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Science News Archive March 2021


Page 19 of 53

Oncotarget: Hispanic Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia patients

This study analyzed 111 Hispanic CMML patients from Puerto Rico, revealing significantly lower rates of overall cytogenetic abnormalities and trisomy 8. The findings suggest a favorable prognosis in these patients, potentially due to lower mutation rates in ASXL1 and SETBP1.

Sealing fistulas with regenerative immiscible bioglue

A Korean research team has developed an innovative treatment method for vesico-vaginal fistulas using a mussel adhesive protein-based bioadhesive. The new method shows promise in sealing fistulas quickly and effectively, with improved outcomes compared to conventional suture methods.

Budget impact of gene therapy for sickle cell disease

A new study evaluates the economic impact of gene therapy on severe sickle cell disease, suggesting substantial costs and potential cost savings for Medicaid programs. The analysis estimates a high prevalence of sickle cell disease among these programs, which may affect treatment affordability.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

One in 10 older adults have gotten a "pandemic pet," poll finds

A new poll shows that 10% of older adults between 50-80 years old obtained a pet during the pandemic, with 59% of those in this age range being pet owners. Pet ownership was higher among women, whites, and employed individuals, providing companionship and social support.

Diamond color centers for nonlinear photonics

A team of researchers at the University of Tsukuba demonstrated second-order nonlinear optical effects in diamonds using internal color center defects. This breakthrough may lead to faster internet communications, all-optical computers, and quantum sensing technologies.

Cancer screenings rebounded quickly after drop at start of pandemic

Screenings for breast cancer and colon cancer dropped dramatically during the pandemic but returned to near-normal levels by July 2020. Researchers analyzed insurance claims from over 6 million Americans and found that mammography rates among women aged 45-64 declined by 96% in March and April 2020.

The astonishing self-organization skills of the brain

The study reveals how neural circuits balance excitation and inhibition, crucial for normal functionality of our brain. The results provide a clearer picture of how this balance is preserved and where it fails in living neural networks.

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.

To live independently longer, look to inexpensive home hacks

A new study by UC San Francisco found that approximately 5 million Americans, or 42% of those with mobility constraints, lacked essential devices such as grab bars and shower seats. The research emphasizes the importance of affordable and accessible assistive devices to improve quality of life for elderly individuals.

Renewable energy grants

Researchers will explore decision-making processes for adopting solar energy systems and electric vehicles, as well as improve the efficiency and manufacturing process for solar panels. The studies aim to identify non-technological barriers to clean-energy adoption and evaluate the effectiveness of low-cost interventions and incentives.

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.

Virtual lab finds the right AI tool for each chemistry problem

Researchers at NC State University developed a virtual laboratory to determine the most suitable AI tools for addressing various chemical synthesis challenges in flow chemistry systems. By simulating over 600,000 experiments, they found the best AI-guided decision-making strategies, reducing the time and reagents required by 97.5%.

Study underscores need for multidisciplinary care for COVID-19 long-haulers

A comprehensive review of COVID-19's multi-organ effects suggests the need for dedicated clinics with specialists from diverse areas of medicine. Long-haulers experience a range of symptoms including fatigue, shortness of breath, and mental health issues, often persisting weeks or months after initial infection.

Arctic methane release due to melting ice is likely to happen again

A new study published in Geology indicates that Arctic ice melt can trigger methane releases from buried reserves. Researchers measured carbon isotopes in ancient shells and found evidence of violent methane spurts during past sea-ice melt events, suggesting similar releases may occur again. The findings highlight the importance of con...

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.

Modification of graphene using laser light

Researchers discovered a method to modify graphene's shape and properties by exposing it to powerful laser pulses. The process, called optical forging, stiffens the material, increasing its bending stiffness and vibrational frequency. This leads to improved device speed and precision, with record-breaking stiffness achieved.

Viruses: Evolution on the outskirts

Studies on viral evolution reveal that beneficial mutations often occur at the expense of symptom severity, while genetic novelties can arise from noncoding DNA insertion. Additionally, viruses' codon usage is constrained by host machinery, with some exhibiting unique compositions, and their effects can persist after infection clearance.

Tornado intensity and size

A study analyzing tornado wind speed and size data from 120 events found that stronger and wider tornadoes exist than damage-based estimates indicated. The median peak wind speeds were around 60 m/s, sufficient for Enhanced Fujita scale ratings of 2-3.

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.

Machine learning shows potential to enhance quantum information transfer

Researchers from Louisiana State University demonstrated a machine learning approach that corrects distorted quantum information in photon systems. This method outperforms traditional protocols, showcasing the potential for machine learning to enhance quantum sensing and communications technologies on the battlefield.

New basalt type discovered beneath the ocean

An international team of researchers has discovered a new type of basalt beneath the Pacific Ocean, which was formed during large and exceptionally hot volcanic eruptions. The discovery suggests that ocean floor eruptions sourced in the Earth's mantle were even hotter and more voluminous than previously thought.

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.

Metasurfaces for manipulating terahertz waves

Recent advancements in metasurfaces for manipulating terahertz waves enable ultra-compact devices with unusual functionalities for applications such as imaging, encryption, and communications. Metasurfaces can locally control wavefronts at subwavelength resolution, making them ideal candidates for THz device miniaturization.

Readmission rate high for adults hospitalized for diabetic ketoacidosis

A study found that adults with type 1 diabetes who require in-hospital treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis have a high readmission rate, with 20.2% returning within 30 days. Factors such as gender, leaving against medical advice, anemia, and chronic kidney disease increase the risk of readmission.

Eating processed meat could increase dementia risk

A study of 500,000 participants found that eating 25g of processed meat daily was associated with a 44% increased risk of developing dementia. In contrast, consuming 50g of unprocessed red meat daily was linked to a 19% lower risk of the disease.

Evidence supports Covid hearing loss link, say scientists

A systematic review of research evidence has found a strong association between Covid-19 and auditory problems, including hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. The prevalence rates were estimated to be 7.6%, 14.8%, and 7.2% respectively.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Superconductivity from buckled-honeycomb-vacancy ordering

A research team has discovered a new type of superconductor by inducing an extended buckled-honeycomb-vacancy (BHV) ordering in Ir16Sb18. The superconductivity emerges when the BHV ordering is suppressed through extra atom squeezing or Rh substitution, competing with the ordered vacancy as a potential superconducting parent phase.

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.

'Hunger hormone' ghrelin affects monetary decision making

A new study reveals that higher ghrelin levels in healthy females predict a greater preference for smaller immediate monetary rewards over larger delayed financial rewards. This indicates more impulsive choices, contradicting previous research findings in rodents suggesting a similar effect.

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.

Children with adrenal insufficiency are 10 times more likely to die from COVID-19

A study published in ENDO 2021 found that children with adrenal insufficiency are at a significantly higher risk of severe COVID-19 complications due to impaired cortisol production. The researchers analyzed data from over 846 children with the condition, revealing a mortality rate 10 times higher than in children without adrenal disease.

Supplements may protect those with low vitamin D levels from severe COVID-19

Patients hospitalized for COVID-19 with low vitamin D levels who receive vitamin D supplementation may have a lower risk of dying or requiring mechanical ventilation. Over half of these patients do not receive supplements, highlighting the need for clinicians to discuss adding this supplement with their patients.

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.

White button mushrooms could slow progression of prostate cancer

A mouse study suggests that white button mushroom extract can suppress androgen receptor activity in prostate cancer cells. The study also found that mice treated with the extract experienced reduced prostate tumor growth and decreased levels of PSA in their blood.

Semaglutide reduces excess body fat in people with obesity

Semaglutide treatment leads to reduced excess body fat and increased lean body mass in adults with obesity. The medication has the potential to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke by improving body composition. The STEP 1 trial found that semaglutide significantly improved body weight loss and reduced visceral fat.

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.

Genetic evidence suggests men can develop PCOS-like condition

A study published in The Endocrine Society's annual meeting found that genetic risk factors for PCOS are associated with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and male-pattern baldness in men. This suggests that at least some cases of PCOS may be caused by biological mechanisms common to both men and women.

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.

Lifestyle program improves fertility for women with obesity, infertility

A lifestyle intervention targeting women with obesity and infertility significantly improves pregnancy rates, especially spontaneous pregnancies. The Fit-For-Fertility program shows promise as a cost-effective alternative to fertility treatments, with a live-birth rate 14.2 percentage points higher than the control group.

Pain differs: Researchers unveil distinct neural circuits

A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals the discrete thalamocortical circuits underlying chronic pain and depressive symptoms. The researchers found that a specific pathway from the parafascicular thalamic nucleus to the anterior cingulate cortex mediates depression-associated pain sensitization.

Real "doodles of light" in real-time mark leap for holograms at home

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a simplified algorithm to convert freely drawn lines into holograms on standard desktop CPUs. The new method reduces computational cost and power consumption, allowing for real-time conversion of writing into holographic images.

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.

Deluge of DNA changes drives progression of fatal melanomas

Researchers tracked DNA changes in melanoma samples to understand how the disease progresses and develops resistance to treatment. The study revealed chaotic genetic changes that contribute to aggressive disease growth and treatment resistance, offering potential targets for new therapies.

Obesity raises type 2 diabetes risk in women with PCOS

A recent study presented at ENDO 2021 found that women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) who are obese have a more than three-fold increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes during their lifetime. The risk was not observed in normal-weight women with PCOS.

Sleep disturbances may contribute to weight gain in menopause

Research suggests that sleep disturbances during menopause may contribute to changes in the body that increase the risk of weight gain and related diseases. The study found that poor sleep reduced fat utilization, increasing the likelihood of fat storage and subsequent weight gain.

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.