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Science News Archive February 2021 - Page 9


Page 9 of 45

Drifter or homebody? Study first to show where whitespotted eagle rays roam

A multiyear study by Florida Atlantic University found striking differences in travel patterns between the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida. The majority of Gulf coast whitespotted eagle rays exhibited migratory behaviors, while most Atlantic coast rays remained residents within the Indian River Lagoon.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalMarine Biology·DateFeb 23, 2021

Scientists propose a new heavy particle similar to the Higgs boson

Researchers at the University of Granada and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have proposed a new heavy particle with properties similar to the Higgs boson. This particle is expected to play a fundamental role in explaining the origin of dark matter, which could solve two major problems in theories of particle physics.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalEuropean Journal of Physics·DateFeb 23, 2021

Simply speaking while infected can potentially spread COVID-19

Scientists discovered that speaking while infected with COVID-19 can spread the virus to others through aerosol droplets. In a study published in Physics of Fluids, researchers found that face-to-face contact increases the risk of transmission.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·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.

Nonconscious brain modulation to remove fears, increase confidence

A new dataset from ATR Brain Information Communication Research Laboratory Group provides insights into Decoded Neurofeedback, a technique that uses AI and brain scanning to modify fear memories and boost confidence. The dataset includes five studies and could lead to new treatments for PTSD, phobias, and anxiety disorders.

SourceATR Brain Information Communication Research Laboratory Group·JournalScientific Data·DateFeb 23, 2021

Whale Sharks show remarkable capacity to recover from injuries

A new study found that whale sharks can heal from lacerations and abrasions within weeks, with partially removed dorsal fins re-growing. This knowledge provides a preliminary understanding of wound healing in this species, highlighting the importance of conservation management to minimize human impacts.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalConservation Physiology·DateFeb 23, 2021

Measuring hemoglobin levels with AI microscope, microfluidic chips

Researchers developed an AI-powered imaging-based tool to estimate hemoglobin levels using a microfluidic chip and automated microscope. The system was validated with a high correlation coefficient of 0.99, meeting regulatory standards. This innovation could revolutionize medical diagnostics by reducing costs and laboratory footprint.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateFeb 23, 2021

Scientists found in marine mold substance that antidotes paraquat

Researchers from Far Eastern Federal University have discovered compounds in marine fungus Penicillium dimorphosporum that protect cells from paraquat's harmful effects. The substances showed a 40% increase in cell viability at low concentrations, and the scientists plan to study their mode of action and potential use with other drugs.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalMarine Drugs·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.

UIC researchers invent new gene-editing tool

Researchers have discovered a new gene-editing technique that allows for the programming of sequential cuts in genes, enabling researchers to better investigate time-sensitive processes like cancer development. The discovery was made by UIC's Bradley Merrill and colleagues using special molecules called 'proGuides',

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 23, 2021

Geometallurgist and NSF CAREER awardee breaks down barriers

Isabel Barton is developing a more proactive approach to extraction by applying detailed characterization methods to quantify relevant ore properties. Her research aims to link these properties to leaching results, leading to more efficient mining operations worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateFeb 23, 2021

Researchers use new tool to study stress in root-colonizing bacteria

Researchers at Utah State University used a new tool to study the effects of stress on Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6, a health-promoting bacterium found in dryland wheat roots. The study found that stress can cause compositional changes in the bacteria's outer membrane vesicles, which may be leveraged for crop benefit.

SourceUtah State University·DateFeb 23, 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.

How much is a clam worth to a coastal community?

Shellfish aquaculture provides direct economic benefits and ecosystem services, including habitat for native species and improved water quality. A study estimated that replacing shellfish aquaculture with traditional engineered nutrient reduction strategies would cost between $2.8-5.8 million per year.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 23, 2021

'Missing ice problem' finally solved

Climate researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute have developed a new method to reconcile sea-level height and glacier thickness, advancing our understanding of past climate history. By analyzing sediment cores and geological conditions, they found that glaciers were larger than previously thought, resolving the 'missing ice problem'.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2021

Tracking melting points above 4000 degrees Celsius

A UC San Diego engineer is developing a research platform to study new materials that melt at temperatures higher than 4000 degrees Celsius. The team aims to increase the melting point of materials by mixing large numbers of different atoms together, reducing the driving force for the solid to melt.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·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.

Researchers reveal genetic predisposition to severe COVID-19

HSE researchers discovered a link between genetic predisposition and severe COVID-19 using machine learning models. The study found that individuals with effective T-cell immunity had lower risk scores, while those with weaker immunity scored higher.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateFeb 23, 2021

Machine learning method identifies precancerous colon polyps

A machine learning algorithm helps differentiate between benign and premalignant polyps in CT colonography data, with a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 85%. The findings suggest a role for machine learning-derived algorithms in boosting the effectiveness of CT colonography as a screening tool for colorectal cancer.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateFeb 23, 2021

You've got to move it, move it

Researchers found that light-intensity physical activity, such as gardening or walking, may protect mobility in older women. Women who spent the most time performing light-intensity activities had a 46% lower risk of mobility loss compared to those with lower levels of physical activity.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 23, 2021

LSU Health New Orleans study finds disadvantaged census tracts linked to COVID incidence

A new LSU Health New Orleans study found a positive association between social vulnerability and COVID-19 incidence at the census tract level. Census tracts with higher levels of social vulnerability were associated with higher COVID-19 cumulative incidence, suggesting targeted interventions could reduce transmission in vulnerable popu...

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·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.

New strategy blocks chronic lung disease in mice

Researchers at WashU Medicine have found a new way to block chronic lung diseases such as asthma and COPD by targeting the packaging of inflammatory cytokines in exosomes. By blocking the release of these packaged cytokines, they can prevent damage to the lungs and slow disease progression in mice.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJCI Insight·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.

Innate immune system worsens the situation in severe COVID-19

Researchers found that the innate immune system overreacts in patients with severe COVID-19, leading to blood clots and oxygen saturation issues. The study suggests that this overreaction may be driven by extensive tissue damage, and may be treatable with existing drugs for hereditary angioedema.

SourceUppsala University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateFeb 23, 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.

Green revolution in electronic displays expected to ease energy and health crises

New strategies aim to achieve ideal bistable electrochromic systems for green displays. Researchers explore various approaches, including material design optimization, indirect EC systems, and device structure improvements. The goal is to overcome technical bottlenecks and enable widespread adoption of sustainable displays.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateFeb 23, 2021

Like wine, environmental conditions impact flavor of whiskey, study finds

A new study by Oregon State University researcher Dustin Herb found that environmental conditions in which barley is grown significantly impacts the flavor of whiskey. The study, published in the journal Foods, used gas chromatography mass spectrometry and sensory analysis to determine the role of terroir in whiskey production.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFoods·DateFeb 23, 2021

Using landscape connectivity to control deadly mosquito-borne viruses

A Yale-led research team created a new method to track how Aedes aegypti mosquitoes move through the environment, combining genetic and environmental data. The results suggest that these mosquitoes travel through a mix of natural and human-aided dispersal, making eco-friendly control methods more crucial than ever.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Transforming urban systems: Toward sustainability

The paper synthesizes five leading frameworks of urban ecology to advance global urban science and achieve sustainability goals. By integrating knowledge from different disciplines, the framework offers practical tools to assess sustainability planning and improve human-environmental wellbeing.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·Journalnpj Urban Sustainability·DateFeb 23, 2021

Spintronics: New production method makes crystalline microstructures universally usable

A new production method developed by physicists at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg enables the transfer of crystalline microstructures to any material, advancing the production of smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient components. The method has potential applications in spintronics, magnonics, and hybrid components.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 23, 2021

Breaking the infertility cycle: Sheep could show us the way

Researchers are using sheep to investigate the multigenerational effects of prenatal exposure to androgen excess and explore dietary interventions to prevent PCOS. The study aims to provide crucial biological information for improving reproductive function across generations and has clinical relevance to women with PCOS.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateFeb 23, 2021

Researchers identify 'violent' processes that cause wheezing in the lungs

A team of engineers at the University of Cambridge identified the physical mechanisms responsible for wheezing, a condition affecting up to a quarter of the world's population. They developed a 'tube law' to predict when wheezing occurs and could lead to a cheaper and faster diagnostic for lung disease.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 23, 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.

New vaccine needed for serious childhood pneumonia

A new study found that a current vaccine reduced childhood pneumonia hospitalizations by 21% but increased empyema admissions by 25%. The researchers urge the development of an effective vaccine against emerging non-vaccine serotypes, particularly serotype 3, which causes 76% of empyema cases.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThorax·DateFeb 23, 2021

'Good bacteria' in breast milk changes over time

Scientists have identified a range of microbiome species never before detected in human milk, which change significantly between early and late lactation. These bacteria are thought to protect the infant gastrointestinal tract and improve aspects of long-term health, such as allergy prevention and toxin resistance.

SourceMcGill University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateFeb 23, 2021

Incarceration is strongly linked with premature death in US

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a strong association between jail incarceration and death rates from various causes in the US. The research estimated that every 1,000 population increase in local jail incarceration rate was associated with significant increases in mortality rates from infectio...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateFeb 23, 2021

More than 87,000 scientific papers on coronavirus since pandemic

A new study reveals that researchers produced more than 87,000 scientific papers about coronavirus between January and October 2020. The vast majority of these studies were conducted by scientists from China and the United States, which initially dominated coronavirus research due to government funding and institutional partnerships.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScientometrics·DateFeb 23, 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.

Tool encoded in coronaviruses provides a potential target for COVID-19

Researchers identify nsp13 as a key helicase enzyme in coronaviruses, which could be targeted for COVID-19 treatment and prevention. The study found that nsp13 is a relatively weak helicase requiring assistance to function, providing a potential first line of defense against future coronavirus outbreaks.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateFeb 23, 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.

Certain occupations may be associated with higher rates of heavy drinking

Research found that jobs classified as skilled trade occupations were most likely associated with heavy drinking, while professional occupations had lower rates. The study used data from 100,817 UK adults aged 40-69 and found associations between occupation and alcohol consumption differed in men and women.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateFeb 23, 2021

Give the heart a ketone? It may be beneficial

Emerging evidence suggests ketone bodies exert protective effects on patients with heart disease, potentially providing a safer alternative to the keto diet. Increasing circulating ketone levels through multiple mechanisms may offer therapeutic advantages in reducing cardiovascular risk factors.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 23, 2021

A memory without a brain

Researchers have identified how Physarum polycephalum, a single-celled organism, stores and retrieves information about its environment through its network architecture. The slime mold weaves memories of food encounters into the architecture and uses stored information to make future decisions.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

ESMO Targeted Anticancer Therapies Congress 2021

The ESMO Targeted Anticancer Therapies Congress 2021 presented new data on drug discovery and development for a range of targets, including precision medicine. World-renowned experts discussed breakthroughs in the microbiome and oncolytic viruses, highlighting their potential as tools and targets.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateFeb 23, 2021

Loss of sense of smell and taste may last up to 5 months after COVID-19

A recent study suggests that people with COVID-19 may experience a prolonged loss of sense of smell and taste, lasting up to five months. The study found that approximately half of participants who lost their sense of smell during the initial illness had not regained it entirely after five months.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateFeb 22, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Sea spray aerosols and sea surface temperature

Researchers found that sea spray aerosol (SSA) concentrations tend to rise with increasing sea surface temperature (SST), offering a more accurate prediction method. This discovery could lead to improved climate modeling by incorporating SSA's dependence on SST.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2021

'Jumping genes' repeatedly form new genes over evolution

A study found that transposons play a key role in creating new genes through exon shuffling, a process that can lead to the creation of novel transcription factors. The research identified over 100 distinct genes fused with transposases across various species, including humans.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateFeb 22, 2021