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Science News for January 18, 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.

NIH officials highlight COVID-19 vaccine facts, unknowns for healthcare providers

The NIH highlights seven COVID-19 vaccines with promising data on safety and efficacy, while acknowledging remaining unknowns. The commentary emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to strongly encourage vaccination, particularly as rare side effects may emerge in large populations.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 18, 2021

E-cigarettes stress lungs, impair protein function

A new technique developed by researchers at PNNL reveals that e-cigarettes inflict subtle structural changes in proteins, marking the first time such damage has been measured. The study found significant oxidative stress on lung tissue in rats, compromising regulatory proteins and potentially leading to chronic stress.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalRedox Biology·DateJan 18, 2021

A 'super-puff' planet like no other

Researchers found that WASP-107b's massive gas envelope could form easily with a less massive core than previously thought, contradicting classical models of gas-giant planet formation. The discovery has significant implications for our understanding of exoplanet formation and the variety of planets in the universe.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·DateJan 18, 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.

Money matters to happiness--perhaps more than previously thought

A new study by Matthew Killingsworth from the University of Pennsylvania found that money does influence happiness, contrary to previous research suggesting a dollar-value plateau. Higher earners experience increased feelings of control over life, leading to greater well-being.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2021

Tracking the evolution Maxwell knots

Maxwell knots are peculiar solutions to the Maxwell equations, with unique electric and magnetic field line structures. The study suggests these knotted field lines may move in a special manner, preserving their knot nature, and could be integrable, linking them to other mathematical models.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateJan 18, 2021

'Babysitters' provide boost to offspring of elderly birds

Research from the University of East Anglia and the University of Groningen found that elderly parents' help in raising their young improves offspring survival rates. The study on Seychelles warblers highlights the benefits of cooperative breeding in social species.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEvolution Letters·DateJan 18, 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.

A mathematical study describes how metastasis starts

Researchers from UC3M and UCM developed a mathematical model to understand how cancer cells invade healthy tissue, using topological data analysis techniques. The model simulates the collective movement of cells in tissues and can be used to track the progression of tumor growth.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 18, 2021

Improving rabies vaccination rates with data

A recent redesign of a dog vaccination campaign in Blantyre city, Malawi, reduced the cost and time associated with rabies prevention by leveraging real-time data collection. The campaign vaccinated over 70% of local dogs using a combination of fixed locations and door-to-door vaccinations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2021

Grain mixing and damage may help initiate the subduction of tectonic plates

Compressive stresses in the lithosphere induce grain mixing and damage, generating vertical weak bands that facilitate subduction initiation. These weak zones are susceptible to bending associated with subduction and may provide insight into plate tectonics on Earth.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 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.

Eliminating microplastics in wastewater directly at the source

Researchers from INRS develop electrolytic treatment of wastewater to degrade microplastics directly at the source. The technology breaks down microplastics into non-toxic CO2 and water molecules, offering a promising solution for mitigating their environmental impact.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJan 18, 2021

Parkinson's: Initial steps to show nerves their growth direction magnetically

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a method to control the direction of nerve fiber growth using magnetic nanoparticles. The team successfully implanted functionalized nanoparticles into model neurons, allowing them to guide axon growth and potentially promote regeneration in Parkinson's patients.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 18, 2021

Rethinking spin chemistry from a quantum perspective

A team from Osaka City University developed a quantum algorithm that can accurately calculate energy differences between the electronic ground and excited spin states of open-shell molecular systems. This breakthrough enables efficient calculations for complex molecules, potentially revolutionizing chemical and industrial applications.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalChemical Science·DateJan 18, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

COVID-19 news fromAnnals of Internal Medicine

A recent study found that mortality rates decreased among critically ill COVID-19 patients over time. In contrast, experts from NIAID emphasized the importance of using data to encourage vaccine uptake. Meanwhile, a hospital essay describes a Ransomware attack during the pandemic, highlighting the challenges faced by healthcare profess...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 18, 2021

Novel organoid models: Illuminating path to cervical cancers

Researchers created novel organoid models for the cervix, identifying key turning points in cancer development and the origin of precancerous cells. They discovered two distinct stem cells controlling epithelial lineages at the cervical transition zone.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 18, 2021

A massive advance in spectrometry

Scientists at Kanazawa University developed a new method to study the neutralization of excess charges during mass spectrometry, which can lead to more accurate results. The team used a combination of continuum and molecular dynamics simulations to model the effect of adding molecules of the opposite charge to neutralize excess charge.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateJan 18, 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.

Healing ceramic electrolyte degraded by Li dendrite

A research team at Toyohashi University of Technology and University of Calgary investigates the effect of post-annealing on a garnet-type Ta-substituted LLZO ceramic solid electrolyte degraded by Li metal penetration. The study reveals that annealed Ta-LLZO maintains high Li ion conductivity above 10^-4 S cm^-1 at room temperature, ma...

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateJan 18, 2021

Timing is of the essence when treating brain swelling in mice

Researchers discovered myelomonocytic cells that enter the brain too quickly and cause devastating damage, while a slower subset helps repair damaged vessels. Administering treatment within six hours of injury can reduce swelling and improve outcomes.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 18, 2021

Personalized brain stimulation alleviates severe depression symptoms

Scientists at UCSF have developed a personalized neuromodulation approach that targets individual patients' distinctive symptoms, providing relief from severe depression within minutes. The approach uses stereo-EEG to map brain regions and identify optimal stimulation sites.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 18, 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.

Beyond the horizon: Innovative cancer drug discovery

The event aims to address current and future challenges in cancer drug development through panel discussions with eminent speakers. Delegates will learn about key areas for innovation and collaboration to improve cancer treatment.

SourceNational Cancer Research Institute·DateJan 18, 2021

Synthesis of potent antibiotic follows unusual chemical pathway

Researchers at Penn State have discovered a unique enzyme-catalyzed reaction in the production of thiostrepton, a potent antibiotic that can also target breast cancer cells. The breakthrough, detailed in a new Nature Chemistry study, could lead to the development of more effective human medicines.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJan 18, 2021

CMOS-compatible 3D ferroelectric memory with ultralow power and high speed

A POSTECH research team has developed a CMOS-compatible 3D ferroelectric memory with ultralow power consumption and high speed. The new material and structure ensure low power consumption and high speed, achieving speeds several hundred times faster than conventional flash memory.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 18, 2021

A new archaeology for the Anthropocene era

Archaeologists are addressing modern-day issues like biodiversity conservation and climate change by analyzing past data and solutions. The field has evolved to a highly scientific approach using advanced instrumentation and computers.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 18, 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.

Scientists streamline process for controlling spin dynamics

Scientists have successfully controlled spin dynamics in magnetic materials using a technique called resonant inelastic x-ray scattering. By studying thin films of iron as thin as one nanometer, researchers discovered that the thickness of magnetic materials can act as a 'knob' for fine-tuning spin dynamics.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 18, 2021

The brain region responsible for self-bias in memory

Research finds that the ventromedial prefrontal cortex drives self-bias in working memory, allowing individuals to recall information about themselves faster than others. This brain region is activated when holding self-representing stimuli in working memory.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJan 18, 2021

Debris-covered glaciers on Mars formed over multiple glaciations

High-resolution imaging revealed debris-covered glacier deposits on Mars formed in multiple punctuated episodes of ice accumulation over long timescales. Boulder size and distribution varied across the glacial landforms, contradicting predictions for a single continuous deposition period.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2021

UCI researchers: Climate change will alter the position of the Earth's tropical rain belt

A study published in Nature Climate Change finds that climate change will alter the position of the Earth's tropical rain belt, with a northward shift expected in the Eastern Hemisphere and a southward shift in the Western Hemisphere. This shift may lead to increased drought stress in some regions and intensified flooding in others.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 18, 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.

Cyber-evolution: How computer science is harnessing the power of Darwinian transformation

Researchers in Arizona State University's Biodesign Center explore how evolutionary computation simulates nature's evolution principles, enabling machines to find novel solutions to complex problems. The study highlights six hallmarks of Darwinian evolution and demonstrates progress in applying these features to AI and engineering design.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateJan 18, 2021

Primary care physicians account for a minority of spending on low-value care

Research suggests that primary care physicians play a smaller role in high-value spending than previously thought, with most PCPs contributing less than 9% of low-value spending per patient. Genetic testing is also limited in predicting disease in healthy individuals, highlighting the need for caution in its use as a preventive tool.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 18, 2021

Why remdesivir does not fully stop the coronavirus

Researchers found that remdesivir interferes with the viral polymerase after a delay, causing it to pause rather than block replication entirely. The study opens opportunities for scientists to improve the drug and develop new compounds to stop the virus's copying machine.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 18, 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.

Lasers & molecular tethers create perfectly patterned platforms for tissue engineering

Scientists at the University of Washington develop a technique to modify biological polymers with protein-based biochemical messages, triggering cell behavior. The approach uses near-infrared lasers to attach proteins to scaffolds made from collagen or fibrin, creating intricate patterns that control cell growth and signaling.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2021

Simple, cheap test can help save lives from colorectal cancer

Researchers developed a simple, affordable test to detect hidden blood in feces, helping identify those at risk of developing colorectal cancer. The test has shown exceptional performance in detecting the disease in patients with low-risk symptoms, reducing the need for unnecessary colonoscopies.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateJan 18, 2021

COVID-19 has multiple faces

Researchers identified five molecular phenotypes of COVID-19, each with unique gene activity patterns, and found potential drug candidates for therapy. The study's results may lead to more effective treatments by tailoring therapies to individual patients.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalGenomic Medicine·DateJan 18, 2021

How cells move and don't get stuck

Cell velocity depends on surface stickiness, and researchers have figured out the precise mechanics. A mathematical model captures forces involved in cell movement, matching experimental results for various cell types. The findings could provide new targets to interrupt tumor metastasis.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 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.

Low-carbon policies can be 'balanced' to benefit small firms and average households

A new study finds that low-carbon policies can be designed to benefit local firms and lower-income families, while also promoting innovation and competitiveness. The researchers analyzed over 7,000 studies to identify the most effective policy combinations that balance environmental goals with social and economic considerations.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 18, 2021

Capturing ultra-fast insect movement

High-speed X-ray imaging reveals click beetles can perform extreme movements by releasing stored energy quickly, supporting the idea of a distributed spring mechanism. Understanding this dynamics could inform development of insect-inspired robots.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 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.

New method to assist fast-tracking of vaccines for pre-clinical tests

Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a novel method to rapidly synthesize safe vaccines using protein-based immunization. The approach demonstrated strong immune response in mice against tuberculosis and has potential applications for respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2021

Armouring anti-cancer T cells against immunosuppressants

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have designed armoured immune cells that can target hepatocellular carcinoma, a common type of primary liver cancer, without being affected by immunosuppressive drugs used to prevent organ rejection. The T cells remain effective for up to four days before regaining sensitivity to the drugs.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalHepatology·DateJan 18, 2021

NUS engineers create 'smart' aerogel that turns air into drinking water

Researchers at NUS have created a substance that extracts water from air without external power, producing up to 17 litres of water per day. The 'smart' aerogel autonomously gathers and condenses water molecules, meeting World Health Organization standards for drinking water.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 18, 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.

No insect crisis in the Arctic - yet

A new study reveals that rare Arctic insect populations are declining, while more common species are thriving due to climatic changes. Climate-driven shifts in growing seasons and permafrost thawing may be key factors contributing to these trends.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2021

Modulating helical nanostructures in liquid crystal phase by molecular design

A team of researchers has successfully developed sulfur-containing liquid crystal molecules with oppositely directed ester bonds, exhibiting a twist-bend nematic phase over a wide temperature range. The study reveals that the ester bond direction significantly impacts the helical pitch lengths in the phase.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalMaterials Advances·DateJan 18, 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.

Latch, load and release: Elastic motion makes click beetles click, study finds

Researchers studied the forces behind click beetles' signature clicking maneuver, discovering that they utilize snap-buckling and elastic recoil to release energy. The study provides insights into extreme motion, energy storage, and release in small animals like trap-jaw ants and mantis shrimps.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2021

New tool removes chemotherapy drugs from water systems

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a novel method to remove anti-cancer drugs like methotrexate from wastewater using porous metal-organic frameworks. The technique is affordable, effective, and has high adsorption capacity, making it an impressive candidate for improving wastewater systems.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateJan 18, 2021

Purely organic hole transporter

Scientists have developed a novel, doped-free hole-transporting layer for perovskite solar cells, achieving 21% power conversion efficiency and improved durability in humid air. The new material outperforms reference materials and protects the perovskite organic cell from degradation.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 18, 2021

A trap for nematodes

Scientists at the University of Bonn have identified a mechanism by which the immune system attacks filarial larvae, releasing DNA that forms a web around the larvae and traps them. The Dectin-1 receptor plays a key role in triggering this process, known as ETosis.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 18, 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.

Strong M-M' Pauli repulsion leads to repulsive metallophilicity

A research team led by Professor Chi-Ming Che and Dr. Jun Yang has resolved a long-standing problem in metal-metal closed-shell interaction, finding strong M-M' Pauli repulsion leads to repulsive metallophilicity. This discovery has profound implications for the fabrication of self-assemblies by transition metal complexes.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2021

New discovery in breast cancer treatment

Researchers have found that androgen receptor activation by natural androgens or a new drug has potent anti-tumour activity in all estrogen receptor positive breast cancers, even those resistant to current treatments. This study provides new evidence for an alternative treatment strategy.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 18, 2021

INRS's ALLS laboratory has acquired new and more efficient laser facilities

The Advanced Laser Light Source Laboratory (ALLS) at INRS has received significant funding to upgrade its laser facilities, enabling researchers to access revolutionary applications in physics, chemistry, and materials science. This upgrade positions INRS as a leader in ultrafast science and quantum technologies.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateJan 18, 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.

Of the honey bee dance

Researchers found that despite diverse signals in the waggle dance among honey bee species, responder bees perceive messages similarly, using comparable vantage points. The team studied three Indian species, finding similar behavior and preference for optimal viewing spots, with some species having more followers.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJan 18, 2021

Increased blood flow during sleep tied to critical brain function

Researchers found increased blood flow and dilation of brain arterioles during non-REM and REM sleep stages, indicating the brain's ability to clear waste products. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of how disrupted sleep affects mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

SourcePenn State·DateJan 18, 2021

Scientists produce the first in-vitro embryos from vitrified African lion oocytes

Researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research have successfully produced in-vitro embryos from vitrified African lion oocytes, demonstrating a promising method for genetic resource banking. The study showed that half of the vitrified oocytes matured, with seven early embryos developing, providing hope for the conse...

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalCryobiology·DateJan 18, 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.

Explaining the formation of termite nests

African termites' underground nests are built using a self-organized architecture that reflects individual behavior and environmental cues. The study's mathematical model simulates nest construction, revealing consistent vertical and horizontal spacing patterns.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2021

Cosmic beasts and where to find them

Two giant radio galaxies have been discovered in a small patch of sky, exceeding the size of the Milky Way. The discovery was made possible by the MeerKAT International Gigahertz Tiered Extragalactic Exploration (MIGHTEE) survey, which revealed these cosmic beasts with unprecedented sensitivity.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 18, 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.

Robot learns fast but safe navigation strategy

A new framework combines DRL and curriculum learning to enable mobile robots to navigate quickly while avoiding collisions. The framework is proven to achieve the highest success rate in training and validation processes, making it valuable for various fields requiring fast but safe navigation.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalIEEE Access·DateJan 18, 2021