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Science News Archive February 2021


Page 39 of 45

Insulin can be stored out of refrigeration in hot settings!

A study by MSF and UNIGE found that insulin can be stored at temperatures ranging from 25°C to 37°C for four weeks without losing its potency or efficacy. This breakthrough allows people with diabetes to manage their condition independently, reducing the need for daily hospital visits.

Digital health divide runs deep in older racial and ethnic minorities

A study by Florida Atlantic University found a deep digital health divide among older adults of African American, Afro-Caribbean, Hispanic American, and European American backgrounds. Factors contributing to this disparity include age, education level, income, and ethnic group affiliation. The researchers emphasize the need for univers...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

First images of muon beams

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new imaging technique that can assess the quality of high-energy muon beams. This innovation allows for better understanding and control of these beams in various applications such as non-destructive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and cancer radiotherapy.

New research to explore seaweed for ocean, economic health

A $900,000 grant will fund a project to explore kelp aquaculture's impact on ocean acidity and carbon sequestration. The study aims to create a tool to restore ocean health and productivity. Kelp can absorb high levels of CO2, creating temporary 'halo' areas with improved water conditions for other sea life.

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.

True identity of mysterious gamma-ray source revealed

A team of researchers used novel data analysis methods and Einstein@Home computing power to track down a neutron star's gamma-ray pulsations in NASA's Fermi Space Telescope data. The study reveals the existence of a rapidly rotating neutron star in orbit with a stellar companion about six times the mass of our Sun.

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.

Popular breast cancer drugs don't work the way we thought they did

A University of Colorado Boulder study suggests that existing PARP inhibitors for hereditary breast and ovarian cancers may not work as intended. The research reveals a previously unknown interaction between the PARP protein and HPF1, which could lead to more effective treatments by targeting this co-protein.

New discovery sheds light on human history of symbols

Researchers have uncovered evidence of what may be the earliest-known use of symbols, dating back to around 120,000 years ago. The discovery was made on a bone fragment in central Israel and features six similar etchings that are believed to hold symbolic or spiritual significance.

How SARS-CoV-2 mutates to escape antibody binding

Researchers discovered SARS-CoV-2 mutates by deleting small bits of its sequence, evading neutralizing antibodies. This pattern repeats itself in emerging variants like B.1.1.7, highlighting the need for multiple approaches to combat the virus.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Forming sound memories: Autism gene plays key aspect in birdsong

Researchers found that deactivating the autism-linked FoxP1 gene in young songbirds prevents them from forming memories of their fathers' songs. This finding may shed light on speech development in humans and potentially lead to new treatments for children with autism.

Personalized screening to identify teens with high suicide risk

A new universal screening tool, CASSY, helps caregivers predict an adolescent's suicide risk by identifying risk factors such as suicidal thoughts, sleep disturbance, and family issues. The tool has been shown to be accurate in predicting future suicide attempts with over 88% accuracy.

Modern anti-cancer drugs work via tiny molecular motions

Researchers studied how modern immunotherapeutic anti-cancer drugs interact with the immune system, finding that tiny molecular motions are key to their effectiveness. The study, published in Cancers, reveals how these drugs bind to specific receptors on killer cells without activating them.

BU study: New vaginal film, MB66, is safe

Researchers found that MB66, a vaginal film product containing monoclonal antibodies, is safe and effective in preventing HIV-1 and HSV-2. The product provided excellent antiviral protection for up to 24 hours after use, with high acceptability among women.

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.

New piezoelectric material remains effective to high temperatures

A new piezoelectric material developed by Penn State researchers remained effective at elevated temperatures, allowing for the creation of self-powering sensors and energy harvesters. The material performed well beyond 482 F (250 C), enabling potential applications in aerospace, automotive, and wearable devices.

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.

Synthetic biology reinvents development

Researchers used synthetic biology to develop a genetic design that reproduces key processes in natural systems, such as symmetry breakage observed in embryos. The new platform can generate spatial patterns seen in more complex animals like Drosophila melanogaster and humans.

13-year analysis sheds new light on wheat crop disease patterns in Ethiopia

A 13-year analysis of wheat rust outbreaks in Ethiopia reveals long-term trends and hotspots, potentially leading to improved surveillance and control efforts. The study found a 'boom-and-bust' outbreak cycle due to genetic resistance breakdowns, emphasizing the importance of sustained pest management for food security.

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.

What the Biden-Harris administration means for chemistry

The Biden-Harris administration aims to create research and development opportunities in clean energy and switch the US to cleaner sources. Climate change policies and updates to regulations will also be prioritized to protect public health from toxic substances. Immigration reform may lead to more scientific collaboration and access f...

Thoughts on plant genomes

The sequencing of plant genomes has accelerated significantly, with over 181 horticultural species now sequenced. These advancements have provided new insights into the inheritance of traits and evolutionary aspects of various plant species, including fruit development and ripening. The data will benefit future research projects and pr...

Politicians must be held to account for mishandling the pandemic

A senior editor at The BMJ argues that politicians' inaction during the pandemic amounts to 'social murder' and demands accountability through legal and electoral means. The BMJ editorial calls for citizens to lobby their representatives for a public inquiry and for professionals to speak out against negligent leaders.

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.

Women at higher-risk of fatal, nightime cardiac arrest

Research from the Smidt Heart Institute found women are more likely to experience sudden death during nighttime hours, with a higher prevalence of lung disease and asthma. Prescribing physicians may want to be cautious when recommending brain-affecting medications to high-risk patients, especially women.

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.

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.

Solving a puzzle

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) affects millions worldwide, causing cysts and benign tumors to form in the kidney, leading to kidney failure. Researchers led by Dr. Manoocher Soleimani found that changes in cells lining the collecting ducts are responsible for cyst formation, offering new avenues for potential treatments.

Story of COVID's mental health impact - a thread

Researchers analyzed 94 million tweets to detect early signs of depression and suicidal thoughts during the pandemic. The study found a significant jump in depression levels at the start of the outbreak and a notable increase in users' social media time during lockdowns.

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.

Two studies shed light on how, where body can add new fat cells

Two studies shed light on the process of adding new fat cells, revealing a balance between existing fat cell expansion and new cell creation. A cancer drug can stimulate healthy fat cell formation, while inhibiting the development of new fat cells in one storage area can prevent diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

A revolutionary approach to increasing crop yield in rice

Scientists develop method to increase nutrient uptake and stomatal opening in rice, resulting in over 30% increase in crop yield. The technique uses a plasma membrane proton pump gene overexpression, reducing the need for fertilizers and improving carbon capture.

Ostriches challenged by temperature fluctuations

Research reveals that ostriches face reproductive challenges when temperatures deviate by 5 degrees from ideal conditions, affecting up to 40% egg production and gamete release. A small proportion of females thrive in extreme temperatures, sparking hope for genetic adaptation as a potential solution.

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.

Life changes influence physical activity

A study by the University of Jyväskylä found that life changes significantly impact physical activity levels, particularly for women. The birth of a child reduces women's everyday steps, while employment affects aerobic steps in both men and women. Changes in residence also influence physical activity.

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 clues to how muscle wasting occurs in people with cancer

Researchers have discovered that cancer progression leads to fewer skeletal muscle ribosomes, resulting in muscle wasting. The findings suggest a new mechanism for muscle loss that could be relevant not just for people with cancer but also other conditions such as aging and malnutrition.