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Science News Archive January 2021 - Page 2


Page 2 of 40

Researchers to investigate chemicals in indoor air

Aarhus University researcher Kasper Vita Kristensen is investigating indoor air chemicals, which affect health, productivity, and learning. His project aims to identify chemical sources, processes, and technologies to create a healthier indoor climate for children.

SourceAarhus University·DateJan 29, 2021

Constructing the first version of the Japanese reference genome

The researchers have developed a high-precision reference sequence, JG1, constructed from the genomes of three Japanese individuals using next-generation sequencing technologies. This will enable efficient investigation of causal genetic variants for rare diseases and cancer driver genes in Japanese populations.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 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.

Turning on the switch for plasticity in the human brain

Glutamate signaling is crucial for enabling synaptic plasticity, a process that restructures neural networks due to learning and memory acquisition. The new study demonstrates how glutamate works across synapses to activate this switch.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2021

How lipids distribute proteins within cells

Researchers at the University of Seville have solved a long-standing enigma in basic biology by discovering how lipids distribute proteins within cells. Using a new microscopy technology, they found that membrane lipids select and direct specific proteins to correct exit doors.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 29, 2021

Threads that sense how and when you move? New technology makes it possible

Researchers at Tufts University have created flexible thread-based sensors that can measure movement of the neck, providing data on direction, angle of rotation, and degree of displacement. The technology has potential implications for tracking health and performance, with applications in athletic performance, worker fatigue, physical ...

SourceTufts University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 29, 2021

UArizona researchers develop smartphone-based COVID-19 test

Researchers at UArizona are developing a COVID-19 testing method that uses a smartphone microscope to analyze saliva samples, delivering results in about 10 minutes. The method combines the speed of existing nasal swab antigen tests with the high accuracy of PCR tests.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·JournalNature Protocols·DateJan 29, 2021

Accurate drug dosages with proton traps

Researchers at Linköping University developed a proton trap that reduces protons' impact on drug dosage accuracy. This innovation aims to minimize side effects and increase effectiveness of organic electronic ion pumps in treating neurological diseases.

SourceLinköping University·DateJan 29, 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.

A potentially safer, more effective gene therapy vector for blood disorders

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed a new gene therapy vector that produces more hemoglobin with a lower dose, minimizing toxic side effects. The vector, ALS20, was found to be significantly more effective than current vectors in treating beta-globinopathies.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateJan 29, 2021

Football and inclusion: It all comes down to the right motivational climate

A recent study by Anne-Marie Elbe and her team of researchers found that a task-oriented training climate correlated positively with young players' sense of inclusion in football teams. In contrast, a performance-oriented motivational climate was negatively associated with feelings of inclusion.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise·DateJan 29, 2021

Firearm deaths increasing in U.S. children younger than 5, study says

A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that firearm-related deaths among children ages 1-4 increased exponentially between 1999 and 2018, with non-Hispanic Black and White children being disproportionately affected. Nearly 90% of these incidents occurred in or near the victim's home, making them preventable.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of the National Medical Association·DateJan 29, 2021

A small protein in bacteria overlooked up to now

Researchers have identified a previously unknown protein NblD in cyanobacteria that plays a crucial role in recycling nutrients during photosynthesis. The discovery highlights the importance of studying small genes and proteins, which were previously overlooked.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 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.

New research about emerging 'COVID-19 personality types'

A new study identifies 13 emerging 'COVID-19 personality types' in humans, including Deniers, Spreaders, Harmers, and Worriers. The research highlights the importance of recognizing individual diversity to foster societal resilience and an ethical COVID-19 agenda.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateJan 29, 2021

Black lung cancer patients die sooner than white counterparts

Research found that black patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer are more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage and have lower chances of receiving surgery. Additionally, they experience significantly reduced cancer-specific survival rates compared to their white counterparts.

SourceThe Society of Thoracic Surgeons·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·DateJan 29, 2021

New technology to detect bitter almonds in real time

A new system developed by the University of Córdoba's research groups can predict levels of amygdalin in almonds and classify sweet and bitter ones on an industrial scale. The portable equipment uses Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) technology to analyze nuts quickly and non-invasively.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalJournal of Food Engineering·DateJan 29, 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.

Protecting UK insect populations post-Brexit

Researchers will use a combination of data from scientific monitoring, citizen scientists, and high-tech sensors to assess UK insect abundance and diversity. The project aims to provide definitive evidence on whether insects are declining overall and inform environmental policies to protect them.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateJan 29, 2021

Reduced-dose RT with Cisplatin improves outcomes for HPV-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma

A combination of reduced-dose radiotherapy using IMRT combined with concurrent cisplatin met the threshold for disease control and quality of life in good-risk patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. This approach yields improved outcomes compared to standard treatment, with lower rates of acute toxicities.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 29, 2021

Our gut-brain connection

Researchers used an 'organs-on-a-chip' system to model the influence of gut bacteria on brain health and found that short-chain fatty acids can worsen Parkinson's disease. The study suggests a link between lipid metabolism and neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting the complex interactions between the gut and brain.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 29, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UTA aims to build a better microchip

Assistant Professor Chenyun Pan is exploring alternative materials and geometric structures to enhance efficiency in intermediate-length interconnects. His research aims to alleviate the limitations of traditional copper-based interconnects and deliver improved chip performance.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateJan 29, 2021

Remdesivir disrupts COVID-19 virus better than other similar drugs

Researchers at the University of Chicago used computational simulations to understand how remdesivir works against SARS-CoV-2. They found that remdesivir binds strongly to the virus and destabilizes its protein complex, reducing replication. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanism of remdesivir and its potential for e...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalACS Central Science·DateJan 29, 2021

Singles or pairs in cancer cells

Researchers at the Max Delbrück Center used advanced microscopy to determine that CXCR4 receptor on cancer cells appears in both transient pairs and alone, depending on receptor density. This knowledge may lead to more effective cancer drugs with fewer side effects.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2021

Current issue articles forGeosphereposted online in January

Researchers study feldspar recycling in Yosemite National Park's Tuolumne intrusive complex to understand incremental growth processes. A new model predicts relationships between hanging-wall extension, fault slip, and fault dip for the Ragged Mountain Fault in Alaska.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateJan 29, 2021

By changing their shape, some bacteria can grow more resilient to antibiotics

Research at Carnegie Mellon University reveals that certain bacteria can change their shape in response to antibiotic exposure, enabling them to overcome stress and resume fast growth. The study demonstrates how cell shape affects bacterial reproduction and survival, providing insight into the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 29, 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.

Genes that dance to the circadian rhythm

Scientists studied gene expression patterns in Drosophila to understand the circadian rhythm, finding that individual flies have unique rhythms and genetic variations can affect behavior. The study also reveals genes that regulate circadian rhythms in humans, potentially impacting metabolic patterns and disease

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 29, 2021

Family's our focus during pandemic, study finds

A new UC Riverside study examines how people experience everyday life and its situations before and during the coronavirus pandemic. The study found that some everyday experiences suffer, such as conversation and finding new relationships, but positive feelings remain largely unchanged due to individual personality.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJan 29, 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.

Biobased anti-thrombosis agent

Researchers created potent trivalent inhibitors of thrombin from anticoagulation peptides in insect saliva, demonstrating improved efficiency over natural agents. The new agent showed 385-fold inhibition in human plasma and reduced fibrin accumulation, offering potential for efficient anticoagulation drugs.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 29, 2021

New technique identifies important mutations behind Lynch Syndrome

A new technique using deep mutational scanning has identified important mutations in the MSH2 gene associated with Lynch Syndrome, a major cause of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer. This approach could improve predictive value of genetic screening for individuals at risk of developing colorectal cancer.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 29, 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.

The spillover effect

New research reveals that marine reserves can increase fish catches by 225% and enhance the fishery, contrary to long-held skepticism. By providing a refuge for stock rebuilding and spillover into nearby waters, MPAs lead to improved catch rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 29, 2021

Arctic warming and diminishing sea ice are influencing the atmosphere

Scientists from the University of Helsinki investigated atmospheric particle formation in the Arctic, discovering how Arctic warming and sea ice loss strengthen processes that emit different vapors to the atmosphere. This study provides crucial insights into the consequences of global warming.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 29, 2021

How vitamins, steroids and potential antivirals might affect SARS-CoV-2

A new study from the University of Bristol suggests that vitamins D, K, and A could help combat COVID-19 by binding to the viral Spike protein. This reduces SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, while high cholesterol may enable the virus. Researchers identified potential antiviral drug candidates among approved pharmaceuticals and dietary components.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateJan 29, 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.

Specific bacteria in the gut prompt mother mice to neglect their pups

A new study led by Salk Institute scientists identified a strain of E. coli bacteria that causes female mice to neglect their offspring when living in the gut. The research reveals a direct link between the particular microbe and maternal behavior, adding to growing evidence that microbes in the gut affect brain health and development.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 29, 2021

County by county, study shows social inequality's role in COVID-19's toll

A new study from Michigan Medicine shows that the more disadvantaged a county's population was before the pandemic, the higher the toll of coronavirus. The Social Vulnerability Index tracked closely with COVID-19 cases and deaths per 100,000 residents in each county.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 29, 2021

Radiation Oncology trials using PET with FDG uptake among NSCLC patients

Researchers presented two radiation oncology trials that aimed to improve local tumor control in NSCLC patients. One trial found no significant difference in 2-year local-regional tumor progression-free rates between adaptive and standard radiation therapy arms, while another study demonstrated excellent local control rates with dose e...

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateJan 29, 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.

Women who develop high blood pressure after birth at greater risk of chronic hypertension

A recent study has found that women who develop high blood pressure during and after pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing chronic hypertension. The study, which followed 368 women for six to 18 months after delivery, found that nearly half of the women developed high blood pressure in the first six weeks postpartum.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 29, 2021

Local emissions amplify regional haze and particle growth

Researchers found that local emissions significantly contribute to the formation of regional haze and particle growth in Beijing. The study suggests that a reduction of anthropogenic gaseous precursors can suppress particle growth, leading to haze alleviation.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateJan 29, 2021

Childhood trauma could affect development, treatment of multiple sclerosis

A new study found that childhood trauma can increase susceptibility to multiple sclerosis and reduce responsiveness to treatment. The researchers discovered a key immune system receptor that triggers the disease progression when activated by stress hormones.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2021

Synthesizing valuable chemicals from contaminated soil

Researchers at Mainz University have developed an electrolysis process to produce dichloro and dibromo compounds from contaminated soil, reducing the need for toxic chlorine and bromine. The method is broadly applicable, easy to scale up, and can even separate chlorine atoms from banned insecticides.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience·DateJan 29, 2021

Schoolchildren are learning about health through football (soccer)

A new study from the University of Southern Denmark shows that a programme of football exercises as part of school lessons can increase health knowledge in children. The programme improved health knowledge in areas such as diet, exercise, hygiene, and wellbeing for both boys and girls.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateJan 29, 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.

Automated AI algorithm uses routine imaging to predict cardiovascular risk

A new AI algorithm developed by Brigham and Women's Hospital can automatically measure coronary artery calcium from routine CT scans, predicting cardiovascular events like heart attacks. The system was validated in over 20,000 individuals and highly correlated with manual scores, showing promise for personalized medicine.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2021

COVID unemployment assistance puts food on the table: BU study

A Boston University School of Public Health study reveals that receiving unemployment insurance cuts the risk of food insecurity in half, and larger supplements provide even bigger reductions. The research also highlights significant disparities in food insecurity among jobless individuals, including Indigenous and Hispanic participants.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 29, 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.

GSA Bulletin articles published ahead of print in January

New research on fault networks, metamorphism, and sedimentary rocks provides insights into geological processes in Australia and North America. Studies analyze the evolution of complex fault systems, deformation patterns, and regional tectonics.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJan 29, 2021

At-home swabs diagnose infections as accurately as healthcare worker-collected swabs

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 studies found that self- and caregiver swabs are effective at detecting multiple pathogens, with high sensitivity (91%) and specificity (98%) compared to healthcare worker-collected swabs. This approach offers advantages in reducing transmission risk, expenses, and discomfort for patients.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateJan 28, 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.

Tropical cyclones are tracking closer to land globally

Global tropical cyclone activity has been drifting closer to land over the past four decades, according to researchers Shuai Wang and Ralf Toumi. The distance between storms and land has decreased by roughly 30 kilometers per decade, increasing the risk of coastal populations.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 28, 2021

Researchers create powerful unipolar carbon nanotube muscles

Electrochemically driven carbon nanotube muscles contract more when driven faster, solving limitations that restricted their applications. The polymer coating used in the study converts bipolar actuation to unipolar, making the muscles faster and more powerful.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalScience·DateJan 28, 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.