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Science News Archive February 2021 - Page 40


Page 40 of 45
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Intranasal influenza vaccine spurs strong immune response in Phase 1 study

A new intranasal influenza vaccine demonstrated a durable immune response in a Phase 1 study, producing higher antibody levels compared to oral vaccination. The vaccine induced mucosal immunity and neutralizing antibodies at 26 weeks after vaccination, with sustained protection lasting up to five years.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 3, 2021

Flower diversity may mitigate insecticide effects on wild bees

A study found that a high diversity of flowering plants can compensate for the negative effects of insecticides on wild bee reproduction. The research team discovered that red mason bees reproduced successfully when kept in enclosures with diverse flower mixtures compared to those with only oilseed rape.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 3, 2021

Research highlights the need to incorporate nutritional counseling in cancer treatment

Research reveals that American adult cancer survivors often face barriers to healthy eating, with significant disparities observed across sociodemographic factors. A Mediterranean-style diet may reduce overall cancer risk for women, but not for men, highlighting the importance of personalized nutrition interventions in cancer care.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateFeb 3, 2021

State-funded pre-K may enhance math achievement

A new study by the University of Georgia found that state-funded pre-K programs can enhance math achievement in students through seventh grade. Participating students were twice as likely to meet state standards, indicating a positive trajectory for future academic success.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalChild & Youth Care Forum·DateFeb 3, 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.

Study reveals neurons responsible for rapidly stopping behaviors, actions

Scientists have identified neurons responsible for rapidly stopping behaviors and actions in patients with Parkinson's disease. These 'stop signal neurons' are critical in canceling planned movements, a skill that is lost in the condition. The discovery has the potential to improve deep brain stimulation treatment outcomes.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 3, 2021

Marmoset monkeys eavesdrop and understand conversations between other marmosets

Researchers used thermography to measure marmosets' emotional responses to call interactions, finding they distinguish dialogues from monologues. Marmosets also prefer cooperative over competitive interactions, aligning with their natural behavior as cooperative breeders.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateFeb 3, 2021

Martian landslides caused by underground salts and melting ice?

Researchers propose that underground salts and melting ice are responsible for Martian landslides, including the seasonal Recurring Slope Lineae features. Lab experiments suggest that thin layers of liquid-like water form near -50 °C, followed by gradual melting, which could lead to surface changes and dust storms.

SourceSETI Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 3, 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.

Fish in warming Scottish seas grow faster but reach a smaller size

Researchers found that juvenile fish in the North Sea and West of Scotland are getting bigger, while adult fish are getting smaller due to rising sea temperatures. This change in body size may impact commercial fisheries yields and marine ecosystems, particularly those with predator-prey relationships.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateFeb 3, 2021

'Zoombombing' research shows legitimate meeting attendees cause most attacks

Most zoombombing incidents are caused by legitimate meeting attendees who share passwords and links online, according to a new study. The research team analyzed over 200 calls from the first seven months of 2020 and found that insiders, particularly students in high school and college classes, were responsible for most attacks.

SourceBinghamton University·DateFeb 3, 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.

Impact of spokesperson identity on sharing of public health messages

Participants in an international survey study reported greater willingness to share COVID-19 messages from a prominent expert versus a celebrity. The researchers found that endorsement by the celebrities was less likely to prompt willingness to share than endorsement by a government official, or no endorsement at all.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 3, 2021

New stem cell therapy in dogs -- a breakthrough in veterinary medicine

Researchers from Osaka Prefecture University have successfully isolated canine induced pluripotent stem cells, paving the way for regenerative therapies in dogs. The development of these cells could also have implications for human medicine, as they share similar environmental and genetic factors with humans.

SourceOsaka Prefecture University·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateFeb 3, 2021

Standard water treatment technique removes and inactivates an enveloped virus

A standard water treatment technique, iron coagulation, efficiently removes and inactivates enveloped viruses by forming precipitates that trap the viral envelopes. This method is more effective than chlorine disinfection, with a reduction of 100,000 times active virus in 2.6 minutes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 3, 2021

Some food contamination starts in the soil

Agricultural expert Angelia Seyfferth investigates how contaminants in soil affect rice plants, finding that adding rice husk residue can lower arsenic and cadmium levels. This discovery has potential to mitigate food contamination and protect global staple food populations.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateFeb 3, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

More mammals are being struck by aircraft each year

The study found that bats accounted for the greatest proportion of strikes in Australia, while rabbits and dog-like carnivores dominated Canada, Germany, and the UK. Average mammal strikes per year ranged from 1.2 to 38.7 across countries, with estimated annual costs exceeding $100 million.

SourceWiley·JournalMammal Review·DateFeb 3, 2021

Dishing up 3D printed food, one tasty printout at a time

A team of researchers from NTU Singapore and SUTD has created a new way to create 'food inks' from fresh and frozen vegetables, preserving their nutrition and flavor. The method is expected to improve the eating experience for patients with swallowing difficulties, such as dysphagia.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalFood Hydrocolloids·DateFeb 3, 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.

Intensity not paramount for physical training during cancer therapy

A new study by researchers at Uppsala University found that physical training during cancer therapy improves physical and mental health, regardless of intensity level. The study showed that both high- and low-intensity training had similar benefits, including reduced fatigue and improved leg muscle strength.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateFeb 3, 2021

How does pain experienced in everyday life impact memory?

A new study found that healthy individuals experiencing everyday pain show deficits in working memory due to increased activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Pain intensity was directly associated with worse performance on a working memory task, while certain aspects of emotional distress were not linked to impairments.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateFeb 3, 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.

Study examines role of biomarkers to evaluate kidney injury in cancer patients

A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that certain biomarkers can help diagnose acute kidney inflammation in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. These biomarkers, such as serum creatinine and C-reactive protein, may aid in distinguishing treatment-associated kidney injury from other causes.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalKidney International Reports·DateFeb 3, 2021

Dynamic 3D printing process features a light-driven twist

A new 3D printing process, developed at Northwestern University, utilizes light to control each layer, increasing precision and speed. The 'on-the-fly' feature enables the printing of complex structures and improves manufacturing flexibility.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 3, 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.

The business of bees

Research finds economic dependence of US crops on insect pollination totaling $34 billion in 2012, with areas producing 80% of value relying on poor pollinator habitats. The study identifies key areas that need improved pollinator habitat to mitigate declining bee populations.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateFeb 3, 2021

Liver cancer 'signature' in gut holds clues to cancer risk

Researchers found a distinctive gut microbiome profile in people with liver cancer linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that modulates the immune response, promoting cancer survival. This discovery could lead to more effective preventative and therapeutic treatments for NAFLD-related liver cancer.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 3, 2021

Most vulnerable often overlooked in clinical trials of new treatments for COVID-19

Researchers found US COVID-19 treatment trials disproportionately excluded Black and Hispanic patients, pregnant women, lactating women, and children due to perceived complexities. This exclusion leads to inadequate evidence for vulnerable populations, emphasizing the need for inclusive studies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 3, 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.

Rescheduling drugs to lower risk of abuse can reduce use, dangers

A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that rescheduling drugs can lead to significant reductions in use and related harms. For over half of the reschedulings studied, use-related measures declined by at least 40 percent.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateFeb 3, 2021

3D-printed bioresorbable airway stent

A team of ETH Zurich researchers has developed a 3D-printed bioresorbable airway stent that can be customized to a patient's anatomy. The stents, made from a specially designed resin, are biocompatible and gradually dissolve after implantation.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 3, 2021

Artificial skin brings robots closer to 'touching' human lives

Researchers developed low-cost artificial robotic skin with vision-guided sensing, enabling large-scale tactile sensing technology. The system can process tactile information and determine contact force and geometry.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateFeb 3, 2021

Feed Fido fresh human-grade dog food to scoop less poop

A new University of Illinois study shows human-grade dog food is more digestible and produces less waste. Dogs fed human-grade diets had significantly less poop than those on traditional kibble, with some producing as little as 1.5 times less poop.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateFeb 3, 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.

Senolysis by glutaminolysis inhibition ameliorates various age-associated disorders

A collaborative research group identified an inhibitor of the glutamate metabolic enzyme GLS1 that selectively eliminates senescent cells in vivo. Administration of GLS1 inhibitors to aged mice removed senescent cells from various organs, ameliorating tissue dysfunction and age-related diseases such as obese diabetes and arteriosclerosis.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalScience·DateFeb 3, 2021

Tactile books adapted for blind children

Researchers have developed tactile books with 3D mini-scenarios that allow blind children to explore and identify objects using gestures and body simulations. This innovative approach has been shown to narrow the perception gap between blind and sighted children, enabling them to recognize objects more easily.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 3, 2021

On the dot: Novel quantum sensor provides new approach to early diagnosis via imaging

Scientists developed a novel quantum sensor that can detect oxidative stress in organs during MRI scans, which could lead to early diagnosis of diseases like cancer and kidney dysfunction. The sensor uses a ring-shaped sugar-like compound and nitroxide derivatives to identify reduced cell/tissue capacity.

SourceThe National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateFeb 3, 2021

UTEP fights superbugs with $1.2 Million NIH grant to produce antibiotics

Dr. Chu-Young Kim's research team is working on modifying existing antibiotic molecules using microorganisms that naturally synthesize them. This approach aims to overcome resistance and provide affordable treatment options for patients. The goal is to engineer bacteria to produce modified antibiotics via fermentation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·DateFeb 2, 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.

Addressing power differences may spur advantaged racial groups to act for racial equality

Research suggests that communicating openly about group differences in power can motivate advantaged racial groups to join historically disadvantaged racial minority groups to strive for racial equality and social justice. A UMass Amherst study tested this proposition, supporting the idea that greater communication about power differen...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalInternational Journal of Intercultural Relations·DateFeb 2, 2021

Scientists uncover potential antiviral treatment for COVID-19

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a novel antiviral property of thapsigargin, a plant-derived compound, which shows promise in treating COVID-19. The study found that thapsigargin triggers a highly effective broad-spectrum host-centred antiviral innate immune response against three major types of human respira...

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalViruses·DateFeb 2, 2021

Bile acids may play previously unknown role in Parkinson's

Researchers found changes in gut microbiome composition correlate with higher levels of toxic bile acids in people with Parkinson's. The findings suggest bile acids may be a viable biomarker for diagnosing Parkinson's early and tracking its progression.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalMetabolites·DateFeb 2, 2021

How do electrons close to Earth reach almost the speed of light?

Electrons in Earth's radiation belt can be accelerated to ultra-relativistic energies when plasma density is extremely low, enabling them to surf on plasma waves and take energy from them. This two-stage acceleration process may also occur in other astrophysical objects.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 2, 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.

Bottoms are up at the HIV Research for Prevention Virtual Conference

Researchers report positive results from three Phase I studies on rectal microbicides, including a gel containing dapivirine that was well-tolerated but required higher doses to provide protection. The studies suggest that dosing changes and longer-acting formulations may be necessary for effective HIV prevention through anal sex.

SourceMicrobicide Trials Network·DateFeb 2, 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.

Ultrasound technique treats prostate cancer with minimal side effects

A new ultrasound technique called MRI-guided focused ultrasound ablation (MRgFUS) effectively treats intermediate-risk prostate cancer with minimal side effects. Treatment was successfully completed in all 44 men, with no major adverse events and 93% disease-free at the treatment site.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateFeb 2, 2021

Iron release may contribute to cell death in heart failure

A study in mice suggests that iron processing in the body may contribute to heart failure, and blocking this process could be a way of protecting the heart. Researchers found that inhibiting the release of stored iron can reduce cell death and stabilize oxygen levels.

SourceeLife·DateFeb 2, 2021

Oncotarget: The goal of geroscience is life extension

Dr. Mikhail V. Blagosklonny reviews drugs that extend lifespan and healthspan in mammals, including rapamycin and metformin. He concludes that using these drugs could be the only way to live longer, given current understanding of aging.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateFeb 2, 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.

Researchers design next-generation photodetector

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new approach to quantum device design, producing the first gain-based long-wavelength infrared photodetector using band structure engineering. The advanced photodetector offers enhanced sensitivity for next-generation LWIR photodetectors and focal plane array imagers.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateFeb 2, 2021