Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2021 - Page 43


Page 43 of 45

South Africa: the rising temperatures will cost up to 20% of per capita GDP

A recent study predicts that climate change in South Africa will lead to a 20% decrease in per capita GDP by the end of the century. The researchers analyzed data on temperature changes and labor availability, finding that low-skilled workers are disproportionately affected, leading to a closing wage gap but reduced overall output.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalClimate and Development·DateFeb 2, 2021

Survival tip: Start at normal weight and slowly add pounds

A new study suggests that starting adulthood with a normal weight and gradually gaining pounds later in life can increase the probability of survival. In contrast, those who start as obese or stay at an unhealthy weight throughout their lives tend to have the lowest survival rates.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·DateFeb 2, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pollinator host-switches and fig hybridization dominate fig-wasp coevolution

Researchers have discovered that pollinator host-switching and hybridization are common features of fig-wasp coevolution, contradicting the traditional view. The study analyzed genomes from 15 fig species and found widespread hybridization events with associated host-switches among pollinators.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2021

Taking the fear out of driver education

A new study published in Risk Analysis found that fear-based Virtual Reality films depicting violent collisions lead to increased risk-taking among young drivers. In contrast, positively framed VR films result in the greatest reduction in risky driving behavior. This suggests that a positive approach may be more effective in promoting ...

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateFeb 2, 2021

BU researchers identify promising therapeutic agent against melanoma

A new study from Boston University School of Medicine has discovered a drug that can inhibit the growth and spread of melanoma in human cells and experimental models. The researchers found that this drug acts through a specific pathway to prevent cancer cell growth and metastasis.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 1, 2021

Much to glean when times are rough

A new study finds that households' ability to glean seafood in rough weather is influenced by shallow habitat area and type. This highlights the importance of context-specific understanding of dynamic coastal livelihoods for sustainable fisheries management.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalPeople and Nature·DateFeb 1, 2021

Wearable sensor monitors health, administers drugs using saliva and tears

A new wearable device collects biofluids such as tears and saliva to analyze conditions like oral ulcers, oral cancer, and eye infections on a rapid, continuous basis. The sensors also administer medicine with microneedles through the skin, offering improved treatment options for patients.

SourcePenn State·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateFeb 1, 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.

Holonyak lab team creates fast, cheap, accessible COVID-19 antibody test

The Holonyak lab team has developed a simple, 15-minute sample-to-answer test for detecting COVID-19 antibodies at a cost of less than $2 per test. This low-cost test demonstrates great potential for widespread use in various settings, including clinics and physician offices.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalTalanta·DateFeb 1, 2021

Don't let pressure of one-upmanship dictate your gift selection

Researchers studied gift-giving dynamics in multi-giver settings and found recipients prioritize thoughtfulness over relative gift value. Gift givers incorrectly assume the recipient's focus is on comparative gift value, leading to unnecessary spending or skipping gift-giving occasions.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateFeb 1, 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.

Study finds revised concussion guidelines shorten duration of symptoms

A new study found that the revised concussion guidelines led to a significant reduction in symptom duration among young athletes. The adoption of active rest, recognizing pre-existing conditions, and educating athletes about recovery improved outcomes, with male athletes experiencing a median duration drop from 11 to 5 days and female ...

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalJournal of Osteopathic Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2021

New realm of personalized medicine with brain stimulation

Researchers have developed a new brain stimulation technique that can predict individual responses to treatment, paving the way for personalized therapies. The technique uses machine-learning models to analyze brain activity across multiple regions and adjust stimulation doses in real-time.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateFeb 1, 2021

Astronomers detect extended dark matter halo around ancient dwarf galaxy

Astrophysicists at MIT have discovered an extended dark matter halo around Tucana II, a primitive ultrafaint dwarf galaxy. The halo is estimated to be three to five times more massive than previously thought, implying that the first galaxies in the universe were likely larger and more massive.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Astronomy·DateFeb 1, 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.

Traffic noise makes mating crickets less picky

A new study found that traffic noise and man-made sounds significantly impact the mating choices of female field crickets. In noisy environments, females are unable to detect differences in male quality, leading to a reduction in offspring viability.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateFeb 1, 2021

Computer model makes strides in search for COVID-19 treatments

A new deep-learning model has identified at least 10 compounds that may hold promise as treatments for COVID-19, including approved drugs like cyclosporine and anidulafungin. The model uses artificial intelligence to predict gene expression values for new chemicals, providing a valuable tool for pharmaceutical and clinical researchers.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateFeb 1, 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.

Diabetes during pregnancy may increase risk of heart disease

Research published in the American Heart Association's Circulation Journal found that women with a history of gestational diabetes during pregnancy have a two-fold higher risk of coronary artery calcification, a strong predictor of heart disease. Attaining healthy blood sugar levels after pregnancy does not decrease this risk.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 1, 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.

Evolution of terrestrial vertebrate feeding systems

The study of Tiktaalik roseae reveals an intermediate stage in vertebrate evolution, shifting from suction-based to biting-based feeding strategies. The fossil's anatomy suggests a synergistic feeding strategy combining snapping and suction, potentially leading to the development of four-limbed animals.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2021

Neutrons probe molecular behavior of proposed COVID-19 drug candidates

Researchers analyze molecular dynamics of proposed COVID-19 drug candidates to understand their interactions with target proteins in human cells. They found that certain parts of the molecules can move more easily once hydrated, which could influence how efficiently a drug takes on shapes associated with different biological functions.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateFeb 1, 2021

Arctic shrubs add new piece to ecological puzzle

A 15-year experiment on Arctic shrubs in Greenland sheds light on species diversity and co-occurrence versus exclusion, with important implications for carbon sequestration. The study reveals trends related to carbon exchange as the Arctic becomes greener and browner due to climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateFeb 1, 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.

Beyond qubits: Sydney takes next big step to scale up quantum computing

Researchers at the University of Sydney and Microsoft have created a single chip that can generate control signals for thousands of qubits, revolutionizing quantum computing. This breakthrough resolves a key limitation to scaling up quantum machines, paving the way for more powerful computers.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Electronics·DateFeb 1, 2021

When rhinos fly: Upside down the right way for transport

Researchers find that hanging black rhinoceroses upside down improves ventilation to a small degree, enhancing the safety of these animals during capture and anesthesia. The study's findings have significant implications for conservation efforts in remote areas where helicopter-assisted aerial transport is often used.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases·DateFeb 1, 2021

Supersaturation: The barrier between protein folding and misfolding

The study describes a dynamic link between correct protein folding and amyloid fibril formation, highlighting the threshold of supersaturation that must be overcome. Supersaturation is a fundamental concept that advances the field of protein folding and may contribute to therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 1, 2021

Mayo Clinic research yields breakthrough in mobile determination of QT prolongation

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed an AI-powered mobile EKG device that can rapidly and accurately determine a patient's QTc, identifying those at risk of sudden cardiac death from congenital long QT syndrome or drug-induced QT prolongation. The device achieved high sensitivity and specificity in detecting clinically meaningful ...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 1, 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.

How gut bacteria interact with bile salts

Researchers found that gut bacteria use enzymes to modify and detoxify bile salts, which can be toxic to bacteria. This interaction affects bacterial fitness and competition in the gut ecosystem.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2021

New protein neutralizes COVID in tiny human kidney

A new protein has been developed that acts as a decoy to prevent the COVID-19 infection from entering human cells. The protein is a modified variant of ACE2, which intercepts the S spike of the coronavirus and fools it into binding to it rather than the real receptor.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 1, 2021

Why antibiotic-resistant cells persist

The researcher aims to identify common mechanisms among persister cells and their unique metabolic processes. The goal is to develop new strategies for understanding and combating bacterial persistence.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateFeb 1, 2021

A surprising cycle

Researchers find immense biohydrocarbon cycle in ocean, with marine cyanobacteria producing pentadecane at rates of 300-600 million metric tons per year. The cycle plays a crucial role in the ocean's response to oil spills and could potentially prime the ocean for cleanup.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 1, 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.

Stress on every cell:

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science mapped the entire stress axis in detail, identifying 21,723 cells along the route. They found significant alterations in gene expression and cell changes, particularly in the adrenal glands, which play a crucial role in the stress response.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 1, 2021

Human activity forces animals to move 70% further to survive

A global study shows that human disturbances, such as hunting and recreation, trigger significant changes in animal movement, forcing species to travel 35% more or less than usual. This widespread impact threatens biodiversity and ecosystem processes, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 1, 2021

Discovery could lead to self-propelled robots

Scientists have discovered a way to create materials that can snap and reset themselves, moving without the need for motors or external power. This breakthrough could enable future military robots to operate independently, reducing reliance on batteries and motors.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 1, 2021

Concussions, repetitive head impacts among college football players

A study published in JAMA Neurology found that college football players suffer from high frequencies of concussions and repetitive head impacts over several seasons. The researchers identified patterns of injury and highlighted the need for further research to address the long-term effects on player health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateFeb 1, 2021

Double delight: New synthetic transmembrane ion channel can be activated in two ways

Scientists have synthesized a biomolecule that resembles a natural anisotropic dual-stimuli-responsive channel, allowing for the creation of advanced biosensors and drug alternatives. The channel, called VF, can be activated by two specific stimuli dependent on its biased orientation within the membrane.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 1, 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.

Why it is harder for Brazilians of African descent to find bone marrow donors

A study published in Frontiers in Immunology found that Brazilians of African descent are less likely to find a donor in the National Register of Voluntary Bone Marrow Donors, with an up to 60% reduction in chances. The lack of representation and genetic diversity makes it harder for individuals with African ancestry to find compatible...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateFeb 1, 2021

Antarctica's ice melt isn't consistent, new analysis shows

New analysis of satellite data reveals Antarctica's ice melts at different rates each year, affecting sea level rise predictions. The study suggests that models used to predict sea-level change should reflect the dynamic nature of ice sheet changes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 1, 2021

Solving complex physics problems at lightning speed

Physicists have designed a new method to calculate atomic nucleus properties incredibly quickly using emulation and eigenvector continuation. This approach sheds new light on topics like neutron stars and nuclear decay.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalPhysics Letters B·DateFeb 1, 2021

Wonder fungi

Researchers have sequenced over 700 novel microbial genomes from the gut microbiome of a goat, discovering that fungi play a disproportionate role in biomass degradation. The study also found that fungi are more efficient at producing methane, a potential game-changer for renewable energy production.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 1, 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.

Backreaction observed for first time in water tank black hole simulation

Researchers from the University of Nottingham have demonstrated that backreaction can be simulated in a laboratory experiment using a specially designed water tank. The study found that waves sent into an analogue black hole significantly changed its properties, with effects visible to the eye.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 1, 2021

Stimulant-associated deaths in US

Between 2010 and 2017, US stimulant-associated deaths rose substantially, driven primarily by cocaine use. Medical stimulants also contributed to the increase, suggesting a broader public health concern.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2021

Land-use to solve climate change: a focus on livestock

A new study by CMCC Foundation investigates sustainable land management options to reduce GHG emissions from livestock, which contribute to 60% of agricultural emissions in Europe. The approach aims to enhance carbon sink function in soils and biomass through targeted land-use strategies.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateFeb 1, 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.

Terahertz accelerates beyond 5G towards 6G

Researchers successfully transmit uncompressed 8K video wirelessly using terahertz waves, enabling low latency and low power consumption. The technology is expected to accelerate research and development for the realization of 6G mobile communication standard.

SourceOsaka University·DateFeb 1, 2021

Troubles paying rent or being forced to move linked to lower levels of sleep

A new RAND Corporation study found that people who struggle to pay rent or are forced to move due to financial issues sleep significantly less than their peers. The study of 1,046 participants in California's welfare program revealed a 22-minute and 32-minute reduction in sleep duration for those facing housing insecurity.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalSLEEP·DateFeb 1, 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.

Failed storage tanks pose atmospheric risks during disasters

Engineers at Rice University developed a model to quantify the spread of pollutants from failed storage tanks during natural disasters. The model shows that chemicals like benzene and toluene can evaporate and drift with the wind, posing health risks to downwind communities.

SourceRice University·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateFeb 1, 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.