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Science News Archive February 2021


Page 44 of 45

New research looks at teen bariatric surgery outcomes by age

A new study published in Pediatrics found that younger and older adolescents have similar weight loss and improvement in quality of life after bariatric surgery. The study's results suggest that age should not be a barrier to bariatric surgery for adolescents with severe obesity when medically indicated.

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.

Virtual conference CO2 emissions quantified in new study

A new study from the University of Michigan estimates virtual conference CO2 emissions using a framework that includes energy usage, network data transfer, and server energy consumption. The study found that a May 2020 virtual conference produced 66 times less greenhouse gas emissions than an in-person meeting in San Francisco.

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.

Integration of biodiversity data

The analysis of over 4,000 studies reveals a positive correlation between data availability and data use in biodiversity research. Data integration enables global synthesis and research across multiple taxonomies, facilitating research at various scales.

Physics of snakeskin sheds light on sidewinding

Researchers discovered that sidewinders' bellies have tiny pits and few spikes, which enhances sidewinding but is not as efficient for forward undulation. The study provides insights into convergent evolution and could lead to improvements in human technology, such as snake robots for search-and-rescue missions.

What makes people want more self-control?

Researchers found that desire for self-control is influenced by societal demands and internal motivations, with individuals low in trait self-control expressing greater DSC. Desire for self-control hinges on sense of necessity to accomplish current goals, leading to increased willingness to enroll in training.

Study identifies noncoding RNA involved in immune response and sepsis

Researchers identified GAPLINC, a long noncoding RNA that regulates inflammatory gene expression and protects mice from septic shock. The study found that reducing GAPLINC levels enhanced inflammatory responses, but unexpectedly, this effect also protected mice from endotoxic shock.

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.

Neurotransmitter regulation of circadian rhythms

A study on mice reveals that GABA release from vasopressin-producing neurons regulates the suprachiasmatic nucleus clock and constrains behavioral rhythms to specific time-windows. Gene-based molecular clocks are necessary but insufficient for generating circadian behavior, highlighting the importance of intercellular communication.

Subset of COVID-19 patients have increased bleeding risk

A new study found that some COVID-19 patients have an unbalanced ability to break down clots, contributing to a high bleeding risk. This imbalance is linked to a potential clinical biomarker seen in later stages of the disease and may be consistent with recent trial pauses.

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.

Mysterious magnetic fossils offer past climate clues

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a new technique to analyze magnetofossils, which can reveal information about past climates. The method uses FORC measurements to identify giant magnetofossils, allowing scientists to study ocean responses to past climate changes.

Physicists have developed new material for water desalination

Physicists have developed a new material for water desalination that can accelerate evaporation up to 2.5 times and detect hazardous substances. The material, made of titanium dioxide nanoparticles decorated with gold nanoclusters, absorbs light across the entire visible spectrum, converting it into heat.

Scientific investigations of believed remains of two apostles

Researchers from University of Southern Denmark analyze fragments of a tibia, femur, and mummified foot attributed to the apostles, finding the femur dates back to AD 214-340, not St. James' time, casting doubt on their authenticity. The study sheds light on early Christian traditions and practices surrounding relic movements.

Understanding skilled labour migration in East Asia

A research project led by Goethe University is investigating the role of skills and education in mobility among East Asian countries. The team will collect qualitative data on professionals from China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Vietnam, and conduct quantitative research to test a theory developed from qualitative findings.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UK life expectancy declining after financial crisis

Life expectancy at birth in the UK slowed significantly around 2011 compared to other EU countries, while years of good health decreased. The decline is attributed to austerity measures, increased mortality rates from seasonal influenza and extreme temperatures.

Prostate drug associated with lower risk of Parkinson's disease

A large observational study found that taking terazosin for enlarged prostate is associated with a reduced risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Men taking terazosin were 12-37% less likely to develop the disease compared to those taking tamsulosin, according to the study published in JAMA Neurology.

Highly deformable piezoelectric nanotruss for tactile electronics

A research team at KAIST has developed a highly deformable ceramic piezoelectric material that can convert mechanical stimuli into electrical signals. The material's elastic strain limit is three times greater than that of bulk zinc oxide, making it suitable for advancing high-performing haptic technology.

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 emerge in how early tetrapods learned to live -- and eat -- on land

A team of researchers discovered that Tiktaalik roseae, a transitional fossil between fish and tetrapods, exhibited sliding joints in its skull that allowed for cranial kinesis, enabling the animal to expand its mouth and create suction. This adaptation is thought to have evolved in aquatic species before being adapted for use on land.

Research could dramatically lower cost of electron sources

Researchers at Rice University and Los Alamos National Laboratory have discovered a technology to make electron sources from halide perovskite thin films, efficiently converting light into free electrons. The cost savings come from abundant and inexpensive raw materials and a simpler manufacturing process.

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.

Experts put new method of analysing children's play to the test

Researchers at Swansea University developed the Play Cycle Observation Method to study children's play. The new tool has been tested with three-year-olds, demonstrating its reliability as a child-centred observational tool, and has shown promising results for supporting various stages of children's play.

Researchers discover mechanism to overcome drug-resistance in leukemia

A novel metabolic gatekeeper mechanism for leukemia has been discovered by Yale researchers, highlighting the importance of glucose and energy supply in leukemic transformation. High expression levels of PON2 enable glucose uptake activity in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells, leading to a more aggressive course of disease.

Summer weather conditions influence winter survival of honey bees

Penn State researchers found that summer temperatures and precipitation influence honey bee winter survival. The study developed a tool for forecasting winter survival probability using growing degree days and other environmental variables. This prediction model can help beekeepers make informed management decisions.

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.

Geologists produce new timeline of Earth's Paleozoic climate changes

Researchers create more detailed record of global temperature during early Paleozoic era, revealing temperature variations coinciding with shifts in planet's biodiversity. The new timeline is based on analysis of carbonate muds, which preserve signatures of their original surrounding temperature.

As climate warms, summer monsoons to produce less streamflow

A new study finds that climate warming reduces the impact of summer monsoons on streamflow in the Colorado River Basin. Monsoonal rains normally deliver 18% of the basin's water and produce 10% of annual streamflow, but a warmer future with less snow accumulation will diminish this effect.

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.

Improved model estimates impact of ozone on soy crops

A new study improves a computer modelling system to predict the impact of ozone on soybean production, estimating damage at 10% yield reduction for normal ozone levels and less than half that for extreme levels. The research aims to inform policy decisions to limit surface ozone levels.

Are plastics and microplastics in the Ocean on the increase?

A recent study published in Microplastics and Nanoplastics journal concludes that marine litter in coastal systems has remained constant since 2019, with some components showing a decrease. The steady state scenario raises questions about the transfer of plastic litter to remote areas or degradation into smaller fragments.

Youth with autism see sharp decline in physical activity between ages 9-13

A recent study from Oregon State University found that children with autism experience a significant decline in physical activity between ages 9 and 13. The study suggests that interventions targeting this age range can help maintain healthy rates of physical activity. The research also highlights the importance of physical activity fo...

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.

Scientists develop method to detect fake news

Researchers at University of Göttingen and Frankfurt have developed an approach to detect fake news in the stock market. The new method uses machine learning and linguistic characteristics to identify suspicious messages, making it harder for scammers to evade detection.

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.

Antimicrobial peptides against citrus greening

Researchers have identified stable antimicrobial peptides as a potential solution to address citrus greening, a major threat to the global citrus industry. Multiple SAMP injections into infected trees increased tree growth, reduced bacterial levels and prevented disease symptoms.

Easily assembled gold nanoparticle scaffolding serves as molecular probe

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology developed a new method using easily assembled gold nanoparticles to rapidly understand molecular mechanisms. This approach streamlines the laborious process of identifying target proteins for bioactive small molecules, which can be used in pharmaceutical treatments.

Use of pronouns may show signs of an impending breakup

A study analyzing Reddit posts found that users' language changed three months before a breakup, becoming more personal and informal. This change persisted for six months after the split, while some users lingered in online communities, rehashing their breakup story.

Data shows strain on ICU capacity leads to more deaths during COVID-19 pandemic

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that patients with COVID-19 are twice as likely to die when ICU capacity is strained during peak caseloads. The research team analyzed data from 8,516 COVID-19 patients and found a significant association between ICU patient load and demand and increased mortality rates.

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.

Research catches up to world's fastest-growing plant

Researchers at the Salk Institute have made groundbreaking discoveries about the genome of Wolffia, a miniature aquatic plant that can grow twice as fast as other plants. The study reveals that Wolffia has shed most genes that don't contribute to growth, allowing it to focus on rapid development.

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.

Indoor ozone chemistry

A study of indoor ozone chemistry in an occupied house found overall low ozone concentrations but multiple VOCs indicating ozone reactions with skin lipids and other surface chemicals. Volatile oxidation products from skin oil persisted for up to 5 days, suggesting a significant contribution of skin lipids to indoor ozone chemistry

How governments address COVID-19 misinformation--for better or for worse

A study reveals five government approaches to address COVID-19 misinformation, including disseminating accurate info, addressing commercial fraud, restricting access to info, spreading disinformation, and criminalizing expression. These tactics have varying effects on public health and human rights.

Glitch in genome architecture may cause B-cell malignancies

A new study reveals that errors in chromosome packing may cause B-cell blood cancers. Researchers identified a critical protein called DIS3 that maintains genomic architecture and prevents cancer. The findings could lead to new biomarkers and therapies targeting genome instability.