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Science News Archive June 2021


Page 5 of 51

Human molecule blocking toxic forms of Parkinson's-related protein identified

A human endogenous peptide called LL-37 has been identified as a powerful blocker of toxic α-synuclein oligomers, which are responsible for neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. The discovery suggests that this naturally occurring molecule could be a safe and effective therapy to slow down the progression of the disease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cell-based immunotherapy shows promise against melanoma

Researchers at WashU Medicine have shown that cell-based immunotherapy using natural killer cells may be effective against solid tumors, including melanoma. The therapy has been successful in treating patients with recurrent leukemia and other blood cancers.

New research lifts the clouds on land clearing and biodiversity loss

Researchers developed a new machine learning system to identify changes in biodiversity, including land clearing, despite cloud cover. The method accurately detected simulated land cover change under both clear felling and tree thinning, providing up-to-date predictions of missing data due to clouds.

Antibodies help identify women protected from placental malaria

Researchers identified six antibody characteristics that protect pregnant women from placental malaria infections, which could be used to identify women at risk and develop new therapies. The study found that these antibodies help prevent malaria parasites from binding to placental cells and destroying infected blood cells.

Stopping the sulfur shuttle for better batteries

The KAUST team's solution involves a layer of hierarchically porous graphene that significantly suppresses polysulfide shuttling in Li-S batteries. This innovation improves the capacity and recharging ability of Li-S battery technologies, making them suitable for large-scale commercial applications.

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.

A promising new pathway to treating type 2 diabetes

A new pathway to treating type 2 diabetes has been discovered by researchers at the University of Arizona, focusing on the liver's role in insulin sensitivity. The study found that fat in the liver increases the release of GABA, a neurotransmitter that decreases nerve activity.

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.

Nanoscale thermoplasmonic heating shows promise for studies of nanomaterials

Researchers propose a new method to control temperature through designing nanoantennas on engraved Si nanopillars, enabling local sensing of glass transitions in amorphous polymers with nanometer spatial resolution. This technology opens unique opportunities for studying the physicochemical properties of nanostructured polymers.

To adsorb or to do not adsorb? That is the question

Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry found that phage potency is affected by container material, leading to reduced efficacy. The study highlights the importance of using specific containers with controlled surface properties to maintain phage concentration.

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.

Growing 'metallic wood' to new heights

Researchers solve a major problem in manufacturing metallic wood, eliminating inverted cracks that plagued similar materials for decades. The new material allows strips of metallic wood to be assembled in areas 20,000 times greater than before, enabling the creation of stronger, more consistent devices.

'The focea': A region of improved vision in mice.

Scientists from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience found that mice have a region called 'focea' with improved visual sensitivity, similar to the fovea in human retinas. This discovery suggests that mice may be better models for studying human vision than previously thought.

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.

A new class of functional elements in the human genome?

Research finds that unusual DNA structures, called G-quadruplexes (G4s), are preserved by natural selection and play a role in gene expression and cellular processes. G4s are more common and stable in regions with important functions, suggesting they should be considered functional elements of the genome.

Major UKRI - Versus Arthritis investment funds transformative pain research

A £14 million investment from UKRI and Versus Arthritis will massively scale up research into chronic pain, with a focus on the psychosocial aspect. The project aims to understand how psychological and social factors influence pain development and maintenance, and will work with people living with pain every step of the way.

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.

Cell biology -- Masters of synapse modulation

Researchers from LMU have identified two RNA-binding proteins that regulate synaptic transmission in distinct ways, controlling mRNA levels and translation. These findings provide insight into the mechanisms of neurological disorders such as epilepsy and autism.

The evolution of axial patterning

A research group discovered that β-catenin signaling is used for axial patterning in sea anemones and sea urchins, a mechanism that also exists in vertebrates. This suggests that this system was present in the common ancestor of Cnidaria and Bilateria around 650 million years ago.

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.

This 5,000-year-old man had the earliest known strain of plague

Scientists discovered the oldest strain of Yersinia pestis in a 20- to 30-year-old man from 5,000 years ago. The ancient bacteria was less contagious and deadly than its medieval version, transmitted primarily through animal bites. This finding challenges long-held theories on the development of human civilization in Europe and Asia.

Jackdaws don't console traumatized mates

Male jackdaws don't provide consolation to their mate after a traumatic experience, focusing on self-preservation instead. Researchers found that males decrease their nest visits and time with the female after an attack, suggesting they prioritize their own safety over comforting their partner.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

New Geology articles published online ahead of print in June

Researchers have discovered a new style of invisible gold hosted in pyrite crystals with deformation-related dislocations. Additionally, a study reveals the impact of diagenesis on iron speciation in ancient sedimentary rocks, suggesting true euxinia may be less than previously thought. Submarine fans also exhibit dynamic environments ...

How plants become good neighbors in times of stress

Scientists from the John Innes Centre and University of Bristol found that deep shade triggers changes in plant circadian clocks, suppressing stem elongation. This adaptation allows plants to coexist in dense forests and crop canopies without wasting energy.

Employed individuals more likely to contract the flu, study shows

A University of Arkansas researcher found that employed individuals are 35.3% more likely to be infected with the flu virus. The study considered individual characteristics and occupation-specific human exposure and interaction at work as potential mechanisms for contagion.

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.

Vaping increases susceptibility to coronavirus in mice

Research from Thomas Jefferson University found that e-cigarette vapor increases levels of the coronavirus receptor ACE-2 in lung tissue of mice, making them more susceptible to infection. Male mice were found to have a greater increase in ACE-2 when exposed to nicotine, highlighting a potential sex difference in vaping-related risks.

'Unlocking' the potential of viruses to fight cancer

Researchers discovered that laminins, specifically laminin γ1, play a crucial role in mediating cell attachment and penetration for oncolytic viruses like H-1PV. This finding may lead to the development of more efficient clinical trials with reduced costs and approval times.

In a dish, a mouse, crafted from stem cells, begins to form

Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a groundbreaking model of a mammalian embryo using stem cells. The model, which can form heart, muscles, blood vessels and nervous system tissues, marks a major step forward in understanding mammalian development and potentially battling diseases.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

New 2D alloy combines five metals, breaks down CO2

Researchers have developed a new 2D alloy material combining five metals that acts as an excellent catalyst for reducing CO2 into CO. The high-entropy transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) alloy has potential applications in environmental remediation, transforming carbon dioxide into a hydrocarbon.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Air pollution from wildfires impacts ability to observe birds

Researchers found that wildfire smoke affects the ability to observe more than a third of common bird species in Washington state. Higher concentrations of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, were associated with harder-to-observe bird species, while some species became easier to detect when smoke was present.

Reversal speeds creation of important molecule

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to synthesize halichondrin B, a natural compound with potent antitumor properties. The 'reverse approach' simplifies the process by bonding carbon-oxygen connections first and has reduced the number of steps required to make the molecule from 25 to just 5.

Black holes swallow neutron stars like 'Pac Man'

Scientists have detected black holes eating neutron stars for the first time, shedding light on the Universe's most extreme objects. The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) and Virgo observatories captured the event, providing valuable insights into space and time.

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.

A promising two-punch therapy for Langerhans cell histiocytosis

Researchers identified T cells that are paralyzed and ineffective in preventing LCH lesion formation, instead being tricked into entering an exhausted state. A new therapeutic option combining immunotherapy targeting PD-1 receptors with MAPK inhibition demonstrates promising results.

Two emerging trends in treatment explain steady increase in IVF success rates

A large cohort study found that the transfer of embryos at the blastocyst stage and increasing use of embryo freezing are behind the improvements in IVF success rates. The study showed a significant increase in cumulative live birth rates over the decade, with single blastocyst transfers emerging as an increasing strategy.

Managing attention deficit disorder by training the brain

A new study found that a special type of brain training based on neurofeedback enables people with attention deficit disorder to improve their ability to concentrate. The training is linked to an enhanced response from the brain's P3 wave, which reflects integration of information in the brain.

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.

The final dance of mixed neutron star-black hole pairs

The LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA collaborations have detected gravitational waves from the merger of a black hole and a neutron star. Analysis reveals that the signals originated from two mixed binaries, each made up of a neutron star and a black hole, with masses consistent with these objects.

Understanding black youth suicide: Steps toward prevention

Research highlights the need to reexamine assumptions about suicide in Black youth due to rising rates of suicidal behavior. The study calls for a 'ground zero' approach, focusing on theory development, understanding developmental trajectories, and engaging trusted community organizations.