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Science News Archive January 2021 - Page 34


Page 34 of 40

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

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
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.

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
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.

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

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
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.

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
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 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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

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
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.

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

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
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

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
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.

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
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.

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

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
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.

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