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Science News Archive March 2021


Page 5 of 53

New tool assesses patients' home dialysis experience

Researchers developed a new tool to capture patients' opinions on home dialysis care, highlighting the importance of communication and care coordination. The Home Dialysis Care Experience instrument will be valuable for future research, clinical care, and quality improvement initiatives among home dialysis facilities.

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.

Breaking records like baking bread

Researchers at KAUST have developed a novel method called thermal interdiffusion alloying (TIA) to create high-quality thin films of aluminum gallium oxide alloys. By controlling the annealing temperature and time, they achieved a record-high composition of up to 81% aluminum, resulting in a wide bandgap range.

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.

New statistical method eases data reproducibility crisis

Researchers at Penn State developed a new statistical tool, MAMBA, to enhance replicability of large genomic datasets. The method estimates the probability that an experiment can be replicated with different individuals, mitigating the reproducibility crisis.

Viewing the virus close up

The 'Compact Cell-Imaging Device' project aims to advance research into viral diseases by developing a miniaturized soft X-ray approach. This method allows for three-dimensional imaging of intact cells and can reveal changes induced by viral infections, making it an attractive tool for studying SARS-CoV-2.

The egg in the X-ray beam

A team of scientists has developed a new time-resolved method to analyze the structural changes in egg whites when heated. The study reveals how proteins unfold and cross-link to form a solid structure, with implications for food industry applications.

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.

Modern analysis of rock art

A machine learning study of rock art in Arnhem Land, Australia, has reconstructed the chronology of artistic styles using over 14 million images. The analysis revealed a link between style similarity and time, showing that styles closer in age were also more similar in appearance.

Professor Qingwei Ma seeks to unlock the potential of marine wave energy

The WavE-Suite project aims to overcome challenges in survivability of wave energy converters using a novel numerical modelling suite. The project combines machine learning techniques for more accurate and efficient simulations, enabling engineers to design reliable and economically viable devices.

An organic material for the next generation of HVAC technologies

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed an organic material that uses less energy to dry air, enhancing the efficiency of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The polyimide-based dehumidifiers can bring down the cost of HVAC systems, which currently cost thousands of dollars.

Cone snails use sexual enticements to lure prey out of hiding

Researchers discovered that cone snails produce small chemicals mimicking worm pheromones to trigger sexual activity in marine worms. In laboratory experiments, these compounds sparked mating behavior in female and male fire worms, making it easier to lure them out of hiding.

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.

Chronic inflammatory liver disease: cell stress mechanisms identified

A recent study published in Hepatology has identified a molecular signature for ER stress in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis, which is associated with poorer prognosis and higher incidence of complications. The discovery opens up new treatment options by targeting ER stress with drugs already in clinical testing.

Study: Insights from two reopened schools during the COVID-19 pandemic

Two reopened k-12 schools in the US demonstrated low in-school transmission rates with universal testing and mitigation measures, such as mask-wearing and ventilation. The study suggests that testing allows for early detection of potential outbreaks and can help prevent big school closures.

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.

Researchers observe new isotope of fluorine

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have observed a new form of fluorine, the isotope 13F, which has four fewer neutrons than the naturally occurring stable isotope 19F. This discovery was made using a charge-exchange reaction mechanism, allowing scientists to create a previously inaccessible isotope with exotic properties.

New early warning system for self-driving cars

A team of researchers at TUM developed a new early warning system for self-driving cars using artificial intelligence to learn from thousands of real traffic situations. The system can predict potentially critical situations with over 85% accuracy, up to seven seconds in advance.

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.

New £1.49 million project to research nuclear decontamination robots

Scientists from Lancaster and Manchester Universities have received a £1.49 million grant to research the use of robots for nuclear decontamination. The ALACANDRA project aims to improve the interpretation of robot-derived information from complex, cluttered spaces contaminated with dispersed radioactivity.

Prime editing enables precise gene editing without collateral damage

Scientists report that prime editing successfully shuts down a gene involved in smooth muscle cell differentiation, correcting genetic problems and disease models. Prime editing is less complicated and more precise than traditional CRISPR, with fewer components and no collateral damage.

Cardiorespiratory fitness improves grades at school

Researchers found an indirect link between cardiorespiratory fitness and higher marks in mathematics and French 2. Better executive functions, specifically cognitive flexibility, were also associated with improved academic performance. The study emphasizes the importance of physical education classes in schools.

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.

Fasting acts as diet catalyst

A five-day fast followed by a healthy diet reduces inflammation and promotes beneficial gut bacteria, improving cardiovascular health. Long-term effects include lower body mass index, reduced blood pressure, and decreased antihypertensive medication use.

Screams of 'joy' sound like 'fear' when heard out of context

A new study by psychologists at Emory University found that people can accurately discern most emotions tied to screams, but those of happiness are often misjudged as fear. Screams convey strong emotions, and researchers speculate that this may be an evolutionary carryover bias, where humans err on the side of caution.

A second look at sunlight

A team of researchers re-examines the effectiveness of sunlight in deactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus, finding that results contradict previous theories and suggest an alternative mechanism involving UV-A light. This discovery could lead to new management strategies using widely available UV-A radiation.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New oil palm map to inform policy and landscape-level planning

A new map of oil palm extent in Southeast Asia provides critical information for policymakers and stakeholders, allowing for sustainable production and forest conservation. The map's high accuracy enables calculations of greenhouse gas emissions and removals, as well as verification of official statistics.

Synthetic mucus can mimic the real thing

Researchers at MIT have created synthetic mucins with a polymer backbone that mimic the structure and function of naturally occurring mucins, effectively neutralizing the bacterial toxin that causes cholera. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for infectious diseases and potentially less resistance to antibiotics.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Using holographic endoscopes to observe distant objects

Researchers developed a holographic endoscope made of single-hair thin optical fibers to reconstruct images of macroscopic objects at larger imaging distances. The tool sheds light on biological processes occurring at the macromolecular and subcellular levels, allowing for better treatment of severe brain diseases like Alzheimer's.

How coastal forests are managed can impact water cycle

Researchers from North Carolina State University found that younger trees take up and release less water than mature trees, suggesting managers should time timber harvests to mitigate runoff. The study suggests leaving older trees alongside new growth can help mitigate effects of forest harvesting on drainage.

Air pollution and physical exercise: when to do more or less

A nationwide study of nearly 1.5 million people found that increasing physical activity in low-to-moderate air pollution areas reduced cardiovascular disease risk by 27%, while decreasing activity increased the risk. In contrast, high air pollution levels saw an increased risk when physical activity exceeded recommended levels.

Uprooting cancer: Hydrogel rapidly reverts cancer cells back to cancer stem cells

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a hydrogel that rapidly reprograms differentiated cancer cells into cancer stem cells within 24 hours. The study has significant implications for developing targeted anti-cancer therapies and personalized medicines by targeting cancer stem cells, which are resistant to current treatments.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Arash Ajoudani awarded the IEEE Ras Early Career Award 2021

Arash Ajoudani has made a significant impact on the field of human-robot collaboration and telerobotics with his research. He has contributed to several successful European projects, including ERGO-Lean and SOPHIA, which aim to develop collaborative robotics systems capable of anticipating human behavior.

Inflammation-fighting protein could improve treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers at Washington State University have discovered that GBP5 protein suppresses inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis by reducing the effects of interleukin-1 beta and supporting interferon gamma's anti-inflammatory function. This finding could lead to new treatments for the disease, affecting an estimated 1.5 million Americans.

Researchers discover how animals grow their pointy body parts

An interdisciplinary team at Monash University discovered a new universal rule of biological growth that explains surprising similarities in the shapes of sharp structures across the tree of life. The 'power cascade' rule applies to various animals, including teeth, horns, claws, and even plant thorns, following a power law pattern.

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.

Diabetes drug may be a new weapon against HIV

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discover that widely used diabetes drug metformin suppresses HIV replication in immune cells by inhibiting a key process in their production of chemical energy. This finding suggests that metformin and other drugs reducing T cell metabolism might be useful as adjunct therapies for treating HIV.

Jordan's worsening water crisis a warning for the world

A new study predicts that Jordan's water crisis will worsen unless measures are taken to increase supply, slash demand, and reform distribution. The country's unique role as a bastion of peace in the region makes these findings particularly concerning.

Deciphering the secrets of printed electronics

The technology allows for the creation of non-rigid, component-free, flexible, bendable, and easily integrable devices. Researchers from Aarhus University have published a comprehensive review of printed electronics techniques, material inks, and applications.

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.

A visit to 'Dr. Google' makes patients better at diagnosis

A study of 5,000 participants found that patients made modest improvements in diagnostic accuracy and experienced no change in anxiety after using the Internet to research symptoms. Participants showed improved ability to triage conditions without a change in anxiety levels.

Noninfluenza viruses have rates of illness, death similar to flu

A study of 2119 adults with confirmed viral acute respiratory infections found that noninfluenza viruses (NIRV) caused illness rates and death similar to influenza. Patients with NIRV infections were generally younger but had underlying conditions, such as compromised immune systems.

Stellar eggs near galactic center hatching into baby stars

Astronomers discovered over 800 dense gas and dust cores near the Galactic Center, which may be 'stellar eggs' hatching into baby stars despite harsh conditions. The findings suggest that star formation is more resilient than thought, with ALMA observations detecting small outflows indicative of star birth.

Cells rely on their crampons to avoid slipping

Scientists from UNIGE discovered that paxillin helps cells perceive their environment and dock at the right place using cellular crampons. Without functional paxillin, cells can't attach properly and slip continuously.

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.