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Science News Archive March 2021


Page 50 of 53

Common bacteria modified to make designer sugar-based drug

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute modified E. coli to produce chondroitin sulfate, a drug used to treat arthritis, in an animal-free fashion. The process allows for fast and efficient production of the drug, with potential applications in therapeutics and regenerative medicine.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Protein Science Best Papers for 2020

Yu-Ting Huang's unexpected finding that ATP can alter human protein folding through destabilization may be relevant in studying cancer cells. Samuel Junod and Joseph Kelich were recognized for their studies of intrinsically disordered proteins' transport routes through nuclear pore complexes.

Creamy or gritty?

Scientists at UC Santa Barbara found that fruit flies use a mechanosensory channel called TMEM63 to detect the gritty texture of their food. This discovery sheds light on how animals perceive food and may have implications for human taste perception.

University launches isolated power supply chip with new design

Researchers at University of Science and Technology of China launched an isolated power supply chip with a new design, achieving 46.5% peak transformation efficiency. The chip's power density is also improved to 50mW/mm2, making it more efficient than traditional designs.

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.

Ultrasonic cleaning of salad could reduce instances of food poisoning

A new study finds that gentle streams of water carrying sound and microscopic air bubbles can effectively clean salad leaves, reducing bacterial contamination and the risk of food poisoning. The method has implications for combating anti-microbial resistance and extending food shelf life.

Rice plant resists arsenic

A Chinese-German research team has identified a rice plant variant that can neutralize arsenic toxins, with grains containing less than half the amount of arsenic as conventional rice. The astol1 rice variant also exhibits an elevated content of essential trace element selenium.

Vaccine shows signs of protection against dozen-plus flu strains

Researchers have developed a vaccine that demonstrates promising signs of protection against more than a dozen swine flu strains and outperforms leading commercial vaccine. The Epigraph vaccine stimulates an immune response against multiple closely related viral strains, providing broader immunity and better cellular-level responses.

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.

Reclamation awards $3.6 million to improve desalination technologies

The Bureau of Reclamation is awarding $3.6 million to 10 projects focused on advanced water treatment research and development, aiming to make desalination more affordable and increase water supplies nationwide. The funding supports President Biden's Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.

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.

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.

USC study shows promising potential for marine biofuel

A new aquaculture technique using a kelp elevator increases kelp growth by four times, yielding more biomass than natural processes. The technique shows promise as a low-carbon biofuel crop alternative to corn and sugarcane, with potential environmental benefits.

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 earthquakes highlight central Utah volcanoes

Researchers have detected unusual earthquake sequences in central Utah's Black Rock Desert, highlighting the region's active volcanic system. The quakes were shallower and produced lower-frequency seismic energy than usual, suggesting a different origin than other Utah earthquakes.

Only 50% of CO clinicians are willing and able to counsel women on abortion

A new study finds that only 48% of Colorado clinicians can provide unbiased information on abortion options, while 79% say they lack experience or education on the topic. The majority of clinics refer patients to crisis pregnancy centers, despite professional health organizations recommending informed counseling.

Heart disease is in the eye of the beholder

A study published in EClinical Medicine found a correlation between retinal ischemic perivascular lesions and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers identified this mark in patients who underwent optical coherence tomography scans, suggesting it could serve as a biomarker for heart disease.

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.

How the trap-jaw ant got its ultrafast bite

Researchers discovered how trap-jaws evolved from simpler ancestral jaw mechanisms through minor changes in form and function, resulting in diverse trap-jaw forms across continents. High-speed videography revealed the fastest accelerating animal body part with resettable motion.

Aggressive intervention recommended to prevent pediatric diabetes

A research review recommends physicians conduct regular screenings, adopt a high level of suspicion, and intervene early with families at risk for pediatric Type 2 diabetes. The study highlights the importance of addressing underlying factors such as weight issues, food insecurity, and stress to slow the youth diabetes epidemic.

New study proposes a low cost, high efficiency mask design

Researchers propose a tri-layer mask design that includes a graphene oxide mixture for enhanced anti-bacterial activity. This coating simplifies the number of layers in the design while maintaining high filtration efficiency, making it suitable for reusable N95 masks.

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.

Solving the biochemical conundrum at the dawn of life on Earth

Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill develop collaborative strategy to test hypothesis on how tiny chemicals formed basic biochemistry four billion years ago. They aim to enhance understanding of cellular processes to detect new disease treatment strategies and inspire life outside Earth.

'Fish DJ' tackles fish hearing

PhD candidate Rebecca Poulsen designed a speaker system to study brain networks and hearing in baby fish, finding they can hear high-frequency sounds. Whole-brain imaging revealed how larvae process different types of sounds, raising questions about their brain's interpretation.

Here's how insects coax plants into making galls

Researchers identified insect genes that directly guide gall development in aphids, transforming ordinary plant parts into intricate shelters. The discovery of "bicycle genes" reveals a novel mechanism by which insects reprogram plant growth.

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.

HKBU develops dual-targeting drug for EBV-related cancers

Researchers at Hong Kong Baptist University develop a peptide-linked drug targeting two viral proteins produced by Epstein-Barr virus, reducing cancer cell damage and increasing drug uptake rates. The novel drug has shown efficacy in animal models and is being further developed for clinical trials.

A new blindness gene uncovered in a canine study

Researchers have identified a new blindness gene, IFT122, associated with inherited retinal dystrophy in dogs. The discovery has significant implications for understanding the genetic background of the disease and developing novel treatments.

Under 55's found lockdown most challenging, finds survey

A UK-wide survey of 2252 adults revealed that women and adults under 55 were most likely to report finding the lockdown challenging. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address physical, psychological, and social impacts of the pandemic.

Child abuse surges in times of crisis - the pandemic may be different

A new study suggests that child abuse cases surged during the pandemic, despite initial declines in ER visits and hospital admissions. Researchers found little difference in the severity of injuries compared to pre-pandemic years, suggesting physical abuse may have decreased across all severity levels.

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.

Complex fluid dynamics may explain hydroplaning

Scientists used laser imaging and fluorescent particles to study water flow in tire grooves, finding vortices and bubbles that can contribute to hydroplaning. The study's findings may help improve tread designs to counteract this phenomenon.

Key steps discovered in production of critical immune cell

WEHI researchers have uncovered a process cells use to fight off infection and cancer that could pave the way for precision cancer immunotherapy treatment. The study found how the Flt3L hormone increases dendritic cell numbers, helping the immune system fight off cancer and infection.

Scientists use forest color to gauge permafrost depth

Researchers developed a method using satellite imagery to measure the depth of thaw directly above permafrost in boreal ecosystems by analyzing variations in forest color. This approach provides more accurate estimates of permafrost depth, essential for climate modeling and monitoring permafrost thaw rates.

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.

Hassles with child car seats linked to unsafe child passenger behaviors

A study published in Academic Pediatrics found that parents who reported more child car seat hassles were less likely to follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations on child passenger safety. Parents who identified more hassles were more likely to have their children travel unrestrained or not use a car seat consistently.

A fluid solution to dendrite growth in lithium metal batteries

Researchers propose a potential solution to dendrite growth in rechargeable lithium metal batteries, proposing the use of microfluidics to reduce dendrite growth by up to 99%. This study aims to extend the life of these high-energy density batteries while improving safety.

Yale team finds dozens of genes that block regeneration of neurons

Researchers have identified 40 genes that suppress axon regeneration in central nervous system cells, hindering recovery from brain and spinal cord injuries. By editing out one gene, they restored axons in mouse models with glaucoma, suggesting a potential new approach to treating neural damage.

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.

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.

Galápagos volcano could help forecast future eruptions

A new study reveals details of Sierra Negra's eruption, filling gaps in scientists' understanding of volcanic processes. The research integrated geophysical data with chemical analysis of the erupted lava, capturing a unique dataset that provides insight into future eruptions.

Chemistry goes under cover

Scientists have discovered that covering metal catalyst surfaces with thin two-dimensional oxide materials can significantly enhance chemical reactions. The new method uses partially covered palladium surfaces with silica films to boost carbon dioxide production by 20%. This approach allows for more efficient and effective catalytic co...