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Science News Archive February 2021


Page 9 of 45

Drifter or homebody? Study first to show where whitespotted eagle rays roam

A multiyear study by Florida Atlantic University found striking differences in travel patterns between the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida. The majority of Gulf coast whitespotted eagle rays exhibited migratory behaviors, while most Atlantic coast rays remained residents within the Indian River Lagoon.

Scientists propose a new heavy particle similar to the Higgs boson

Researchers at the University of Granada and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have proposed a new heavy particle with properties similar to the Higgs boson. This particle is expected to play a fundamental role in explaining the origin of dark matter, which could solve two major problems in theories of particle physics.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nonconscious brain modulation to remove fears, increase confidence

A new dataset from ATR Brain Information Communication Research Laboratory Group provides insights into Decoded Neurofeedback, a technique that uses AI and brain scanning to modify fear memories and boost confidence. The dataset includes five studies and could lead to new treatments for PTSD, phobias, and anxiety disorders.

Whale Sharks show remarkable capacity to recover from injuries

A new study found that whale sharks can heal from lacerations and abrasions within weeks, with partially removed dorsal fins re-growing. This knowledge provides a preliminary understanding of wound healing in this species, highlighting the importance of conservation management to minimize human impacts.

Measuring hemoglobin levels with AI microscope, microfluidic chips

Researchers developed an AI-powered imaging-based tool to estimate hemoglobin levels using a microfluidic chip and automated microscope. The system was validated with a high correlation coefficient of 0.99, meeting regulatory standards. This innovation could revolutionize medical diagnostics by reducing costs and laboratory footprint.

Scientists found in marine mold substance that antidotes paraquat

Researchers from Far Eastern Federal University have discovered compounds in marine fungus Penicillium dimorphosporum that protect cells from paraquat's harmful effects. The substances showed a 40% increase in cell viability at low concentrations, and the scientists plan to study their mode of action and potential use with other drugs.

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.

UIC researchers invent new gene-editing tool

Researchers have discovered a new gene-editing technique that allows for the programming of sequential cuts in genes, enabling researchers to better investigate time-sensitive processes like cancer development. The discovery was made by UIC's Bradley Merrill and colleagues using special molecules called 'proGuides',

Geometallurgist and NSF CAREER awardee breaks down barriers

Isabel Barton is developing a more proactive approach to extraction by applying detailed characterization methods to quantify relevant ore properties. Her research aims to link these properties to leaching results, leading to more efficient mining operations worldwide.

Researchers use new tool to study stress in root-colonizing bacteria

Researchers at Utah State University used a new tool to study the effects of stress on Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6, a health-promoting bacterium found in dryland wheat roots. The study found that stress can cause compositional changes in the bacteria's outer membrane vesicles, which may be leveraged for crop benefit.

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.

How much is a clam worth to a coastal community?

Shellfish aquaculture provides direct economic benefits and ecosystem services, including habitat for native species and improved water quality. A study estimated that replacing shellfish aquaculture with traditional engineered nutrient reduction strategies would cost between $2.8-5.8 million per year.

'Missing ice problem' finally solved

Climate researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute have developed a new method to reconcile sea-level height and glacier thickness, advancing our understanding of past climate history. By analyzing sediment cores and geological conditions, they found that glaciers were larger than previously thought, resolving the 'missing ice problem'.

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.

Tracking melting points above 4000 degrees Celsius

A UC San Diego engineer is developing a research platform to study new materials that melt at temperatures higher than 4000 degrees Celsius. The team aims to increase the melting point of materials by mixing large numbers of different atoms together, reducing the driving force for the solid to melt.

Researchers reveal genetic predisposition to severe COVID-19

HSE researchers discovered a link between genetic predisposition and severe COVID-19 using machine learning models. The study found that individuals with effective T-cell immunity had lower risk scores, while those with weaker immunity scored higher.

Machine learning method identifies precancerous colon polyps

A machine learning algorithm helps differentiate between benign and premalignant polyps in CT colonography data, with a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 85%. The findings suggest a role for machine learning-derived algorithms in boosting the effectiveness of CT colonography as a screening tool for colorectal cancer.

You've got to move it, move it

Researchers found that light-intensity physical activity, such as gardening or walking, may protect mobility in older women. Women who spent the most time performing light-intensity activities had a 46% lower risk of mobility loss compared to those with lower levels of physical activity.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New strategy blocks chronic lung disease in mice

Researchers at WashU Medicine have found a new way to block chronic lung diseases such as asthma and COPD by targeting the packaging of inflammatory cytokines in exosomes. By blocking the release of these packaged cytokines, they can prevent damage to the lungs and slow disease progression in mice.

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.

Innate immune system worsens the situation in severe COVID-19

Researchers found that the innate immune system overreacts in patients with severe COVID-19, leading to blood clots and oxygen saturation issues. The study suggests that this overreaction may be driven by extensive tissue damage, and may be treatable with existing drugs for hereditary angioedema.

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.

Like wine, environmental conditions impact flavor of whiskey, study finds

A new study by Oregon State University researcher Dustin Herb found that environmental conditions in which barley is grown significantly impacts the flavor of whiskey. The study, published in the journal Foods, used gas chromatography mass spectrometry and sensory analysis to determine the role of terroir in whiskey production.

Using landscape connectivity to control deadly mosquito-borne viruses

A Yale-led research team created a new method to track how Aedes aegypti mosquitoes move through the environment, combining genetic and environmental data. The results suggest that these mosquitoes travel through a mix of natural and human-aided dispersal, making eco-friendly control methods more crucial than ever.

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.

Transforming urban systems: Toward sustainability

The paper synthesizes five leading frameworks of urban ecology to advance global urban science and achieve sustainability goals. By integrating knowledge from different disciplines, the framework offers practical tools to assess sustainability planning and improve human-environmental wellbeing.

Breaking the infertility cycle: Sheep could show us the way

Researchers are using sheep to investigate the multigenerational effects of prenatal exposure to androgen excess and explore dietary interventions to prevent PCOS. The study aims to provide crucial biological information for improving reproductive function across generations and has clinical relevance to women with PCOS.

Researchers identify 'violent' processes that cause wheezing in the lungs

A team of engineers at the University of Cambridge identified the physical mechanisms responsible for wheezing, a condition affecting up to a quarter of the world's population. They developed a 'tube law' to predict when wheezing occurs and could lead to a cheaper and faster diagnostic for lung disease.

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.

New vaccine needed for serious childhood pneumonia

A new study found that a current vaccine reduced childhood pneumonia hospitalizations by 21% but increased empyema admissions by 25%. The researchers urge the development of an effective vaccine against emerging non-vaccine serotypes, particularly serotype 3, which causes 76% of empyema cases.

'Good bacteria' in breast milk changes over time

Scientists have identified a range of microbiome species never before detected in human milk, which change significantly between early and late lactation. These bacteria are thought to protect the infant gastrointestinal tract and improve aspects of long-term health, such as allergy prevention and toxin resistance.

Incarceration is strongly linked with premature death in US

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a strong association between jail incarceration and death rates from various causes in the US. The research estimated that every 1,000 population increase in local jail incarceration rate was associated with significant increases in mortality rates from infectio...

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.

More than 87,000 scientific papers on coronavirus since pandemic

A new study reveals that researchers produced more than 87,000 scientific papers about coronavirus between January and October 2020. The vast majority of these studies were conducted by scientists from China and the United States, which initially dominated coronavirus research due to government funding and institutional partnerships.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Tool encoded in coronaviruses provides a potential target for COVID-19

Researchers identify nsp13 as a key helicase enzyme in coronaviruses, which could be targeted for COVID-19 treatment and prevention. The study found that nsp13 is a relatively weak helicase requiring assistance to function, providing a potential first line of defense against future coronavirus outbreaks.

Certain occupations may be associated with higher rates of heavy drinking

Research found that jobs classified as skilled trade occupations were most likely associated with heavy drinking, while professional occupations had lower rates. The study used data from 100,817 UK adults aged 40-69 and found associations between occupation and alcohol consumption differed in men and women.

Give the heart a ketone? It may be beneficial

Emerging evidence suggests ketone bodies exert protective effects on patients with heart disease, potentially providing a safer alternative to the keto diet. Increasing circulating ketone levels through multiple mechanisms may offer therapeutic advantages in reducing cardiovascular risk factors.

A memory without a brain

Researchers have identified how Physarum polycephalum, a single-celled organism, stores and retrieves information about its environment through its network architecture. The slime mold weaves memories of food encounters into the architecture and uses stored information to make future decisions.

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.

ESMO Targeted Anticancer Therapies Congress 2021

The ESMO Targeted Anticancer Therapies Congress 2021 presented new data on drug discovery and development for a range of targets, including precision medicine. World-renowned experts discussed breakthroughs in the microbiome and oncolytic viruses, highlighting their potential as tools and targets.

Loss of sense of smell and taste may last up to 5 months after COVID-19

A recent study suggests that people with COVID-19 may experience a prolonged loss of sense of smell and taste, lasting up to five months. The study found that approximately half of participants who lost their sense of smell during the initial illness had not regained it entirely after five months.

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.

Sea spray aerosols and sea surface temperature

Researchers found that sea spray aerosol (SSA) concentrations tend to rise with increasing sea surface temperature (SST), offering a more accurate prediction method. This discovery could lead to improved climate modeling by incorporating SSA's dependence on SST.

'Jumping genes' repeatedly form new genes over evolution

A study found that transposons play a key role in creating new genes through exon shuffling, a process that can lead to the creation of novel transcription factors. The research identified over 100 distinct genes fused with transposases across various species, including humans.