Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for February 21, 2021


Dogs synchronize their behavior with children, but not as much as with adults, study finds

A study from Oregon State University found that dogs synchronize their behavior with children, but not as much as they do with adults. The researchers observed that dogs exhibited behavioral synchronization with children at a higher rate than expected by chance, particularly in terms of active synchrony and proximity. However, the leve...

SourceOregon State University·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateFeb 21, 2021

Bioengineered hybrid muscle fiber for regenerative medicine

Researchers developed a novel protocol for artificial muscle regeneration using direct cell reprogramming and natural-synthetic hybrid scaffold. The bioengineered muscle fiber constructs showed improved mechanical stiffness, enhanced muscle differentiation, and functional recovery in a mouse model with severe muscle loss.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 21, 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.

Worker bees smell trouble in the colonies

Research reveals that worker bees can detect varroa-related compounds in brood cells, triggering a strong behavioral response to defend against the parasite. This finding has implications for breeding programs aimed at developing stronger resistance to Varroa destructor in honey bee colonies.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateFeb 21, 2021

A salt solution for desalinating brine

A team of researchers developed a three-dimensional crystallizer to treat waste brine using solar power, offering an eco-friendly solution for seawater desalination. The device achieves efficient evaporation rates even in the presence of salt crystals, paving the way for zero liquid discharge and sustainable agriculture.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 21, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ten lessons from the virus crisis

A new study identifies ten key factors contributing to the success of some countries in containing the COVID-19 pandemic, including considering globalization, political leadership, and civil society. The research highlights the importance of a systems approach to assess pandemic preparedness and social security provisions.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 21, 2021

Advancing understanding of hop genome to aid brewers, medical researchers

Scientists have expanded their understanding of the hop genome, which could lead to the development of new hop varieties with desirable traits and improved production of compounds with potential health benefits. The research has implications for both the brewing industry and medical researchers studying hops.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe Plant Genome·DateFeb 21, 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.

Periodontal disease increases risk of major cardiovascular events

Researchers found that people with periodontitis are at higher risk of experiencing major cardiovascular events due to associated inflammation. Active gum disease was predictive of arterial inflammation, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular complications.

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalJournal of Periodontology·DateFeb 21, 2021

Sewage study shows which countries like to party hard

The study found the Netherlands recorded the highest usage of NPS, followed by Australia, New Zealand, and the US. Meanwhile, Spain, Italy, and China had the lowest incidence. Countries with higher usage included Australia, New Zealand, and the US, where substances like N-ethylpentylone were detected.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalWater Research·DateFeb 21, 2021

Low-loss single-mode hybrid-lattice hollow-core photonic crystal fiber

Researchers have developed a new type of photonic crystal fiber with a hybrid Kagome-tubular lattice structure, achieving ultralow loss and single-mode operation. The fiber's cladding design significantly reduces confinement loss and ensures robust single-mode performance.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateFeb 21, 2021

CovMT: Tracking virus mutations across the world

The CovMT system processes publicly available data to detect mutations and mutation fingerprints, enabling tracking of virus evolution across the globe. It also predicts disease severity based on mutational fingerprints and correlates with patient data from GISAID.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 21, 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.

Psychological 'signature' for the extremist mind uncovered by Cambridge researchers

A new study maps the psychological signatures of people predisposed to holding extreme social, political or religious attitudes, including nationalist fervor. Cognitive traits such as poorer working memory, slower perceptual strategies, and impulsivity are linked to endorsement of violence in support of an ideological group.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateFeb 21, 2021