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Science News for January 5, 2021


In-utero exposures associated with increased risk of thyroid cancer

A recent study by prof. Tone Bjørge and her team reveals a strong link between in-utero exposures and an increased risk of thyroid cancer later in life. Maternal hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter, and benign thyroid neoplasms are associated with higher risk.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 5, 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.

Low genetic diversity in two manatee species off South America

A new study found that manatees in Brazil and Guyana have low genetic diversity, with no natural hybridization between species. The researchers suggest creating protected areas and biological corridors to promote gene flow and improve conservation efforts.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJan 5, 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.

About half of media stories fail to label 'preprint' COVID-19 research – study

A recent study by Simon Fraser University found that approximately half of media stories featuring COVID-19 'preprint' research did not accurately frame the studies as being preprints or unverified research. The study analyzed over 500 mentions in over 450 stories from digital news outlets covering preprint COVID-19 research.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalHealth Communication·DateJan 5, 2021

Story tips: Nanoscale commuting, easy driver and defect detection

Researchers have developed a new method for tracking individual molecules in real-time using four-probe scanning tunneling microscopy, enabling unprecedented control over molecular transport. Additionally, Oak Ridge National Laboratory has released guidelines to improve fuel economy by reducing idling and selecting the most fuel-effici...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJan 5, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Neither liquid nor solid

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have discovered a new state of matter called liquid glass, which exhibits complex behavior. The particles in liquid glass are able to move but not rotate, leading to local clusters that obstruct each other and prevent an ordered state from forming.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 2021

Climate change caused mangrove collapse in Oman

A University of Bonn study finds that climate change caused the sudden disappearance of mangroves on Oman's coastlines 6,000 years ago. The researchers suggest that a shift in the Intertropical Convergence Zone led to extreme stress on mangrove ecosystems due to increased salinization and drought.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalQuaternary Research·DateJan 5, 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.

Routine eye scans may give clues to cognitive decline in diabetes

A study found associations between retinal changes and memory problems in older people with type 1 diabetes. Researchers used routine eye scans to detect structural changes in the retina that may be linked to cognitive decline. The findings could lead to better understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other co...

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 5, 2021

UC-MSC infusion helps repair COVID-19 damage in severe cases

A randomized trial shows UC-MSC infusions safely reduce risk of death and quicken time to recovery for severe COVID-19 patients. The treatment, like smart bomb technology, restores normal immune response and reverses life-threatening complications.

SourceThe Cure Alliance·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateJan 5, 2021

DeepTFactor predicts transcription factors

A joint research team developed DeepTFactor, a deep neural network predicting transcription factors from protein sequences. The tool uses three parallel convolutional neural networks and predicted 332 transcription factors of Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 2021

Machine learning improves particle accelerator diagnostics

A new machine learning system can correctly diagnose particle accelerator component issues in near-real-time, providing operators with actionable information to mitigate problems. The system achieved accuracy rates of 85% for fault detection and 78% for fault type identification during its first two-week test.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalPhysical Review Special Topics - Accelerators and Beams·DateJan 5, 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.

Uncovering how grasslands changed our climate

A new study found that grasslands, a critical carbon sink, have become a source of greenhouse gas emissions due to increased livestock numbers and intensive management. Sparsely grazed areas provide significant cooling services, while intensively managed pastures contribute to warming.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 5, 2021

New bacterial culture methods could result in the discovery of new species

Researchers developed new bacterial culture approaches, isolating 254 strains from the Tabernas Desert, including 60% previously unreported and possibly new bacteria species. The study highlights the potential for simple strategies to obtain higher microbial diversity from extreme environments.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJan 5, 2021

Novel method identifies areas most suitable for conservation of black lion tamarin

A novel method identifies areas most suitable for the conservation of the endangered black lion tamarin, considering both climate and landscape factors. The study used modeling to pinpoint areas with suitable forest cover and climate, indicating a need for targeted strategies in forest restoration to connect fragmented habitats.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateJan 5, 2021

Drought of the century in the Middle Ages -- with parallels to climate change today?

Researchers identified a severe drought period in 1302-07 Europe, which shares similarities with the 2018 weather anomaly and recent climate trends. The study suggests that transitional phases in the climate are characterized by stable weather patterns, contributing to extreme events like the Great Famine of 1315-21.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalClimate of the Past·DateJan 5, 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.

Repeated ketamine infusions reduce PTSD symptom severity

A study conducted by researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai found that repeated ketamine infusions significantly reduced symptom severity in individuals with chronic PTSD. The improvement was rapid and maintained for several weeks afterwards, suggesting this may be a promising treatment option for PTSD patients.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 5, 2021

Dental experts discover biological imbalance is the link between gum and kidney disease

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered a biological imbalance between free radicals and antioxidant cells that links gum disease to chronic kidney disease. A 10% increase in gum inflammation reduces kidney function by 3%, highlighting the importance of periodontal care for patients with chronic kidney disease.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal Of Clinical Periodontology·DateJan 5, 2021

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers suggest that single-dose vaccines may offer greater population benefit due to the speed-versus-efficacy tradeoff. Alternative dose allocation strategies also improve benefits by vaccinating more people sooner while maintaining scheduling for second doses.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 5, 2021

Self-controlled children tend to be healthier middle-aged adults

A large study tracked 1,000 people from birth to age 45 and found that those with higher self-control as children were aging more slowly. Their bodies and brains were also healthier and biologically younger. Higher childhood self-control correlated with slower aging in multiple measures, including physiological signs of aging.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 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.

3D-printed smart gel changes shape when exposed to light

Rutgers engineers create 3D-printed smart gel that senses light and changes shape, inspired by cephalopod skin. The technology has potential applications in military camouflage, soft robotics, and flexible displays.

SourceRutgers University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 5, 2021

Journal article reviews century of data showing COVID-19 likely to impact the brain

A century of data suggests SARS-CoV-2's expected long-term effects on the brain and nervous system will have chronic consequences on quality of life and independence. The study, funded by the Alzheimer's Association, aims to understand how COVID-19 increases risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and psychiatric conditions.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·DateJan 5, 2021

Danish and Chinese tongues taste broccoli and chocolate differently

Research from the University of Copenhagen found that Danish and Chinese people experience bitter tastes differently, with Chinese test subjects being more sensitive. Anatomical differences in tongue papillae may explain this difference. The study suggests that ethnic differences may play a role in taste perception.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·DateJan 5, 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.

Protecting the global food supply chain

A new study published in Nature Food investigated how to ensure the food supply chain functions under environmental disruptions, highlighting key areas for future research. The researchers identified the need to understand the shape of a supply chain, evaluate simultaneous shocks, and quantify substitutions within supply chains.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Food·DateJan 5, 2021

Integrator: A guardian of the human transcriptome

The Integrator protein complex plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression by terminating non-productive transcription. This mechanism ensures the production of wasteful transcripts is limited while maintaining thousands of transcription start sites for potential functional genes.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 5, 2021

Anticoagulants reduce the number of brain metastases in mice

Researchers found that cancer cells promote blood clot formation to enter the brain tissue. Inhibiting clotting factors thrombin and von Willebrand factor reduced brain metastases in mice. The study suggests targeting this process with drugs for preventing brain metastases in high-risk patients.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalBlood·DateJan 5, 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.

ADDF presents vision of a consortium to accelerate research into speech and language biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease

A global research consortium is proposed to collect and share digital speech and language data to detect early signs of Alzheimer's. The consortium aims to create a comprehensive, harmonized repository of samples from diverse cohorts to develop biomarkers that can monitor disease progression.

SourceAlzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation·JournalExploration of Medicine·DateJan 5, 2021

Retracted scientific paper persists in new citations, study finds

A study found that a retracted clinical trial report continues to be cited 11 years after its retraction, and citations actually increased after it was retracted. The number of articles retracted is tiny compared to publications, but retractions are often hard to find, and notices may not mention the reason for retraction.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScientometrics·DateJan 5, 2021

AI algorithms detect diabetic eye disease inconsistently

Researchers tested seven AI screening algorithms against expert ophthalmologists and found that most perform poorly in real-world settings, highlighting the need for proper image quality and training data. Only one algorithm matched human screener performance.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJan 5, 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.

HKUST Researchers Discover a Novel Mechanism of Recruiting Arf Family Proteins to specific subcellular localizations

The study reveals that N-terminal amphipathic motifs of certain Arf proteins determine their specific subcellular localization in a GTP-independent manner. This uncoupling of membrane association and activation may provide new insights for targeting proteins to specific intracellular locations.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 5, 2021

NSF funds a robot teleoperation system that could transform the manufacturing workforce

Researchers at Columbia University are developing a novel platform to enable factory workers to work remotely using a robot teleoperation system. The system will allow workers to specify high-level task goals without expert knowledge of the robot hardware and configuration, enabling greater job access for workers regardless of geograph...

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJan 5, 2021

Bedside EEG test can aid prognosis in unresponsive brain injury patients

A new study suggests that a bedside EEG test can aid in prognosis for unresponsive brain injury patients by measuring their response to speech. The strength of these responses is correlated with the patient's outcome and can help clinicians make effective treatment decisions.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJan 5, 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.

Evolving the surgical microscope

The article reviews the development of surgical microscopes, from their introduction in 1921 to the latest advancements. Advanced technologies such as augmented reality displays, hyperspectral imaging, and robotic visualization platforms are increasing the capabilities of surgical microscopes. These improvements enable better visualiza...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJan 5, 2021

Dungeness crab fishing industry response to climate shock

Researchers studied the impact of a marine heatwave-associated harmful algal bloom on Dungeness crab fishing communities. They found that 71% of vessels temporarily left the industry, but those who adapted by participating in other fisheries or moving to more favorable locations were better resilient.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 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.

Making therapeutic sense of antisense oligonucleotides

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) target disease-causing proteins, but can affect non-targeted proteins causing side effects. Researchers have developed a DNA/DNA double-stranded oligonucleotide that enhances ASO efficacy and stability in the body.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateJan 5, 2021

Heat treatment may make chemotherapy more effective

A new UCL study found that combining heat treatment with chemotherapy delivered via magnetic nanoparticles killed cancer cells more effectively than chemotherapy alone. The therapy showed synergistic effects, enhancing the effectiveness of both treatments when combined. Heat treatment can reduce side effects by targeting only cancer ce...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry B·DateJan 5, 2021

New clues to prostate cancer

Australian researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which prostate cancer cells can adapt and evolve into more aggressive forms, making them resistant to treatment. The study highlights the importance of targeting microRNA-194 to slow down and inhibit the growth of prostate cancer models with neuroendocrine features.

SourceFlinders University·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 5, 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 news tip sheet: Story ideas from Johns Hopkins Medicine

New research from Johns Hopkins Medicine has uncovered that greater obesity seems to make muscle contraction much weaker in this very common form of heart failure. The study found that in patients with severe obesity, the force response to high calcium was reduced by 40%, suggesting that obesity is the key factor.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCirculation·DateJan 5, 2021

Experts agree on new global definition of 'fermented foods'

Experts have agreed on a new global definition of fermented foods, specifying the differences between them and probiotics. The definition covers thousands of different types of fermented foods from around the world and provides a starting point for further research into their effects on human health.

SourceInternational Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics·JournalNature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateJan 5, 2021

Gum disease-causing bacteria borrow growth molecules from neighbors to thrive

A new study reveals that periodontitis-causing bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis borrows growth molecules from harmless Veillonella parvula, enabling its replication and causing gum disease. The relationship is one-directional, with V. parvula receiving no obvious benefit from sharing its growth molecules.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJan 5, 2021

Hotels that promote women perceived as fairer, less discriminatory

Research suggests hotel companies that promote a woman over an equally qualified man are perceived as fairer and less discriminatory, leading to a stronger organizational culture and higher financial performance. The study found that women account for only 12% of all hotel leadership positions, despite making up the majority of the acc...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalInternational Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management·DateJan 5, 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.

Advanced materials in a snap

A Sandia Labs research team used machine learning to complete materials science calculations 42,000 times faster than normal, accelerating the creation of new technologies for optics, aerospace, and energy storage.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateJan 5, 2021

Sweat, bleach and gym air quality

A new University of Colorado Boulder study found that exercising individuals emit up to five times more chemicals from their body than sedentary people, which combine with bleach cleaners to form unknown airborne chemicals. The team detected a specific reaction product, N-chloraldimines, in gym air, raising concerns about indoor air qu...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalIndoor Air·DateJan 5, 2021

Looking forwards rather than backwards safeguards wellbeing during Covid-19 lockdowns

Researchers at the University of Surrey found that practicing gratitude and thinking about a positive future can improve social connectedness and overall wellbeing. The study suggests that focusing on the present moment and appreciating what is good in life can be more psychologically beneficial than dwelling on the past.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalThe Journal of Positive Psychology·DateJan 5, 2021

Mechanophores: Making polymer crystallization processes crystal clear

Scientists have developed a new method to observe polymer crystallization in real-time, allowing for direct measurement of the rate, extent, and location of crystal growth. This breakthrough enables manufacturers to test polymer materials for specific mechanical properties during crystallization.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 5, 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.

Impurities boost performance of organic solar cells

Organic solar cells have improved efficiency by up to 18.3% with the use of diquat, a molecular dopant created through electrochemical reduction. This breakthrough increases optical absorption and charge lifetime, paving the way for more efficient energy conversion.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateJan 5, 2021

Non-immigrant kids respond differently when immigrant children are bullied

A study by North Carolina State University found that non-immigrant adolescents object less to bullying when the victim is an immigrant, but more strongly with increased contact and higher Theory of Mind scores. The researchers also discovered that positive interactions between groups can encourage kids to intervene in bullying.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalChild Development·DateJan 5, 2021

Viewing upper gastrointestinal cancers in a new light

Researchers developed a novel endoscopic technique, Linked Color Imaging (LCI), to improve detection of cancer in the upper digestive tract. LCI technology enhances contrast of mucosal changes by combining specific wavelengths of light, detecting neoplastic changes 1.67 times more frequently than conventional White Light Imaging.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 5, 2021

COVID-19 unmasked: math model suggests optimal treatment strategies

Researchers developed a biology-based mathematical model that incorporates information about SARS-CoV-2 and various treatments. The model suggests optimal treatment for older patients and those with pre-existing conditions, including the use of clot-preventing drugs and immune response-modifying drugs.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·DateJan 5, 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.

COVID-19 generally 'mild' in young children: Evidence review

A systematic review of international COVID-19 literature found that young children under five years old generally develop mild disease and are often asymptomatic. The study also highlights the potential risk of transmission from infants to mothers, caregivers, and other family members.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalVaccine·DateJan 5, 2021

Identifying Canada's key conservation hot spots highlights problem

A recent study identifies Canada's most critical areas for ecosystem services, including freshwater, carbon storage, and nature-based recreation. The research highlights the need to protect these areas from human activities that threaten their conservation.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 5, 2021

In sight: A paradigm shift in materials characterization

Lehigh University researchers are transforming an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) into a synchrotron facility, expanding scientists' ability to characterize material composition and bonding status down to the single-atom level. The new system will have capabilities up to ~13,000 eV and enable the i...

SourceLehigh University·DateJan 5, 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.

Natural products with potential efficacy against lethal viruses

Researchers have broken down the genomic and life history traits of three classes of RNA viruses, identifying natural products that could disrupt their spread. The study highlights potential treatment strategies, including the use of compounds produced by marine and terrestrial organisms with demonstrated antiviral activity.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Natural Products·DateJan 5, 2021

Hamilton Eye Institute receives $300,000 RPB Challenge Grant

The Hamilton Eye Institute at University of Tennessee Health Science Center has received a $300,000 RPB Challenge Grant to continue its vision research initiatives. The grant will support the expansion of research faculty, innovative pilot studies, and new equipment for the institute's research efforts.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Health Science Center·DateJan 5, 2021

University of Miami leads groundbreaking trial for COVID-19 treatment

Researchers found that umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell infusions safely reduce the risk of death and quicken recovery time for severe COVID-19 patients. Patient survival at one month was 91% in the treatment group versus 42% in the control group.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateJan 5, 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.

A plant's way to its favorite food

Researchers found that Arabidopsis seedlings adapted by increasing cell division and reducing cell elongation on ammonium, but reversed this balance on nitrate. The key hormone auxin regulated the balance between cell proliferation and cell expansion.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateJan 5, 2021