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Science News Archive February 2021 - Page 36


Page 36 of 45

Helping consumers save more by bursting their bubble of financial responsibility

A new study published in the Journal of Marketing found that people hold a positive illusion of being financially responsible, which motivates them to restore their self-view. The 'superfluous-spender intervention' increased both intentions to save and actual savings relative to those who did not receive the intervention.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateFeb 4, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

An optical coating like no other

A team at the University of Rochester has created a novel optical coating that can simultaneously reflect and transmit light of the same wavelength, a breakthrough that could improve the efficiency of solar energy devices. The Fano Resonance Optical Coating (FROC) technology enables precise control over color and could lead to signific...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 4, 2021

UTA engineers develop programming technology to transform 2D materials into 3D shapes

Researchers at UTA have developed a technique to program 2D materials into 3D shapes, enabling new technologies for soft robotics and biomimetic manufacturing. The approach allows for the creation of complex 3D structures with doubly curved morphologies and motions, previously difficult to replicate with man-made materials.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2021

Scientists establish multiple primate models of SARS-CoV-2 airborne infection

Researchers have developed three nonhuman primate species as potential models of SARS-CoV-2 airborne infection, which can be used to test vaccines and therapies. The studies found that cynomolgus macaques, rhesus macaques, and African green monkeys developed disease similar to mild acute respiratory disease in humans.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 4, 2021

In symbiosis: Plants control the genetics of microbes

Researchers found that plants influence the relative abundance of thousands of nuclear genomes in their symbiotic microbe partners. This cooperation maximizes growth benefits for both fungi and plant partners.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 4, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New guidance on how cardiac patients with diabetes can exercise more safely

The new guidance provides clear advice on managing blood sugar levels during rehabilitation activities, allowing more confidence for patients with diabetes to participate in cardiac rehabilitation. This will improve their overall health and fitness, boosting the benefits of exercise for cardiovascular health.

SourceSwansea University·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2021

New combination therapy offers chance of healing hepatitis B

Researchers have developed a combination therapy that can potentially heal hepatitis B by shutting down the viral genome in infected liver cells. The treatment targets the HBx protein, which protects the genetic material from being silenced, allowing for sustained shutdown of the virus.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalGut·DateFeb 4, 2021

Experimental vaccine blunts the deadliest of synthetic opioids

Researchers have created an experimental vaccine that has shown promise in blunting the deadly effects of synthetic opioids like fentanyl and carfentanil. In early tests, the vaccine demonstrated significant reduction in fatal respiratory effects, offering hope for a new treatment approach to combat the opioid crisis.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateFeb 4, 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.

Human-generated noise pollution dominates the ocean's soundscape

A study by Carlos Duarte and colleagues reveals that human-generated noise pollution is negatively affecting marine animals, altering their behavior, physiology, and survivability. The authors argue that mitigating these impacts through regulation of sources can rapidly decline harmful effects.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 4, 2021

Fast-flying bats rely on late-night updrafts to reach great heights

Researchers found that European free-tailed bats rely on orographic uplift and wind conditions to fly high and fast during nighttime forays. The bats' flight patterns show a predictable relationship with the landscape, using the same types of areas where winds sweep up a slope to carry them to high altitudes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 4, 2021

California's rainy season starting nearly a month later than it did 60 years ago

The start of California's rainy season has been pushed back from November to December, extending the state's wildfire season by nearly a month. Climate scientists attribute the delay to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, which bring more rain to neighboring states like Washington and Oregon.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 4, 2021

The strange impact of the first consumer review

Research shows that a single negative first review can cause a product to fail and affect future reviews for up to three years. Retailers can mitigate this impact by detecting and addressing negative early reviews.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalMarketing Science·DateFeb 4, 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.

Study links brain cells to depression

A new study found a reduced number of astrocytes in the brains of depressed adults compared to non-depressed individuals. The study suggests that targeting these cells may lead to improved treatment options for depression.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateFeb 4, 2021

Study shows flu vaccine lessens COVID-19 symptoms in children

Researchers at University of Missouri-Columbia found that flu vaccination significantly reduces COVID-19 symptoms and complications in children. The review of over 900 pediatric patients with COVID-19 showed that those who received the flu vaccine had lower odds of experiencing respiratory problems or severe disease.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCureus·DateFeb 4, 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.

Studies use mathematics to analyze the semantics of dream reports during the pandemic

A study published in PLOS ONE analyzed dream reports from 67 subjects produced during the pandemic, finding a higher prevalence of negative emotions and terms related to cleanliness and contamination. The researchers used natural language processing tools and mathematics to extract semantics, highlighting the continuity between dreams ...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 4, 2021

Uncovering a link between inflammation and heart disease

A recent study published in Circulation reveals that immune cells can activate inflammation in the heart by modifying proteins, leading to structural changes and cardiac dysfunction. The researchers have identified a potential target for new treatments, an agent that binds to specific molecules altering cardiac proteins.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 4, 2021

Global survey reveals heavy toll of COVID-19 first wave on liver cancer care

A global survey revealed significant disruptions to liver cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic, including delayed screenings and treatments. The survey found that 87% of participating cancer treatment centers modified their clinical practices, highlighting the need for continued investment in liver oncology nurses and education.

SourceSpink Health·JournalJHEP Reports·DateFeb 4, 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.

Surface effect of electrodes revealed by operando surface science methodology

Researchers propose a new strategy to explore electrochemical process on electrode surfaces using operando surface science methods. They successfully visualize intercalation of super-dense multilayer anions into graphite electrode surface region, revealing a distinct electrochemical process in the surface region.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateFeb 4, 2021

CU offers plan for improving mental health care for resident physicians

A pilot program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine provided scheduled mental health appointments to 80 resident physicians, with 23 attendees and high survey satisfaction rates. The program successfully addressed barriers to care, including time, confidentiality concerns, and cost.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2021

Effectiveness of endocrine therapy for breast cancer in men

A randomized clinical trial found that endocrine therapies can reduce estradiol levels in men with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer after three months of treatment. The study suggests a potential new approach for male breast cancer patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateFeb 4, 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.

Unusual 2019-2020 flu season linked to more transmissible strain

A new study links the 2019-2020 flu season to a more transmissible strain of Type B influenza virus. Younger individuals were disproportionately affected due to limited exposure to other B viruses, highlighting the need for targeted vaccination and preparedness strategies.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2021

Can a fin become a limb?

Researchers at Harvard University discovered that zebrafish fins can be transformed into complex limb-like structures through genetic mutations. The study reveals that the ability to form limb-like structures was present in the common ancestor of tetrapods and teleost fishes.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalCell·DateFeb 4, 2021

Study reveals how air pollution may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease

Fine particulate air pollution stimulates production of inflammatory cells, leading to inflammation of the arteries and elevated risk of heart attacks and strokes. Researchers found that exposure to high levels of fine particulate matter increased the risk of cardiovascular events by 29% beyond other confounders.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateFeb 4, 2021
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.

Nickel phosphide nanoparticle catalyst is the full package

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a stable and reusable nickel phosphide nanoparticle catalyst that exhibits high activity and selectivity in the hydrogenation of glucose to sorbitol. The catalyst produces D-sorbitol with yields over 99%, making it suitable for sustainable, low-cost production in various industries.

SourceOsaka University·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateFeb 4, 2021

UTSA and Dell partner to spur innovation in cybersecurity and data science

The University of Texas at San Antonio received a $10 million technology grant from Dell Technologies to support advanced research infrastructure and attract top talent. The partnership will enable UTSA to invest in hybrid cloud solutions, high-performance computing systems, and storage for big data workloads.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateFeb 4, 2021

'Audeo' teaches artificial intelligence to play the piano

Researchers at the University of Washington developed an AI system called Audeo that generates music from silent video performances of pianists. The system correctly identified musical pieces using music-recognition apps 86% of the time, surpassing human accuracy in some cases.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateFeb 4, 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.

How metal atoms can arrange themselves on an insulator

Researchers at Bielefeld University have successfully arranged individual metal atoms on an insulator surface at room temperature. The ordered structure is created because the molybdenum acetate molecules align precisely with the charge distribution on the calcite surface, firmly anchoring them in place.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 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.

Clients of female sex workers should be targeted for HIV prevention and treatment in South Africa

A new study in South Africa found that male clients of female sex workers contribute significantly to HIV transmission, with a rate of 6.9% over a decade. Increasing treatment among these individuals could reduce transmission by up to five times, making them a key focus for HIV prevention and treatment efforts.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of the International AIDS Society·DateFeb 4, 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.

The Lancet Public Health: Weekly testing and two-week isolation most cost-effective strategy to control spread of COVID-19 in high transmission areas, US study suggests

A US study published in The Lancet Public Health journal suggests that weekly COVID-19 testing with a two-week isolation period is the most cost-effective strategy to mitigate the spread of the virus in high-transmission areas. Monthly testing and one-week isolation are more cost-effective when transmission rates are low to moderate.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateFeb 4, 2021

Dialysis patients have 4-fold greater risk of dying from COVID-19

A new Ontario study found that dialysis patients are almost 4 times more likely to die from COVID-19 compared to uninfected counterparts. The researchers recommend prioritizing these patients for vaccination and implementing infection control measures, including paid sick leave and regular testing.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 4, 2021

Book developed at Cincinnati Children's helps identify risks of reading difficulties

A new screening tool, The Reading House (TRH), assesses early literacy skills in preschool-age children and has been validated as a potential identifier of reading difficulties. TRH measures core skills predictive of reading success and identifies relationships between screened skills and early brain development in the brain.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 4, 2021
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.

Researchers from NUS create 'whirling' nano-structures in anti-ferromagnets

Researchers from NUS developed an ultra-thin material with unique properties that could achieve faster and more energy-efficient memory chips. They created 'whirling' nano-structures in anti-ferromagnets, which are stable structures that can be moved at whirlwind speeds, enabling new types of information bits.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature·DateFeb 4, 2021

Emory MVA COVID-19 vaccine safe and effective in animal models

The Emory MVA COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in mice and monkeys, inducing strong neutralizing antibodies and killer CD8 T cells. The vaccine's multi-layered approach also prevents lung inflammation and is adaptable to address disease variants.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 4, 2021

Human immune cells have natural alarm system against HIV

Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified a potential way to eradicate latent HIV infection by triggering a natural alarm system in human immune cells. The strategy targets the activity of a specific HIV protein, rather than its appearance, and has shown promise with certain drugs that force the protein to become active.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateFeb 4, 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.

Help for borderline personality disorder

A new study found that people with BPD are becoming more knowledgeable about the disorder and available treatments, but may still face significant challenges in finding appropriate help. Experts highlight the need for improved services, including public subsidies for specialized services and increased training for health professionals.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing·DateFeb 4, 2021