Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive January 2021


Page 1 of 40

New study: Malaria tricks the brain's defence system

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have made a groundbreaking discovery about malaria, showing that the parasite can cross the blood-brain barrier using a mechanism employed by immune cells. This breakthrough provides new insights into the disease process behind cerebral malaria and its severe neurological consequences.

Algorithm for algal rhythms

A study analyzing satellite data found that algal blooms in the Red Sea are linked to industrial aquaculture and have increased in frequency and size over recent decades. The researchers developed an algorithm to detect these blooms and propose a real-time monitoring system to protect the marine environment.

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.

Wellbeing benefits of wetlands

The study found strong appreciation of natural features in Adelaide's northern metropolitan coastal wetlands, rating them highly for personal wellbeing. Residents developed an attachment to the coastline through activities, valuing these places as they became familiar with them.

Co-use of alcohol and marijuana and beliefs among teens

A study found that teens in Oregon counties with high retail outlet densities for marijuana and alcohol had increased co-use and beliefs favoring use. The results suggest that social access to these substances is more likely than commercial.

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.

New weapon for inflammation

Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a new role for fibrinogen in reducing inflammation and protecting against disease. Fibrinogen's ability to neutralize harmful chemicals like hypochlorite could lead to new biomarkers and therapies for kidney, heart, and other diseases.

Inherited immune condition reversed by random DNA change

Researchers discovered that three patients with DOCK8 deficiency spontaneously repaired their faulty genes through somatic reversion, restoring normal immune function. This breakthrough has implications for future therapies and treatments for the often-fatal disease.

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.

ERAS program expedites recovery for congenital heart surgery patients

A study at Boston Children's Hospital found that a multidisciplinary ERAS program reduced opioid use, improved pain control, and expedited recovery for select congenital heart surgery patients. The program implemented strategies like early extubation, blood conservation, and smaller surgical incisions to enhance patient outcomes.

Host immune classifier HIC assays may predict treatment response

A host immune classifier test may help guide immunotherapy treatment decisions for patients with newly diagnosed non-small cell lung cancer. The test, which measures inflammation in the body, is associated with longer overall survival and better treatment response.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'COVID effect' leads to fewer heart surgeries, more patient deaths

A recent study found a 53% decrease in adult cardiac surgery volume nationwide, with a 65% reduction in elective cases. The pandemic also led to an unexplained increase in deaths after coronary artery bypass grafting, with significant declines in case volume and patient outcomes.

TALENT study supports NLCST and NELSON trial results

A nationwide lung cancer LDCT screening study found the effectiveness of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening in a pre-defined, never-smoker population. The study revealed that family history significantly increased lung cancer risk, and most participants had stage 0 or 1 disease.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Nivolumab effective treatment for malignant mesothelioma

The Checkpoint Blockade for Inhibition of Relapsed Mesothelioma (CONFIRM) study demonstrated that nivolumab significantly improves overall and progression-free survival in patients with relapsed malignant mesothelioma. The treatment also showed a consistent safety profile without new adverse effects.

Scientists solve long-standing mystery by a whisker

Researchers at UC Riverside identified a cortical region in mice that transforms sensory input into movement, opening new directions for studying sensory-motor transformations. The discovery could lead to targeted therapy for patients with sensory- and motor-related brain deficits.

Explaining to your child why behavior is wrong may not always work

A new University of Michigan study found that verbal reasoning can have both positive and negative outcomes on children's emotional development. While it promoted prosocial behavior, it also increased aggression and distraction. Positive discipline methods like providing structure and open communication are recommended instead.

Electric car of the future to be developed in Denmark

Researchers at Aarhus University are developing a new type of battery that can be recharged in just six minutes and has a range of 350 kilometres. The goal is for the battery to have a lifespan of at least 20 years and be virtually maintenance-free.

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.

Coiling them up: Synthesizing organic molecules with a long helical structure

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology produced and characterized novel organic molecules with a long helical structure, revealing special interactions between coils that can exhibit interesting optical and chemical properties. The longer compounds also displayed face-to-face stabilizing interactions between different helical lay...

Black or Hispanic kids receive less medical imaging than white kids

A study found that Black and Hispanic children are less likely to undergo medical imaging tests compared to White children. The disparity is attributed to both unnecessary testing in White children and underuse in minority children, potentially due to implicit bias among providers.

Genetic screening before prescribing could benefit millions

A new study from the University of East Anglia suggests that genetic testing before prescribing common medicines could benefit four million UK patients annually, leading to better patient outcomes and reduced hospital visits. The testing process is simple and cost-effective, making it a promising technology for the NHS.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

'Weak' and 'strong' cells bonding boosts body's diabetes fight

A team of researchers found that immature beta-cells can contribute to proper insulin release when paired with more mature counterparts. By balancing the proportion of 'weak' and 'strong' beta-cells, islet function can be restored under conditions of metabolic stress.

Americans like sports, but heterosexual men especially do

A recent US study reveals that heterosexual men are the most passionate sports fans, with 60% of participants identifying as enthusiastic. However, women and members of the LGBTQ+ community also show a strong interest in sports, with 40% of heterosexual women and 30% of gay men reporting similar enthusiasm.

Apps help integration and health of migrants

A new study found that mobile apps with artificial intelligence improve the health status of migrants by 5.3%, while also increasing social integration by 2.7%. The study, conducted at Anglia Ruskin University, surveyed new migrants and refugees in Greece over a 10-month period.

Forty years of coral spawning captured in one place for the first time

Researchers at Newcastle University and James Cook University have created a comprehensive database of coral spawning information, spanning over 40 years. The Coral Spawning Database (CSD) provides insights into environmental cues influencing spawning timing, such as temperature and daylight patterns.

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.

Production of 'post-lithium-ion batteries' requires new skills

The production of post-lithium-ion batteries faces significant challenges, requiring intensive research and development activities to develop new manufacturing competences and machines. Currently, the vast majority of production capacities for alternative battery technologies, such as solid batteries or lithium-sulphur batteries, are n...

COVID-19 news fromAnnals of Internal Medicine

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that community and demographic factors, such as contact with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19-positive case outside the workplace and Black race, were stronger predictors of COVID-19 infection than occupational exposure among healthcare workers. The study also highlights th...

How is human behavior impacting wildlife movement?

Researchers propose that human behavior, including psychological and socioeconomic factors like hunting and poaching, plays a significant role in shaping wildlife movement. The study highlights the importance of considering 'anthropogenic resistance' in connectivity-planning to ensure sustainable landscapes for both humans and wildlife.

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.

Startup develops yeast-based COVID-19 diagnostic test

BIOinFOOD's new test uses genetically modified brewer's yeast to detect SARS-CoV-2 presence in saliva, promising high sensitivity and speed. The test is expected to be available by mid-2021 and may use red light for easy identification.

Researchers map heart recovery after heart attack with great detail

Researchers from the Hubrecht Institute mapped the recovery of the heart after a heart attack, highlighting the importance of cardiomyocyte communication in forming scar tissue. The study provides new insights into the complex process of heart recovery, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets to improve outcomes.

Reindeer lichens are having more sex than expected

Researchers found that reindeer lichens have unexpected levels of genetic diversity, indicating more gene-mixing among individuals. This contradicts the long-held assumption that these organisms mainly reproduce asexually.

Scientists look to soils to learn how forests affect air quality, climate change

Researchers found that forests dominated by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi trees release more nitrogen gases than those associated with ectomycorrhizal fungi, negatively impacting air quality. Meanwhile, AM-associating tree roots enhance soil carbon storage by releasing protected carbon, highlighting the complexity of forest ecosystems.

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.

Past river activity in northern Africa reveals multiple Sahara greenings

A team of researchers analyzed sediment cores from the Mediterranean Sea and combined them with Earth system models to reconstruct major environmental changes in North Africa. The study reveals that rivers were active in the region thousands of years ago, driven by slight changes in Earth's orbit and polar ice sheet variations.

Hurricanes and typhoons moving 30km closer to coasts every decade

Research from Imperial College London found tropical cyclones are getting 30km closer to coastlines per decade, increasing the risk of damage and 'near-misses'. The study suggests changes in atmospheric patterns may be driving this trend, which could have profound implications for coastal communities worldwide.

A computational approach to understanding how infants perceive language

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences presents a computationally-based modeling approach that simulates infant language learning. The researchers found that infants do not learn consonant- and vowel-like phonetic categories, but rather learn to distinguish between speech sounds in a more nuanced way.

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.

Human activity caused the long-term growth of greenhouse gas methane

The study reveals that methane emissions from human activities, particularly oil and gas sectors, coal mining, and ruminant farming, have led to its long-term growth. The findings highlight the need for targeted emission reduction strategies in these key sectors to mitigate climate change.

A third of Americans say they are unlikely or hesitant to get COVID-19 vaccine

A nationwide survey conducted by UC Davis found that over a third of Americans are unlikely or hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine due to concerns about its safety and effectiveness. The study also identified demographic characteristics, media consumption habits, and political affiliations as factors influencing vaccination intentions.

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.

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.

Robotic exoskeleton training expands options for stroke rehabilitation

Researchers found that high-dose gait training with robotic exoskeletons during acute inpatient rehabilitation can improve motor function and functional independence in stroke patients. The study demonstrated the potential of overground walking in an exoskeleton to increase therapy dose without extending rehabilitation duration.

Alpine plants at risk of extinction following disappearing glaciers

A recent study in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution reveals that alpine plant diversity will decrease once glaciers disappear, with up to 22% of species facing local extinction. The research highlights the 'winners' and 'losers' among plant species, with some benefiting from global warming while others will suffer.