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Science News for March 26, 2021


COVID-19: A retrospective by the numbers

The article reviews COVID-19 editorials, discussing epidemiological and clinical dimensions of the pandemic. Experts question US vaccination priorities, suggesting a focus on over-65 population could spare more lives globally.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateMar 26, 2021

Oil and natural gas production emit more methane than previously thought

A new study found that oil production emits 90% higher methane than the EPA's estimated figures, while natural gas production emissions are 50% higher. The research team developed a method to trace and map total emissions using satellite data to identify areas with discrepancies.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateMar 26, 2021

Climate change significantly increases population displacement risk

A recent study published in Environmental Research Letters finds that climate change greatly increases the risk of flood-related displacement, with a 50% increase for each degree of global warming. Even if population growth is stabilized, the risk will still rise significantly, with projected increases of up to 110% by the end of this ...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 26, 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.

A simple, no-cost way to increase organ donor registrations

Researchers from several universities and institutions found that intercepting customers with promotional materials and simplified registration forms increased new organ donor registrations by up to 80%. The study aims to reduce the intention-action gap in organ donation by leveraging behavioral science.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMar 26, 2021

Women with sensory loss twice as likely to suffer depression

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that women with sensory loss are more than twice as likely to report depression and anxiety as men. Women with dual sensory impairment were almost three and a half times more likely to experience depression.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateMar 26, 2021

International investigation discovers bald eagles' killer

An international investigation has confirmed that a lethal cyanobacteria toxin is killing bald eagles and other wildlife in Arkansas lakes. The toxin, known as aetokthonotoxin, is produced by the invasive aquatic plant Hydrilla verticillata and causes neurological disease in affected animals.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScience·DateMar 26, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Forest restoration action must prioritize diversity over scale for cheaper, long-term success

Research shows investing in tree diversity leads to greater long-term benefits and lower costs. High genetic diversity is crucial for tropical forests' resilience to climate change and pests, producing more seeds and fruit. This approach may increase initial costs but offers significant ecological and socioeconomic benefits.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalFrontiers in Forests and Global Change·DateMar 26, 2021

Slc20a1b is essential for hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell expansion in zebrafish

Researchers found that a point mutation in the zebrafish slc20a1b gene significantly reduces the proliferation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, resulting in a severe defect of hematopoietic development. The study reveals the indispensable role of slc20a1b in HSPCs, highlighting a novel regulation gene for cell cycle expansion.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateMar 26, 2021

Gray's beaked whales 'resilient' to ecosystem changes

Researchers found that Gray's beaked whales have high genetic diversity and flexible social systems, allowing them to adapt to changing conditions. The species' ability to thrive in the face of environmental shifts could provide insights into how other deep-sea animals respond to rapid ecological change.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 26, 2021

Ancient genomes trace the origin and decline of the Scythians

The study of 111 ancient genomes sheds light on the history of the Scythians, a legendary horse warrior culture. Genetic analysis reveals two main sources of origin for nomadic Iron Age groups, with one from the Altai Mountains and another from the western Ural Mountains.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 26, 2021

A stable copper catalyst for CO2 conversion

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum and University of Duisburg-Essen developed a stable copper catalyst for CO2 conversion using boron. The catalyst's selectivity and long-term stability were improved, enabling the formation of larger carbon compounds that can be used as base chemicals or fuels.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateMar 26, 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.

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.

Mapping COVID risk in urban areas: a way to keep the economy open

Researchers developed a COVID Risk Assessment and Mapping (CRAM) framework to identify city neighborhoods at highest risk of an outbreak. The framework uses GIS technology to create a zoned map with color-coded risk zones, helping officials place targeted restrictions in high-risk communities.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateMar 26, 2021

How COVID-19 affects the brain

A recent study published in JAMA Network explores how COVID-19 affects the brain, highlighting potential mechanisms behind brain dysfunction. The research suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection may cause inflammation and damage to specific brain regions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMar 26, 2021
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.

How much peanut does it take to trigger an allergic reaction?

A new study estimates an 'eliciting dose' for peanut allergies, revealing that tiny amounts can trigger reactions in some individuals. The researchers found that exposure to 0.052 milligrams of peanut protein is likely to cause or elicit an allergic reaction in 1% of patients.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalFood and Chemical Toxicology·DateMar 26, 2021

Controlled scar formation in the brain

Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have identified a new role for the protein drebrin in controlling scar formation and astrocyte reactivity following brain injury. This mechanism, which regulates membrane trafficking, may hold promise for treating neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2021

Sorting out nanodiamonds with fluorescent centers

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a technique to manipulate nanodiamonds with fluorescent centers using opposing lasers. This breakthrough enables the independent control of resonant and non-resonant nanodiamonds, which can be sorted based on their optical properties.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 26, 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.

Video gamers skills enhanced by training 10 minutes a day

Researchers at Lero found that novice gamers benefit most from tDCS before training sessions, improving performance on complex sensory-motor actions. The study suggests that neurostimulation can accelerate motor performance improvements in novice esports participants.

SourceLero·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMar 26, 2021

Rural US has more heart failure deaths than urban areas

A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals significant disparities in heart failure mortality rates between rural and urban areas, with rural areas experiencing higher death rates. The research also highlights race disparities among Black adults under 65 years old.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 26, 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.

DNA--Metal double helix

A team developed a novel approach to generate precisely controlled, helical palladium-DNA systems that mimic the organization of natural base pairs in double-stranded DNA molecules. The process is based on self-organized assembly of a special palladium complex and single-stranded DNA molecules.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 26, 2021

Study exposes global ripple effects of regional water scarcity

A new study reveals that regional water scarcity has far-reaching impacts on the global economy, with changes in global demand affecting river basins worldwide. The research found positive and negative economic outcomes in every region considered, depending on factors like water supply and agricultural production.

SourceTufts University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2021

Research group identifies potential therapeutic target for lupus

A multidisciplinary research group discovered that inhibiting IRE1α, a molecule activated by the endoplasmic reticulum in neutrophils, counters disease progression in lupus mice. The study found that abnormal activation of this pathway tracks closely with disease severity.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJCI Insight·DateMar 26, 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.

The persistent danger after landscape fires

Researchers from the University of Vienna detected high concentrations of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFR) in charcoal samples from fires worldwide. These toxic chemicals can persist for years and may harm ecosystems and human health, posing a significant threat after landscape fires.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateMar 26, 2021

How teeth sense the cold

Research reveals that teeth contain cold-sensitive proteins called odontoblasts, which detect temperature changes and trigger pain signals to the brain. This discovery explains how clove oil eases toothaches and may lead to new treatments for tooth sensitivity.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 26, 2021

Robust cell junctions are critical for maintaining stem cell function

The research team identified vinculin as critical for maintaining the quiescent properties of hair follicle stem cells. Vinculin's loss leads to weak cell-cell junctions and dysregulated YAP1 pathway, causing increased cell proliferation and loss of quiescence.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 26, 2021

X-rays combined with AI offer fast diagnostic tool in detecting COVID-19

Researchers developed an AI model to detect COVID-19 in chest X-rays with high accuracy, using a large dataset of other X-ray images as a starting point. The tool has the potential to assist doctors in identifying, measuring the severity and classifying the disease.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateMar 26, 2021

Study reveals bias among doctors who classify X-rays for coal miner's black lung claims

A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found strong associations between doctors' financial conflicts of interest and the party that hired them when classifying X-rays. The findings suggest a systemic problem with bias among doctors who review chest X-ray images for coal miner's black lung claims.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateMar 26, 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.

Plasmon-coupled gold nanoparticles useful for thermal history sensing

Stretching shape-memory polymers with clusters of gold nanoparticles alters their optical properties, enabling the tracking of thermal history. The material's shape can be recovered by measuring changes in its optical properties, making it a potential sensor for monitoring temperature and ensuring material quality.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateMar 26, 2021

Surgery is a viable treatment for pancreatic cancer patients especially after chemotherapy

A new study from the University of Arizona Department of Surgery found that pancreatic cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy followed by resection live an average of 19.75 months, compared to 10.12 months for those who received only chemotherapy. The researchers suggest that surgery can improve survival even in difficult cases.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 26, 2021

Incurable cancer: Patients need palliative care support early on

A new study reveals that patients with newly diagnosed incurable cancer experience significant physical and emotional distress, including anxiety and depression. Comprehensive palliative care services are essential to address these needs and improve quality of life for patients.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalThe Oncologist·DateMar 26, 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.

Use of telehealth by surgical specialties during COVID-19 pandemic

The study found that telehealth use surged across surgical specialties in response to the pandemic, highlighting its potential as a tool for sustaining surgical care. The analysis of insurance claims data revealed significant increases in virtual consultations and procedures.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMar 26, 2021

AI used in battle against asbestos-linked cancer

Researchers have developed an AI system to analyze DNA-sequenced mesotheliomas, revealing similar evolutionary paths that predict aggressiveness and possible therapy. This breakthrough could lead to improved patient outcomes for those with this aggressive form of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2021

Incurable Leigh Syndrome: German scientists create first human model for rare disease

Researchers developed a human model of Leigh syndrome caused by SURF1 mutations, discovering that energy deficits in neural precursors lead to neuronal defects and brain function impairment. This breakthrough provides potential therapeutic strategies, including gene replacement therapy and the use of Bezafibrate, for treating children ...

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 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.

Face masks associated with reducing healthcare workers' risk of acquiring COVID-19

Researchers found a correlation between Henry Ford's universal mask policy and a significant drop in the rate of healthcare workers testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. The study suggests that mask-wearing is effective in reducing the risk of acquiring COVID-19, supporting the institution's decision to implement the policy.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateMar 26, 2021

Insights on operationalizing COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment

The UPMC/Pitt team established a largest and most equitable distribution network for COVID-19 monoclonal antibody infusions across Pennsylvania. The treatment reduced likelihood of hospitalization and death in UPMC patients who received it, especially when administered soon after infection.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateMar 26, 2021

Controlling bubble formation on electrodes

Researchers at MIT have discovered three ways bubbles form and release from porous electrodes, which can be controlled by adjusting surface treatment. The team found that the wettability of the surface is crucial in determining bubble formation, allowing for precise control over system performance.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateMar 26, 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.

Study exposes global ripple effects of regional water scarcity

A recent study from Cornell and Tufts universities reveals that water scarcity is a globally connected phenomenon, with local conditions having reverberations across the globe. The research found that global trade dynamics and market adaptations to regional water scarcity result in positive and negative economic outcomes for every regi...

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2021

Signals from muscle protect from dementia

Researchers studied stress signals in skeletal muscle and found they prevent misfolded protein aggregates in the brain and retina. Tailoring this signaling may help combat neurodegenerative conditions like age-related dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 26, 2021

Social, not just biological factors, key in increased knee injuries among girls and women

Research highlights the importance of understanding social factors in preventing knee injuries among girls and women. The study suggests that gendered experiences and environmental influences play a significant role in shaping injury outcomes. Experts urge attention to these topics to improve prevention and management strategies.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMar 26, 2021
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.

ORNL meets key FDA milestone for cancer-fighting Ac-225 isotope

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has produced a key radioisotope, actinium-225 nitrate, for pharmaceutical companies developing new cancer treatments. ORNL's production of Ac-225 enables the support of applications without disclosing proprietary information, fulfilling FDA requirements.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateMar 26, 2021

A general approach to high-efficiency perovskite solar cells

The study reveals that fundamental processes during perovskite film formation strongly impact reproducibility, and optimizing the antisolvent step can significantly widen the processibility window of perovskite photovoltaic devices.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2021

Researchers discover new species of South American screech owls

Researchers have discovered two new species of South American screech owls, the Xingu Screech Owl and the Alagoas Screech Owl, through a comprehensive study analyzing morphological, vocal, and genetic variation. The study also highlights the threat of deforestation to these species.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalZootaxa·DateMar 26, 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.

Uranium compound achieves record anomalous Nernst conductivity

A new research study has demonstrated that a magnetic uranium compound can have strong thermoelectric properties, generating up to four times the transverse voltage from heat as previous records. This discovery unlocks a new potential for the actinide elements and points to a fresh direction in research on topological quantum materials.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 26, 2021

Hypnosis changes the way our brain processes information

Researchers from the University of Turku found that hypnosis shifts brain regions into a less synchronized state, allowing for more independent action. This finding provides new insights into how hypnosis modifies neural processing and may explain its effects on behavior and perception.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalNeuroscience of Consciousness·DateMar 26, 2021

CTC mutations may predict outcomes in some castrate-resistant prostate cancer patients

Research reveals associations between circulating tumor cell (CTC) mutations and clinical outcomes in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The study identified novel genetic alterations linked to response to AR inhibitors, including gains of ATM, NCOR2, and HSD17B4, which were associated with sensitivity to treatment.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·DateMar 26, 2021

The origin and uniqueness of Basque genetics revealed

The study confirms Basques' genetic uniqueness is the result of continuous isolation and scarce gene flow since the Iron Age. The language barrier promoted population separation from subsequent interactions.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 26, 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.

High-loading atomically dispersed Ir/MoC catalyst for hydrogenation reaction

Researchers develop a thermally stable atomically dispersed Ir/MoC catalyst with an unusually high metal loading of 4 wt%, exhibiting remarkable reactivity, selectivity, and stability. The catalyst achieves high metal-normalized activity and mass-specific activity through the presence of isolated Ir atoms.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 26, 2021

Eat me: The cell signal of death

Researchers at Kyoto University's iCeMS have identified a nuclear protein fragment that activates a lipid-scrambling protein to display an 'eat-me' signal on cell surfaces, alerting phagocytes to eliminate unwanted cells. This discovery sheds light on the complex process of cell death and its importance for maintaining tissue health.

SourceKyoto University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 26, 2021

Silent MRSA carriers have twice the mortality rate of adults without the bacteria

Researchers analyzed data from 2001-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to link MRSA carriage with mortality risk. The study found that middle-aged and older adults who unknowingly carry MRSA on their skin have twice the mortality rate of those without the bacteria, highlighting the need for routine screening.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateMar 26, 2021

Wireless tech a 'game changer' for nuclear power plants

A newly published IAEA report outlines the benefits of wireless technology in nuclear power plants, enabling safe remote monitoring and reducing risks. Wireless devices act as sensors to monitor process conditions, preventing potential accidents and promoting reliable operation.

SourceLehigh University·DateMar 26, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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