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Science News for January 22, 2021


Meta-Apo supports cheaper, quicker microbiome functional assessment

A new algorithm called Meta-Apo reduces the need for expensive whole-genome sequencing to understand microbial function, improving consistency with 16S rRNA gene amplicon results. This approach enables accurate diagnoses like gingivitis improvement from 65% to 95% using low-cost 16S-amplicon sequencing.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalBMC Genomics·DateJan 22, 2021

No more needles for diagnostic tests?

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis developed a pain-free microneedle patch that can detect biomarkers in the fluid between cells, revolutionizing diagnostic testing. The technology offers unprecedented sensitivity and could eliminate unnecessary hospital trips and discomfort.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 22, 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.

Chimpanzee friends fight together to battle rivals

Strong social bonds increase willingness to join others in battle, according to a study by Max Planck Institute researchers. The study found that males and females participate in battles, and that three factors – group size, maternal kin involvement, and non-kin social bond partners – increase the likelihood of participation.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2021

Study recommends rugby league invests in young players' diets

Rugby league's young players can benefit from individualized nutrition plans to improve physical capacity, health, and recovery throughout their careers. The study provides practical food and drink examples for sports dietitians and coaches to help players eat and drink enough as part of a healthy diet.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism·DateJan 22, 2021

Dramatic changes to radiotherapy treatments due to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic saw a decrease in radiotherapy treatment courses, particularly among older patients. The new study reveals that the English NHS adapted its services quickly to protect patients, with some types of cancer seeing increased use of radiotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJan 22, 2021

Join best-selling author James Nestor on 'breath' and sinus health

The American Rhinologic Society has launched SinusHealth.com, the first-ever patient-focused online resource dedicated to nasal and sinus conditions and treatments. James Nestor will discuss his book Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, exploring the science of breathing and its impact on health.

SourceGreen Room Communications·DateJan 22, 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.

Proteins unspool DNA so cells can take on unique properties

A new study reveals that pioneer transcription factors help unspool tightly wound coils of DNA, allowing genetic blueprints to be read and proteins to be made. The researchers found that one pioneer factor can interact with two different remodelers to regulate transcription, a process deeply conserved across species.

SourceCornell University·JournalGenes & Development·DateJan 22, 2021

Flowery diets help predatory insects help farmers keep pests in check

Research finds that flowers provide essential nectar and pollen for predatory insects, helping them survive up to 8 times longer. This can significantly reduce the need for agricultural pesticides, improving crop production while supporting biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalBiological Control·DateJan 22, 2021

NIH-funded study examines mono, chronic fatigue syndrome in college students

A longitudinal study of 4,501 college students found that those who developed chronic fatigue syndrome after infectious mononucleosis had more physical symptoms and immune irregularities at baseline. Researchers also discovered that emotional functioning and psychological states were not statistically different from those who recovered.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJan 22, 2021

Risk factors for intraoperative pressure injury in aortic surgery

Patients undergoing aortic surgery are at high risk of developing intraoperative pressure injuries due to increased incidence compared to other cardiac surgeries. Nurses should thoroughly assess risk and implement preventative interventions for high-risk patients.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateJan 22, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The seven rocky planets of TRAPPIST-1 seem to have very similar compositions

A new study measured the densities of seven exoplanets in the TRAPPIST-1 system with extreme precision, finding remarkably similar compositions among all planets. The researchers propose three hypotheses to explain this similarity, including lower iron content, oxygen-enriched compositions, and water enrichment.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·DateJan 22, 2021

Navigating uncertainty: Why we need decision theory during a pandemic

A team of researchers, including a Nobel laureate, argues that modern decision theory can help policymakers navigate the uncertainty of a pandemic. By accounting for three layers of uncertainty, formal decision rules can provide clarity and test intuition.

SourceBocconi University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2021

Pancreatic β cell-derived exosomal miR-29 family enhances hepatic glucose output

Researchers identified pancreatic β cell-derived exosomal miR-29 family as a new mechanism that regulates glucose homeostasis through liver. Exosomal miR-29s negatively regulate insulin signalling pathway via targeting p85 α, attenuating the suppression of insulin on glucose output.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateJan 22, 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.

Wu & Hakami investigating COVID-19 therapies

Researchers Yuntao Wu and Ramin Hakami are investigating COVID-19 therapies using the K18-hACE2 mouse model, which can replicate severe COVID-19 infection in humans. The study aims to test the efficacy of therapeutics developed by Dejia Harmony against COVID-19.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateJan 22, 2021

Microbiome Search Engine 2 helps researchers explore microbiome space

The new search engine enables researchers to compare different samples with the same function in various microbiomes, aiding disease diagnosis and treatment. MSE 2 includes an extended database of over 260,000 samples, providing a bird's eye view of the microbiome data space

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalmSystems·DateJan 22, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Predictive value of blood pressure, heart rate, and blood pressure/heart rate ratio in a Chinese subpopulation with vasovagal syncope

Researchers discovered predictive values for blood pressure, heart rate, and ratio in a Chinese subpopulation with vasovagal syncope using simplistic tilt test. The study suggests that ratios of blood pressure to heart rate derived from ambulatory blood pressure monitoring may better predict the presence and pattern of vasovagal syncope.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateJan 22, 2021

Regulating the ribosomal RNA production line

Cryo-electron microscopy study reveals how an enzyme synthesizes ribosomal RNA at different speeds depending on the bacteria's growth rate, providing insights into the regulation of this process and its importance in E. coli cells.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 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.

Placental function can illuminate future disease in adults and children

A CU Anschutz study reveals associations between placental signaling and metabolic disease in children and adults, offering potential early intervention and diagnosis of conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Placenta function can illuminate future disease in adults and children.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalDiabetes·DateJan 22, 2021

Sliding life expectancy poses gender and inequity questions

A new study finds that women live longer than men globally since 2006, but paradoxically report more illness. The research explores the complex interplay of biological, social and health service factors contributing to this phenomenon.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJan 22, 2021

New technique builds super-hard metals from nanoparticles

Researchers at Brown University have developed a method to create solid metal structures by smashing individual metal nanoclusters together. The technique, which involves chemical treatment and pressure, produces metals with uniform grain sizes that can be precisely tuned for enhanced properties.

SourceBrown University·JournalChem·DateJan 22, 2021

Reducing traps increases performance of organic photodetectors

Organic photodetectors (OPDs) have shown high efficiency but are limited by trap states that cause noise in the off state. Research has identified traps as a major factor in OPD performance. The study provides guidance for further research into understanding and mitigating these limitations.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 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.

1 million Euros for black holes made from semimetals

A new research project aims to control electron flow in semimetals, enabling the development of novel quantum sensors. The TOPREL project will unify theoretical foundations from various physics areas, unleashing the potential of semimetals.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·DateJan 22, 2021

A large number of gray whales are starving and dying in the eastern North Pacific

A new international study suggests that starvation is contributing to the mortality of gray whales along the west coast of Mexico, USA, and Canada. The researchers used drone photogrammetry to measure the body condition of the whales, which showed a marked decline in juvenile and adult gray whales visiting Laguna San Ignacio.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateJan 22, 2021

Potential combined drug therapy for lung cancer

Researchers at Kanazawa University have found that combining alectinib with ixazomib, a proteasome inhibitor, restores the efficacy of alectinib in patients with NSCLC who develop secondary TP53 mutations. This combination therapy has shown promising results in preclinical trials.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJan 22, 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.

Single atoms as a catalyst: Surprising effects ensue

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a new approach to single-atom catalysis, which can lead to more effective and cost-efficient catalysts. The study reveals that customized properties through tailored surfaces can change the reactivity of individual atoms, making expensive metals like platinum less necessary.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·DateJan 22, 2021

A method for calculating optimal parameters of liquid chrystal displays developed at RUDN University

Scientists created a method for calculating optimal parameters of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) to enhance viewing angles without compromising image quality. The new technology uses diffraction optical elements with specific surface microreliefs to expand the angle of view, allowing for better color rendition and high resolution.

SourceRUDN University·JournalJournal of the Society for Information Display·DateJan 22, 2021

Rediscovery of the 'extinct' Pinatubo volcano mouse

A team of researchers rediscovered a species of mouse thought to be extinct after Mount Pinatubo's devastating eruption 30 years ago. The survey revealed that native rodents were abundant and thriving in the disturbed landscape, contradicting expectations.

SourceField Museum·JournalThe Philippine journal of science·DateJan 22, 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.

Scientists improved eye tracking technology in VR systems

Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict next gaze fixation points in foveated rendering, improving speed and accuracy. The new method reduced inaccuracy by 10 times and was tested with VR helmets and AR glasses.

SourceRUDN University·JournalSID Symposium Digest of Technical Papers·DateJan 22, 2021

Magnetic waves explain mystery of Sun's outer layer

Researchers link magnetic waves in chromosphere to areas of abundant ionised particles in hot outer atmosphere, explaining the Sun's unique chemical make-up. The discovery provides a foundation for understanding the solar wind and its impact on Earth.

SourceUniversity College London·DateJan 22, 2021

SUTD research team extends 4D printing to nanophotonics

The SUTD research team has developed a novel shape memory polymer resist for 4D printing, enabling submicron dimensions comparable to visible light wavelengths. This breakthrough allows for the exploration of new applications in nanophotonics and enables the creation of tunable photonic devices.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 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 and carbon cycle trends of the past 50 million years reconciled

Researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa reconciled climate and carbon cycle trends over the past 50 million years, resolving a long-standing controversy. The study found that as atmospheric carbon dioxide decreased, the global carbonate compensation depth actually deepened, contradicting previous expectations.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 22, 2021

Cargo delivery by polymers

Researchers developed degradable, cargo-bearing polymers from xylose-based monomers that can be hydrolyzed to release useful molecules. The polymers' linkages determine their degradation rate, producing pyrroles or furans.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 22, 2021

Do promotions make consumers more generous?

Charitable organizations can benefit from soliciting donations immediately after price promotions. By targeting consumers who have participated in promotions and focusing on the amount of money saved, organizations can optimize their donation appeals.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJan 22, 2021

Rhesus macaques develop promising immune response to SARS-CoV-2

Researchers found that rhesus macaques infected with SARS-CoV-2 developed protective immune responses, including the production of antibodies and Th1 cells. These findings suggest that vaccines inducing durable protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 may stimulate robust germinal center responses.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 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.

Targeted coating improves graphene oxide membranes for nanofiltration

Researchers developed a stable graphene oxide nanofiltration membrane with uniform pore size to remove organic micropollutants. The study proposes combining signal amplification strategy and defect chemistry to reduce membrane pore size distribution, offering a promising method for preparing highly selective NF membranes.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateJan 22, 2021

New perspectives challenge the idea that saturated fats cause heart disease

A new model explains why saturated fats increase blood cholesterol and why this should be dangerous. The 'Homeoviscous Adaptation to Dietary Lipids' (HADL) model suggests that cells adjust membrane fluidity according to changes in diet, leading to a decrease in blood cholesterol levels when consuming polyunsaturated fats.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 22, 2021

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A review of 61 studies confirms that at least 1 in 3 people infected with SARS-CoV-2 do not exhibit symptoms, suggesting widespread testing can help identify asymptomatic spreaders. The findings also underscore the importance of determining vaccine effectiveness against asymptomatic infections.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 22, 2021

Shift in caribou movements may be tied to human activity

A recent study published by the University of Cincinnati identified a shift in caribou movement patterns after the 1970s that coincided with changes in herd size, climate change, and human development. Researchers tracked the movements using antlers shed by female caribou, which contain an isotopic fingerprint of their summer range.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateJan 22, 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.

From fins to limbs

Researchers discovered three functional stages in the transition from fins to limbs, with early tetrapods exhibiting a unique pattern of muscle leverage. Their limbs were more adapted for propulsion than weight bearing, reflecting their aquatic origins and need to adapt to life on land.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 22, 2021

Abusive bosses 'fake nice' instead of 'make nice'

Research reveals that abusive bosses may 'fake nice' after outbursts instead of making genuine amends, reinforcing the cycle of abuse. Bosses focus on superficial steps to repair their images, rather than genuinely repairing damage.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalPersonnel Psychology·DateJan 22, 2021

Lack of sleep, stress can lead to symptoms resembling concussion

A new study found that between 11% to 27% of healthy college athletes reported symptoms meeting criteria for post-concussion syndrome, with lack of sleep, pre-existing mental health problems, and stress being the most likely predictors. The research suggests that baseline symptoms may help interpret recovery scores and that individuali...

SourceOhio State University·JournalSports Medicine·DateJan 22, 2021

Fungi strengthen plants to fend off aphids

Researchers found that two types of fungi can effectively reduce aphid infestations by increasing plant defenses, leading to fewer aphids and less damage to crops. The fungi work by establishing themselves in plant roots and tissues, causing plants to produce more natural defense substances.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJan 22, 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.

Research shows preference for male children is declining in Bangladesh

Research from the University of Kent reveals a decline in son preference among Bangladeshi women, driven by increased female education and employment. Despite stated desires for gender balance, actual fertility decisions continue to be shaped by son preference, with women more likely to have additional children if they lack sons.

SourceUniversity of Kent·DateJan 22, 2021

Tiny particles that seed clouds can form from trace gases over open sea

Researchers found that tiny aerosol particles form out of next to nothingness over the open ocean when sunlight reacts with molecules of trace gases. These newly formed particles then grow to attract water vapor, forming clouds that reflect or absorb sunlight, affecting Earth's temperature.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2021

Highly efficient grid-scale electricity storage at fifth of cost

Researchers at WMG University of Warwick have developed a highly efficient hybrid flow battery technology that can store electricity for long durations at about 1/5 the cost of current systems. This breakthrough enables flexible and zero-emission grid-scale energy storage, making it ideal for widespread commercial adoption.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 22, 2021

Exercising muscle combats chronic inflammation on its own

Researchers at Duke University have discovered that exercising lab-grown human muscle can directly counteract the damaging effects of chronic inflammation, particularly from interferon gamma. The study shows that muscle cells take anti-inflammatory actions independently of other cell types or tissues.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 22, 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.

Role of dams in reducing global flood exposure under climate change

A recent study found that dams can decrease the number of people globally exposed to historical once-in-100-year floods by approximately 15% downstream of dams. Integrating dam landscapes into existing flood modeling frameworks is crucial for realistic assessments of population exposure to present and future floods.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2021

Genetic sequence for parasitic flowering plant Sapria

Researchers have produced the most comprehensive genome of Sapria himalayana, a major Rafflesiaceae lineage found in Southeast Asia. The analysis revealed an astonishing degree of gene loss and surprising amounts of gene theft from ancient and modern hosts, offering new insights into the evolution of flowering plants.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 22, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

A professor from RUDN University developed new liquid crystals

Researchers at RUDN University have synthesized and described new dibenzophenazine-based discotic liquid crystals with promising properties for industrial electronics. The crystals can withstand temperatures up to 330? and show potential in organic optoelectronic devices and solar panels.

SourceRUDN University·JournalJournal of Molecular Liquids·DateJan 22, 2021

Record-breaking laser link could help us test whether Einstein was right

Scientists have achieved a record-breaking transmission of a laser signal through the atmosphere, eliminating turbulence. This breakthrough enables precise time comparisons and has exciting applications in fundamental physics research, including testing Einstein's theory of general relativity.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2021

Novel target identified that could improve safety of therapy for pancreatic cancer

A protein called CEACAM7 has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer, offering a safer alternative to current treatments. This discovery has led to the successful development of CAR T cell therapy, which effectively targeted and killed pancreatic cancer cells in a pre-clinical model.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJan 22, 2021

Study highlights factors that predict success for treating canine behavioral disorders

Researchers analyzed dog-owner pairs to identify key factors influencing treatment outcomes. They found a negative relationship between introverted owners and fearful dogs, suggesting proactive follow-up is crucial for optimal results. The study aims to improve behavioral guidance for veterinarians and inform potential follow-up research.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateJan 22, 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.

There's lots of water in the world's most explosive volcano

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that Kamchatka's Shiveluch volcano contains around 10%-14% water by weight, a significantly higher amount than most volcanoes. This finding is significant as it could provide insights into the global water cycle and the plumbing systems of other volcanoes.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalContributions to Mineralogy and Petrology·DateJan 22, 2021

New blueprint for more stable quantum computers

The researchers propose creating quantum bits by implanting magnetic atoms into a crystal lattice, enabling faster and more defined qubits. This design concept addresses the stability issue of traditional quantum computers, making them less error-prone and up to ten times faster.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalPRX Quantum·DateJan 22, 2021

MRI helps unravel the mysteries of sleep

Scientists used MRI to study brain activity during sleep, discovering that overall activity decreases but communication among brain regions becomes more dynamic. The findings suggest a breakdown in neural networks during transitions between light and deep sleep stages, with implications for understanding human consciousness.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournaliScience·DateJan 22, 2021

Crystal structures in super slow motion

Researchers at the University of Göttingen have successfully filmed a phase transition of a crystal structure using laser beams and ultrafast transmission electron microscopy. The experiment reveals the rapid formation and growth of tiny regions where the material undergoes a structural change, providing fundamental insights into light...

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalScience·DateJan 22, 2021

Growing up in a bilingual home has lasting benefits

A new study found that adults who acquired their second language as a young child show quicker attention shifting and faster visual change detection than those who learned later. These cognitive benefits are thought to be linked to adaptations made by infants in bilingual homes.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 22, 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.