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Science News for January 7, 2021


Where antibiotic resistance comes from

Scientists have found that nearly all antibiotic resistance genes came from bacteria that cause disease, not antibiotic-producing bacteria. The rapid evolution of resistance is fueled by the use and overuse of antibiotics, threatening modern healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 7, 2021

How to mitigate the impact of a lockdown on mental health

A new study by the University of Basel found that lockdowns affect mental health variably across countries, with factors like social support and financial stability playing a crucial role. The research suggests that public health initiatives should target those without social support and those whose finances worsen during lockdowns.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 7, 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.

New hard disk write head analytical technology can increase hard disk capacities

Researchers at Tohoku University and Toshiba Corporation developed a new analytical technology for hard disk drives, enabling precise analysis of write head operations. The method achieves high spatial and temporal resolutions, potentially leading to further increases in HDD capacity and higher data transfer rates.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJan 7, 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.

Functional seizures associated with stroke, psychiatric disorders in EHR study

A large-scale electronic health record study found that functional seizures are prevalent and often misdiagnosed as epileptic seizures. The study also discovered novel associations between functional seizures and cerebrovascular disease, including stroke, as well as psychiatric disorders such as PTSD and depression.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 7, 2021

Study: e-cigarettes trigger inflammation in the gut

Researchers found that propylene glycol and vegetable glycerol cause gut inflammation by breaking down zipper-like junctions between cells. Chronic e-cigarette use can lead to a 'leaky gut,' allowing microbes and molecules to seep out, resulting in chronic inflammation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournaliScience·DateJan 7, 2021

Heading outdoors keeps lockdown blues at bay

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that spending time outdoors is associated with higher levels of happiness during COVID-19 restrictions. The research also showed that daily screen time and loneliness are linked to lower happiness levels, but outdoor activities can mitigate these effects.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateJan 7, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study examines attitudes toward long-acting injectable HIV therapy among women

A recent study investigated attitudes towards long-acting injectable (LAI) HIV therapies among women with a history of injection, including medical purposes and substance use. The research found that LAIs may improve adherence by reducing treatment fatigue and reminders associated with daily pill-taking.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAIDS Patient Care and STDs·DateJan 7, 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.

Ancient DNA analysis reveals Asian migration and plague

A recent study published in Science Advances analyzed genomic data from archaeological remains in northeastern Asia, revealing complex migration patterns and disease-related bacteria. The research provides new insights into the demographic history of the region and its connection to the Paleo-Inuit groups.

SourceStockholm University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 7, 2021

Mount Sinai researchers identify and characterize 3 molecular subtypes of Alzheimer's

Researchers at Mount Sinai identified three major molecular subtypes of Alzheimer's disease using RNA sequencing data from over 1,500 brain samples. These subtypes were independent of age and disease stage and corresponded to different combinations of dysregulated biological pathways leading to brain degeneration.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 7, 2021

How medical schools can transform curriculums to undo racial biases

A team of Penn Medicine researchers identified five categories of curriculum that misrepresented race in class discussions, presentations, and assessments. They recommend medical schools standardize language, contextualize racial differences, and generate evidence-based medical knowledge to dismantle structural racism.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 7, 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.

Peeking inside 'mini-brains' could boost understanding of the human brain

Researchers have developed a novel method for visualizing the intricate structure of 'mini-brains' using high-resolution 3D imaging, shedding light on brain development and disease progression. This breakthrough could accelerate personalized medicine studies and reduce animal testing.

SourceWyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateJan 7, 2021

Harnessing the power of crowd-driven artificial intelligence

The European Research Council (ERC) has funded a new platform leveraging crowd-sourced image classification to train AI algorithms. This innovation addresses the gap in current market platforms, providing users with a tailored, quality-controlled crowdsourcing experience for efficient and fair data collection.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·DateJan 7, 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.

Paper: Emotionally appealing ads may not always help consumer memory

A new study by Hayden Noel found that emotionally arousing advertisements can have a negative effect on immediate memory but a positive effect on delayed memory if the level of emotional arousal is congruent with the ad's claims. The research has practical implications for advertisers seeking to develop effective message strategies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInternational Journal of Advertising·DateJan 7, 2021

'Hail to the queen' - saving the Caribbean queen conch

A leading expert on queen conch aquaculture has published a manual to culture and restore the species, which is facing decline due to overfishing and habitat damage. The manual provides a comprehensive guide to hatchery and nursery phases, with the goal of producing sustainable seafood, conservation, and restoration.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Shellfish Research·DateJan 7, 2021

Seafood strategies

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara offer approaches for sustainable expansion of the US seafood industry, citing challenges from trade wars and COVID-19. They recommend 'precise and strategic fisheries reforms' to address complexities and promote growth.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMarine Policy·DateJan 7, 2021

Policymakers draw heavily from highly cited COVID-19 science

A recent study found that policymakers reference new and highly cited COVID-19 research papers extensively in their policy documents. The researchers analyzed scientific citations in 37,725 papers and discovered that these documents use the newest science at an unusually high rate, citing papers with 40 times higher citation counts.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 7, 2021

Keeping sperm cells on track

Researchers found that glycylation, a rare modification of tubulin protein, is essential for maintaining straight swimming motion in sperm cells. Without this modification, sperm swim in circles due to uncoordinated activity of molecular motors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJan 7, 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.

Adapting to COVID-19 with outdoor intraocular pressure monitoring

A novel approach to COVID-19 screening was developed by using a drive-through intraocular pressure (IOP) clinic, allowing for safe measurement of eye pressure in a public health setting. This innovative method minimizes the risk of COVID-19 transmission between patients and clinicians.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateJan 7, 2021

10 UTA students land coveted transportation fellowships

The University of Texas at Arlington has seen significant success with the Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program, with over 40 students earning merit-based awards in recent years. The fellowships are designed to attract top talent to the field of transportation and promote workforce development.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateJan 7, 2021

Virtual care at cancer center during COVID-19

A cancer center implemented a virtual care program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in improved patient outcomes. The study examined the effectiveness of this approach and found positive results.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJan 7, 2021

What are the performance limits of our brain?

Researchers at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg aim to understand brain cognitive potential, variability, and neurobiological processes that prevent full utilization. The goal is to develop interventions improving cognitive performance in healthy individuals and those with hidden disease processes.

SourceOtto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg·DateJan 7, 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.

Perception of palliative care in South Asian populations

A recent study found that seventy percent of participants lacked understanding of palliative care, while forty-four percent believed it conflicted with their values. Despite this, many agreed that better quality of life was crucial when dealing with a serious illness. The study highlights the need for culturally competent palliative ca...

SourceMcMaster University·JournalBMC Palliative Care·DateJan 7, 2021

Chemists invent shape-shifting nanomaterial with biomedical potential

Researchers at Emory University developed a shape-shifting nanomaterial made of synthetic collagen that can be triggered to change its form from flat sheets to tubes and back again. The material has biomedical applications such as controlled-release drug delivery and tissue engineering.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 7, 2021

Patterns in primordial germ cell migration

A team of biologists and mathematicians developed a new software tool to analyze cell migration processes in zebrafish embryos. The study identified physical barriers that influence cell migration and found a tissue-specific expression of green fluorescent protein, which serves as a reference structure for image registration.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateJan 7, 2021

SARS-CoV-2 transmission from people without COVID-19 symptoms

Researchers estimated that more than half of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs among asymptomatic individuals, suggesting a significant role for these carriers in the spread of the virus. The study's findings have important implications for public health strategies and contact tracing efforts.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 7, 2021

Fatal health threat to young African children reduced by innovative artistic intervention

A new study reveals that traditional performing arts can drastically reduce the fatal threat of diarrhoea and pneumonia in young children. The intervention, led by the University of Birmingham, improved mothers' food safety and hygiene behaviours, resulting in a 60% reduction in hospital admissions for diarrhoea and a 30% reduction in ...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 7, 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.

Simple bioreactor makes 'gut check' more practical

Researchers at Rice University have created a lab tool that simplifies simulations of the human intestine, allowing for more practical studies on diseases like infectious diarrhea. The device enables the real-time growth of bacterial infections and provides a mechanical model for studying how invading bacteria cause disease.

SourceRice University·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 7, 2021

High-flux table-top source for femtosecond hard X-ray pulses

Researchers at the Max Born Institute developed a novel laser-driven X-ray source generating femtosecond copper K° pulses with unprecedented flux of 10^12 photons per second. This breakthrough enables investigating ultrafast structure changes in condensed matter by time-resolved X-ray scattering.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalOptics Letters·DateJan 7, 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.

Harbor porpoises on the decline in the German North Sea

The harbor porpoise population is declining in the German North Sea, with a decline of 1.79% per year reported over two decades. Conservation efforts are needed to protect the species, which has been affected by human activities at sea, including shipping routes and wind farms.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJan 7, 2021

Research confirms increase in river flooding and droughts in US, Canada

A regional study from Dartmouth College found increases in extreme streamflow events across the US and Canada, including more frequent floods and droughts. The research analyzed records dating back to 1910 and identified significant changes in precipitation levels on river systems.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 7, 2021

Insights into the Yellowstone hotspot

A new study published in GSA Today suggests that the Yellowstone hotspot is derived from a deep mantle plume, with magmatism extending to at least 56 million years ago. The study's findings indicate a long-lived and robust hotspot that has migrated across northeastern California, northern Nevada, and into Yellowstone National Park.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateJan 7, 2021

Nanodroplets and ultrasound 'drills' prove effective at tackling tough blood clots

Engineers developed a new technique to eliminate particularly tough blood clots by using engineered nanodroplets and an ultrasound drill to break up the clots from the inside out. In vitro testing showed promising results, with the use of nanodroplets, ultrasound, and drug treatment reducing clot mass by 40%, plus or minus 9%.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateJan 7, 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.

Deep learning helps predicting occult peritoneal metastasis in stomach cancer

A new study published in JAMA Network Open shows that deep learning can help predict occult peritoneal metastasis in stomach cancer. The researchers developed a deep learning model called Peritoneal Metastasis Network (PMetNet) to predict clinically occult peritoneal metastasis using preoperative computed tomography images.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 7, 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.

Intelligence deficit: Conclusion from the mouse to the human being

A new mouse model created by researchers at the University of Bonn reveals that GPI anchor deficiencies, a group of rare diseases, are caused by impaired transmission of stimuli at brain synapses. The mice exhibited cognitive deficits, altered social behavior, and increased susceptibility to epilepsy, mirroring human symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 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.

Tracking the formation of the early heart, cell by cell

Researchers have mapped the origins of the embryonic mouse heart at single-cell resolution, identifying a pool of progenitor cells that form heart muscle cells and the early epicardium. This understanding could improve regenerative heart therapies and inform congenital heart defect research.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 7, 2021

Study finds commonly used blood pressure medications safe for COVID-19 patients

Researchers found that continuing commonly used blood pressure medications like ACE inhibitors and ARBs did not affect COVID-19 patient outcomes. The study supports international recommendations to continue these medications in hospitalized patients unless there is a clear medical issue.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateJan 7, 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.

Power, water and climate

Researchers propose a framework to evaluate climate change impacts on California's water-energy nexus. The framework identifies key stressors and adaptations, revealing potential synergies in mitigating climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 7, 2021

MRI frequently underestimates tumor size in prostate cancer

A study by researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that MRI frequently underestimates the size of prostate tumors, which can lead to undertreatment. The accuracy of treatment depends on precise measurements of both tumor size and PI-RADS score.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateJan 7, 2021

Cancer cells hibernate like bears to evade harsh chemotherapy

Researchers have found that cancer cells can enter a slow-dividing state to survive chemotherapy, similar to an embryonic survival program in mammals. Targeting these sleeping cells with novel therapies may prevent cancer regrowth and overcome drug resistance.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalCell·DateJan 7, 2021

IU research findings could reduce treatment-related complication for blood cancer patients

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have discovered a promising treatment approach for preventing acute graft-versus-host disease, a common complication of blood stem cell transplantation. The study found that using the oral drug sitagliptin reduces the risk of GVHD by inhibiting immune T cell activation.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 7, 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.

Energy sorghum may combine best of annual, perennial bioenergy crops

A CABBI study shows energy sorghum behaves more like perennial miscanthus in its efficient use of water and light to produce abundant biomass. Energy sorghum has higher nitrogen emissions than maize but can be managed with careful fertilizer, offering a middle-road crop solution.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·DateJan 7, 2021

Human migration patterns connected to vitamin D deficiencies today

Research finds that migration from high sunlight regions to low sunlight regions increases risk of vitamin D deficiency, associated with higher mortality rates from cardiovascular disease, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers. Vitamin D supplements may offer significant benefits in extending life years

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalOxford Economic Papers·DateJan 7, 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.

A brain mechanism underlying 'vision' in the blind is revealed

A study by Weizmann Institute of Science researchers found that spontaneous brain activity in the visual centers can trigger vivid visual hallucinations in blind individuals with Charles Bonnet syndrome. The findings suggest a shared neural system for vision, imagination, and hallucination.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalBrain·DateJan 7, 2021

Mediterranean diet may decrease risk of prostate cancer progression

A new study found that a Mediterranean-style diet may help slow the progression of prostate cancer in men who are not seeking immediate treatment. Men with localized prostate cancer who followed a more plant-based diet had a lower risk of cancer growth or advancement, regardless of their age, PSA levels, or tumor volume.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer·DateJan 7, 2021

Refined process enables high-strength thin glass

Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena have developed a refined process for thermally tempering thin glass, removing limitations on strength. The new method uses a liquid coolant to create a thermal gradient, enabling the production of high-strength glasses without thickness restrictions.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·DateJan 7, 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 likely lingered longer than reported in Wuhan

Researchers found thousands of Wuhan residents infected with asymptomatic COVID-19 cases after initial control measures. The study suggests a large number of asymptomatic carriers existed after reported cases were eliminated.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 7, 2021

Genomes reveal insights into much-loved Aussie animals

The genomes of platypus and echidna have been published in Nature, providing a valuable resource for research on mammalian biology and evolution. The study sheds light on the unique biology and reproductive strategy of these animals, offering new leads for drug development and genetic management of threatened populations.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature·DateJan 7, 2021

Treating an autoimmune disease in mice with an mRNA vaccine

Researchers developed an mRNA vaccine that restored tolerance to self-proteins in mice with autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a mouse model for multiple sclerosis. The vaccine suppressed immune responses and promoted regulatory T cells to control the disease.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 7, 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.

Birmingham research paves the way for new anti-fibrotic therapy for glaucoma

Scientists at the University of Birmingham have identified a potential new treatment for open angle glaucoma, a neurodegenerative disease affecting over 70 million people worldwide. ILB has been shown to normalise matrix deposition and lower intraocular pressure in a pre-clinical model, paving the way for anti-fibrotic therapies.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·DateJan 7, 2021

Sleep is irreplaceable for the recovery of the brain

Researchers at the University of Freiburg found that sleep is essential for brain recovery and improvement in performance after intense training or work. During deep sleep, brain activity strengthens relevant connections and weakens unused ones.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalSLEEP·DateJan 7, 2021

New challenges for wolf conservation

The growing wolf population in Germany threatens legally binding nature conservation goals due to increased attacks on livestock. The researchers propose simplifying regulatory measures, actively managing the wolf population, and providing financial support for farmers to implement conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNaturschutz und Landschaftsplanung (NuL)·DateJan 7, 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.

Covid-19 genome sequencing project gets major upgrade

A £1.2M grant will upgrade the CLIMB COVID-19 project's computational equipment to process genomic data globally. Researchers can analyze genomes from local populations in relation to global datasets, facilitating equitable data sharing and fighting pandemic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·DateJan 7, 2021

COVID-19 and dental and dental hygiene students' career plans

A study by Virginia Commonwealth University found that over 10% of dental hygiene students felt anxious about the future of dentistry, with 40% in their final year changing their career plans. Students who planned to change careers had higher stress and anxiety scores than those who didn't.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJDR Clinical & Translational Research·DateJan 7, 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.

When galaxies collide: Hubble showcases six beautiful galaxy mergers

The Hubble imaging Probe of Extreme Environments and Clusters (HiPEEC) survey investigates how star clusters form and evolve during galaxy mergers. The study reveals large and rapid variations in star cluster properties, with the most massive clusters formed towards the end of the merger phase.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 7, 2021

Researchers synthesize bio-based Methylcyclopentadiene with 3-Methylcyclopent-2-enone

Researchers at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics successfully synthesized bio-based Methylcyclopentadiene through direct hydrodeoxygenation of 3-methylcyclopent-2-enone derived from cellulose. The process achieved a high carbon yield of 70% and opens up a new horizon for the production of valuable products.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 7, 2021

Focused ultrasound shows promise for Parkinson's disease

Researchers found that focused ultrasound improved parkinsonian symptoms by 10 points in treated patients, with potential benefits for those with asymmetrical symptoms and limited treatment options. However, further refinements of the technology are needed to ensure reliability and safety.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 7, 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.

Researchers create comprehensive database of head and neck cancers

The study identified three distinct subtypes of HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) with varying prognoses. The subtypes CIN, Basal, and Immune showed potential for different treatments, including CDK4/6 inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies targeting EGFR, and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 7, 2021

Unusual sex chromosomes of platypus, emu and duck

Researchers have found unusual sex chromosomes in platypus, emu, and duck using cutting-edge sequencing techniques. The studies reveal that platypus has ten sex chromosomes paired together in a head-to-tail manner, whereas birds have ZW sex chromosomes.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature·DateJan 7, 2021

55 scientists funded to explore their research's commercial potential

The European Research Council has awarded €8.25 million in ERC Proof of Concept grants to 55 researchers, enabling them to explore the commercial and societal potential of their work. This funding will support the development of new technologies, such as a low-cost COVID-19 test and clean energy producing technology.

SourceEuropean Research Council·DateJan 7, 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.

Selfish elements turn embryos into a battlefield

Researchers identified five novel toxin-antidote pairs in nematode species Caenorhabditis tropicalis and C. briggsae. The study found that these elements can delay reproduction or kill non-carriers, causing defects in over 70% of progeny from a single cross.

SourceIMBA- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 7, 2021

Cutting COVID-19 infectious period could prevent millions of cases

A new study suggests that shortening the COVID-19 infectious period by half a day could avert up to 1.4 million cases and over 99,000 hospitalizations, saving $209.5 billion in direct medical costs. Expanding treatment to 75% of infected individuals could avert 29.7 million cases and save $856 billion.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 7, 2021

Researchers question fundamental study on the Kondo effect

Scientists from Jülich researchers found an alternative cause for the dip in energy spectrum attributed to the Kondo effect. They propose new experiments based on their predictions, suggesting that much of what was thought about the Kondo effect needs re-examination.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 7, 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.

Machine-learning models of matter beyond interatomic potentials

Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict electronic density of states (DOS) for materials properties. The model demonstrates transferability across different phases and scalability to large system sizes, making it applicable to address long-standing open questions in materials science.

SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJan 7, 2021

What happens when your brain can't tell which way is up or down?

Researchers at York University found that individuals differ in their reliance on visual information to interpret their environment, leading to varying perceptions of self-motion. This study's findings have practical applications for space travel, virtual reality game design, and understanding aging-related changes in mobility.

SourceYork University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 7, 2021

What is surgical smoke and what can be done about it?

Researchers define surgical smoke as a hazardous vapor composed of aerosolized chemicals, with potential to obscure vision, cause respiratory issues, and even contain viruses. Laws mandating its evacuation from operating rooms are recommended to reduce health impacts.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAORN Journal·DateJan 7, 2021

Study reveals structure of protein and permits search for drugs against neglected diseases

Researchers have deciphered the structure of a protein found in parasites that cause elephantiasis and cutaneous leishmaniasis, enabling the search for more potent molecules capable of directly destroying pathogens. The study aims to reduce or avoid adverse side effects of current treatments.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 7, 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.

Social transmission of pain, fear has different targets in mouse brain

Researchers discover pain and fear are transmitted through different brain regions in mice, with pain mediated by the anterior cingulate cortex to the nucleus accumbens and fear mediated by the ACC to the basolateral amygdala. This study provides insights into empathy and may offer a model for socially-induced pain relief among humans.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 7, 2021