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Science News Archive January 2021


Page 6 of 40

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.

Legal cannabis stores linked to fewer opioid deaths in the United States

Researchers found that counties with more legal cannabis dispensaries had lower opioid-related mortality rates, with a 17% reduction associated with one additional dispensary. This association held for both medical and recreational dispensaries, particularly for deaths linked to synthetic opioids.

Germline whole exome sequencing reveals the potential role of hereditary predisposition and therapeutic implications in small cell lung cancer, a tobacco-related cancer

The study identified 42 deleterious variants in 35 genes among patients with small cell lung cancer, including MLH1, BRCA2, and MUTYH germline mutations. These variants were associated with increased risk of first-degree relatives with cancer or lung cancer and longer recurrence-free survival following platinum-based chemotherapy.

Women's menstrual cycles temporarily synchronize with Moon cycles

Researchers found that most women's menstrual cycles aligned with synodic months at certain intervals, while also showing synchronization with tropical months in younger women, suggesting a stronger effect on menstrual cycles during long winter nights when exposed to moonlight.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Findings may help close door on COVID-19

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered the coronavirus's 'Achilles' heel', a proofreading enzyme called nsp14-ExoN. This enzyme regulates RNA recombination and can be targeted to block viral replication, potentially leading to new treatments for COVID-19.

COVID-19 increases mortality rate among pregnant women

A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that COVID-19 mortality rates were significantly higher among pregnant mothers than similarly aged individuals, with a 3.5 times higher hospitalization rate for pregnant women with COVID-19.

A new study reveals an "Achilles heel" of cancer cells

Researchers discovered that cancer cells with an abnormal number of chromosomes (aneuploidy) are more sensitive to inhibition of the mitotic checkpoint, a cellular mechanism that ensures proper chromosome separation during cell division. This finding has important implications for personalized cancer medicine and drug discovery.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

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.

Using wearable tech to keep babies, pregnant women healthy

Researchers used wearable technology to track the heart rate variability of women trying to conceive, finding that overall, they were in better shape after giving birth than before. The study suggests that physiologic markers show fitness gains occur during pregnancy, and may help obstetricians encourage pregnant patients.

Mira's last journey: Exploring the dark universe

The Last Journey simulation, performed on Argonne's supercomputer Mira, studied the distribution of mass across the universe over time. The team used a workflow combining HACC and CosmoTools to analyze and record relevant information during the simulation.

In a tight spot

Researchers at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft found a neural circuit in zebrafish that enables them to focus on one stimulus over others, allowing for escape from predators. The circuit involves the tectum and nucleus isthmi brain regions.

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.

When is dead really dead?

A new international study documents the physiology of dying and confirms that death is an irreversible process. The DePPaRT study found that cardiac activity often stops and restarts several times during the dying process, but no one regained sustained circulation or consciousness. This provides evidence to support the current standard...

Oregon State receives grant to spur aquaculture investment in Oregon

Oregon State University has received a nearly $700,000 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to provide software tools for investors interested in starting aquaculture businesses in Oregon. The new funding will help advance the rate of aquaculture investment in the state and serve as a model for other states.

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.

'Virtual anatomy' imaging yields new insight into ancient platypus fish

A team of scientists used virtual anatomy techniques to examine a 400-million-year-old fossil, discovering an unexpectedly modern inner ear structure that challenges previous assumptions about placoderm evolution. The findings suggest a possible link between ancient platypus fish and modern jawed vertebrates.

Carbon-chomping soil bacteria may pose hidden climate risk

Researchers discovered that certain soil bacteria can break down large carbon-based molecules using enzymes, potentially leading to rapid release of CO2 from soil. This finding challenges current models of carbon storage in soil and highlights a key role for biology in climate change.

'Smart' cartilage cells programmed to release drugs when stressed

Cartilage cells engineered to respond to mechanical stress can produce an anti-inflammatory drug to reduce joint pain and limit arthritis-related damage. The technology could lead to more effective treatments for osteoarthritis by delivering drugs in response to specific movements or weight-bearing.

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.

Fields of breeders' dreams: A team effort toward targeted crop improvements

Researchers have produced a high-quality reference sequence of the complex switchgrass genome using samples from 10 experimental gardens across eight states. This allows breeders to test what genes affect the plant's adaptability to various environmental conditions and associate climate adaptations with switchgrass biology.

Alcohol causes immediate effects linked to heart malady

A UCSF clinical study found that alcohol has an immediate effect on the heart in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib), reducing the time needed for certain heart muscle cells to recover. The study suggests that moderate drinking may help prevent AFib, a condition affecting 12 million Americans and leading to 158,000 deaths annually.

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.

History of the Champagne vineyards revealed

Archaeological grape seeds from excavations in Troyes and Reims provide insights into the history of Champagne wine growing. Wild vines were cultivated throughout the period studied, with domestic varieties emerging as early as the 1st century AD.

Detecting trace amounts of multiple classes of antibiotics in foods

Researchers have developed a method to simultaneously measure 77 antibiotics in various foods, including meat, eggs, milk, cereals, vegetables, and fruits. The new approach allows for the detection of multiple classes of antibiotics at trace amounts, which can contribute to increased antibiotic resistance and gut microbiome imbalance.

Scientists discover a new promising target for diabetes treatment

Researchers have discovered a novel and druggable insulin inhibitory receptor named inceptor. Blocking its function leads to increased sensitisation of the insulin signalling pathway in pancreatic beta cells, allowing for potential protection and regeneration of beta cells for diabetes remission.

Adults with cognitive disabilities more than twice as likely to use e-cigarettes

A recent study published in Disability and Health Journal found that adults with cognitive disabilities were more than twice as likely to use e-cigarettes, highlighting a high-risk group for adverse health outcomes. The study also showed that men, young adults, and adults with COPD or depression were more likely to use e-cigarettes.

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.

Working memory can help tailor educational development

Researchers found that younger children have limited working memory, making it harder to remember tasks after interruptions. This study suggests providing structure and helping parents support their child's online learning. The findings provide a first step toward creating educational materials tailored to individual developmental levels.

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.

Support for self isolation must be a top priority, say experts

Experts argue that UK government should focus on supporting people in high-risk occupations and living conditions with free accommodation, income protection, and job security. A lack of resources and fear of financial consequences are major barriers to self-isolation, leading to low adherence rates among certain groups.

Association of psychiatric disorders with mortality among patients with COVID-19

A recent observational study of 7,300 adults with COVID-19 found that individuals with a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis had an increased risk of death, while mood and anxiety disorders were not associated with higher mortality rates. The study suggests that psychiatric disorders may be linked to poorer outcomes in patients with COVID-19

Social support may not ease menopause symptoms

A study of over 2,700 women found that social support does not moderate the impact of stressful events on menopause symptoms. Women who experienced stressful events had a significant increase in symptoms, regardless of their level of social support.

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.

Well connected through amides

Researchers have developed a new reaction, called ASHA ligation, for efficiently forming amide bonds under mild aqueous conditions. This method is fast, chemoselective, and broadly applicable, opening pathways to new approaches in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology.

Focusing on field analysis

Researchers developed a low-cost, portable microscopy system using transparent microspheres and affordable objective lenses to detect pathogens in water sources. The assembly can be customized for various applications, including on-site antibiotic testing.

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.

Offer COVID-19 vaccines to pregnant or breastfeeding people

Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should be offered COVID-19 vaccines based on ethical principles, considering individual autonomy and risk of severe illness. Although no adverse effects have been observed in vaccinated participants, those at high risk of severe COVID-19 should prioritize vaccination to protect themselves and others.

Making wheat and peanuts less allergenic

Researchers are using plant breeding and genetic engineering to develop less allergenic varieties of wheat and peanuts. They focus on reducing gluten content in wheat and one specific protein that regulates gluten production, aiming to increase food options for people with allergies.

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.

How does the immune system keep tabs on the brain?

The immune system surveils the brain from a distance and only enters when it finds a problem. This finding explains why the brain was thought to be immunoprivileged. Targeting immune cells at surveillance sites may lead to new treatments for conditions driven by brain inflammation, such as multiple sclerosis.

Elvira Mass receives 2021 Paul Ehrlich Prize for Young Researchers

Elvira Mass has made a significant contribution to understanding the role of yolk sac-derived macrophages in maintaining healthy organs. Her research found that these cells can self-maintain for a lifetime, producing bioactive molecules and growth factors essential for tissue development.