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Science News for January 31, 2021


Algorithm for algal rhythms

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

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalRemote Sensing·DateJan 31, 2021

Social & structural factors influence racial disparities in COVID-19 mortality

A Rutgers study highlights the association between social determinants of health and COVID-19 outcomes, particularly for Black Americans. Counties with higher percentages of adults without a high school diploma and households without internet access had significantly higher COVID-19 death rates.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·DateJan 31, 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.

Wellbeing benefits of wetlands

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

SourceFlinders University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Policy·DateJan 31, 2021

Co-use of alcohol and marijuana and beliefs among teens

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

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·DateJan 31, 2021

Patient-reported outcomes from the randomized phase III CROWN study of first-line Lorlatinib versus in ALK+ NSCLC

The phase III CROWN study showed that lorlatinib significantly improved progression-free survival compared to crizotinib in patients with previously untreated advanced ALK-positive NSCLC. Patient-reported outcomes also indicated comparable time to treatment deterioration for lung cancer symptoms between the two treatments.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateJan 31, 2021

New weapon for inflammation

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

SourceFlinders University·JournalRedox Biology·DateJan 31, 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.

Increasing snow depth prevented wintertime soils from cooling during the warming hiatus

Increased snow depth in northeastern China led to a continued warming trend in soil temperatures, contradicting observed surface air temperature cooling trends. This finding suggests the importance of snow cover in regulating soil temperatures and its implications for agriculture during periods of reduced global warming.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 31, 2021

Inherited immune condition reversed by random DNA change

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

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 31, 2021