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Science News Archive February 2021


Page 8 of 45

Fighting fit cockroaches have 'hidden strength'

A new study found that dominant male wide-horned hissing cockroaches have larger respiratory systems, allowing them to dominate physical mating battles. This adaptation may enhance their fighting ability and play a crucial role in sexual selection.

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.

ALS neuron damage reversed with new compound

Scientists at Northwestern University have identified a compound that eliminates degeneration of upper motor neurons in ALS, a neurodegenerative disease. After 60 days of treatment, diseased brain cells regain health and function like healthy control neurons.

Detecting COVID-19 with a sticker on your skin

A University of Missouri engineer has received a $500,000 grant to mass-produce a wearable bioelectronic device capable of detecting COVID-19 and tracking multiple vital signs. The device, which can be customized to fit individual health needs, aims to provide critical information for early detection and potentially save lives.

The magic angle of twisted graphene

Researchers discovered that twisted graphene at a 1.1-degree angle produces superconductivity, allowing for efficient electricity transport without resistance. The magic angle creates a moiré effect, trapping electrons and phonons in domains that enable superconducting properties.

Glaciers accelerate in the Getz region of West Antarctica

Research finds widespread increases in ice speed across the Getz sector, with some ice accelerating into the ocean by nearly 50%. Thirteen glaciers are thinning and flowing more quickly into the ocean, contributing to a total loss of 315 gigatonnes of ice between 1994 and 2018.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Machine learning aids in simulating dynamics of interacting atoms

A new machine learning approach simulates atom dynamics in materials like aluminum, enhancing computational materials discovery. The automated method uses active learning to iteratively build a diverse training dataset, emulating highly accurate quantum simulations at reduced computational cost.

Alaska thunderstorms may triple with climate change

Researchers predict that Alaska will experience a significant increase in thunderstorms by the end of the century, with storms becoming more frequent and intense, especially in southern regions. This shift is driven by warming temperatures and ice-free waters around Alaska, which will fuel atmospheric moisture.

Losing Obamacare protections during pandemic could increase health disparities

A third of patients with COVID-19 did not have another health condition before contracting the virus, highlighting the need to protect those with pre-existing conditions. This study suggests that repealing Affordable Care Act protections for pre-existing conditions could further increase health disparities among people of color.

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.

For selenium in rivers, timing matters

Research in the Lower Gunnison River Basin found that selenium concentrations in fish prey were highest in April and August due to snowmelt and irrigation. This study highlights the importance of considering the timing of exposure to selenium, which can impair development and survival in aquatic species.

Agile underwater glider could quietly survey the seas

Purdue University scientists create ROUGHIE, a maneuverable underwater glider that can operate silently and efficiently in shallow seas. The glider's unique design allows it to follow complex paths and explore areas inaccessible to other underwater gliders.

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.

Parasitic plants conspire to keep hosts alive

Researchers found mistletoes can increase photosynthesis to share resources with their hosts, reducing harm to the tree. This strategy allows them to coexist and even benefit birds and pollinators.

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.

Dingo effects on ecosystem visible from space

A recent UNSW Sydney study pairs satellite imagery with site-based field research to show that removing dingoes leads to overgrazing and reduced soil quality. The effects of dingo removal are visible from space, with vegetation inside the fence having poorer long-term growth than outside.

New therapeutic target for Huntington's treatment

Researchers at the University of Barcelona have identified small RNAs as a potential therapeutic target for Huntington's disease, which could lead to new treatments and biomarkers. The study reveals that sRNAs play a crucial role in the progression of the disease, including neurotoxicity and neuronal loss.

For students of color, online racism leads to real-world mental health challenges

A recent study found that online racism has a significant impact on the mental health of college students of color, even more so than in-person experiences. The study suggests that social media platforms can be a breeding ground for racialized aggressions and assaults, which can lead to real and significant mental health impacts.

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.

Do people with migraine get enough exercise?

People with chronic migraine are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and sleep problems if they don't get enough exercise. Researchers found that a minimum of two-and-a-half hours of moderate to vigorous exercise per week can reduce migraine triggers.

How did dogs get to the Americas? An ancient bone fragment holds clues

A new study has discovered a bone fragment in Southeast Alaska that belongs to the oldest confirmed dog in the Americas, dated to around 10,150 years ago. The DNA analysis suggests that the dog's lineage diverged from Siberian dogs around 16,700 years ago, coinciding with human migration along a coastal route.

Saki monkeys get screen time for more control over their lives in captivity

Researchers from Aalto University designed a video player that saki monkeys can activate on demand, promoting animal welfare and reducing stress. The study found that the animals spent more time watching certain types of videos, such as underwater scenes and worms, and exhibited less scratching behavior when presented with video content.

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.

Terahertz imaging of graphene paves the way to industrialization

Researchers have developed a new measurement standard for graphene analysis, allowing for fast and non-destructive quality control. The technique enables the creation of high-quality graphene products with consistent performance, accelerating large-scale production and industrialization.

Low-level jets create winds of change for turbines

Researchers found that low-level jets can increase power production by up to 30% when positioned below turbines. Turbines placed above or at the same height as LLJs experience reduced efficiency due to blocked airflow. The study highlights the importance of optimizing turbine height for maximum energy capture.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

CUHK study brings new direction for treating neurological diseases

A recent CUHK study has provided a novel understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanisms behind the function of the blood-CSF barrier. The research team found that SOX9 is essential to prevent leakage of undesired molecules into the cerebrospinal fluid, highlighting its critical role in maintaining brain homeostasis.

Project examines how to make 'farm to table' more sustainable

A University of Texas at Arlington assistant professor is leading a study on making 'farm to table' more sustainable by examining peri-urban farming in central Iowa. The goal is to produce 50% of Des Moines residents' nutritional needs and reduce environmental impact.

Climate impacts drive east-west divide in forest seed production

A new study finds that eastern forests are more responsive to climate change, with younger trees increasing their seed production. In contrast, older western trees have been less responsive, which could limit their ability to regenerate after diebacks. The study reveals a continental divide in forest responses to climate change.

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.

Beta blockers can repair malformed blood vessels in the brain

A study published in Stroke found that propranolol can shrink and stabilize vascular lesions in the brain, potentially treating cerebral cavernous malformations. Researchers administered propranolol to mice with hereditary CCMs, which resulted in fewer and smaller lesions.

Scientists use DNA origami to monitor CRISPR gene targeting

Researchers used DNA origami to analyze ultra-fast movements of CRISPR enzymes, enabling them to understand how they recognize target sequences. This technique will help optimize CRISPR for fewer off-target matches and improve gene editing processes.

Distinguishing between two very similar pediatric brain conditions

A new study by UT Southwestern scientists reveals distinct characteristics of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and autoimmune encephalitis (AE), which may enable better treatment outcomes for patients. Slight differences in clinical features, lab results, and imaging findings can help distinguish between the two conditions.

Largest comprehensive Middle East GWAS reveals Arab genetic risk factors

A comprehensive genetic study in Qatar identifies genetic associations with 45 clinically relevant traits, shedding new light on the genetic architecture of clinical laboratory tests. The study highlights the importance of further research to define the genetic architecture of diseases in the Middle East region.

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.

COVID-19 communication

A medical school professor highlights the importance of empathy in COVID-19 care, prioritizing humanity over statistics for families affected by critical illness. The essay aims to shift the focus from data-driven approaches to compassion and caring in healthcare.

Managing suicide risk in research study participants

A new protocol aims to identify and measure suicidal ideation in research studies, ensuring participant safety. The protocol uses the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale to score risk levels, triggering interventions such as stopping data collection or contacting mental health resources.

Cre-controlled CRISPR: Conditional gene inactivation just got easier

Researchers have developed a new method, Cre-Controlled CRISPR, which combines the benefits of the Cre/lox system and CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors for conditional gene inactivation. This approach allows for faster and easier gene editing with reduced labor needed to flank genes with lox sequences.

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.

Microbiome boost may help corals resist bleaching

A team of scientists is exploring the use of beneficial bacteria to help corals cope with climate change and bleaching events. By improving the health of coral symbionts, researchers hope to provide a 'medicine' to help corals adapt to changing environmental pressures.

Global travellers vulnerable to drug-resistant bacteria - study

A recent study reveals that international travellers are highly susceptible to virulent strains of drug-resistant bacteria, often acquiring multiple types during a single trip. Researchers found that 70% of European volunteers colonised with MDR-GN bacteria, highlighting the need for improved infection control measures.

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.