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Science News Archive February 2021 - Page 34


Page 34 of 45

Yes, allergy seasons are getting worse; blame climate change

Researchers found that climate change contributes to longer and more severe pollen seasons in the US, affecting respiratory health and viral infections. Pollen counts increased by 21% between 1990 and 2018, with a significant impact on allergy sufferers.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Changing personality traits via digital interventions

A digital personality change intervention targeting behavioral changes, psychoeducation, self-reflection, and progress feedback significantly improved trait changes for participants wanting to increase traits. These findings suggest that personality traits can be altered through interventions in nonclinical samples.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2021

Findings of study comparing analgesics in acute post-trauma pain

Researchers found paracetamol alone is superior to high-dose NSAID alone for posttraumatic extremity pain. A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine shows taking paracetamol as a first-line therapy can effectively manage mild to moderate post-traumatic extremity pain after discharge from the emergency department.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2021

Anthony Fauci to receive 2021 AAAS Abelson Prize

Dr. Anthony Fauci is being recognized for his significant contributions to science and medicine, particularly in the fields of immunology and infectious diseases. He has made numerous groundbreaking research discoveries and has been a key figure in shaping public policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 8, 2021

Take-at-home tests boost colorectal cancer screening 10x for the underserved

Researchers sent take-at-home tests to patients overdue for screenings, increasing completion rates by nearly 20% compared to traditional reminders. The intervention cost just $150 per patient, a critical factor for sustainability in community health centers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 8, 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.

A magnetic twist to graphene

Researchers create a new platform for valleytronics by combining ferromagnets and twisted graphene layers, enabling the manipulation of electrons' 'valley' property. This opens up a new realm of correlated twisted valleytronics with potential applications in topological quantum computing.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 8, 2021

Fast-growing parts of africa see a surprise: less air pollution from seasonal fires

Researchers have discovered a temporary bright spot in the decline of nitrogen oxides, byproducts of combustion, across the north equatorial part of Africa. The decline is linked to a decrease in dry-season fires managed land practices, as well as increasing population densities and urban emissions.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2021

79% decrease in primary care visits, 56-fold increase in virtual care: COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers found a significant shift towards virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 71.1% of all visits being virtual, compared to 1.2% before the pandemic. The study also revealed that older and sicker Ontarians maintained higher levels of care, despite overall decreases in primary care visits.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 8, 2021

Engineer and university administrator Gary S. May receives 2021 AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award

Gary S. May has received the 2021 AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award for his three-decade career as a professor of computer engineering and university administrator. He founded numerous programs to support underrepresented minority STEM students, mentoring over 100 Ph.D. candidates who are now leading positions in academia and industry.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 8, 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.

Brain changed by caffeine in utero, study finds

Researchers found that caffeine exposure in utero is linked to changes in brain structure and function, particularly in white matter tracks. This study suggests that high caffeine intake during pregnancy may contribute to behavioral issues in children, highlighting the need for further research and guidance on safe caffeine limits.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNeuropharmacology·DateFeb 8, 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.

Impacts of large-scale commodity farming on the Amazon

Researchers found that deforestation for large-scale commodity farms leads to decreased rainfall rates and higher surface temperatures compared to small-scale farms. Temperature increases range from 1.05 to 3.06 °C in deforested lands dominated by commodity farms.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2021

3D printing polymers

Scientists have created a novel 3D-printable material, bottlebrush polymers, which exhibits unusual softness and elasticity resembling human tissue. This breakthrough enables the creation of high-sensitivity electronic devices and biomimetic tissue with improved stability.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 8, 2021

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health: SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence study in daycare centres in France suggests low rates of infection in very young children

A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found low SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rates among French daycare children, indicating minimal transmission within daycare centers. The rate of infection was approximately 3.7%, with positive cases likely infected by an adult household member.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateFeb 8, 2021

Obesity: Sensitivity to sweet taste predicts weight loss from surgery

A study found that bariatric surgery leads to greater weight loss in patients with a heightened perception of sweetness and lower hedonic hunger. Changes in sweet intensity perception were associated with the magnitude of weight loss, while pleasantness had no correlation.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 8, 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.

Iodine oxoacids formed in oceans have major impact on climate

Researchers studied iodine oxoacid formation from ocean vapors, finding rapid conversion to aerosol particles that affect climate and human health. Iodic acid was identified as a key vapor, while iodous acid played a stabilizing role in neutral particle formation.

SourceTampere University·JournalScience·DateFeb 8, 2021

Distinctness of mental disorders traced to differences in gene readouts

Researchers found modest differences in gene expression between individuals with a mental disorder and those without, but more pronounced differences in transcript levels. The study identifies specific transcripts associated with each disorder, providing insights into their distinctness and potential treatment responses.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateFeb 8, 2021

High CO2 to slow tropical fish move to cooler waters

A new study suggests that increasing CO2 levels in oceans may slow tropical fish's expansion into cooler, temperate waters. The research found that elevated CO2 reduced sea urchin numbers, leading to a decrease in urchin barrens and an increase in turf algal cover.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 8, 2021

Increasing inequality in author-citation rates

A study of almost 26 million articles found citation rates increased for the top 1%, with Australasian and Western European universities gaining ground on US dominance. Global citation inequality rose over two decades.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Potential for misuse of climate data a threat to business and financial markets

Businesses are increasingly required to assess their vulnerability to climate change, but complex climate models pose a challenge for risk assessment and decision-making. A paradigm shift is needed to elevate climate modeling to operational weather forecasting level, providing tangible value to businesses.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 8, 2021

Rapid, reliable on-site drug detection using wearable sensor

A Korean research team developed a wearable sensor that can detect illegal drugs in sweat using nanomaterials technology, enabling fast and highly sensitive drug detection. The technology overcomes traditional methods' limitations and has the potential to address social problems related to drug distribution and abuse.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 8, 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.

Lockdown linked to drop in asthma attacks, GP data suggests

A study of over 100,000 patients found a significant drop in asthma attack rates during the first Covid-19 lockdown, with milder attacks being reduced, but potential biases due to hospitalization data. The results suggest lower air pollution and fewer cold and flu infections may have played a role in the observed decrease.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThorax·DateFeb 8, 2021

History of vaccines offers lessons on COVID-19 for pregnant women

Vaccines against diseases like influenza and whooping cough have shown to be lifesaving when administered during pregnancy. Pregnant women are at increased risk of preterm birth or pregnancy loss if they develop severe COVID-19, highlighting the need for guidance on vaccine administration.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 8, 2021

Placental genetic risk factors for schizophrenia

A significant link between placental gene-expression loci and neonatal brain volume was found, with stronger correlations in males than females. Early life complications may exacerbate the risk of neurodevelopmental illness in individuals with schizophrenia-associated genetic markers.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2021
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.

Happy childhood? That's no guarantee for good mental health

A study published in Current Psychology found that both positive and negative childhood experiences can manifest as anxiety or other mental health disorders in adulthood. Researchers believe adaptability plays a key role in determining adult mental health.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalCurrent Psychology·DateFeb 7, 2021

Shuffling bubbles reveal how liquid foams evolve

A team at Tokyo Metropolitan University studied liquid foams and found that bubble movement was qualitatively different depending on the range of bubble sizes present. They discovered a 'relaxation' phenomenon where bubbles rearranged themselves to reach a new stable state, leading to unique correlated motion observed in hexagonal foams.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 6, 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.

Chinese scientists use knowledge from climate system modeling to develop a global prediction system for the COVID-19 pandemic

A team of Chinese scientists, led by Professor Jianping Huang, developed the Global Prediction System of the COVID-19 Pandemic (GPCP) to predict the spread of the disease. The GPCP combines epidemiological data and models using advanced algorithms, achieving better results than traditional methods.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateFeb 5, 2021

The Ramanujan Machine

The Ramanujan Machine generates mathematical conjectures without proof, imitating Ramanujan's intuition using AI and computer automation. It has already produced known formulas for pi, Euler's number, and other constants, as well as several unknown conjectures.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 5, 2021

Tiny sensor technique reveals cellular forces involved in tissue generation

A new technique developed by Brown University researchers reveals the forces involved at the cellular level during biological tissue formation and growth processes. The technique makes use of cell-sized spheres made from a highly compliant polymer material, which can be placed in laboratory cultures of tissue-forming cells.

SourceBrown University·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 5, 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.

Critical flaw found in lab models of the human blood-brain barrier

A study from Columbia University suggests that cells used to study the human blood-brain barrier in labs aren't what they seem. The researchers discovered a possible way to correct the error, raising hopes for creating a more accurate model for studying certain neurological diseases and developing drugs.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 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.

Vegan diet better for weight loss and cholesterol control than Mediterranean diet

A new study found that a vegan diet is more effective than the Mediterranean diet for improving health markers and boosting weight loss. Participants who followed a low-fat vegan diet lost an average of 6 kg and had significant reductions in visceral fat, total and LDL cholesterol levels.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateFeb 5, 2021

Gap between the 'haves' and 'have nots' widened by the COVID pandemic, an IU study found

A new IU study reveals that women, younger individuals, those with lower education levels, and people of color are disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The research found significant disparities in economic hardship, including food insecurity, unemployment, and housing issues among historically disadvantaged groups.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2021

Peginterferon-lambda shows strong antiviral action to accelerate clearance of COVID-19

A clinical study led by Dr. Jordan Feld showed that peginterferon-lambda can significantly speed up recovery for COVID-19 outpatients, with patients who received the treatment being over four times more likely to clear the infection within seven days. The study also found quicker improvement of respiratory symptoms in the treatment group.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateFeb 5, 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.

Audiovisual professionalisation affects how the brain perceives media content

A study published in Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience found that audiovisual professionalisation causes a decrease in eyeblink rate and impacts brain rhythms among media professionals. This research has implications for occupational health strategies and the design of consumption strategies for videos.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalFrontiers in Systems Neuroscience·DateFeb 5, 2021

Grape consumption may protect against UV damage to skin

A recent human study found that consuming grapes protected against ultraviolet (UV) skin damage by increasing resistance to sunburn and reducing markers of UV damage. The study attributed these beneficial effects to the natural components polyphenols in grapes, which may act as an edible sunscreen offering additional protection.

SourceRomano & Associates, LLC·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateFeb 5, 2021

Silicon anode structure generates new potential for lithium-ion batteries

Scientists at OIST have developed a new nanostructure that improves the silicon anode in lithium-ion batteries, increasing its charge capacity and lifespan. The vaulted structure formed by depositing silicon atoms on metallic nanoparticles increases the strength and structural integrity of the anode.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCommunications Materials·DateFeb 5, 2021

Drop the stress

Cells form 'lockdown' strategy by slowing down gene activity when stressed, allowing resources to be diverted for crisis response. NELF protein condensation plays key role in this process.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 5, 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.

Breakthrough in quantum photonics promises a new era in optical circuits

Researchers at USC have developed a method to create single photons from quantum dots arranged in a precise pattern, paving the way for the production of optical circuits. This breakthrough has potential applications in quantum communication, imaging, sensing, and computation.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAPL Photonics·DateFeb 5, 2021

Raised mortality from cardiac arrest in people with COVID-19

A new study published in the European Heart Journal reveals that COVID-19 is associated with higher mortality rates from cardiac arrest. The research found divergent differences in mortality rates among various patient groups, including women already receiving inpatient care at the time of their cardiac arrest.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateFeb 5, 2021

Not all banking crises involve panics

A new paper by MIT researchers suggests that many banking crises create long-term macroeconomic damage, regardless of whether they involve panics or not. The study found that a 30% decline in bank equity predicts a 2.7% drop in real GDP after three years, even without a panic.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateFeb 5, 2021

At the core of the Integrator complex

The Galej group has discovered the structure and arrangement of the proteins comprising Integrator's catalytic core, revealing a network of multiple subunits interacting with each other. This complex is involved in the transcription attenuation process and plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 5, 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.