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Science News Archive February 2021 - Page 20


Page 20 of 45

ASHP publishes reports exploring pharmacy's role in future of healthcare delivery

The ASHP published two landmark reports articulating a futuristic vision for pharmacy practice, including expanded roles and optimized medication use. The reports outline opportunities for pharmacy leaders to advance patient-centered care and population health, and recommend adopting the HVPE framework and Pharmacy Forecast report.

SourceASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists)·JournalAmerican Journal of Health-System Pharmacy·DateFeb 16, 2021

It's morally wrong for rich nations to hoard COVID-19 vaccine

The US and UK's large vaccine stockpiles are morally reprehensible, argue experts, as poor countries face years of vaccine scarcity. Rich nations should prioritize global access to COVID-19 vaccines to respect human rights and reduce the pandemic's spread.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Medical Ethics·DateFeb 16, 2021
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.

Insights from complexity science: More trust in self-organization needed

A new study combines complexity science and social risk management to understand the impact of globalization, digitalization, and sustainabilization on societal coherence. The research finds that rapid shifts in public opinion and the emergence of populist movements can pose a threat to diversity and cohesion.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalRisk Analysis·DateFeb 16, 2021

Treating vision loss globally would see social and economic benefits

A new commission report calls for eye care to be included in mainstream health services and development policies to achieve Universal Health Coverage and the 2030 SDGs. Improving eye health can have immediate benefits for individuals and nations, including economic gains of $AUD 530 billion a year.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateFeb 16, 2021

Ferns in the mountains

The study found that eight montane hotspots harbor 58% of fern species, with heightened diversity at elevations over 1000m. Ferns' rapid diversification is linked to tropical mountain ecosystems with stable climates.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateFeb 16, 2021

Cytoglobin: key player in preventing liver disease

Cytoglobin has been identified as a key player in delaying liver fibrosis progression in mice. The enhancement of CYGB on hepatic stellate cells or intravenous injection of recombinant CYGB suppresses liver damage and cirrhosis. This discovery holds promise for developing new anti-fibrotic therapy for human chronic liver diseases.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalHepatology·DateFeb 16, 2021
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.

Novel flexible terahertz camera can inspect objects with diverse shapes

A team of researchers at Tokyo Tech has designed a flexible and free-standing terahertz sensor array that can image irregularly shaped objects. The camera patch sheet can be easily cut into smaller sensors for better coverage, showcasing its potential in industrial applications such as quality control operations.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 16, 2021

A glimpse into the formation of mitoribosome

A recent study published in the EMBO Journal has provided new insights into the formation of mitoribosomes, revealing a complex network of assembly factors that shield the sensitive ribosomal core. The researchers identified five key assembly factors that are conserved across different species, including humans.

SourceScience For Life Laboratory·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 16, 2021

Story tips: Modeling COVID, permafrost lost and taking the heat

ORNL's Amanzi-ATS model simulates groundwater flow in Arctic ecosystems, revealing the impact of thawing permafrost on stream temperatures. New cobalt and nickel superalloys remain crack-free and defect-resistant in extreme heat, enabling metal-based 3D printing applications.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalWater Resources Research·DateFeb 16, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Molecular imaging determines effectiveness of novel metastatic breast cancer treatment

Researchers used positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with 18F-fluoroestradiol to predict response to a novel treatment for ER-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer patients. The study found that higher baseline 18F-fluoroestradiol uptake was associated with longer progression-free survival.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2021

It takes two to tango: When cells interact

Researchers studied cell interactions in a microscopic 'cell collider' and found that normal cells repel each other's protrusions, while cancer cells try to squeeze past each other. The study suggests new approaches for understanding cancer cell behavior and identifying molecular bases for these differences.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2021

Self-assembly induced luminescence of Eu3+-complexes for bioimaging application

Researchers propose a new strategy to obtain size-controlled Eu3+-complex nanoparticles with self-assembly induced luminescence characteristics. The amphiphilic Eu3+-complex possessing carbazole derivative ligands can self-assemble into Eu-NPs with excellent water dispersibility and controllable particle size in aqueous solution.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateFeb 16, 2021

Army researchers expand study of ethics, artificial intelligence

Army researchers studied moral dilemmas involving autonomous machines, revealing that risk and social influence shape decision-making. The study contributes to the development of AI systems that reflect society's ethical standards, facilitating adoption by the Army and acceptance by the general public.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateFeb 16, 2021
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.

Challenge of the summer rainfall forecast skill in China: A possible solution

A new study analyzes the relationship between the Mongolian cyclone and the South Asian high, finding that their coupling accounts for 66% of seasonal rainfall anomalies in China. The research suggests that enhancing summer rainfall forecast skill in China can be achieved by analyzing these phenomena in the upper-level atmosphere.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2021

Cancer research: Targeted elimination of leukemic stem cells

Researchers have identified a new signaling pathway, LIGHT/LTbR, that is specific to leukemic stem cells and can be targeted to eliminate them. Blocking this pathway has been shown to increase the survival of animals with leukemia.

SourceInselspital, Bern University Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 16, 2021
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.

USC biologists devise new way to assess carbon in the ocean

A new study from USC provides a universal accounting method to measure organic carbon accumulation and cycling in the ocean. The framework reconciles competing theories and explains how oceans regulate organic carbon across time.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2021

Geisel study examines variation in intensity of fracture-associated prescription drug use

A new Geisel-led study found substantial regional variation in the intensity of fracture-associated drug (FAD) use among long-term care facility residents, with areas experiencing higher FAD use having higher hip fracture rates. The study analyzed Medicare data and prescription records, revealing a 12% difference in FAD prescribing ran...

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2021

The body produces new satiety factor during prolonged exercise

Research from the University of Copenhagen finds that prolonged exercise increases GDF15 production, suggesting a physiological stress signal. This natural release of GDF15 may induce satiety and reduce appetite, making it a promising area of study for anti-obesity drugs.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 16, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers solve riddle of plant immune system

A team of scientists led by the University of Göttingen has discovered a connection between a specific gene and plant resistance to pathogens. The study found that plants lacking this gene accumulate active acids, but show increased resistance - at the cost of reduced growth.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateFeb 16, 2021

A sharper look at the interior of semiconductors

A new method, Coherence Tomography with Extreme Ultraviolet Light (XCT), enables non-invasive observation and analysis of tiny structures in semiconductors. The technique uses broadband XUV radiation to generate coherent light with nanometer precision.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalOptica·DateFeb 16, 2021

What factors determine the market power of companies?

A research project led by Albert Banal-Estanol and Massimo Motta aims to analyze the factors that determine a company's market power and their impact on consumers. The study also explores regulatory interventions in areas of consumer protection, product safety, and digital markets.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·DateFeb 16, 2021
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.

A genetic variant inherited from Neanderthals reduces the risk of severe COVID-19

Researchers found a group of genes on chromosome 12 that reduces the risk of developing severe COVID-19 by around 20%, inherited from Neanderthals. These genes code for enzymes that help destroy viral genomes, and the Neanderthal variant is more efficient, providing protection against severe COVID-19.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·DateFeb 16, 2021

A boost for plant research

Scientists at the University of Würzburg have successfully applied optogenetic methods in tobacco plants, enabling non-invasive manipulation of intact plants or selected cells by light. This breakthrough allows researchers to study molecular mechanisms of plant growth processes in detail.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Plants·DateFeb 16, 2021

Mental health disorders and alcohol misuse more common in LGB people

A new study found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals are more likely to experience mental health conditions and report alcohol and drug misuse than heterosexuals. The research analyzed data from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Surveys and found no improvement in disparities between 2007 and 2014.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2021

Health survey conveys messages on how we should live

A Swedish health survey has found that young people's perceptions of their socioeconomic status can have a significant impact on their health. The study, published in Children & Society, explores how the survey questions shape young people's views on life and identity.

SourceLinköping University·JournalChildren & Society·DateFeb 16, 2021

Antibody-based COVID-19 treatments work best in concert with immune cells

A new study reveals that antibody effector functions are crucial for effectively treating COVID-19 infections, but dispensable when preventing infection. Researchers found that optimized effector functions can boost the potency of next-generation COVID-19 antibody drugs, while removing them may hinder treatment effectiveness.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·DateFeb 16, 2021
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.

Selfies, gorillas and the risks of disease transmission

A study examines nearly 1,000 Instagram posts and finds that most gorilla trekking tourists were close to the animals without face masks on, risking disease transmission. Strengthening tour regulations is crucial to protect these already imperiled great apes from further threats.

SourceOxford Brookes University·JournalPeople and Nature·DateFeb 16, 2021
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.

Finding coronavirus's helper proteins

The study used thermal proteome profiling to analyze SARS-CoV-2 infection's impact on human proteins. Hundreds of cellular proteins showed changes in abundance and thermal stability, suggesting the virus hijacks them for replication.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateFeb 16, 2021

Genetic study of Lewy body dementia supports ties to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases

A genetic study of Lewy body dementia suggests that the disease is caused by a spectrum of problems seen in both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Five genes have been identified as critical to the development of Lewy body dementia, with variations in these genes also linked to increased risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 16, 2021

Radioactive bone cement found to be safer in treating spinal tumors

A new radioactive bone cement has been developed as an alternative to conventional radiation therapy for treating spinal tumors. The cement can be injected into the spine to directly irradiate tumors without harming the spinal cord, promising to eliminate side effects and limit treatment options.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateFeb 16, 2021

COVID-19 linked to potentially dangerous eye abnormalities

Researchers found significant eye abnormalities in severe COVID-19 patients using MRI scans, suggesting the need for routine eye screening. The study also recommends dedicated exploration of eyes with high-resolution MRI, fundoscopy, and optical coherence tomography to detect nodules and monitor their impact.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateFeb 16, 2021
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.

Answer quickly to be believed

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that response speed is an important cue on which people base their sincerity inferences. Participants rated delayed responses as less sincere than immediate ones, regardless of the question's seriousness.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 16, 2021
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.

MSK physician shares kidney cancer research at annual ASCO GU Symposium

A phase III randomized study found that lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab significantly prolonged survival in patients with advanced kidney cancer. Treatment combinations showed improved progression-free and overall survival rates compared to sunitinib.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2021

Leaders valued over managers, regardless of fit

A recent study from Cornell University-led research highlights the risk of overvaluing prototypical leaders and undervaluing management skills. Participants preferred to hire a CEO with strong leadership qualities over those with more managerial expertise, despite the organization's need for management skills.

SourceCornell University·JournalAcademy of Management Discoveries·DateFeb 16, 2021

Electricity source determines benefits of electrifying China's vehicles

In a new study, Northwestern University researchers found that air quality and public health benefits of electric vehicles in China depend on the type of transport electrified and the composition of the electric grid. Electrifying 40% of heavy-duty vehicles improved air quality while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 16, 2021

Association of armed guards, severity of school shootings

The study found that schools with armed guards had lower average injury rates and fewer severe injuries compared to those without armed guards. Armed guard presence was also associated with a decrease in the use of firearms during school shootings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 16, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Fertility treatment affects children's growth patterns but not for long

Children born through fertility treatment have different growth patterns than naturally-conceived children, but by age 17, they are similar in height, weight, and BMI. ART children grew more quickly in their first 18 months and showed a similar growth pattern as subfertile parents' children.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateFeb 16, 2021

COVID-19 infection rates high in pregnant women

A new study found COVID-19 infection rates among pregnant women to be 70% higher than in similar-aged adults in Washington state. Pregnant patients from communities of color experienced a twofold to fourfold higher prevalence of infections compared to the general population.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 16, 2021

Brief survey tool tracks symptoms, aids in evaluating effectiveness of treatment

Researchers at Regenstrief Institute have developed SymTrak-8, a short questionnaire to track symptoms in older adults and assist healthcare providers in assessing treatment effectiveness. The tool provides a more complete picture of overall wellbeing and symptom burden, enabling clinicians to make informed decisions.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2021

High public support for strict COVID measures but lower level of trust in gov

A new survey found that 52% of UK adults thought the government was doing a good job controlling COVID-19, despite lower levels of trust in its honesty and transparency. The study suggests that targeted community engagement measures can help maintain public support for control guidelines.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 16, 2021
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.