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Science News Archive February 2021 - Page 5


Page 5 of 45

Overlooked cilium could be genetic key to common diseases

Researchers found that genes affecting cilia function are linked to diabetes, kidney failure, and liver fibrosis in both rare genetic disorders and the general public. The discovery opens up new possibilities for targeted treatments and gene therapies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 25, 2021

Lethal house lures reduce incidence of malaria in children

Researchers found that installing window screening and insecticide-laced screens under eaves can significantly reduce clinical malaria incidence among children. The intervention, called In2Care EaveTube, was effective in areas with highly resistant mosquitoes, with a 38% overall reduction in malaria incidence.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 25, 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.

Belowground biodiversity in motion

Climate change has a stronger influence on soil microbial communities than land-use change, leading to increased bacterial richness but reduced community complexity. This shift may reduce specialization and adaptation capacity of ecosystems.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateFeb 25, 2021

Study finds changes in gut microbiome connected to Alzheimer's-like behavior

Researchers at OHSU discovered a correlation between gut microbiome composition and cognitive performance in mice with genes associated with Alzheimer's. The study suggests a relationship between microbes and epigenetic changes in the brain, potentially leading to new treatments for Alzheimer's.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 25, 2021

How could rising sea level impact the National Flood Insurance Program?

A new study suggests that grandfathered rates in the National Flood Insurance Program could lead to losses for the NFIP as flood risk grows due to rising sea levels. Experts recommend replacing grandfathering with a gradual phase-in of risk-based insurance prices and providing means-tested assistance to lower-income households.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateFeb 25, 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.

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.

Transplant patients may not need steroid treatment in the long run

A randomized clinical trial found that patients who received corticosteroids after kidney transplantation had similar survival rates compared to those who did not receive them. Corticosteroid use was associated with increased risk of side effects, including acne and bone disease.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateFeb 24, 2021

Quantum systems learn joint computing

Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics successfully interconnected two qubits over a 60-meter distance, enabling the first prototype of a distributed quantum computer. The breakthrough opens up a new development path for distributed quantum computing, potentially leading to more powerful systems.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateFeb 24, 2021

Using a multipronged approach to investigate the diet of ancient dogs

A new study uses multiple approaches to investigate the diet of ancient dogs in the Americas, revealing a diverse diet including maize, walnuts, grapes, fish, and duck. The analysis also sheds light on human-dog dietary overlap, providing insights into human health and diet.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 24, 2021

Cellular seafood

Researchers detail nine steps for cell-based seafood to deliver environmental benefits, including developing a viable product and driving down demand for wild-caught seafood. However, achieving conservation outcomes is a complex process with many hurdles, including getting consumers to adopt the new product.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateFeb 24, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Documenting memories of those with dementia

Researchers at UTA will match students with dementia patients for a two-year project using reminiscence therapy and digital memoirs to improve social and emotional well-being. The team hopes this intergenerational approach will promote better outcomes for older adults with Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateFeb 24, 2021

Yale scientists capture the choreography of a developing brain

Researchers at Yale University have devised a strategy to study the intricate choreography of brain development in a living animal, the worm Caenorhabditis elegans. They used high-resolution light sheet microscopy and network algorithms to track single cells and understand how they organize into functional circuits.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2021

One California community shows how to take the waste out of water

A public-private partnership in Monterey/Salinas has developed a novel water recycling program using urban stormwater runoff, irrigation drainage, food processing water, and traditional municipal wastewater. The recycled water supplies one-third of all drinking water on the Monterey Peninsula while providing irrigation water for high-v...

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalWater·DateFeb 24, 2021

Data transfer system connects silicon chips with a hair's-width cable

Researchers developed a data transfer system that pairs high-frequency silicon chips with a polymer cable as thin as a strand of hair, transmitting information up to 10 times faster than a USB. The system offers improved energy efficiency and bandwidth for applications such as server farms, aerospace, and automotive industries.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 24, 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.

Jumping frost crystals: Boreyko lab works toward electrostatic de-icing

A team led by Associate Professor Jonathan Boreyko at Virginia Tech has developed a potential solution for frost removal using electrostatics. By creating an electric field, the negatively-charged top of the frost sheet attracts positively charged ions in water, causing frost particles to jump towards and break away from their substrate.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 24, 2021

Increased green space in prisons can reduce self-harm and violence

New research at the University of Birmingham and Utrecht University found that prisons with more green space have lower levels of violence and self-harm. The study's findings demonstrate that incorporating nature contact into prison environments can improve wellbeing and reduce costs.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalAnnals of the American Association of Geographers·DateFeb 24, 2021

Scientists begin building highly accurate digital twin of our planet

The 'Destination Earth' initiative aims to create a highly accurate digital model of the Earth, incorporating observational data and new human activity data. This digital twin will enable high-resolution simulations of complex processes and inform policies on sustainable development.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Computational Science·DateFeb 24, 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.

How wildfires may have larger effects on cloud formation than previously thought

New research from Carnegie Mellon University reveals that wildfires can lead to more extensive cloud formation and intense storm development due to the chemical aging of particles emitted by these fires. This study's findings have significant implications for accurately modeling Earth's climate and how it may change in the future.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 24, 2021

Study finds human-caused North Atlantic right whale deaths are being undercounted

A recent study published in Conservation Science and Practice found that known deaths of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales account for only 36% of the true death toll. The study analyzed data on whale encounters, animal health, serious injuries, and necropsies to determine undercounting of human-caused mortalities.

SourceNew England Aquarium·JournalConservation Science and Practice·DateFeb 24, 2021

Experts call for home battery storage to protect vulnerable during outages

The article highlights the need for home battery storage to protect medically vulnerable households during power outages, which can be life-threatening. The researchers argue that clean, reliable emergency backup power is crucial for communities affected by climate change.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalFutures·DateFeb 24, 2021

Chimpanzees unite against a common enemy

Researchers at Kyoto University found that chimpanzees become more cohesive and engage in affiliative behaviors when threatened by out-groups, similar to humans. This suggests that intergroup competition may have led to the evolution of cooperation and tolerant relations in large groups.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 24, 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.

New shape-changing 4D materials hold promise for morphodynamic tissue engineering

Researchers developed novel hydrogel-based 4D materials that can change shape in response to physiological stimuli, supporting high cell densities and mimicking natural tissue development. These materials have potential for bioengineering blood vessels, organs, and studying biological processes involved in early development.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 24, 2021

Uncovers the molecular mechanism behind synapse loss in Alzheimer's disease

A study published in Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology reveals that RAPGEF2 protein overexpression leads to synaptic damage and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease. Silencing RAPGEF2 prevents synapse loss and cognitive decline, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceKorea Brain Research Institute·JournalNeuropathology and Applied Neurobiology·DateFeb 24, 2021

Researchers take aim at the evolution of traditional technologies

A team of researchers, led by Jacob Harris, studied the role of causal knowledge in manufacturing and transmitting traditional bow-and-arrow technology among Hadza hunters. The findings suggest that partial causal knowledge is sufficient for bow-making technology to evolve, challenging the cognitive niche hypothesis.

SourceArizona State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 24, 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.

Mushrooms add important nutrients when included in the typical diet

The study found that adding a serving of mushrooms to the diet increased several micronutrients, including potassium, copper, selenium, and B vitamins. The addition of oyster mushrooms also increased vitamin D levels. Mushrooms exposed to UV-light significantly boosted vitamin D intake.

SourceFLM Harvest·JournalFood & Nutrition Research·DateFeb 24, 2021

Changes in writing style provide clues to group identity

Researchers found that people's writing styles change when switching between identities, reflecting norms of the relevant group. The ASIA tool kit can assess group identity from writing style, showing promise for mental health studies and policy interventions.

SourceLancaster University·JournalBehavior Research Methods·DateFeb 24, 2021

Does it matter what position you play when it comes to CTE?

Researchers examined brains of 35 former athletes, finding no correlation between position played, fighting history, or CTE presence. Only half the athletes showed evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a neurodegenerative disease linked to repeated blows to the head.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 24, 2021

Parker Solar Probe offers stunning view of Venus

NASA's Parker Solar Probe captured stunning views of Venus during its close flyby in July 2020. The onboard Wide-field Imager for Parker Solar Probe detected a bright rim around the edge of the planet that may be nightglow.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 24, 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.

UM scientists achieve breakthrough in culturing corals and sea anemones cells

Researchers at the University of Miami have successfully cultured cells from coral and sea anemones for up to 12 days, opening new avenues for studying evolutionary biology and human health. The breakthrough uses antibiotic treatment to prime tissues before culture, allowing for longer and more robust cell cultures.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 24, 2021

Fabricating the future with a new environment friendly method of polymerization

Scientists at Nagoya Institute of Technology have developed a new, metal-free organocatalysis method for polymerization, which is more efficient and environmentally friendly than current methods. The technique uses non-ionic and multidentate organocatalysts to produce polymeric materials with reduced impurities.

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalPolymer Chemistry·DateFeb 24, 2021

Childhood ADHD, risk of developing psychotic disorder

A comprehensive study combining data from 1.8 million participants found a significant association between childhood ADHD and the subsequent development of psychotic disorders. The research suggests that children with ADHD may be at higher risk of developing psychosis later in life.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 24, 2021

Research addresses the complex problems of malaria

Lauren Childs and her team have developed a mathematical model that shows providing multiple blood meals to female mosquitoes can increase the transmission of malaria. The study suggests reducing mosquito egg production could also accelerate parasite growth, shortening the incubation period.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 24, 2021

Intelligent turbines for green energy from tidal water power

Engineers at Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg create turbine blades with integrated drives to optimize flow and reduce stall conditions, leading to increased efficiency and lifespan. This technology aims to combat climate change by harnessing sustainable tidal energy, reducing the need for high-performance materials.

SourceOtto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg·DateFeb 24, 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.

Story tips from Johns Hopkins experts on Covid-19

A study published in JAMA Neurology suggests that large bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes may be responsible for the lingering aftereffects of severe COVID-19 cases, including brain fog. The researchers found evidence of megakaryocytes in the brains of patients who died from COVID-19 and believe they may reduce blood flow to the ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateFeb 24, 2021

From melody to language

A study examining over 67,000 infant vocalisations found that babies as young as one month old produce complex melodies, laying the foundation for later speech. The research suggests that infants' brains mature rapidly and undergo 'preparatory' development before birth to enable melody production.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 24, 2021

Why do men publish more research papers than women? Motherhood plays key role

Despite family-leave offerings, women in academia experience a 20% drop in productivity after having children, while men generally do not. The study found that fathers publish more than mothers and that parental leave is crucial for women to maintain their careers. Institutions with gender-neutral policies can help close the gap.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 24, 2021

A gearbox for tumor cell identity changes

Researchers at Max Delbréck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association have made significant findings on the role of chromatin modulators in tumor cell identity changes. By using a combination of CRISPR and molecular reporter technology, they found that chromatin proteins significantly influence how tumor cells change t...

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 24, 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.

Fantastic voyage: Nanobodies could help CRISPR turn genes on and off

Stanford researchers developed a novel technique attaching nanobodies to CRISPR for targeted gene control. This combo enables precise on/off switching of specific genes, potentially correcting epigenetic defects without combining large effectors.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 24, 2021

Accelerator physics: Experiment reveals new options for synchrotron light sources

An international team has shown that a pattern of pulses can be generated in a synchrotron radiation source that combines the advantages of both systems, producing laser-like radiation with high repetition rates. This novel approach could facilitate advances in fields such as materials research and quantum physics.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2021

Effects of face masks on speech recognition

Respirator and cloth masks increase difficulties in recognizing speech amidst background noise. Surgical masks have no negative effect on communication., Researchers found face masks negatively affect speech recognition in noisy settings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 24, 2021

Captive chimpanzees may unite against a common enemy

Captive chimpanzees display cohesive behaviors such as physical closeness and play when exposed to recorded calls of unknown chimp species. This response indicates an innate ability to form alliances, suggesting a complex social structure in captive chimps.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 24, 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.

UK police find missing Brits quicker, at home or abroad.

British citizens who vanish abroad are more likely to be found by UK police due to their longer duration of disappearance, with 134-day average. Non-UK authorities accounted for only 20% of all finds, highlighting the effectiveness of UK police in resolving cases.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·DateFeb 24, 2021

Trial finds no overall effect of statins on muscle pain

A UK-based trial found that statins do not increase the frequency or severity of muscle symptoms in people who had previously reported severe muscle symptoms when taking statins. Most participants planned to restart treatment after completing the study.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 24, 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.

Optimality in self-organized molecular sorting

The study reveals that the propensity to molecular aggregation is the main control parameter of the sorting process, with an optimal value ensuring maximum speed. This finding has implications for understanding the origin of pathologies like cancer and developing targeted therapies.

SourcePolitecnico di Torino·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 24, 2021

Benefits of team building exercises jeopardised if not truly voluntary

A recent study published in the Journal of Social Networks found that team-building interventions can have mixed feelings among employees, with some regarding them as a waste of time. The researchers suggest that some degree of openness and vulnerability is necessary for effective connections with colleagues.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalSocial Networks·DateFeb 24, 2021