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Science News for February 26, 2021


Investigating dense plasmas with positron waves

A new study assesses the dynamics of positron acoustic waves in electron-positron-ion plasmas under magnetic fields, finding compressive and rarefactive solitary waves. The team's results provide insight into magnetoplasma behavior in astrophysical contexts, such as solar winds and auroral acceleration regions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateFeb 26, 2021

New journal launched, The International Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology Diseases

The International Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Diseases is a new subscription-based journal publishing articles on global significance gastrointestinal and liver diseases. It aims to publish experimental and theoretical results in detail, covering advancements in management and diagnosis of diseases.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe International Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Diseases·DateFeb 26, 2021

Cerium sidelines silver to make drug precursor

Rice University chemists have developed a novel process for synthesizing fluoroketones, precursors for drug design and manufacture. The new method uses a cerium-based catalyst, which produces functional precursors under mild conditions in about 30 minutes.

SourceRice University·DateFeb 26, 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.

Retroviruses are re-writing the koala genome and causing cancer

Researchers discovered that retroviruses in koala genomes contribute to elevated cancer rates, with infected cells containing multiple copies of the virus. The study highlights the detrimental health consequences of germline infection by retroviruses and underscores the need for conservation efforts.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 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.

Quantum quirk yields giant magnetic effect, where none should exist

Researchers from Rice University and international collaborations discovered a nonmagnetic quantum material exhibiting the Hall effect without an applied magnetic field. The effect is more than 1,000 times larger than expected, revealing the role of topology in strong correlations and potential applications for quantum computation.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2021

AIBS recognizes Science Policy Leadership

Shyla Cooks and Karl Palmquist have been selected as the 2021 AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award recipients. They demonstrate an interest and aptitude for working at the intersection of science and policy, with a focus on education and environmental issues.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2021

Warming may promote spread of invasive blue catfish

A study suggests that continued warming of Atlantic coastal waters may enhance the spread of invasive blue catfish within the Chesapeake Bay and other estuaries along the U.S. East Coast. Warmer waters favor the spread and establishment of blue cats, which can out-compete native species.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 26, 2021

Meteorites remember conditions of stellar explosions

A team of researchers used radioactivity in meteorites to study the cosmic origin of heaviest elements, shedding light on violent stellar explosions. The study found that specific astronomical events, such as neutron star collisions, likely created these heavy elements.

SourceMichigan State University Facility for Rare Isotope Beams·JournalScience·DateFeb 26, 2021

Vitamin B6 may help keep COVID-19's cytokine storms at bay

Research suggests vitamin B6 may lower the odds of patients becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 by suppressing inflammation. Vitamin B6 has anti-thrombosis and anti-inflammation properties, which could help reduce cytokine storms and blood clots linked to the virus.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateFeb 26, 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.

SARS-CoV-2 mutations in competition

Researchers demonstrated the D614G mutation's increased binding to human cells and replication speed, confirming its dominance over the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study used hamsters and ferrets as models to evaluate transmission dynamics in direct competition between variants.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2021

Exposure to diverse career paths can help fill labor market 'skills gap'

A study found that aptitude tests can help students identify potential careers in high-demand STEM fields, especially for women and underrepresented groups. The tools helped connect students with classes and educational pathways to strengthen their skillset and open up career opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalIndustrial and Organizational Psychology·DateFeb 26, 2021

Finding their comfort zone

Researchers discovered artificial microswimmers slow down and accumulate in low-fuel regions where their speed is minimized. This finding suggests a new strategy to improve targeted cancer therapy by delivering chemotherapy drugs to the most problematic cells.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 26, 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.

Sensing robot healthcare helpers being developed at SFU

Researchers at Simon Fraser University are developing robots that can measure essential healthcare information, such as physiological signals and oxygen levels. The robots aim to support remote healthcare tasks and may potentially interact with patients, process data, and prescribe medication in the future.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateFeb 26, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The GRANTECAN discovers the largest cluster of galaxies known in the early universe

A new study led by IAC researchers using the OSIRIS instrument on GRANTECAN has discovered the most densely populated galaxy cluster in formation in the primitive universe. The cluster, located 12.5 billion light years from us, is made up of galaxies with normal star formation rates and is predicted to evolve into a Virgo-like cluster.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 26, 2021

Cancer: a new killer lymphocyte enters the ring

Researchers at SCCL have found that CD4 T lymphocytes, which typically support immune responses, can also kill cancer cells directly. Up to a third of these cells were able to destroy tumor cells within five hours.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 26, 2021

Changing the silkworm's diet to spin stronger silk

Tohoku University researchers created stronger silk by mixing cellulose nanofiber into the silkworms' diet, resulting in a 2.0 times increase in strength compared to non-CNF fed silkworms. This innovative approach uses environmentally friendly materials and shows promise for producing sustainable biomaterials.

SourceTohoku University·JournalMaterials & Design·DateFeb 26, 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.

Picture books can boost physical activity for youth with autism

A University of Missouri researcher created fitness picture books to increase physical activity in youth with autism, providing a cost-efficient solution for low-income families. The study found that the picture books successfully increased exercise time and encouraged caregivers to provide organized structure during flexible free time.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Behavior Analysis·DateFeb 26, 2021

Bentham Science launches new journal,Current Cosmetic Science

The new journal, Current Cosmetic Science, publishes original research on skin, cosmetic, and cosmeceutical products. The journal explores various aspects of cosmetics science, including natural product isolation and their beneficial effects.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Cosmetic Science·DateFeb 26, 2021

From microsaws to nanodrills: laser pulses act as subtle machining tools

Using spatially structured ultrashort laser pulses, materials can be modified with diverse effects, from marginal refractive index changes to destructive microscale explosions. This technology allows true micron-scale material processing due to extremely short exposure times and low thermal diffusion.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalOptical Engineering·DateFeb 26, 2021

Biologists from RUDN University suggested a new substance to suppress neuroinflammation

Researchers found that hymecromone, a spasmolytic drug, reduces the production of anti-inflammatory molecules in astrocytes. This could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Hymecromone's mechanism of action is thought to involve reducing hyaluronic acid synthesis, which affects inflammation.

SourceRUDN University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2021

Light-emitting tattoo engineered for the first time

Researchers have developed a temporary tattoo using organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) that can emit green light. The technology has the potential to be combined with other electronics for various applications, including fashion, sports, and healthcare, such as detecting dehydration or signaling expiry dates.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·DateFeb 26, 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.

The key to proper muscle growth

Researchers discovered that oscillation in muscle tissue is critical for transforming stem cells into muscle cells. The Delta-like1 protein plays a key role in this process, regulating the balance between self-renewal and differentiation.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2021

How photoblueing disturbs microscopy

Researchers discovered that photobleaching can transform fluorescent dyes into new molecules with altered fluorescence spectra, affecting microscopy results. Simple buffer additions can prevent or even exploit this effect for targeted tracking of specific particles.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 26, 2021

Using artificial intelligence to hunt for breast cancer

The E-Morph test uses artificial intelligence to identify substances that can have oestrogen-like effects on breast cells. This method has the potential to replace animal experiments currently required for detecting hormone-like effects.

SourceBfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment·JournalEnvironment International·DateFeb 26, 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.

Genes identified that increase the risk of obesity but also protect against disease

A team of researchers has identified genes linked to both high body fat and protection from negative health impacts of obesity. The findings shed new light on the biology behind this disconnect, offering potential targets for therapies that lower diabetes and heart disease risk.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Metabolism·DateFeb 26, 2021

Dinosaur species: 'Everyone's unique'

The study reveals that Plateosaurus trossingensis had a unique combination of features, with differences in characteristics attributed to natural variation between individuals and bone deformation during fossilization. The researchers found that there is no evidence for multiple species within the same genus.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalActa Palaeontologica Polonica·DateFeb 26, 2021

Researchers identify characteristics of highest utilizers for mental health hospital services

A new study by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that dropping out of high school, having schizophrenia, or a co-occurring personality disorder increases the likelihood of someone becoming a high utilizer. The research used machine learning to analyze deidentified electronic health record dat...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved·DateFeb 26, 2021

Targeted spraying to prevent malaria in low-transmission setting halves cost of current practice

A recent study published in The Lancet found that targeted indoor residual spraying is a non-inferior and cost-effective approach to preventing malaria in low-transmission settings. By focusing on neighborhoods with recent evidence of transmission, this method reduces the need for widespread spraying and saves significant resources.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 26, 2021
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.

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New catalyst makes styrene manufacturing cheaper, greener

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new catalyst that significantly increases styrene manufacturing yield, reducing energy use by 82% and carbon dioxide emissions by 79%. The catalyst achieves a single-pass yield of 91%, outperforming conventional technologies.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2021

Deep brain stimulation and exercise restore movement in ataxia

A combination of deep brain stimulation and exercise has potential benefits for treating ataxia by rescuing limb coordination and stepping. The study reports that stimulating mice with early-stage ataxia showed the most dramatic improvements, suggesting that early treatment may provide the biggest benefit for patients.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 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.

Engineering the boundary between 2D and 3D materials

An international team has developed a way to image the interface between 2D and 3D materials, revealing details of atomic configurations and orientations. This breakthrough enables control over the electronic properties of atomically thin materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2021

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.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateFeb 26, 2021

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.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalCancer Biology and Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2021

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.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2021
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.

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 26, 2021

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.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 26, 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.

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.

SourceCritical Path Institute (C-Path)·DateFeb 26, 2021

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.

SourceLe Bonheur Children's Hospital·DateFeb 26, 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.

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.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateFeb 26, 2021

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 26, 2021

Novel catalysts improve efficiency of urea synthesis at ambient conditions

Researchers have developed novel Bi-BiVO4 Mott-Schottky heterostructure catalysts for efficient urea synthesis under ambient conditions. The spontaneous charge transfer at the heterointerfaces promotes targeted adsorption and activation of CO2 and N2 molecules, effectively suppressing CO poisoning.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 26, 2021

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 26, 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.

'Explicit instruction' provides dramatic benefits in learning to read

New research shows that explicit instruction significantly improves reading skills, especially for adults struggling with basic reading skills. The study found that learners who received explicit instruction outperformed those who learned through natural experience.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 26, 2021

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.

SourceYork University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 26, 2021

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.

SourceSwansea University·JournalPRX Quantum·DateFeb 26, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Review of Economics and Statistics·DateFeb 26, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateFeb 26, 2021

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.

SourceShinshu University·DateFeb 26, 2021

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateFeb 26, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 26, 2021

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.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics·DateFeb 26, 2021

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.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateFeb 26, 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.