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Science News for January 26, 2021


Medicaid expansion helps uncover undiagnosed HIV infections

A recent study found that Medicaid expansion led to a significant increase in the identification of undiagnosed HIV infections and the use of HIV prevention services. The research reveals a 13.9% rise in new HIV diagnoses, mostly concentrated among injection drug users in low-income and rural counties.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 26, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A benchmark for single-electron circuits

Researchers from PTB and the University of Latvia have developed a statistical testing methodology for single-electron circuits, enabling the investigation of fundamental uncertainties. The new 'random-walk benchmark' provides a robust measure of assessing errors in quantum metrology.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 26, 2021

At three days old, newborn mice remember their moms

Researchers found that newborn mice can recognize their mothers and prefer them over unfamiliar mothers, a preference that lasts into adulthood. The ability to form these memories is linked to the CA2 region of the hippocampus and is essential for long-lasting social interactions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 26, 2021

Solar hydrogen: Photoanodes made of alpha-SnWO4 promise high efficiencies

Researchers have developed a new material, alpha-SnWO4, that could convert up to 20% of sunlight into chemical energy for hydrogen production. Thin layers of nickel oxide were found to reduce the photovoltage and degrade the material, but alternative deposition processes may improve performance.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJan 26, 2021

CT imaging features of patients infected with 2019 novel coronavirus

Researchers highlight the importance of chest CT imaging in diagnosing COVID-19, with specific attention to pulmonary CT findings across various disease stages. The study provides a valuable reference for clinicians and radiologists seeking to accurately diagnose COVID-19 using CT scans.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateJan 26, 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.

Addressing health disparities in diabetes requires a broader look at systemic racism

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism highlights the need to address health disparities in diabetes by examining systemic racism and its impact on social conditions. The authors recommend implementing culturally and linguistically appropriate services, unconscious bias training, and value divers...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 26, 2021

Tungsten-substituted vanadium oxide breathes fresh air into catalyst technology

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have created a new tungsten-substituted vanadium oxide catalyst that works efficiently at 100-150 degrees Celsius, even in wet conditions. The material's superior performance makes it ideal for processing real industrial exhaust and contributing to cleaner air.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 26, 2021

UC study: The dangers of drugged driving are outpacing drunk driving

A recent UC study found that drugged driving is outpacing drunk driving in the US, with 4.49% of adults reporting marijuana use while driving compared to 8.52% for alcohol. The study also reveals higher rates among sexual minorities, African Americans, and males.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Safety Research·DateJan 26, 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.

Mouse study identifies novel compound that may help develop diabetes drugs

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered a new compound called BC1618 that blocks Fbxo48 and increases Ampk function, improving insulin responses in obese mice. The findings build on previous research to understand protein degradation and may lead to the development of a new class of diabetes drugs.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJan 26, 2021

Highly specific synaptic plasticity in addiction

A new study reveals that specific enzymes outside medium spiny neurons contribute to addiction plasticity, driving drug-seeking and extinction behaviors. The discovery highlights the importance of extracellular matrix remodeling in addiction and suggests novel molecules as potential targets for treatment.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 26, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 26, 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.

NSF awards Lehigh University $5.3M to renew NHERI experimental facility

The National Science Foundation has awarded Lehigh University a $5.3 million grant to renew the NHERI Experimental Facility for another five years. The facility will provide unique experimental resources and data management for studying the effects of natural hazards on civil infrastructure, enabling researchers to develop transformati...

SourceLehigh University·DateJan 26, 2021

Smart algorithm cleans up images by searching for clues buried in noise

Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a deep-learning algorithm that can denoise images to reveal otherwise invisible details. The algorithm, called global voxel transformer networks (GVTNets), uses adaptive receptive fields to capture information in the overall image structure.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateJan 26, 2021

Hypertension symptoms in women often mistaken for menopause

Hypertension symptoms in women are frequently misattributed to menopause, increasing their risk of heart disease and stroke. Middle-aged women with a history of pregnancy complications or early menopause are particularly at risk.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJan 26, 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.

Researchers simplify the study of gene-environment interactions

A new computational method has been developed to analyze genetic and environmental interactions influencing disease risk, including body mass index and diabetes. The study found that prioritizing a smaller number of genetic variants in the genome improves analysis efficiency.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 26, 2021

Biodegradable displays for sustainable electronics

KIT researchers have developed biodegradable printed displays using natural materials and industrially relevant production methods. These displays are compostable and can be reused or recycled, reducing electronic waste and environmental impacts.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry·DateJan 26, 2021

Can dogs rapidly learn words?

Researchers found that gifted dogs can rapidly learn novel words in social contexts but not in exclusion-based tasks. The study tested two exceptional dogs, Whisky and Vicky Nina, who learned new words after hearing them just four times.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 26, 2021

Anonymous cell phone data can quantify behavioral changes for flu-like illnesses

A new study found that anonymous cell phone data can quantify behavioral changes for flu-like illnesses, while protecting user anonymity. The research linked passively-collected cell phone metadata with actual public health data, providing a potential tool to monitor and control infectious disease outbreaks.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 2021

Scientists developed energy saving ceramic phosphors for high power LED systems

Researchers from Far Eastern Federal University and international partners developed ceramic phosphors that can be applied in-ground and aerospace technologies. The new materials produce compact energy-efficient white light-emitting diodes (wLEDs) and high-power systems, with reduced operating temperatures.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalMaterials Characterization·DateJan 26, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Study finds water quality improvements in Maryland's Choptank River

Researchers found improved estuarine water quality in the Choptank River, with increased dissolved oxygen, clearer waters, and reduced algae blooms. Local actions, such as upgrades to wastewater treatment plants, contributed to these gains, while agricultural inputs appeared limited.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalEstuaries and Coasts·DateJan 26, 2021

Targeted health messaging needed in era of vaping, researchers say

A new study found that messages presenting e-cigarettes as a lower risk alternative to smoking can encourage about a third of smokers to try them. Meanwhile, messages highlighting the increased health risks of vaping strongly discourage non-smokers from taking up the habit.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalTobacco Control·DateJan 26, 2021

For older adults, specific Facebook activities more important than overall use

A study found that specific Facebook activities, such as posting pictures, commenting, and customizing profiles, are more important to older adults' user experience and well-being than their overall use of the site. These activities enhance feelings of competence, relatedness, and autonomy, leading to higher levels of well-being.

SourcePenn State·JournalHealth Communication·DateJan 26, 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.

Children cannot ignore what they hear when detecting emotions

New research by Durham University reveals that young children rely heavily on auditory cues to detect emotions, rather than visual stimuli. The findings have implications for parents and educators managing home learning and may also shed light on emotional recognition in children with developmental challenges like autism.

SourceDurham University·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateJan 26, 2021

Cell 'bones' mystery solved with supercomputers

Researchers used XSEDE Stampede2 supercomputer to simulate polarized elongation of actin filaments, shedding light on their polymerization kinetics. The study's findings have potential applications in cancer treatment and development of self-healing materials.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateJan 26, 2021

Kombucha tea sparks creative materials research solution

Engineers at MIT and Imperial College London created living materials by combining bacteria and yeast to produce cellulose embedded with enzymes that can perform various functions. These materials have potential applications in microbial fuel cells, sense and respond systems, and self-repairing materials for the US Army.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 26, 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.

Genetically-modified mosquitoes key to stopping Zika virus spread

Researchers at University of Missouri developed genetically modified mosquitoes resistant to Zika virus using CRISPR gene-editing technology. These 'suicide mosquitos' cannot transmit the disease and can interrupt the disease cycle, making them a potential solution for controlling the spread of Zika virus.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalViruses·DateJan 26, 2021

Ocean toxin a heartbreaking threat for sea otters

Domoic acid exposure increases southern sea otters' risk of fatal heart disease by 1.7-fold, with prime-age adults particularly vulnerable. Climate change projections indicate rising toxic blooms and domoic acid levels, posing a long-term threat to the species.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalHarmful Algae·DateJan 26, 2021

Nuclear physicist's voyage towards a mythical island

Researchers at Lund University challenge a 50-year-old theory by discovering new decay branches in flerovium nuclei. Their experiment showed that the predicted 'magical' properties of element 114 do not exist.

SourceLund University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 26, 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.

Neonatal antibiotic use associated with reduced growth in boys

A new study found that exposure to antibiotics within the first 14 days of life is associated with reduced weight and height in boys up to age six. However, antibiotic use after neonatal period leads to higher body mass index (BMI) in both boys and girls during childhood.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 26, 2021

First direct band gap measurements of wide-gap hydrogen using inelastic X-ray scattering

Researchers have made the first direct measurements of the electronic band and gap of solid hydrogen up to 90 GPa using inelastic X-ray scattering. The study found that the electronic band gap decreased linearly from 10.9 eV to 6.57 eV as pressure increased, with a densification factor of 8.6.

SourceCenter for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 26, 2021

Not obese after all: captive Asian elephants less fat than average human

Research reveals captive Asian elephants carry less body fat than average humans, with females averaging 2-25% body fat and males carrying slightly less. The study suggests that activity levels may be key to maintaining elephant health, contradicting traditional notions of obesity.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJan 26, 2021

Anti-poverty policies can reduce reports of child neglect

A 10% increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit led to a 9% decrease in annual reports of child neglect made to child welfare agencies. The study highlights the importance of social policies on health and suggests that violence prevention can be an added benefit.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalChild Maltreatment·DateJan 26, 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.

Metamaterial tiles boost sensitivity of large telescopes

Researchers developed low-cost, mass-producible metamaterial tiles to absorb environmental emissions and improve telescope sensitivity. The tiles enabled unprecedented sensitivity in measuring the cosmic microwave background, transforming our understanding of the universe's beginning and evolution.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateJan 26, 2021

Toddlers who use touchscreens may be more distractible

Researchers found that toddlers with high daily touchscreen use are quicker to look at objects when they appear and less able to resist distraction. The study suggests a potential link between increased screen time and difficulties with attention in young children.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 26, 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.

Avoid repeating old mistakes

Researchers found that commitments at UN level were rarely translated into national law, leading to implementation gaps and insufficient monitoring. The authors suggest strengthening financial resources, introducing new instruments, and establishing a mechanism to verify compliance with biodiversity targets.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 26, 2021

Marketing has major benefits for entrepreneurs in emerging markets, study shows

A randomized controlled field experiment in Uganda found that volunteer marketers helped entrepreneurs increase sales by 52%, profits by 36%, assets by 31%, and employees by 24%. Marketing expertise enables firms to differentiate and attract customer interest, leading to improved growth rates and societal impact.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJan 26, 2021

Prevalence, risk factors associated with self-reported psychological distress among children, adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic in China

A survey of Chinese school-age children and adolescents revealed a significant increase in self-reported psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Risk factors associated with psychological distress were also identified, including social isolation and parental concerns about child safety.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 26, 2021

Building a corn cob--cell by cell, gene by gene

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory created an anatomical map of corn development by analyzing individual cells. This map will aid in breeding more sustainable crops with improved yields.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 26, 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.

Deep-sea plastic accumulations by turbidity currents: NW South China sea

This study by Guangfa Zhong and Xiaotong Peng presents novel findings on the distribution patterns and dispersion mechanisms of deep-sea plastic waste in a submarined canyon. Plastic litter items are highly heterogeneously distributed, with most occurring in longitudinal litter piles.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJan 26, 2021

Reef fish futures foretold

A study predicts that different species of coral reef fishes will respond variably to climate change, with some exhibiting rapid responses and others being more vulnerable. The research identified seven parameters that may serve as biomarkers for evaluating the impact of elevated temperatures on these fish.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateJan 26, 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.

Story tips from Johns Hopkins experts on Covid-19

A Johns Hopkins Medicine study profiles immune cells called T lymphocytes that fight COVID-19, identifying specific proteins recognized by these cells. The findings may help guide the development of next-generation vaccines.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 26, 2021

Life-threatening complications during pregnancy: greater long-term risk of death

A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women with serious pregnancy complications are twice as likely to die after childbirth. The research team identified cardiac complications, acute renal failure, and strokes as the main causes of mortality after 42 days.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 26, 2021

Mangroves threatened by plastic pollution from rivers, new study finds

A new study published in Science of the Total Environment reveals mangroves are significantly impacted by plastic pollution from rivers, with 54% of habitats within 20km of a polluting river. River deltas receive 52% of plastic pollution, while rocky shores receive only 6%

SourceGRID-Arendal·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJan 26, 2021

Wayne State secures more than $5 million in NIH funding for cerebral palsy research

The National Institutes of Health has awarded Wayne State University a total of $5.59 million to support research into preventing and treating cerebral palsy. Dr. Sidhartha Tan's projects aim to develop new drugs targeting neuronal nitric oxide synthase and explore the role of tetrahydrobiopterin in brain injury.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateJan 26, 2021

Arctic ocean expedition advances climate modeling

A new study from Japan's National Institute of Polar Research has improved regional climate models using in-situ weather data collected over the Chukchi Sea. The research team found discrepancies between models in capturing cloud microphysics and sea surface energy budgets, highlighting the need for model improvement.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·DateJan 26, 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.

When looking at species declines, nuances and long-term data are important

Researchers from UConn and LSU found that insect declines in Puerto Rico may not be directly caused by global warming, but rather by increased hurricane frequency and intensity. Long-term data helped disentangle the effects of climate change and storm impacts on ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 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.

Invasive mussels now control a key nutrient in the American Great Lakes

Researchers found that quagga mussels regulate phosphorus supply to the ecosystem, transforming nutrient cycling and affecting productivity. The study's findings highlight dramatic ecological changes caused by a single invasive species and call for a new paradigm in managing aquatic ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 2021

TGen-led study results suggest more accurate diagnostic for breast cancer

A TGen-led study has developed a test to detect infinitesimally small breast cancer biomarkers in blood samples, improving detection accuracy. The test uses a highly specific protein signature to identify the earliest stages of breast cancer with no false positives.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateJan 26, 2021

Hybrid closed-loop insulin therapy improves glycemic control

The International Diabetes Closed-Loop (iDCL) Trial found that hybrid closed-loop insulin therapy significantly improved glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes. The use of this technology increased Time in Range by 13%, especially during nighttime hours, and reduced time spent at blood glucose levels above 180 mg/dL.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateJan 26, 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.

Extreme black holes have hair that can be combed

Researchers have discovered a phenomenon where extreme black holes exhibit 'gravitational hair', a measurable quantity that depends on the black hole's formation process. This finding violates the 'no hair' theorem, which states that all black holes are identical and can be fully characterized by their mass, spin, and charge.

SourceTheiss Research·JournalPhysical Review D·DateJan 26, 2021

Wirelessly rechargeable soft brain implant controls brain cells

Researchers developed a wireless, rechargeable soft brain implant that can be controlled wirelessly by a smartphone, allowing seamless chronic neuromodulation. The device uses micrometer-sized LEDs to manipulate target neurons in the deep brain, enabling real-time brain control and reducing the burden on patients for long-term use.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 26, 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.

Increase in minimum wage will save infant lives, study shows

A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that increasing the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 per hour can reduce infant deaths by up to 1.8% annually in large U.S. cities, saving over 1,400 infant lives annually. States preempting city and county governments from raising the minimum wage contribute to these infant deaths.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJan 26, 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.

Fighting racial inequity by funding Black scientists

A group of researchers is calling on the National Institutes of Health and other funding agencies to address disparities in allocating support to Black researchers. The disparity has resulted in Black applicant award rates being around 55% lower than those of white principal investigators.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalCell·DateJan 26, 2021

New £1.6 million research project for MND drug candidate

Researchers have secured a £1.6 million grant to develop M102, a potential breakthrough in treating motor neuron disease (MND). The drug's neuroprotective properties were discovered by the University of Sheffield's Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), which will now advance its translational development.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateJan 26, 2021

Scientists identify flank instability at a volcano with history of collapse

Researchers have developed a method to detect flank instability in volcanoes using satellite images, revealing surface deformation related to flank motion at Pacaya volcano. The technique provides finer detail of volcanic flank motion and can reveal upticks in the rate that creep is occurring.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research·DateJan 26, 2021

Breakthrough design at UBCO vastly improves mechanical heart valve

Researchers at UBCO's Heart Valve Performance Lab have developed a novel bileaflet mechanical heart valve that functions like the real thing, improving blood flow and preventing clots. The design incorporates a slight twist to mitigate clotting risk and enhances overall performance.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Medical Engineering & Technology·DateJan 26, 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.

Cannabis use both helps and hurts entrepreneurial creativity

A study by Washington State University researchers found that cannabis-using entrepreneurs generated more original business ideas but less feasible ones. However, the effect was only observed in those with a strong passion for exploring new business ideas. On the other hand, experienced entrepreneurs were not affected by cannabis use.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Business Venturing·DateJan 26, 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.

New research: Monitoring online posts by consumers could help improve food safety

Researchers propose a Food Safety Monitoring System that uses text mining to analyze consumer comments on websites, flagging products associated with food-related illnesses. The system was tested on Amazon reviews and IWasPoisoned.com data, identifying specific brands of protein bars and herbal teas as high-risk products.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateJan 26, 2021

Solar material can 'self-heal' imperfections, new research shows

Researchers at the University of York have discovered a solar absorber material called antimony selenide that can self-heal broken bonds. This ability eliminates problematic electronic states and has important implications for applications in optoelectronics and photochemistry.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·DateJan 26, 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.

Change of course on the journey to the island of stability

Researchers at GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung investigate flerovium, element 114, and find it lacks a predicted 'magic' shell structure. This challenges the search for the island of stability in element 114 and shifts focus to heavier elements.

SourceGSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 26, 2021

Holocaust Remembrance Day: COVID-19 changed how we remember

Researchers analyzed how Holocaust museums and monuments adapted their programs during the pandemic. They found that educators used social media tools, live streaming, and online discussions to preserve remembrance. The study suggests a new reality where digital memorials and online efforts complement physical trips to sacred sites.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·DateJan 26, 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.

When push comes to shove, what counts as a fight?

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati studied monk parakeets' behaviors, distinguishing between 'displacements' and 'crowding'. Their computational analysis supported pooling these behaviors, providing a framework for informed decisions in animal behavior research.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalCurrent Zoology·DateJan 26, 2021

Ludwig Cancer Research study reveals how certain gut bacteria compromise radiotherapy

Researchers found that two families of gut bacteria interfere with radiotherapy in mice, reducing the effectiveness of treatment. The study identified a short-chain fatty acid called butyrate as the key compound responsible for this effect, which interferes with the activation of cytotoxic T cells and dendritic cells.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 26, 2021

Metoclopramide inhibits proliferation of leukemia stem cells

Researchers at Inselspital and the University of Bern discovered that metoclopramide inhibits the proliferation of leukemia stem cells, a key target in CML treatment. The study identifies CD93 as a specific regulator responsible for leukemia stem cell growth, paving the way for potential new therapies.

SourceInselspital, Bern University Hospital·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 26, 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.

Rates of skin cancer have increased dramatically over recent decades

Skin cancer rates in the UK have increased dramatically over the past four decades, with a notable rise in middle-aged and older adults. The study found that public health campaigns targeting children and adolescents may be contributing to the stabilization of skin cancer incidence among young people.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·DateJan 26, 2021

Autistic kids may have a harder time recognizing healthy vs. toxic arguments

A new study suggests autistic children may react more negatively to constructive parent conflicts, missing opportunities for learning healthy conflict resolution. Researchers recommend teaching autistic children to distinguish between destructive and constructive conflicts.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateJan 26, 2021

Newly discovered fossil named after U of A paleontologist

A new trace fossil, Glossifungites gingrasi, has been named after University of Alberta paleontologist Murray Gingras. The discovery provides insight into ancient water salinity levels and helps narrow down the type of organism that created the burrow.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Paleontology·DateJan 26, 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.

Compelling evidence of neutrino process opens physics possibilities

The COHERENT experiment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has established a new kind of neutrino interaction, coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering. The discovery confirms earlier observations and provides constraints on alternative theoretical models, shedding light on the universe's nature.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 26, 2021

Strokes after TIAs have declined over time, study shows

A study published in JAMA found that the risk of stroke following a transient ischemic attack (TIA) has decreased over time, from 23.9% to 7.6%. Despite this improvement, patients with TIAs still face a significant risk of subsequent stroke, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and management of cardiovascular risk factors.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJAMA·DateJan 26, 2021

Researchers use nanomaterials to make 2D diamond clusters at room temperature

A team of researchers has successfully fabricated atomically thin, 2D hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) films that phase transition to strong, super lightweight cubic boron nitride (c-BN) at room temperature. The findings reveal a promising material for protective coatings, nanotechnology thermal applications, and deep-UV light emitters.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJan 26, 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.

Myeloid immune cells in the blood tied to severe COVID-19

Researchers discovered that patients with severe COVID-19 have significantly elevated levels of M-MDSCs in their blood compared to milder cases and healthy individuals. These findings suggest a potential connection between early immune responses and disease severity.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 26, 2021

LSD may offer viable treatment for certain mental disorders

Researchers at McGill University have discovered a possible mechanism that contributes to LSD's ability to increase social interaction, activating serotonin receptors and AMPA receptors in the prefrontal cortex. The findings could lead to the development of novel therapies for anxiety and autism disorders.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 2021

Hospital worker flu shots could mean fewer deaths

A study by University of Georgia researchers found that state laws promoting flu vaccinations for hospital workers can substantially reduce the number of influenza-related deaths. States with vaccination mandates saw an average reduction in mortality of about two deaths per 100,000 persons, primarily among older adults.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 26, 2021

To combat false news, correct after reading

Researchers found that fact-checking labels, when attached to online news headlines, are more effective when shown immediately after participants read the headlines. This approach reduced people's misclassification of those headlines by 25.3 percent, compared to 8.6 percent and 5.7 percent with other timing methods.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 2021

Researchers develop virus-based treatment platform to fight pancreatic cancer

Researchers have created a powerful therapeutic platform using a modified virus to treat pancreatic cancer. The treatment, which combines the virus with other drugs, remodels the tumour microenvironment and sensitizes tumours to immunotherapy, significantly extending survival in preclinical models.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateJan 26, 2021