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Science News Archive February 2021


Page 24 of 45

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.

Metabolic response behind reduced cancer cell growth

A study published in Cell Death & Disease found that inhibiting the EZH2 protein can reduce cancer cell growth in multiple myeloma. The researchers discovered that certain metabolic pathways are altered in cells sensitive to EZH2 inhibition, providing potential markers for treatment response.

New combination antiviral therapy against coronavirus

Researchers have designed a new software called QuasiFlow to analyze the genetic variability of SARS-CoV-2 and identify its weak points. The goal is to develop a combination antiviral therapy that combines lethal mutagenesis with inhibitors to prevent the virus from evading the innate immune response.

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.

Lemurs show there's no single formula for lasting love

A new study comparing lemurs, distant primate cousins of humans, found few consistent differences between monogamous and promiscuous species. However, researchers discovered that the brain chemistry behind love in lemurs may involve a combination of multiple hormones and interactions rather than a single formula.

Citizens versus the internet

The article highlights four major challenges in the online world: manipulative choice architectures, personalized information, false and misleading information, and distracting environments. To address these challenges, researchers propose interventions such as boosting tools, self-nudging, and media literacy education.

New discovery could pave the way for improved treatments for diabetes

Researchers at Monash University have discovered a biological process that prevents the human body from regenerating new cells or tissue after birth. By demethylating specific genes, they can reawaken progenitor cells to become insulin-producing beta cells, offering a potential breakthrough for treating Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Computer love

A new 'couple simulation' model developed by Dan Conroy-Beam simulates real-life couples to test different models of mate selection. The Resource Allocation Model proved most accurate, correctly matching 45% of the couples, and was found to have higher-quality relationships.

Star-shaped brain cells may be linked to stuttering

A UC Riverside-led study found that treatment with the medication risperidone leads to increased activity of astrocytes in persons who stutter. This increase in activity may help reduce stuttering by blocking dopamine receptors in the striatum.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Assessing brain capillaries in COVID-19

This case series examines brain samples from COVID-19 patients with severe pulmonary pathology to understand the impact on brain capillaries. The study provides valuable information on the neurological consequences of COVID-19, shedding light on potential underlying mechanisms.

Going the distance--insights into how cancer cells spread

Researchers found that non-metastatic cells can spread to distant organs through a new mechanism involving the fibrotic niche induced by malignant cells. This discovery suggests targeting the fibrotic niche as a promising strategy to control solid tumor progression.

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.

Liquid biopsy for colorectal cancer could guide therapy for tumors

A new study shows that liquid biopsies can detect lingering disease in patients with oligometastatic colorectal cancer, guiding treatment decisions. The biopsies identify patients who may benefit from immune therapies or targeted treatments based on mutations detected in blood samples.

Study reveals mutations that drive therapy-related myeloid neoplasms in children

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital characterized genomic abnormalities of 84 therapy-related myeloid neoplasms in children, identifying notable mutations and increased expression of a transcription factor called MECOM. Early detection of these mutations could lead to early interventions and potentially benefit patients.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Flowers of St. John's Wort serve as green catalyst

Scientists at TU Dresden have discovered that the dried flowers of St. John's Wort can catalyze photochemical reactions, showcasing a promising green and sustainable method for chemical synthesis. The discovery utilizes the plant compound hypericin as an active compound in chemical reactions without prior chemical processing.

Engineers earn NASA grant to enable flying taxis

A team of US engineers has received a $5.8 million NASA grant to create computational design tools for air taxi designs. The project aims to develop safe, quiet, and affordable eVTOL aircraft using advanced design optimization algorithms.

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.

Study contradicts belief that whales learn songs from one another

A new study by a University at Buffalo researcher challenges the cultural transmission hypothesis suggesting that whales learn their songs from others. Humpback whales' songs are changing in a precise manner, similar to beat-matching in music, contradicting existing research on cultural transmission and social learning.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Hubble uncovers concentration of small black holes

Astronomers have found a concentration of smaller black holes at the center of the globular cluster NGC 6397, contradicting the long-held assumption of an intermediate-mass black hole. The discovery was made using Hubble data and Gaia space observatory measurements.

NIH experts discuss SARS-CoV-2 viral variants

The rise of several significant SARS-CoV-2 variants has sparked concerns about vaccine efficacy and prompted calls for a global approach to combatting the virus. Experts from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases emphasize the need for robust surveillance, tracking, and vaccine deployment worldwide.

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.

Murphy receives funding for risk need responsivity project

Researchers at George Mason University will provide access to and training on the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) Simulation Tool for approximately 10 users through a $9,019 grant from Wood County Mental Health Services. The funding supports the RNR project until December 2021.

Scientists manipulate magnets at the atomic scale

Researchers successfully manipulated magnets at the atomic level using ultrashort laser pulse excitation, reducing magnetic switching time by 1000 times. This breakthrough enables novel means to control magnetism, essential for efficient data processing technologies.

Biodiversity protects bee communities from disease

A new analysis of thousands of Michigan bees reveals that the most diverse bee communities have the lowest levels of three common viral pathogens. This study suggests that promoting diverse bee communities may be a win-win strategy to reduce viral infections in managed honeybee colonies while maintaining native bee biodiversity.

How comparable different stress tests are

A meta-analysis of 31 studies found that certain brain regions, including the insula and inferior frontal gyrus, are consistently activated during stress regardless of the test method used. This suggests a common neural basis for stress perception across different stimuli.

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.

Plavchan conducting modeling of telluric absorption features

Researchers at George Mason University are conducting a NASA-funded project to model telluric absorption features using iSHELL stellar spectra and line-spread functions. The goal is to improve EPRV measurements with high precision, enabling the detection of exoplanet atmospheres.

Genomic test helps estimate risk of prostate cancer metastasis, death

A new genomic test helps oncologists determine which patients with recurrent prostate cancer may benefit from hormone therapy, guiding precision medicine efforts. The Decipher test, measuring tumor gene activity, predicts risk of metastasis and death, even after adjusting for other factors.

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.

Wake-up call for neural stem cells

Researchers have identified a brain enzyme that activates dormant neural stem cells, enabling them to proliferate and generate new neurons. The study found that the enzyme Pr-set7 plays a crucial role in maintaining genome stability and regulating cell cycle, leading to reactivation of neural stem cells.

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.

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.

Play and meaty food reduce hunting by cats

A new study found that introducing premium commercial food with high protein content from meat reduced the number of prey animals brought home by 36%, while five to ten minutes of daily play resulted in a 25% reduction. These non-invasive methods offer a solution for reducing hunting without restricting cat access.

How do our memories take shape?

Researchers developed a computer program to create geometric shapes from video sequences, comparing them to participants' recounted experiences. The study found that people tend to remember major plot points accurately, while finer-scale details are distorted or forgotten.

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.

Echocardiographic screening for rheumatic heart disease in Nepal

A large-scale study found that early detection and treatment of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) through echocardiographic screening and antibiotic prophylaxis significantly reduced RHD prevalence by two-thirds in schools. This approach is an effective strategy to control RHD in endemic regions.

The time to take low-carbon transition risks seriously is now

The report identifies eight categories of transition risk, including economic, financial, societal, environmental, technological, energy-related, geopolitical, and corporate. Policymakers and researchers need to grapple with the complex interconnections that tie these risks together.