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Science News Archive January 2021 - Page 12


Page 12 of 40

ISIS and the Taliban use different strategies to appeal to women in English-language magazines

A recent study by researchers from the University of Exeter analyzed 68 English language jihadi magazines produced between 2013 and 2020. The Taliban's magazines promote traditional roles for women, while ISIS and Al Qaeda encourage violence and leave husbandless wives. Experts hope highlighting these varying recruitment strategies wil...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalSmall Wars and Insurgencies·DateJan 25, 2021

Identification of Oligo-DNA that promotes skeletal muscle differentiation

Researchers identified a novel oligo-DNA molecule that induces myoblast differentiation, potentially treating muscle atrophy and related diseases. The 'myogenetic oligo-DNA' (myoDN) acts as an aptamer, binding to protein nucleolin and activating the p53 signaling pathway.

SourceShinshu University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateJan 25, 2021

Major discovery helps explain coral bleaching

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about coral bleaching, revealing that corals start to starve before their algae are expelled due to nutrient depletion. This finding has significant implications for understanding the causes of coral bleaching and identifying resilient reefs.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 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.

The surprises of color evolution

A biologist's review articles on insect color vision and plant-pollinator interactions highlight the complexity of these relationships, which involve deception, chemical warfare, and biomechanical trickery. Plants have evolved fine-tuned pigments to attract pollinators, but insects have also co-evolved with them.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 25, 2021

Integrated disease management saves olive trees from Verticillium wilt

Researchers at UCOLIVO Group reduce Verticillium wilt in commercial olive grove by integrating resistant crops and soil disinfestation practices, resulting in 3.1% Picual tree mortality vs 5.6% with traditional techniques. Frantoio trees show even greater resistance to the disease.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateJan 25, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

COVID-19 cases, deaths in US increase with higher income inequality

A new study found that COVID-19 infections and deaths in the US increased with higher income inequality, particularly in counties with higher proportions of Black or Hispanic residents. The study also showed that economic inequality harms population health regardless of racial/ethnic composition.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 25, 2021

Reactive halogen from domestic coal burning aggravates winter air pollution

Researchers found high concentrations of bromine chloride in polluted continental regions, significantly impacting wintertime air quality. The study suggests that uncontrolled coal burning is a major source of reactive halogens, driving increased ozone production and secondary aerosol formation.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 25, 2021

How does incident solar radiation affect urban canyons?

Researchers developed a numerical model to predict the upward-to-downward reflection ratio of glass bead retro-reflective materials in urban canyons. The study found that retro-reflectivity increases from morning to noon, then decreases, contributing to UHI mitigation and reduced building energy consumption.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalUrban Climate·DateJan 25, 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.

COVID-19 warnings were on Twitter well before the outbreak of the pandemic

A new study reveals that posts revealing concern for 'pneumonia' circulated early on Twitter, indicating social media's potential to detect emerging health threats. The analysis of Twitter data shows a statistically significant increase in mentions of pneumonia and dry cough before the official announcement of COVID-19 cases.

SourceIMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 25, 2021

Inner ear morphology and great ape evolution

The study explores inner ear morphology to understand hominid evolution and relationships among apes, monkeys, and humans. Volumetric proportions of semicircular canals in extinct apes resemble those of extant great apes and humans.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2021

Simulating 800,000 years of California earthquake history to pinpoint risks

A new framework predicts likelihood and impact of earthquakes over an entire region by simulating hundreds of thousands of years of seismic history in California. The results compare well with historical earthquakes and display a realistic distribution of earthquake probabilities.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateJan 25, 2021

Protein anchors as a newly discovered key molecule in cancer spread and epilepsy

Scientists have identified G3BP proteins as a crucial molecular mechanism that inhibits MTOR activity, leading to cancer cell migration and neuronal hyperactivity. Inhibiting MTOR with existing drugs shows promise in treating breast cancer and neurological disorders, such as epilepsy.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalCell·DateJan 25, 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.

Dietary adherence and the fight against obesity

A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing analyzed various dietary approaches and clinical trials to better understand how to optimize adherence and subsequent weight reduction. The findings suggest that there is not convincing evidence that one diet is universally easier to adhere to than another, highlighti...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 25, 2021

Climate change in antiquity: mass emigration due to water scarcity

Researchers found climate change was behind the decline of Roman settlements in Egypt's Faiyum region, which relied heavily on irrigation. The study linked a volcanic eruption and reduced Nile rainfall to the environmental changes that led to mass migration.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalStudies in Late Antiquity·DateJan 25, 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.

Watching decision making in the brain

Researchers use novel algorithm to interpret brain signals in real-time, allowing them to predict monkeys' decisions before they make a movement. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for understanding cognition and decision-making processes.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateJan 25, 2021

Borderline personality disorder: Don't ignore it

Researchers found that adolescent borderline pathology can improve with treatment, challenging previous assumptions about its intractability. The study of 500 adolescent patients over 18 months showed a significant downward trend of BPD features despite not undergoing specialized treatment.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Abnormal Child Psychology·DateJan 25, 2021

Domino effects and synchrony in seizure initiation

Researchers use mathematical modeling to study synchronization changes during seizure onset, identifying key factors that influence the transition from desynchronization to high levels of synchronization. The study reveals a new phenomenon where amplitude coupling can accelerate or decelerate the domino effect.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Dynamical Systems·DateJan 25, 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.

A world first in circadian clock manipulation

Researchers at Nagoya University and Groningen University develop a method to control the daily rhythm of human cells using light. They discovered two compounds, TH303 and TH129, that can lengthen the circadian clock period and found a way to reverse this effect by changing the compound's structure with light.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 24, 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.

Global demand for cancer surgery set to surge

The global demand for cancer surgery is projected to rise from 9.1 million to 13.8 million cases by 2040, with a 52% increase in low-income countries. The study estimates that these countries will need to increase their surgeon and anaesthetist numbers substantially to meet the growing demand.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJan 24, 2021

Meta-Apo supports cheaper, quicker microbiome functional assessment

A new algorithm called Meta-Apo reduces the need for expensive whole-genome sequencing to understand microbial function, improving consistency with 16S rRNA gene amplicon results. This approach enables accurate diagnoses like gingivitis improvement from 65% to 95% using low-cost 16S-amplicon sequencing.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalBMC Genomics·DateJan 22, 2021

No more needles for diagnostic tests?

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis developed a pain-free microneedle patch that can detect biomarkers in the fluid between cells, revolutionizing diagnostic testing. The technology offers unprecedented sensitivity and could eliminate unnecessary hospital trips and discomfort.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 22, 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.

Chimpanzee friends fight together to battle rivals

Strong social bonds increase willingness to join others in battle, according to a study by Max Planck Institute researchers. The study found that males and females participate in battles, and that three factors – group size, maternal kin involvement, and non-kin social bond partners – increase the likelihood of participation.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2021

Study recommends rugby league invests in young players' diets

Rugby league's young players can benefit from individualized nutrition plans to improve physical capacity, health, and recovery throughout their careers. The study provides practical food and drink examples for sports dietitians and coaches to help players eat and drink enough as part of a healthy diet.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism·DateJan 22, 2021

Dramatic changes to radiotherapy treatments due to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic saw a decrease in radiotherapy treatment courses, particularly among older patients. The new study reveals that the English NHS adapted its services quickly to protect patients, with some types of cancer seeing increased use of radiotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJan 22, 2021

Join best-selling author James Nestor on 'breath' and sinus health

The American Rhinologic Society has launched SinusHealth.com, the first-ever patient-focused online resource dedicated to nasal and sinus conditions and treatments. James Nestor will discuss his book Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, exploring the science of breathing and its impact on health.

SourceGreen Room Communications·DateJan 22, 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.

Proteins unspool DNA so cells can take on unique properties

A new study reveals that pioneer transcription factors help unspool tightly wound coils of DNA, allowing genetic blueprints to be read and proteins to be made. The researchers found that one pioneer factor can interact with two different remodelers to regulate transcription, a process deeply conserved across species.

SourceCornell University·JournalGenes & Development·DateJan 22, 2021

Flowery diets help predatory insects help farmers keep pests in check

Research finds that flowers provide essential nectar and pollen for predatory insects, helping them survive up to 8 times longer. This can significantly reduce the need for agricultural pesticides, improving crop production while supporting biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalBiological Control·DateJan 22, 2021

NIH-funded study examines mono, chronic fatigue syndrome in college students

A longitudinal study of 4,501 college students found that those who developed chronic fatigue syndrome after infectious mononucleosis had more physical symptoms and immune irregularities at baseline. Researchers also discovered that emotional functioning and psychological states were not statistically different from those who recovered.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJan 22, 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.

Risk factors for intraoperative pressure injury in aortic surgery

Patients undergoing aortic surgery are at high risk of developing intraoperative pressure injuries due to increased incidence compared to other cardiac surgeries. Nurses should thoroughly assess risk and implement preventative interventions for high-risk patients.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateJan 22, 2021

The seven rocky planets of TRAPPIST-1 seem to have very similar compositions

A new study measured the densities of seven exoplanets in the TRAPPIST-1 system with extreme precision, finding remarkably similar compositions among all planets. The researchers propose three hypotheses to explain this similarity, including lower iron content, oxygen-enriched compositions, and water enrichment.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·DateJan 22, 2021

Navigating uncertainty: Why we need decision theory during a pandemic

A team of researchers, including a Nobel laureate, argues that modern decision theory can help policymakers navigate the uncertainty of a pandemic. By accounting for three layers of uncertainty, formal decision rules can provide clarity and test intuition.

SourceBocconi University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 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.

Pancreatic β cell-derived exosomal miR-29 family enhances hepatic glucose output

Researchers identified pancreatic β cell-derived exosomal miR-29 family as a new mechanism that regulates glucose homeostasis through liver. Exosomal miR-29s negatively regulate insulin signalling pathway via targeting p85 α, attenuating the suppression of insulin on glucose output.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateJan 22, 2021

Wu & Hakami investigating COVID-19 therapies

Researchers Yuntao Wu and Ramin Hakami are investigating COVID-19 therapies using the K18-hACE2 mouse model, which can replicate severe COVID-19 infection in humans. The study aims to test the efficacy of therapeutics developed by Dejia Harmony against COVID-19.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateJan 22, 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.

Microbiome Search Engine 2 helps researchers explore microbiome space

The new search engine enables researchers to compare different samples with the same function in various microbiomes, aiding disease diagnosis and treatment. MSE 2 includes an extended database of over 260,000 samples, providing a bird's eye view of the microbiome data space

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalmSystems·DateJan 22, 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.

Predictive value of blood pressure, heart rate, and blood pressure/heart rate ratio in a Chinese subpopulation with vasovagal syncope

Researchers discovered predictive values for blood pressure, heart rate, and ratio in a Chinese subpopulation with vasovagal syncope using simplistic tilt test. The study suggests that ratios of blood pressure to heart rate derived from ambulatory blood pressure monitoring may better predict the presence and pattern of vasovagal syncope.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateJan 22, 2021

Regulating the ribosomal RNA production line

Cryo-electron microscopy study reveals how an enzyme synthesizes ribosomal RNA at different speeds depending on the bacteria's growth rate, providing insights into the regulation of this process and its importance in E. coli cells.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2021

Placental function can illuminate future disease in adults and children

A CU Anschutz study reveals associations between placental signaling and metabolic disease in children and adults, offering potential early intervention and diagnosis of conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Placenta function can illuminate future disease in adults and children.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalDiabetes·DateJan 22, 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.

Sliding life expectancy poses gender and inequity questions

A new study finds that women live longer than men globally since 2006, but paradoxically report more illness. The research explores the complex interplay of biological, social and health service factors contributing to this phenomenon.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJan 22, 2021

New technique builds super-hard metals from nanoparticles

Researchers at Brown University have developed a method to create solid metal structures by smashing individual metal nanoclusters together. The technique, which involves chemical treatment and pressure, produces metals with uniform grain sizes that can be precisely tuned for enhanced properties.

SourceBrown University·JournalChem·DateJan 22, 2021