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Science News Archive February 2021


Page 5 of 45

Overlooked cilium could be genetic key to common diseases

Researchers found that genes affecting cilia function are linked to diabetes, kidney failure, and liver fibrosis in both rare genetic disorders and the general public. The discovery opens up new possibilities for targeted treatments and gene therapies.

Lethal house lures reduce incidence of malaria in children

Researchers found that installing window screening and insecticide-laced screens under eaves can significantly reduce clinical malaria incidence among children. The intervention, called In2Care EaveTube, was effective in areas with highly resistant mosquitoes, with a 38% overall reduction in malaria incidence.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Belowground biodiversity in motion

Climate change has a stronger influence on soil microbial communities than land-use change, leading to increased bacterial richness but reduced community complexity. This shift may reduce specialization and adaptation capacity of ecosystems.

How could rising sea level impact the National Flood Insurance Program?

A new study suggests that grandfathered rates in the National Flood Insurance Program could lead to losses for the NFIP as flood risk grows due to rising sea levels. Experts recommend replacing grandfathering with a gradual phase-in of risk-based insurance prices and providing means-tested assistance to lower-income households.

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.

Evidence that Earth's first cells could have made specialized compartments

Scientists discovered that ancient protocells, which emerged around 3.8 billion years ago, can form bubble-like compartments without added energy or molecular machines. These spontaneous compartments can encapsulate small molecules and divide into smaller 'daughter' bubbles, similar to simple cell division.

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.

Transplant patients may not need steroid treatment in the long run

A randomized clinical trial found that patients who received corticosteroids after kidney transplantation had similar survival rates compared to those who did not receive them. Corticosteroid use was associated with increased risk of side effects, including acne and bone disease.

Quantum systems learn joint computing

Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics successfully interconnected two qubits over a 60-meter distance, enabling the first prototype of a distributed quantum computer. The breakthrough opens up a new development path for distributed quantum computing, potentially leading to more powerful systems.

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.

Cellular seafood

Researchers detail nine steps for cell-based seafood to deliver environmental benefits, including developing a viable product and driving down demand for wild-caught seafood. However, achieving conservation outcomes is a complex process with many hurdles, including getting consumers to adopt the new product.

Documenting memories of those with dementia

Researchers at UTA will match students with dementia patients for a two-year project using reminiscence therapy and digital memoirs to improve social and emotional well-being. The team hopes this intergenerational approach will promote better outcomes for older adults with Alzheimer's disease.

Yale scientists capture the choreography of a developing brain

Researchers at Yale University have devised a strategy to study the intricate choreography of brain development in a living animal, the worm Caenorhabditis elegans. They used high-resolution light sheet microscopy and network algorithms to track single cells and understand how they organize into functional circuits.

One California community shows how to take the waste out of water

A public-private partnership in Monterey/Salinas has developed a novel water recycling program using urban stormwater runoff, irrigation drainage, food processing water, and traditional municipal wastewater. The recycled water supplies one-third of all drinking water on the Monterey Peninsula while providing irrigation water for high-v...

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.

Data transfer system connects silicon chips with a hair's-width cable

Researchers developed a data transfer system that pairs high-frequency silicon chips with a polymer cable as thin as a strand of hair, transmitting information up to 10 times faster than a USB. The system offers improved energy efficiency and bandwidth for applications such as server farms, aerospace, and automotive industries.

Jumping frost crystals: Boreyko lab works toward electrostatic de-icing

A team led by Associate Professor Jonathan Boreyko at Virginia Tech has developed a potential solution for frost removal using electrostatics. By creating an electric field, the negatively-charged top of the frost sheet attracts positively charged ions in water, causing frost particles to jump towards and break away from their substrate.

Increased green space in prisons can reduce self-harm and violence

New research at the University of Birmingham and Utrecht University found that prisons with more green space have lower levels of violence and self-harm. The study's findings demonstrate that incorporating nature contact into prison environments can improve wellbeing and reduce costs.

Scientists begin building highly accurate digital twin of our planet

The 'Destination Earth' initiative aims to create a highly accurate digital model of the Earth, incorporating observational data and new human activity data. This digital twin will enable high-resolution simulations of complex processes and inform policies on sustainable development.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How wildfires may have larger effects on cloud formation than previously thought

New research from Carnegie Mellon University reveals that wildfires can lead to more extensive cloud formation and intense storm development due to the chemical aging of particles emitted by these fires. This study's findings have significant implications for accurately modeling Earth's climate and how it may change in the future.

Study finds human-caused North Atlantic right whale deaths are being undercounted

A recent study published in Conservation Science and Practice found that known deaths of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales account for only 36% of the true death toll. The study analyzed data on whale encounters, animal health, serious injuries, and necropsies to determine undercounting of human-caused mortalities.

Chimpanzees unite against a common enemy

Researchers at Kyoto University found that chimpanzees become more cohesive and engage in affiliative behaviors when threatened by out-groups, similar to humans. This suggests that intergroup competition may have led to the evolution of cooperation and tolerant relations in large groups.

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.

Uncovers the molecular mechanism behind synapse loss in Alzheimer's disease

A study published in Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology reveals that RAPGEF2 protein overexpression leads to synaptic damage and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease. Silencing RAPGEF2 prevents synapse loss and cognitive decline, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases.

Researchers take aim at the evolution of traditional technologies

A team of researchers, led by Jacob Harris, studied the role of causal knowledge in manufacturing and transmitting traditional bow-and-arrow technology among Hadza hunters. The findings suggest that partial causal knowledge is sufficient for bow-making technology to evolve, challenging the cognitive niche hypothesis.

Mushrooms add important nutrients when included in the typical diet

The study found that adding a serving of mushrooms to the diet increased several micronutrients, including potassium, copper, selenium, and B vitamins. The addition of oyster mushrooms also increased vitamin D levels. Mushrooms exposed to UV-light significantly boosted vitamin D intake.

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.

Changes in writing style provide clues to group identity

Researchers found that people's writing styles change when switching between identities, reflecting norms of the relevant group. The ASIA tool kit can assess group identity from writing style, showing promise for mental health studies and policy interventions.

Does it matter what position you play when it comes to CTE?

Researchers examined brains of 35 former athletes, finding no correlation between position played, fighting history, or CTE presence. Only half the athletes showed evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a neurodegenerative disease linked to repeated blows to the head.

Parker Solar Probe offers stunning view of Venus

NASA's Parker Solar Probe captured stunning views of Venus during its close flyby in July 2020. The onboard Wide-field Imager for Parker Solar Probe detected a bright rim around the edge of the planet that may be nightglow.

UM scientists achieve breakthrough in culturing corals and sea anemones cells

Researchers at the University of Miami have successfully cultured cells from coral and sea anemones for up to 12 days, opening new avenues for studying evolutionary biology and human health. The breakthrough uses antibiotic treatment to prime tissues before culture, allowing for longer and more robust cell cultures.

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.

Childhood ADHD, risk of developing psychotic disorder

A comprehensive study combining data from 1.8 million participants found a significant association between childhood ADHD and the subsequent development of psychotic disorders. The research suggests that children with ADHD may be at higher risk of developing psychosis later in life.

Research addresses the complex problems of malaria

Lauren Childs and her team have developed a mathematical model that shows providing multiple blood meals to female mosquitoes can increase the transmission of malaria. The study suggests reducing mosquito egg production could also accelerate parasite growth, shortening the incubation period.

Intelligent turbines for green energy from tidal water power

Engineers at Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg create turbine blades with integrated drives to optimize flow and reduce stall conditions, leading to increased efficiency and lifespan. This technology aims to combat climate change by harnessing sustainable tidal energy, reducing the need for high-performance materials.

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.

Story tips from Johns Hopkins experts on Covid-19

A study published in JAMA Neurology suggests that large bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes may be responsible for the lingering aftereffects of severe COVID-19 cases, including brain fog. The researchers found evidence of megakaryocytes in the brains of patients who died from COVID-19 and believe they may reduce blood flow to the ...

From melody to language

A study examining over 67,000 infant vocalisations found that babies as young as one month old produce complex melodies, laying the foundation for later speech. The research suggests that infants' brains mature rapidly and undergo 'preparatory' development before birth to enable melody production.

Why do men publish more research papers than women? Motherhood plays key role

Despite family-leave offerings, women in academia experience a 20% drop in productivity after having children, while men generally do not. The study found that fathers publish more than mothers and that parental leave is crucial for women to maintain their careers. Institutions with gender-neutral policies can help close the gap.

A gearbox for tumor cell identity changes

Researchers at Max Delbréck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association have made significant findings on the role of chromatin modulators in tumor cell identity changes. By using a combination of CRISPR and molecular reporter technology, they found that chromatin proteins significantly influence how tumor cells change t...

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Effects of face masks on speech recognition

Respirator and cloth masks increase difficulties in recognizing speech amidst background noise. Surgical masks have no negative effect on communication., Researchers found face masks negatively affect speech recognition in noisy settings.

Captive chimpanzees may unite against a common enemy

Captive chimpanzees display cohesive behaviors such as physical closeness and play when exposed to recorded calls of unknown chimp species. This response indicates an innate ability to form alliances, suggesting a complex social structure in captive chimps.

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.

UK police find missing Brits quicker, at home or abroad.

British citizens who vanish abroad are more likely to be found by UK police due to their longer duration of disappearance, with 134-day average. Non-UK authorities accounted for only 20% of all finds, highlighting the effectiveness of UK police in resolving cases.

Trial finds no overall effect of statins on muscle pain

A UK-based trial found that statins do not increase the frequency or severity of muscle symptoms in people who had previously reported severe muscle symptoms when taking statins. Most participants planned to restart treatment after completing the study.

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.

Optimality in self-organized molecular sorting

The study reveals that the propensity to molecular aggregation is the main control parameter of the sorting process, with an optimal value ensuring maximum speed. This finding has implications for understanding the origin of pathologies like cancer and developing targeted therapies.

Benefits of team building exercises jeopardised if not truly voluntary

A recent study published in the Journal of Social Networks found that team-building interventions can have mixed feelings among employees, with some regarding them as a waste of time. The researchers suggest that some degree of openness and vulnerability is necessary for effective connections with colleagues.