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Science News Archive February 2021 - Page 8


Page 8 of 45

Fighting fit cockroaches have 'hidden strength'

A new study found that dominant male wide-horned hissing cockroaches have larger respiratory systems, allowing them to dominate physical mating battles. This adaptation may enhance their fighting ability and play a crucial role in sexual selection.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateFeb 23, 2021

Sustainable but smartly: Tackling security and privacy issues in smart agriculture

A comprehensive analysis identifies risks in smart agriculture and proposes countermeasures to prevent information theft and cyberattacks. The researchers categorized agricultural systems into three modes and proposed six general countermeasures, including technological and physical solutions.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateFeb 23, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

ALS neuron damage reversed with new compound

Scientists at Northwestern University have identified a compound that eliminates degeneration of upper motor neurons in ALS, a neurodegenerative disease. After 60 days of treatment, diseased brain cells regain health and function like healthy control neurons.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2021

Detecting COVID-19 with a sticker on your skin

A University of Missouri engineer has received a $500,000 grant to mass-produce a wearable bioelectronic device capable of detecting COVID-19 and tracking multiple vital signs. The device, which can be customized to fit individual health needs, aims to provide critical information for early detection and potentially save lives.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateFeb 23, 2021

The magic angle of twisted graphene

Researchers discovered that twisted graphene at a 1.1-degree angle produces superconductivity, allowing for efficient electricity transport without resistance. The magic angle creates a moiré effect, trapping electrons and phonons in domains that enable superconducting properties.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalNature·DateFeb 23, 2021

Glaciers accelerate in the Getz region of West Antarctica

Research finds widespread increases in ice speed across the Getz sector, with some ice accelerating into the ocean by nearly 50%. Thirteen glaciers are thinning and flowing more quickly into the ocean, contributing to a total loss of 315 gigatonnes of ice between 1994 and 2018.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 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.

Game theory may be useful in explaining and combating viruses

Researchers applied game theory to analyze cellular processes, revealing insights into viral behavior and immune system deception. The study provides blueprints for understanding mimicry formation and destruction in cellular populations.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 23, 2021

Machine learning aids in simulating dynamics of interacting atoms

A new machine learning approach simulates atom dynamics in materials like aluminum, enhancing computational materials discovery. The automated method uses active learning to iteratively build a diverse training dataset, emulating highly accurate quantum simulations at reduced computational cost.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2021

Alaska thunderstorms may triple with climate change

Researchers predict that Alaska will experience a significant increase in thunderstorms by the end of the century, with storms becoming more frequent and intense, especially in southern regions. This shift is driven by warming temperatures and ice-free waters around Alaska, which will fuel atmospheric moisture.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateFeb 23, 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.

Losing Obamacare protections during pandemic could increase health disparities

A third of patients with COVID-19 did not have another health condition before contracting the virus, highlighting the need to protect those with pre-existing conditions. This study suggests that repealing Affordable Care Act protections for pre-existing conditions could further increase health disparities among people of color.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2021

How women, migrants and workers are represented in the German Bundestag

Members from underrepresented groups in German Bundestag are more active in legislative process but tend to move on after few years due to career-related incentives. They often focus on group interests initially, then shift to broader topics for greater power and appeal.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalBritish Journal of Political Science·DateFeb 23, 2021

For selenium in rivers, timing matters

Research in the Lower Gunnison River Basin found that selenium concentrations in fish prey were highest in April and August due to snowmelt and irrigation. This study highlights the importance of considering the timing of exposure to selenium, which can impair development and survival in aquatic species.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 23, 2021

Waitlist policies may contribute to racial disparities in kidney transplant access

A recent study found that enrolling Black patients on the waitlist with slightly better kidney function could reduce racial disparities in transplant access. This approach aims to bridge the gap between Black and white patients' wait times before kidney failure, ultimately promoting greater equality in transplantation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 23, 2021

Agile underwater glider could quietly survey the seas

Purdue University scientists create ROUGHIE, a maneuverable underwater glider that can operate silently and efficiently in shallow seas. The glider's unique design allows it to follow complex paths and explore areas inaccessible to other underwater gliders.

SourcePurdue University·JournalSensors·DateFeb 23, 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.

Models to predict dengue, zika and yellow fever outbreaks are developed by researchers

A groundbreaking study aims to create predictive models to monitor and combat epidemics of yellow fever and other mosquito-borne diseases. By analyzing factors such as deforestation, rainfall variations and non-human primate populations, researchers hope to develop models that can predict outbreaks and protect the public.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEmerging Topics in Life Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2021

Parasitic plants conspire to keep hosts alive

Researchers found mistletoes can increase photosynthesis to share resources with their hosts, reducing harm to the tree. This strategy allows them to coexist and even benefit birds and pollinators.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 23, 2021

Oxidation processes in combustion engines and in the atmosphere take the same routes

A research team at TROPOS and University of Helsinki has discovered that alkanes in fuels produce highly oxygenated compounds that can form organic aerosol and contribute to air pollution. The study uses state-of-the-art measurement technology to demonstrate an efficient autoxidation chain reaction for saturated hydrocarbons.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateFeb 23, 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.

Dingo effects on ecosystem visible from space

A recent UNSW Sydney study pairs satellite imagery with site-based field research to show that removing dingoes leads to overgrazing and reduced soil quality. The effects of dingo removal are visible from space, with vegetation inside the fence having poorer long-term growth than outside.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalLandscape Ecology·DateFeb 23, 2021

New therapeutic target for Huntington's treatment

Researchers at the University of Barcelona have identified small RNAs as a potential therapeutic target for Huntington's disease, which could lead to new treatments and biomarkers. The study reveals that sRNAs play a crucial role in the progression of the disease, including neurotoxicity and neuronal loss.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateFeb 23, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

For students of color, online racism leads to real-world mental health challenges

A recent study found that online racism has a significant impact on the mental health of college students of color, even more so than in-person experiences. The study suggests that social media platforms can be a breeding ground for racialized aggressions and assaults, which can lead to real and significant mental health impacts.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Student Affairs Research and Practice·DateFeb 23, 2021

Do people with migraine get enough exercise?

People with chronic migraine are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and sleep problems if they don't get enough exercise. Researchers found that a minimum of two-and-a-half hours of moderate to vigorous exercise per week can reduce migraine triggers.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateFeb 23, 2021

How did dogs get to the Americas? An ancient bone fragment holds clues

A new study has discovered a bone fragment in Southeast Alaska that belongs to the oldest confirmed dog in the Americas, dated to around 10,150 years ago. The DNA analysis suggests that the dog's lineage diverged from Siberian dogs around 16,700 years ago, coinciding with human migration along a coastal route.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateFeb 23, 2021

Saki monkeys get screen time for more control over their lives in captivity

Researchers from Aalto University designed a video player that saki monkeys can activate on demand, promoting animal welfare and reducing stress. The study found that the animals spent more time watching certain types of videos, such as underwater scenes and worms, and exhibited less scratching behavior when presented with video content.

SourceAalto University·JournalAnimals·DateFeb 23, 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.

Terahertz imaging of graphene paves the way to industrialization

Researchers have developed a new measurement standard for graphene analysis, allowing for fast and non-destructive quality control. The technique enables the creation of high-quality graphene products with consistent performance, accelerating large-scale production and industrialization.

SourceGraphene Flagship·Journal2D Materials·DateFeb 23, 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.

Low-level jets create winds of change for turbines

Researchers found that low-level jets can increase power production by up to 30% when positioned below turbines. Turbines placed above or at the same height as LLJs experience reduced efficiency due to blocked airflow. The study highlights the importance of optimizing turbine height for maximum energy capture.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateFeb 23, 2021

The unveiling of a novel mechanism of resistance to immunotherapy targeting HER2

Researchers have identified a novel mechanism of resistance to immunotherapy targeting HER2, where cancer cells adopt a strategy to evade clearance by redirected lymphocytes. The study found that disrupting interferon-gamma signaling confers resistance to these immunotherapies, promoting disease progression.

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 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.

CUHK study brings new direction for treating neurological diseases

A recent CUHK study has provided a novel understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanisms behind the function of the blood-CSF barrier. The research team found that SOX9 is essential to prevent leakage of undesired molecules into the cerebrospinal fluid, highlighting its critical role in maintaining brain homeostasis.

SourceThe Chinese University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2021

Project examines how to make 'farm to table' more sustainable

A University of Texas at Arlington assistant professor is leading a study on making 'farm to table' more sustainable by examining peri-urban farming in central Iowa. The goal is to produce 50% of Des Moines residents' nutritional needs and reduce environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateFeb 23, 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.

Climate impacts drive east-west divide in forest seed production

A new study finds that eastern forests are more responsive to climate change, with younger trees increasing their seed production. In contrast, older western trees have been less responsive, which could limit their ability to regenerate after diebacks. The study reveals a continental divide in forest responses to climate change.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2021

Beta blockers can repair malformed blood vessels in the brain

A study published in Stroke found that propranolol can shrink and stabilize vascular lesions in the brain, potentially treating cerebral cavernous malformations. Researchers administered propranolol to mice with hereditary CCMs, which resulted in fewer and smaller lesions.

SourceUppsala University·JournalStroke·DateFeb 23, 2021

Distinguishing between two very similar pediatric brain conditions

A new study by UT Southwestern scientists reveals distinct characteristics of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and autoimmune encephalitis (AE), which may enable better treatment outcomes for patients. Slight differences in clinical features, lab results, and imaging findings can help distinguish between the two conditions.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalPediatric Neurology·DateFeb 23, 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.

Largest comprehensive Middle East GWAS reveals Arab genetic risk factors

A comprehensive genetic study in Qatar identifies genetic associations with 45 clinically relevant traits, shedding new light on the genetic architecture of clinical laboratory tests. The study highlights the importance of further research to define the genetic architecture of diseases in the Middle East region.

SourceQatar Foundation·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2021

'Problem of missing ice' finally solved by movement of the Earth's crust

Researchers have successfully resolved the 'Missing Ice Problem' by including crustal, gravitational, and rotational perturbations in their model. The new reconstruction reveals that the total mass of Last Ice Age glaciers was 20% smaller and accumulated faster than previously thought.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2021

New research identifies the most important global supply chain linkages

The study's model analyzes country-sector linkages in the European Union, identifying EU trade partners as the most important linkages for sector growth. Domestic ties are also crucial, but less important than trade agreements.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEconomic Systems Research·DateFeb 23, 2021

COVID-19 communication

A medical school professor highlights the importance of empathy in COVID-19 care, prioritizing humanity over statistics for families affected by critical illness. The essay aims to shift the focus from data-driven approaches to compassion and caring in healthcare.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 23, 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.

Managing suicide risk in research study participants

A new protocol aims to identify and measure suicidal ideation in research studies, ensuring participant safety. The protocol uses the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale to score risk levels, triggering interventions such as stopping data collection or contacting mental health resources.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNursing Research·DateFeb 23, 2021

Cre-controlled CRISPR: Conditional gene inactivation just got easier

Researchers have developed a new method, Cre-Controlled CRISPR, which combines the benefits of the Cre/lox system and CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors for conditional gene inactivation. This approach allows for faster and easier gene editing with reduced labor needed to flank genes with lox sequences.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2021

Study finds COVID risk communication targeting younger adults may have biggest impact

A US study suggests that young adults (under 40) perceive COVID-19 risks differently than older generations, with lower perceived risk and fewer preventive measures taken. Effective targeted communication efforts could encourage more risk reduction behaviors among younger generations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 23, 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.

Microbiome boost may help corals resist bleaching

A team of scientists is exploring the use of beneficial bacteria to help corals cope with climate change and bleaching events. By improving the health of coral symbionts, researchers hope to provide a 'medicine' to help corals adapt to changing environmental pressures.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAnnual Review of Animal Biosciences·DateFeb 23, 2021

Global travellers vulnerable to drug-resistant bacteria - study

A recent study reveals that international travellers are highly susceptible to virulent strains of drug-resistant bacteria, often acquiring multiple types during a single trip. Researchers found that 70% of European volunteers colonised with MDR-GN bacteria, highlighting the need for improved infection control measures.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·DateFeb 23, 2021

Elsevier donates original drawings of the Pernkopf Anatomy Atlas to the MedUni Vienna

The Medical University of Vienna has received the original drawings and materials of the famous Pernkopf Atlas of Anatomy from Elsevier, along with funding for digitization and cataloguing. The donation supports historical reappraisal of the atlas's creation, which used models from executed victims of Nazi justice.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalAnnals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger·DateFeb 23, 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.