast-based early action to reduce disaster risk and losses. The study identifies opportunities for using EO data in FbA, focusing on predefined triggers and impact-based forecasting.

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.