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Science News Archive January 2021 - Page 25


Page 25 of 40

MicroRNA may serve as therapeutic targets for traumatic brain injury

Researchers have identified microRNA biomarkers that play a role in brain damage caused by traumatic brain injury, and are also associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study found coordinated miRNA dysregulation followed by increased amounts of BACE1, a key enzyme in neurodegenerative disease pathology.

SourceWalter Reed Army Institute of Research·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·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.

Teeth pendants speak of the elk's prominent status in the Stone Age

A study by Kristiina Mannermaa analyzed over 4,000 elk tooth ornaments found in graves across Baltic and Scandinavian regions. The results showed that practically all teeth had been processed identically, with only two instances featuring perforation for threading.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·DateJan 14, 2021

Triggering tumor antiviral immune response in triple negative breast cancer

A new study published in Cell reveals that RNA splicing therapeutics can activate antiviral immune pathways in triple negative breast cancers, triggering tumor cell death and signaling the body's immune response. The discovery highlights a novel mechanism for turning on the immune system in aggressive cancers.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell·DateJan 14, 2021

Climate change doesn't spare the smallest

Research by University of Pennsylvania biologists Daniel Janzen and Winnie Hallwachs found that climate change has taken a toll on insects in the tropics. Insect biomass and species richness have been decomposing since the mid-1970s, with dramatic drops in moth numbers and species diversity.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine collection highlights 15 years of scientific discovery

The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine has published a special 15th anniversary collection featuring influential studies on sleep disorders and other topics. The selected papers have had a significant impact on the field, with landmark reviews like "Behavioral and physiological consequences of sleep restriction" still widely cited today.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateJan 14, 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.

Greenland melting likely increased by bacteria in sediment

Rutgers scientists found that bacteria cause sunlight-absorbing sediment to clump together and accumulate in meltwater streams on the Greenland ice sheet. This process can be incorporated into climate models for more accurate melting predictions.

SourceRutgers University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 14, 2021

New way to control electrical charge in 2D materials: Put a flake on it

Physicists at Washington University discovered a method to add electrical charge to graphene devices by layering alpha-RuCl3 flakes. This process allows for 'permanent' charge transfers without external electric fields, enabling control over the flow of electrical current.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 14, 2021

How aerosols are formed

Researchers at ETH Zurich have gained new insights into aerosol formation by detecting volatile components for the first time. Volatile components were found to catalyze vapor nucleation, accelerating the process.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 14, 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.

Catalyticity of molybdenum-dinitrogen complexes in organic reactions

Research reveals molybdenum-nitrogen complexes as effective catalysts for disproportionation of cyclohexadienes, with the Mo-N=N unit playing a key role in the reaction. High catalytic activity suggests new approaches to participate in catalytic systems for nitrogen ligands.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 14, 2021

Presidential inaugurations boost tourism, but not this year

New research from West Virginia University economists finds that presidential inaugurations have gained popularity as must-see tourist events in recent years. Hotel occupancy rates around the inaugurations were significantly higher than other events, with increases seen prior to and after the ceremony.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalTourism Economics·DateJan 14, 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.

Climate change is hurting children's diets, global study finds

A global study of 107,000 children found that higher temperatures are an equal or greater contributor to child malnutrition and low quality diets than poverty, sanitation, and education. Climate change is also associated with increased diet diversity in some regions, but this effect depends on the intensity and distribution of rainfall.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 14, 2021

Shedding light on the secret reproductive lives of honey bees

A study published in Communications Biology reveals that failing queens have low sperm viability and high levels of viruses, leading researchers to discover a trade-off between immunity and reproduction. The findings offer new insights into the mysterious decline of queen bee health.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 13, 2021

The cancer microbiome reveals which bacteria live in tumors

The study uses a decontamination algorithm to identify the bacteria living in tumors, finding that normal and cancerous organ tissues have distinct microbiota compositions. The researchers also discovered that bacterial information could help diagnose cancer and predict patient outcomes.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJan 13, 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.

A fly's eye view of evolution

Researchers found that changes in a central gene node lead to the formation of larger eyes in some species, while different mechanisms explain smaller eyes in others. The study contributes to understanding of evolution of complex traits and could inform animal and plant breeding.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJan 13, 2021

Copper-indium oxide: A faster and cooler way to reduce our carbon footprint

Researchers from Waseda University and ENEOS Corporation discover a novel indium oxide modified with copper that exhibits a record-breaking CO2 conversion rate of 10 mmol/h g at relatively modest temperatures. This breakthrough could significantly contribute to reducing carbon footprint and driving towards a more sustainable future.

SourceWaseda University·JournalChemical Science·DateJan 13, 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.

Baylor College of Medicine neuroscientist and geneticist recognized for re

Dr. Benjamin Arenkiel's research identified a convergent brain circuit that combines sensory perceptions and motivational state, linking basal forebrain circuits to behaviors such as anxiety, anorexia, addiction, and more. His work offers a new approach to treating severe eating disorders, obesity, and addictive behaviors by manipulati...

SourceTexas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science & Technology·DateJan 13, 2021

Superheroes, foods and apps bring a modern twist to the periodic table

Researchers introduced pseudo periodic tables filled with familiar items like fruits, nuts, and superheroes to improve students' comprehension of the periodic table. The study found that over 75% of students found this strategy useful and showed an increase in correct answers on midterm exams.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Chemical Education·DateJan 13, 2021

600-year-old marine sponge holds centuries-old climate records

A research team from the University of Miami used a 600-year-old marine sponge to reconstruct Atlantic Ocean temperatures, showing past volcanic activity and current global warming trends. The study's findings provide valuable insights into the impact of human activities on climate change.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 13, 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.

Depression and stress could dampen efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines

A new study suggests that COVID-19 vaccines may be less effective in individuals with depression, stress, loneliness, or poor health behaviors. Engaging in exercise and getting a good night's sleep before vaccination can help boost the immune response.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateJan 13, 2021

Need to reduce work-related stress? It's a walk in the park

A study from the University of Tsukuba found that taking regular walks in forests and greenspaces may help workers cope with stress. The researchers analyzed data from over 6,000 Japanese workers and discovered a significant correlation between forest and greenspace walking habits and strong stress-coping abilities.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPublic Health in Practice·DateJan 13, 2021

KU studies show breakfast can improve basketball shooting performance

A new study published in Physical Education and Sport found that eating breakfast can significantly improve a basketball player's shooting performance, particularly in free throws. The research involved 18 young players who took part in two weeks of drills with or without breakfast, resulting in improved performances in most categories.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPhysical Education and Sport·DateJan 13, 2021

Diffractive networks light the way for optical image classification

Researchers at UCLA have developed Diffractive Deep Neural Networks (D2NNs) for all-optical object classification, achieving higher accuracy than individual constituent D2NNs and digital AI models. The success of the ensemble learning approach demonstrates the power of combining multiple predictions to obtain a more accurate prediction.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJan 13, 2021

New insights into pancreatitis

This study validates the significance of two critical thresholds in pancreatitis, one for damage to acinar cells and another for clinical symptoms. It highlights the importance of cost transparency, preoperative informed financial consent, and price regulation to reduce financial hardship faced by patients and their families.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPancreatology·DateJan 13, 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.

Scientists reveal mechanism that causes irritable bowel syndrome

KU Leuven researchers discovered a biological mechanism connecting food antigens to mast cell activation and digestive intolerance in people with IBS. The study found that certain foods like gluten, wheat, and soy can trigger local immune reactions in the gut, leading to abdominal pain.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2021

Smithsonian scientists reduce uncertainty in forest carbon storage calculations

Scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute synthesize patterns of tropical forest productivity and carbon storage, finding that warm, wet forests with moderately fertile soils store more carbon. The study's findings reveal consistent relationships across regions, influenced by climate and soil conditions.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJan 13, 2021

BU researchers uncover viral small RNAs in mosquito cells

Researchers have discovered viral small RNAs in mosquito cells, shedding light on the transmission of viruses like yellow fever and dengue fever. This study provides a comprehensive platform for comparing the characteristics of small RNAs across four mosquito species.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalGenome Research·DateJan 13, 2021

WVU receives grant to pilot drinking water testing program

WVU is launching a three-year drinking water testing and community engagement program to educate West Virginians about safe drinking water. The program will focus on several counties, providing free drinking water tests and support for interpreting results.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateJan 13, 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.

Shining a new light on dark energy

The Dark Energy Survey has released a massive catalog of nearly 700 million astronomical objects, building on the previous data release and improving calibration techniques. The catalog provides unprecedented insights into the distribution of matter in the Universe and may hold clues to how our galaxy was assembled over billions of years.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·DateJan 13, 2021

Melting icebergs key to sequence of an ice age, scientists find

New study reveals that Antarctic icebergs trigger chain reactions leading to prolonged cold temperatures. The research suggests a 'missing link' in the process that leads to ice ages, with implications for understanding climate change and future ocean circulation patterns.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 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.

Expert prognosis for the planet - we're on track for a ghastly future

Leading experts predict a 'ghastly future' due to accelerating biodiversity loss and climate change, warning that world leaders need to take immediate action. The researchers emphasize the importance of addressing these pressing issues to avoid catastrophic consequences for centuries to come.

SourceFlinders University·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·DateJan 13, 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.

Inferring human genomes at a fraction of the cost promises to boost biomedical research

A new statistical method called GLIMPSE allows for the inference of complete human genomes from small amounts of data, providing a cost-effective alternative to current approaches. This enables researchers to analyze understudied populations and uncover associations in complex traits such as Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and obesity.

SourceSwiss Institute of Bioinformatics·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 13, 2021

Males of all ages more affected by COVID-19 than females, study finds

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that males are more susceptible to severe illness and death from COVID-19, with higher rates of hospitalization and mechanical ventilation. The authors analyzed data from a large US metropolitan area and found a strong association between male sex and poor outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 13, 2021

How to keep drones flying when a motor fails

Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a solution to stabilize drones when one motor fails, using onboard camera information. The team equipped quadcopters with standard and event cameras, which enable the drone to estimate its position in space despite high-speed rotation. This innovation improves flight safety in area...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateJan 13, 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.

CVIA publishes selected abstracts from the 31st GW-ICC Conference

Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications (CVIA) has published selected abstracts from the 31st Great Wall International Cardiology Conference. The abstracts cover various topics including basic and translational medicine, clinical research on cardiovascular diseases, and cardiovascular-disciplinary research.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateJan 13, 2021

Compound from medicinal herb kills brain-eating amoebae in lab studies

Researchers have found a compound isolated from the leaves of Inula viscosa that can kill brain-eating amoebae by causing them to undergo cell suicide. The compound, inuloxin A, has shown promise in lab studies and may be more effective than current treatments at crossing the blood-brain barrier.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateJan 13, 2021

Studying chaos with one of the world's fastest cameras

Researchers use an ultrafast camera to observe the movement of laser light in a chaotic chamber, capturing the entirety of its path for the first time. This breakthrough could breathe new life into the study of optical chaos, with applications in physics, communications, and cryptography.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 13, 2021