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Science News Archive June 2021


Page 7 of 51

Researcher receives NIH director's award to help end HIV global epidemic

A researcher at Albert Einstein College of Medicine has received an NIH director's award to use genetic epidemiology tools to prevent HIV infection among people who inject drugs. The study aims to identify key players in hepatitis C transmission networks, which can also help curb the spread of HIV.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Are we missing other earths?

Astronomers using Gemini Observatory and WIYN 3.5-meter Telescope found 73 binary star systems among TESS exoplanet hosts, which could be hiding Earth-sized planets. The team discovered that small planets are harder to detect in binary systems due to glare from the companion star.

Mason researchers designing tools to counter disinformation

Researchers at George Mason University are developing an interactive and predictive tool to detect early indicators of malice that lead to policy-failure events. The goal is to empower local government agencies with proactive counter-narrative communication to limit the spread of disinformation narratives.

Preliminary results of clinical trial for Crigler-Najjar syndrome

A European gene therapy trial for Crigler-Najjar syndrome has demonstrated the first therapeutic effects of the treatment, allowing patients to stop phototherapy. The trial's preliminary results are encouraging, suggesting that gene therapy could become an alternative treatment for this severe liver disease.

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.

Post-pandemic rehabilitation

A Russian study forecasts that economic growth will be driven by improved efficiency in the mining complex (EMC) and capital formation. The EMC is expected to play a key role in driving growth, particularly through increased investment in natural resource extraction and export activities.

Connective tissue protein fights bacterial infection

A new study reveals that the connective tissue protein lumican promotes immune responses against bacterial infections while restraining overactive immune responses in sepsis. Lumican interacts with toll-like receptors on immune cells, stabilizing their interactions to increase activity and production of TNF-alpha.

Sunflower peptide as 'template' for potential analgesic

A naturally occurring peptide in sunflower seeds has been identified as a potential drug for treating abdominal pain or inflammation. The peptide selectively activates pain transmission pathways without causing opioid side effects, reducing the risk of dependency and overdose.

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, third type of supernova observed

Astronomers have confirmed the existence of a new type of supernova, electron capture supernova, through observations of SN 2018zd. The discovery confirms a prediction made four decades ago and provides new insights into the life and death of stars.

Keck backs Rice bid to 'build a brain'

Researchers aim to understand neural pathways in Hydra vulgaris, a tiny animal with simple circuits, to create designer neural circuits. The goal is to program behaviors from scratch and develop self-healing 'biorobots' for various applications.

Gene discovery may hold key to better therapies for OCD

Researchers have linked specific genes to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using genome-wide analysis, pointing toward novel avenues for treatment. The study identified a strong correlation between OCD and rare mutations in genes such as SLITRK5.

A new type of supernova illuminates an old mystery

A worldwide team of scientists has found evidence for a new type of stellar explosion - electron-capture supernovae. The discovery sheds new light on the thousand-year mystery of the supernova from A.D. 1054.

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.

Moffitt receives $10.2 million grant to develop new lung cancer therapies

Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute will investigate common metabolic pathways in lung cancer, with the goal of developing novel therapies. The four distinct projects aim to unveil common metabolic mechanisms regulated by genetic drivers across non-small cell lung cancer types.

An atlas of the bumblebee brain

Researchers have created the first atlas of a bumblebee brain based on computed tomographic (CT) data, providing insights into spatial orientation in insects. The study, published in Cell and Tissue Research, aims to advance research on neuronal circuits and their applications in humans.

New report explains microbiome impact on glucose control

A new study by Pendulum Therapeutics presents proprietary probiotic formulations that may improve glucose control in patients with Type 2 Diabetes. The research shows that Pendulum Glucose Control increases circulating butyrate and ursodeoxycholic acid, supporting the mechanism for improvement in glucose control.

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.

How we measure biodiversity can have profound impacts on land-use

A study in Zambia illustrates the challenges of measuring biodiversity and prioritizing land use, highlighting the need for consensus among conservation biologists. Different approaches to measuring biodiversity resulted in almost completely different land-use recommendations, emphasizing the importance of consistent methods.

Using the ancient art of Kirigami to make an eyeball-like camera

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a camera with a curvy, adaptable imaging sensor that can improve image quality in various applications. The new imager retains high pixel density and performs well even after stretching up to 30%, making it suitable for endoscopes, night-vision goggles, and fish-eye cameras.

How to build a better wind farm

Researchers discovered that wind turbines in close proximity to each other reduce overall energy output. They suggest smaller, spaced-out farms may be more efficient, but further research is needed. The study's findings have implications for global energy supply and the transition away from fossil fuels.

Mountaintop glacier ice disappearing in tropics around the world

A recent study found that mountaintop glaciers in the tropics have lost significant area over the past 50 years, with some losing up to 93% of their ice. The study combined NASA satellite imagery and data from ice cores, revealing a rapid decline in glacier mass due to climate change.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Finding support for India during its COVID-19 surge

A team of researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a machine learning system that identified supportive tweets from Pakistan about India during the COVID-19 surge. The system successfully detected positive tweets 83% of the time, significantly improving upon existing methods.

Plant physiology: A tale of three proteins

Researchers discover that proteins PGRL1 and PGRL2 regulate PGR5's function in photosynthesis. PGRL2 is a supervisor protein that works with PGRL1 to activate PGR5, while its absence causes PGR5 to become hyperactive and destructive.

Heart failure is associated with an increased risk of cancer

A large cohort study found that patients with heart failure are more likely to develop cancer compared to those without. The incidence of cancer was significantly higher among heart failure patients, particularly for certain types of cancer such as lip, oral cavity, and pharynx cancers.

Traits of a troll: Research reveals motives of internet trolling

A study by Brigham Young University found that individuals with dark triad personality traits and schadenfreude are more likely to engage in trolling behaviors. However, the research also suggests that civil online discourse is attainable when users approach online discussions with an open mind and mutual respect.

UC study: Researchers question prevailing Alzheimer's theory with new discovery

Researchers at UC University challenge prevailing Alzheimer's theory by discovering that normalizing brain protein levels can prevent cognitive impairment. The study found a correlation between high levels of soluble amyloid-beta peptide and normal cognition, suggesting future therapies should focus on replenishing these proteins.

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.

Cancer risk in ART children and young adults is not increased

A 18-year follow-up study of babies born from treatments including ICSI and frozen embryo transfer found no increased cancer risk in ART-conceived offspring. The study compared outcomes between ART children and those conceived naturally or with fertility drugs, concluding that there is no overall increase in cancer risk for those born ...

Factors influencing relationship satisfaction

A study analyzing data from 1,104 married couples found that both spouses' enduring qualities, such as neuroticism and attachment styles, predict changes in relationship satisfaction. Stress moderated the effect of these qualities on behavior and satisfaction.

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.

Drone tech's next big target: insect pest management

Researchers have been exploring the use of drones in insect pest management, with new technologies being developed to detect and control mosquito populations and crop-damaging insects. The Entomological Society of America has published a special collection showcasing the potential of drone technology in this field.

Unique exoplanet photobombs Cheops study of nearby star system

The discovery of exoplanet Nu2 Lupi d reveals a rare planet with no known equivalent, with a mass 8.8 times that of Earth and a radius 2.5 times larger than our own. The planet's mild stellar radiation and long orbital period make it an attractive target for future study.

New type of metasurface allows unprecedented laser control

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences developed a single metasurface that can tune different properties of laser light, including wavelength, without additional optical components. This opens the door for lightweight and efficient optical systems for various 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.

Research identifies new ways to try and prevent lethal blood clots

A recent study has made a breakthrough in understanding the process that leads to pulmonary embolism, a condition that kills over 2,000 people in the UK each year. Researchers have identified a protein called fibrin as crucial in stabilizing clots and preventing fragments from breaking loose.

Diatom preservation and abundance

A recent study found that changes in marine fossilization conditions led to a significant increase in diatom abundance during the Cenozoic Era. The researchers built a model of sedimentation rate and ocean temperature on biogenic silica burial efficiency, revealing improved preservation conditions around 5-20 million years ago.

Alzheimer's and aducanumab: Unjust profits and false hopes

The FDA's approval of aducanumab for Alzheimer's disease treatment has sparked ethical issues, with billions of dollars in Medicare resources at risk. Physicians face difficult choices between facilitating unjust access to the drug or denying it to desperate patients and families.

Mouse brain imaged from the microscopic to the macroscopic level

Scientists have imaged an entire mouse brain at the microscopic to macroscopic level using a new micro-CT approach. This technique bridges the resolution gap between MRI and electron microscopy, enabling the connection of biomarkers across multiple scales and improving image resolution.

European colonization and rodent extinction in Australia

A study of extinct Australian rodents reveals that European colonization drastically impacted native species diversity. Genetic data shows that reduced genetic diversity did not guarantee protection from extinction in the face of rapid population decline.

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.

Unusual prey: Spiders eating snakes

Researchers found that spiders from 11 different families can catch and eat snakes, including species up to one meter in length. The venom of these spiders also has a similar effect on snake nervous systems as it does on humans.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Impacts of COVID-19 on coffee production

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on coffee production, particularly in smallholder farms. Labor shortages, border restrictions, and economic downturns have created conditions conducive to the spread of Coffee Leaf Rust, a disease that can devastate coffee crops.

Blood stem cells make brain tumors more aggressive

Researchers discovered hematopoietic stem cells in glioblastomas, which promote division of cancer cells and suppress the immune response. These blood stem cells stimulate tumor growth and produce immunosuppressive messengers.

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.

The most curious babies become the most curious toddlers

A first-of-its-kind study linked infant curiosity, measured by reactions to magic tricks, to later cognitive ability in toddlers. Researchers found that babies who showed interest in surprising events remained curious as preschoolers, suggesting a potential predictor of future learning and academic success.

Double-dose algebra and college persistence

A curriculum with additional math instruction led to higher attendance and degree completion rates for students in a 2003 cohort. However, similar effects were not seen in a 2004 cohort, suggesting that pairing high- and low-skilled students undermines positive impacts of extra math support.

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.

Weight systems in Bronze Age markets

A study reveals that Bronze Age weight systems diffused through trade networks in Western Eurasia, with a single origin in Mesopotamia. The Indus Valley developed an independent system, while new units of weight emerged gradually west of Mesopotamia.