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Science News Archive February 2021 - Page 26


Page 26 of 45

Handgun ownership associated with firearm suicide

A new study published in Archives of Suicide Research found that handgun ownership is associated with a greater odds of dying from self-inflicted gunshot wounds in suicide deaths. Researchers also discovered that individuals who only owned handguns were more likely to use them in their death compared to those who owned shotguns.

SourceRutgers University·JournalArchives of Suicide Research·DateFeb 11, 2021

A new quantum switch for electronics

Researchers have discovered a promising mechanism to create nanoelectronics components by reducing current to zero in quantum point contacts. The discovery uses external oscillating fields and provides evidence of non-equilibrium phase transitions, enabling precise control of charge transport.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalPhysical Review B·DateFeb 11, 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.

Compounds from apples may boost brain function

Researchers found that quercetin and dihydroxybezoic acid from apples stimulate neurogenesis, generating new neurons and protecting against cell death. The effects on learning and memory are comparable to those seen after physical exercise.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateFeb 11, 2021

Origami-inspired antenna technology for use in small satellites

Researchers at Pusan National University designed a foldable, deployable antenna for CubeSats that can receive and transmit data in low-earth orbit. The antenna weighs just 5 grams and has remarkable dimensions when folded, making it ideal for nanosatellite communications.

SourcePusan National University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation·DateFeb 11, 2021

Biosensors monitor plant well-being in real time

Researchers at Linköping University developed implantable biosensors that monitor sugar levels in plants in real-time. This technology has the potential to optimize crop growth and quality, as well as guide the production of new plant varieties that can thrive in challenging conditions.

SourceLinköping University·JournaliScience·DateFeb 11, 2021

Recent efforts haven't improved access to kidney transplantation

Despite policies and interventions aimed at improving access to kidney transplantation, a new study found no overall improvement in rates of wait list placement and transplantation over two decades. The researchers also identified striking disparities in access to transplantation, highlighting the need for more effective strategies to ...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 11, 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.

No new mountains formed during Earth's middle age, halting life's evolution for an eon

A new study reveals that mountain formation was paused for nearly a billion years during Earth's middle age, leading to a decline in crustal thickness and potentially halting life evolution. The prolonged orogenic quiescence may have resulted from the long-lived Nuna-Rodina supercontinent altering the thermal structure of the mantle.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 11, 2021

Swirlonic super particles baffle physicists

Researchers found that swirlonic super particles move with constant velocity, proportional to applied force, violating Newton's Law. This phenomenon has practical applications in artificial intelligence, space data, and robotics, particularly in self-assembly.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 11, 2021

Machine-learning how to create better AAV gene delivery vehicles

Researchers at Wyss Institute and Google Research used machine learning to design highly diverse AAV capsid variants that can evade neutralizing antibodies. The approach produced over 57,000 variants with improved functional diversity, potentially leading to improved gene therapies and reduced immunogenicity.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 11, 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.

Get a load of ZIF! Better delivery of cancer immunotherapy

Researchers developed a metal organic framework (ZIF) that improves the delivery and sustained release of cancer immunotherapy drugs like nivolumab, targeting leukemia cells with minimal toxicity. Coating ZIF with a cancer cell membrane enhances accurate delivery to solid tumors.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 11, 2021

Neandertal genes alter neurodevelopment in modern human brain organoids

Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to introduce Neanderthal NOVA1 gene variants into human stem cells, generating brain organoids with altered neurodevelopment. The results showed slower development and increased surface complexity in the organoids.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 11, 2021

Study: New prostate cancer test could avoid unnecessary biopsies

A urine test has been found to be extremely accurate at detecting aggressive prostate cancer with few false negatives. The test avoids unnecessary biopsies for patients with slow-growing or no cancer, reducing costs and invasive procedures.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateFeb 11, 2021

UMass Amherst team helps demonstrate spontaneous quantum error correction

Researchers from UMass Amherst have successfully demonstrated spontaneous quantum error correction, a significant breakthrough in the development of powerful fault-tolerant quantum computers. This achievement paves the way for potential advances in fields like new materials discovery, artificial intelligence, and biochemical engineering.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature·DateFeb 11, 2021
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.

Seismic surveys using fin whale songs

Researchers use fin whale songs to probe Earth's crust at seafloor, producing lower-resolution results than traditional air-gun signals. The method complements conventional techniques and avoids harming ocean life caused by powerful blasts.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 11, 2021

How shared partisanship leads to social media connections

A study by MIT researchers reveals that people are more likely to follow and be followed by accounts with similar partisan views, leading to the formation of online echo chambers. The experiment found that individuals triple their chances of following other accounts when there is a common partisan bond involved.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2021

Tiny population of neurons may have big role in depression

Researchers discover that a small group of neurons in the brain play a crucial role in depression. Chronic stress alters their function, leading to depressive behavior. Stimulation of these neurons reverses symptoms, suggesting a promising new approach to treating depression.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 11, 2021
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.

Use of mobile stroke units improves clinical outcomes

Research from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin shows that dispatch of mobile stroke units is linked to improved survival and reduced risk of disability. STEMOs enable timely thrombolysis and treatment, leading to better functional outcomes for patients.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 11, 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.

New research identifies biological causes of muscle weakness in later life

A large-scale genetic analysis found specific biological mechanisms contributing to muscle weakness in older adults, with diseases like osteoarthritis and diabetes playing a significant role. The study identified 15 areas of the genome associated with muscle weakness, highlighting potential therapeutic interventions for prevention.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 2021

A new perceptually-consistent method for MSI visualization

Researchers propose a new Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) method that uses the theory of human color perception to create more interpretable images. The approach preserves borders and gradients, enabling better analysis of molecular distributions in tissues.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateFeb 11, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Vibrating 2D materials

Scientists have successfully determined the strength of exciton-phonon coupling in 2D materials at room temperature, a crucial step towards optimizing their applications. This breakthrough was achieved using a novel method called coherent 2D microscopy, which combines high spatial resolution with femtosecond time resolution.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 2021

Family ties explain mysterious social life of coral gobies

Research finds positive relatedness among emerald coral gobies, suggesting kin selection as a key factor in their social structure. The study reveals that group members are more closely related to each other than to individuals from different reefs.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateFeb 11, 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.

Learning by observation reduces cognitive bias, research suggests

New research suggests that observing others' decision-making can teach people to make better decisions themselves. The study, co-authored by Professor Irene Scopelliti, tested the effectiveness of a new debiasing training strategy and reports first evidence that watching others make decisions can improve our own decision making.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateFeb 11, 2021

SARS-CoV-2 screening using CRISPR-based methods

A CRISPR-based method was assessed for screening SARS-CoV-2 among asymptomatic college students. The study found that the method was effective in detecting the virus. The researchers used this approach to identify potential carriers of the virus.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 11, 2021

Patient education program with mental health component reduces cardiovascular disease risks

A 12-month patient education program that integrated mental health information significantly reduced cardiovascular disease risks, improving measures such as fasting blood sugar, LDL cholesterol, and BMI. Patients who received the program maintained most of these improvements six months later.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·DateFeb 11, 2021

Researchers find parallels in spread of brain cancer in mammals, zebrafish

Scientists at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute have identified a zebrafish model that can help advance glioblastoma multiforme research. The study shows similar observations in zebrafish and highlights the potential of zebrafish as an additional platform for cancer drug discovery.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalACS Pharmacology & Translational Science·DateFeb 11, 2021
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.

One dose of COVID-19 vaccine provokes strong immune response in those previously infected

A recent study published in Eurosurveillance found that one dose of the Pfizer vaccine triggers a strong immune response in people who have previously been infected with SARS-CoV-2. The researchers also observed similar responses across multi-ethnic groups, suggesting that vaccination priority for those previously infected may not be n...

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalEurosurveillance·DateFeb 11, 2021

Emissions of banned ozone-depleting substance back on decline

Two international studies show levels of CFC-11 emissions are back on the decline, dropping by thousands of tons per year between 2017 and 2019. The rapid action in eastern China and other regions likely prevented a substantial delay in ozone layer recovery.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature·DateFeb 11, 2021

Scent detection dogs can identify individuals infected with COVID-19

Researchers found that trained scent detection dogs can accurately screen for COVID-19 with sensitivity and specificity comparable to standard testing procedures. The dogs' ability to detect volatile organic compounds associated with the virus has encouraging results.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalJournal of Osteopathic Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2021

Chemotherapy and hearing loss: Until now, an unquantified risk

The largest multi-center study of cisplatin-induced hearing loss reveals that permanent hearing loss occurs in 20-90% of patients, with higher doses and vincristine use increasing risk. The study establishes benchmarks for the prevalence of hearing loss and provides insights into how adjusting dosing approaches can minimize side effects.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateFeb 11, 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.

Heart failure cases soar globally

Global heart failure cases rose from 33.5 million in 1990 to 64.3 million in 2017, mainly due to increased risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The prevalence of heart failure decreased only in high-income countries, while it increased in low- and middle-income countries.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateFeb 11, 2021

New machine learning theory raises questions about nature of science

A novel machine learning algorithm developed by Princeton physicist Hong Qin accurately predicts planetary orbits without using traditional physics laws. The technology has potential applications in predicting plasma behavior in fusion facilities, challenging the fundamental role of theories in science.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 11, 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.

Diversity in policing can improve police-civilian interactions

Researchers analyzed data from the Chicago Police Department and found that Black and Hispanic officers make fewer stops and arrests, use less force than white officers. Female officers also use less force than males. The study suggests increasing diversity in police departments may decrease police mistreatment of minority communities.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalScience·DateFeb 11, 2021

Vaporised crusts of Earth-like planets found in dying stars

University of Warwick astronomers detect lithium and potassium in the atmospheres of four nearby white dwarf stars, revealing remnants of rocky planet crusts. The chemical composition of these crusts is similar to Earth's continental crust, providing a glimpse of the planets that may have orbited these dying stars billions of years ago.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Astronomy·DateFeb 11, 2021

Gene variants increase risk of Addison's disease

A large-scale genetic study found that variants of nine genes increase the risk of developing Addison's disease, a rare autoimmune disorder. The study identified specific gene variants associated with the disease, including the AIRE gene, which plays a crucial role in immune system function.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 2021
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.

Brain activity can reveal the severity of autistic traits

Scientists used fNIRS to analyze brain activity and develop an algorithm to predict autistic traits severity with over 90% accuracy. The new technology is more accessible than fMRI for diagnosing autism spectrum disorders.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateFeb 11, 2021

Humanity's best friend

Trained medical scent dogs have been shown to effectively screen individuals for COVID-19 with high accuracy and speed. The dogs' keen sense of smell allows them to detect the virus's volatile organic compounds in tiny concentrations.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Osteopathic Medicine·DateFeb 11, 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.

Cataloguing genetic information about yams

A new collection of genetic data helps breeders understand yam characteristics, reducing the need for trial and error. The catalog provides valuable information on physical traits, such as stem number and tuber weight, to inform breeding decisions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateFeb 10, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Earliest signs of an immune response found in developing embryos

Researchers discovered that epithelial cells in developing embryos can recognize and destroy defective cells through a process called epithelial phagocytosis. This early immune response may aid efforts to understand embryonic developmental failure and lead to new clinical applications in treating infertility.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature·DateFeb 10, 2021