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Science News Archive January 2021 - Page 23


Page 23 of 40

Changing resilience of oceans to climate change

A recent study found that ancient oceans were more resilient to climate change than previously thought, with limited expansion of seafloor anoxia during the Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum. However, current human activities are expected to drive more rapid and expansive oxygen loss due to higher carbon emissions and nutrient pollution.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 15, 2021

Towards new methods for replacing animal testing

Researchers developed an in vitro and computational model-based approach to identify chemicals affecting male reproductive health without animal tests. The method predicts exposure of fetuses to harmful substances, showing promising results compared to traditional animal tests.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJan 15, 2021

Spreading the sound

Researchers developed a new theoretical model explaining the spread of vibrations in disordered materials, showing that sound waves lose coherence on shorter length scales. This discovery may lead to the design of heat- and shatter-resistant glass for smartphones and tablets.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJan 15, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New England Journal of Medicinepublishes COVID-19 treatment trial results

A clinical trial involving COVID-19 patients hospitalized at UT Health San Antonio and University Health found that a combination of the drugs baricitinib and remdesivir reduced time to recovery. Patients on high oxygen therapy had a recovery time of 10 days with combination treatment, compared to 18 days with remdesivir alone.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 14, 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.

How plants produce defensive toxins without harming themselves

A study by Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology reveals how plants produce defensive toxins, such as diterpene glycosides, without harming themselves. These plant chemicals attack specific parts of the cell membrane, and plants store them in a non-toxic form to prevent self-harm.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalScience·DateJan 14, 2021

The richer you are, the more likely you'll social distance, study finds

Researchers found that people with higher incomes were more likely to adopt self-protective behaviors such as social distancing and mask wearing. In contrast, lower-income individuals faced increased challenges in adopting these behaviors due to job losses, limited access to remote work, and living in homes without outdoor spaces.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalJournal of Population Economics·DateJan 14, 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.

ADA lowers target HbA1C levels for children with type-1 diabetes

The American Diabetes Association has lowered the target HbA1C levels for children with type-1 diabetes to less than 7% to reduce acute and long-term organ damage. The new guidelines aim to improve immediate and long-term health outcomes, fewer complications, and reduced mortality rates in T1D children.

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJan 14, 2021

Reverse engineering 3D chromosome models for individual cells

Scientists have created highly detailed 3D models of chromosomes for individual cells using a computational technique that uncovers spatial relationships between genes. These models provide valuable insights into how genes work together to drive biological processes, such as development and cell differentiation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 2021

Sexual harassment claims by less feminine women perceived as less credible

A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that women who deviate from traditional femininity are perceived as less credible and their claims of sexual harassment are viewed as less valid. This bias can prevent non-stereotypical women from accessing legal protections, leaving them vulnerable to further vic...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 14, 2021

Borrowing from birds, experts reduce search times for novel high-entropy alloys to seconds

Computational materials scientists at Ames Laboratory have created an algorithm that uses a hybrid approach inspired by cuckoo birds' nesting habits to find novel high-entropy alloys. The new method significantly reduces the search time for these materials, which are highly sought after for their unique properties and applications.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalNature Computational Science·DateJan 14, 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.

Common workplace interactions can trigger suicidal thoughts for employees with mood disorders

A study by Kayla Follmer and Jake Follmer found that low-grade forms of workplace mistreatment can amplify suicidal thoughts in employees with depression or bipolar disorder. The researchers surveyed 279 American adults and discovered that perceived mistreatment, job engagement, and suicidal ideation are linked.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateJan 14, 2021

Not as simple as thought: How bacteria form membrane vesicles

Researchers discovered a novel mechanism by which mycolic acid-containing bacteria form diverse types of membrane vesicles in response to DNA damage and envelope stress. This finding provides insight into the mechanisms of membrane vesicle formation, which could be helpful for developing novel therapeutics or vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournaliScience·DateJan 14, 2021

Physical frailty syndrome: a cacophony of multisystem dysfunction

Physical frailty is defined as a state of depleted reserves resulting in increased vulnerability to stressors. A complex systems approach suggests that interventions like physical activity can remedy frailty by addressing dysregulation across multiple interconnected physiological and biological systems.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNature Aging·DateJan 14, 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.

Model analyzes how viruses escape the immune system

MIT researchers have created a new computational model that can predict which sections of viral surface proteins are more likely to mutate in a way that enables viral escape. The model identifies potential targets for vaccines against influenza and HIV, offering hope for developing effective treatments.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJan 14, 2021

COVID-19 reduced US life expectancy, especially among Black and Latino populations

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected life expectancy in the US, with a projected decline of 1.13 years to 77.48 years, according to USC researchers. The decline is particularly stark among minority populations, with Blacks expected to lose 2.10 years and Latinos 3.05 years of life expectancy.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 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.

Retinal cell transplant clears experimental hurdle toward treating blindness

A groundbreaking study by Liu et al successfully transplanted adult human eye stem cells into monkeys' eyes, restoring normal vision and supporting photoreceptor function. The retinal pigment epithelium-derived cells showed no serious side effects and integrated stably for at least three months.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJan 14, 2021

Lack of managers keeps India's businesses small

A new study by Yale University economists finds that the absence of professional management hinders India's business growth, constraining innovation and economic growth. The study suggests that if Indian businesses adopted management practices common in developed countries, they would expand and boost productivity.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateJan 14, 2021

Faeces and algorithms: Artificial Intelligence to map our intestinal bacteria

Scientists from the University of Copenhagen have created an AI-powered method to study the complex gut microbiome by analyzing faeces. The technique can help identify patterns in bacterial composition and connection to diseases like diabetes and autism.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJan 14, 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.

Measuring the belowground world

Soil organisms perform crucial services like nutrient transformation and water purification. A new monitoring network aims to improve understanding and protection of soil biodiversity.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalScience·DateJan 14, 2021

Mapping our sun's backyard

A team of astronomers has created the most complete 3D map of cool brown dwarfs in the Sun's local neighborhood, cataloging over 500 objects including 38 new discoveries. The results provide evidence that the Sun's immediate neighborhood is unusually diverse relative to other parts of the Milky Way Galaxy.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateJan 14, 2021

Sexual harassment claims considered more credible if made by 'prototypical' women

A study led by the University of Washington found that women perceived as 'prototypical' are more likely to be believed when making accusations of sexual harassment. Non-prototypical women face greater hurdles and are seen as less credible, less harmed, and their harassers deserve less punishment.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 14, 2021

Study the boundary between bulk, nano and molecule scale of gold plasmonic physics

Researchers found three regimes in gold plasmonic evolution: classical plasmon for large clusters, quantum confinement corrected plasmon for medium-sized clusters, and molecular plasmon for small clusters. The study uses atomic precision to understand the boundary between bulk, nano and molecule scale of gold plasmonic physics.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 14, 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.

New suspicious lesions on breast MRI in neoadjuvant therapy

A study of 419 breast MRI examinations found new suspicious findings in 5.5% of patients, but all were benign; results suggest biopsies may not be necessary for patients responding well to neoadjuvant therapy.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJan 14, 2021

BioRescue two new northern white rhino embryos created at Christmas

Two new northern white rhino embryos were created in December 2020 using advanced assisted reproduction technologies. This brings the total number of viable embryos produced to five. The successful embryo creation is a result of a regular rhythm of repeated oocyte collections, which will continue if possible.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·DateJan 14, 2021

Behavioral traits converge for humans and animals sharing an environment

A new study reveals that human hunter-gatherer populations share common behavioral traits with their non-human neighbors, including diet composition, child-care duties, and community organization. The findings support the idea that environmental pressures shape behaviors across species.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 14, 2021

Experts reduce search times for novel high-entropy alloys 13,000-fold using Cuckoo Search

Researchers at Lehigh University and Iowa State University have developed a hybrid Cuckoo Search algorithm that accelerates computational modeling of complex alloys by reducing search time up to 13,000-fold. This breakthrough enables the creation of physically realizable systems that can be directly compared against experimental samples.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Computational Science·DateJan 14, 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.

Keeping the costs of superconducting magnets down using ultrasound

A team of scientists from Shibaura Institute of Technology developed a cost-effective method to enhance the properties of magnesium diboride superconductors using ultrasonication. This approach resulted in a higher critical current density, making bulk MgB2 more accessible and simpler to fabricate.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·DateJan 14, 2021

SolarEV City concept: Building the next urban power and mobility systems

The SolarEV City concept integrates roof-top PVs with electric vehicles to supply affordable CO2-free electricity, reducing emissions by 54-95% in nine Japanese urban areas. Implementations can meet 53-95% of electricity demands by 2030, with potential cost savings of 26-41%.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 14, 2021

Temperature scanners of limited value in detecting Covid-19

A new study suggests that temperature scanners are unreliable for detecting Covid-19 due to false negatives and varying factors affecting skin temperature readings. Taking temperature readings from a person's fingertip and eye can provide a more reliable indicator of fever-induced changes in deep body temperature.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateJan 14, 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.

Comparing reactions of flu vaccines in older adults

A randomized clinical trial compared flu vaccine reactions in older adults, finding that injection-site pain was a common side effect. The study also revealed differences in reaction rates among various flu vaccine types.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 14, 2021

Accounting for the gaps in ancient food webs

Researchers developed a method to account for missing soft-bodied organisms in ancient food webs, revealing differences between hard- and soft-bodied taxa that have existed for at least 48 million years. This work strengthens future research in ancient food web reconstruction and allows for more robust predictions of future ecosystems.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalPaleobiology·DateJan 14, 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.

Berkeley Lab science snapshots

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have launched a comprehensive resource on carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies and policies to mitigate climate change. The CDR Primer provides an overview of various techniques, including sequestering carbon in soil through improved agricultural practices.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJoule·DateJan 14, 2021

Effects of head trauma from intimate partner violence largely unrecognized

Research estimates that one in three women experience intimate partner violence and up to 90% suffer head trauma. However, data is scarce on the cognitive and psychological effects of this trauma. A new international effort aims to understand the ramifications of injuries and develop personalized treatment strategies.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBrain Imaging and Behavior·DateJan 14, 2021

Scholars link diet, dentition, and linguistics

A University of Miami study found that a soft food diet can reshape language by changing how people speak and pronounce sounds. The research analyzed thousands of languages and the speech patterns of 10 celebrities, including Freddie Mercury and Michael Phelps.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 14, 2021

Cotton quality mapping as a tool for growers

The study maps cotton fiber quality to determine how in-field practices impact fiber growth, enabling growers to maximize profitability and reduce environmental impact. By combining data on yield, fiber quality, and sustainability metrics, producers can provide customers with information on the cotton they use.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·DateJan 14, 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.

Temperature scanners of limited value in detecting Covid-19

A new study finds that traditional surface temperature scanners are ineffective in detecting fever-related illnesses, like Covid-19. Instead, taking temperature readings from a person's fingertip and eye may provide more accurate results.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateJan 14, 2021

Extreme fire weather

Climate scientists have long known that human activities increase wildfire risk, but the specific roles and influences were unclear. A new study quantifies competing anthropogenic influences on extreme fire weather risk, revealing heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions as a dominant contributor.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 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.

Esophageal cancer patients show abundance of oral pathogens

Researchers found that certain oral pathogens are more prevalent in esophageal cancer patients, particularly in dental plaque and saliva. The study suggests that these pathogens may be associated with a high risk of esophageal cancer and could form the basis of future screening methods.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalCancer·DateJan 14, 2021

Bladder cancer -- When to use chemotherapy

Research at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin found that patients' immune systems before chemotherapy determine treatment success in bladder cancer. High levels of CXCL11 and CXCR3alt receptors indicate a strong immune response, leading to increased survival rates.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 14, 2021

Studying and treating COVID-19's long-term impact

A nationwide study, INSPIRE, aims to track the long-term outcomes of COVID-19 infections on various age groups over a two-year period. Researchers will examine COVID-19 survivors' health care utilization, clinical events, and physical and mental function.

SourceRush University Medical Center·DateJan 14, 2021