Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 8, 2021


In a leap for battery research, machine learning gets scientific smarts

Researchers combined machine learning with physics and chemistry to discover a process that shortens lithium-ion battery lifetimes, overturning long-held assumptions. The approach could dramatically accelerate the development of sturdier batteries for electric vehicles.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 8, 2021

Reduced heat leakage improves wearable health device

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a flexible thermoelectric generator that converts body heat into electrical energy with improved efficiency. The device achieves significant reductions in heat leakage, resulting in higher output power density figures compared to previous versions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·DateMar 8, 2021

Nanoenzymes designed with a unique combination of structure and functions

Researchers at the UAB have designed minimalist biostructures that imitate natural enzymes, carrying out two differentiated and reversibly regulated activities. These peptides can be used to create 'intelligent' nanomaterials with tailor-made combinations of catalytic functions for practical applications.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalACS Catalysis·DateMar 8, 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.

Research foresees an end to deregulated competitive public transport

A new study published in Transport Policy predicts the end of deregulated competitive public transport in the UK due to reduced ridership following COVID-19 social distancing measures. The paper argues that this crisis presents an opportunity to create a more inclusive, environmentally considerate, and efficient transportation system.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalTransport Policy·DateMar 8, 2021

Opinions and attitudes can last when they are based on emotion

A new study reveals that attitudes based on feelings and emotions can stand the test of time, challenging the conventional wisdom that opinions based on hard facts are more stable. The researchers conducted seven independent studies involving over 20,000 participants to test the role of emotion in forming long-lasting attitudes.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 8, 2021

Six research teams win Carbon Hub funding

Rice University's Carbon Hub has awarded seed grants to six research projects aiming to transform the oil and gas sector into a leading provider of clean hydrogen energy and solid carbon products. The selected teams will investigate various applications, including cement reinforced with carbon fibers, urban smog reduction, and replacin...

SourceRice University·DateMar 8, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Irrigation management key for bioenergy production to mitigate climate change

A new study reveals that bioenergy production without sustainable irrigation management could double global water stress by the end of the century. However, implementing sustainable water management measures can halve this increase, but poses significant tradeoffs and challenges.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2021

Hospital-based violence intervention program engages vulnerable populations

A hospital-based violence intervention program effectively engages vulnerable populations by addressing specific client needs. The study highlights the complexities of program attrition and altering life courses for victims of violence, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies to address upstream factors of community violence.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateMar 8, 2021

ACS Nano special edition highlights innovations at KAIST

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has been featured in a special virtual issue of ACS Nano, highlighting its collective intelligence and technological innovation. The issue showcases KAIST's vision of becoming a global value-creative leading university and its progress over the last 50 years.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 8, 2021
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.

Allelica's polygenic risk score data published inCirculation

A recent study published in Circulation shows that combining genetic risk with LDL cholesterol levels can accurately predict heart attack risk. The study reveals that individuals with a high polygenic predisposition for heart attack, regardless of their LDL level, are at increased risk.

SourceHalsin Partners·JournalCirculation·DateMar 8, 2021

Water temperature key to schistosomiasis risk and prevention strategies

A new study found that the transmission risk for schistosomiasis peaks when water warms to 21.7 degrees centigrade, increasing with climate change. Implementing snail control measures can reduce transmission but raises peak transmission risk to 23 degrees Fahrenheit.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2021

Tracing malaria's ecology using blood samples from birds

Researchers analyzed blood samples from over 1,000 bird species to understand malaria ecology. They found that the strains of malaria present in a local area don't always align with the types of birds living there, instead being influenced by weather patterns such as rainfall.

SourceField Museum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 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.

Northern Hemisphere summers may last nearly half the year by 2100

By 2100, winters are predicted to be shorter than two months and transitional seasons even shorter in the Northern Hemisphere. This shift could exacerbate environmental and health risks such as phenological changes and agricultural disruptions.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 8, 2021

Classification of an ancient spore-producing tree

A fossil plant with complete anatomical preservation from a 298-million-year-old ash deposit has enabled evolutionary classification of the Noeggerathiales order. Paratingia wuhaia, a small woody tree, belongs to the progymnosperm lineage and produces spores.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2021

BU researchers identify basic mechanisms that regulate HIV expression

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine identified novel transcription factors that influence HIV expression and provided insight into cellular networks controlling activation and repression. Understanding these mechanisms may help target the latent reservoir of virus, allowing for potential treatment advancements.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2021

New collaborative care model improves access to mental health care

Penn Medicine's collaborative care program, Penn Integrated Care (PIC), integrates mental health professionals into primary care settings. A new study suggests that this approach is effective and efficient in meeting the needs of patients with various mental health conditions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 8, 2021
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.

Greater tobacco use linked to higher levels of inflammation in HIV-positive people

A UMass Amherst study found a positive linear relationship between tobacco smoking intensity and duration with inflammation in HIV-positive individuals. The researchers suggest that people living with HIV would benefit from quitting or reducing smoking to lower inflammation levels, which are linked to increased disease risk.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateMar 8, 2021

New discovery explains antihypertensive properties of green and black tea

A new study from the University of California, Irvine shows that compounds in both green and black tea relax blood vessels by activating ion channel proteins in the blood vessel wall. The discovery helps explain the antihypertensive properties of tea and could lead to the design of new blood pressure-lowering medications.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCellular Physiology and Biochemistry·DateMar 8, 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.

Early solar system asteroid

Researchers found a 4.565 billion-year-old meteorite with an andesite crust, unlike known asteroids, suggesting andesitic crusts may have been common in early protoplanets.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2021

Virtual avatar coaching with community context for adult-child dyads

A new study published in Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that virtual reality avatar-based coaching programs can spark dialogue about dietary habits and behavior among children and adults. The program showed promise to increase access and extend the reach of nutrition education for lower-income kids and families.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMar 8, 2021

For teens, outdoor recreation during the pandemic linked to improved well-being

A North Carolina State University study finds that outdoor play and nature-based activities helped buffer negative mental health impacts of the pandemic for adolescents. The research highlights the importance of access to outdoor recreation opportunities for teenagers' well-being.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 8, 2021

New method could democratize deep learning-enhanced microscopy

A new method developed by Salk researchers enables scientists to improve microscope image quality using artificial intelligence and artificially degraded images. The 'crappifier' tool can help democratize microscopy, making it accessible to those without powerful microscopes.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 8, 2021
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.

Legume trees key to supporting tropical forest growth

Researchers found that legume trees can alter their soils' microbiome to increase access to nutrients and support surrounding tree growth. This process involves accelerating mineral weathering processes, releasing vital nutrients for the trees.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2021
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.

Sea otters maintain remnants of healthy kelp forest amid sea urchin barrens

A study found that sea otters in Monterey Bay are maintaining patches of healthy kelp forest despite a decline in overall kelp forests along the California coast due to an outbreak of sea urchins. Sea otters increase their consumption of urchins in the remaining kelp patches, but ignore those in barren areas with low nutritional value.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2021

Oceans were stressed preceding abrupt, prehistoric global warming

Researchers analyzed fossilized shells to reconstruct Earth's climate during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, a period of abrupt global warming and ocean acidification. The study found that foraminifera consumed less alkalinity from seawater to buffer increasing ocean acidity.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGeology·DateMar 8, 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.

Assessing regulatory fairness through machine learning

A new study by Stanford researchers examines how machine learning techniques influence which communities are targeted for compliance efforts, revealing key elements of algorithmic design that impact environmental justice. The analysis highlights the need for explicit decision-making in environmental federalism.

SourceStanford University·DateMar 8, 2021

No more sitting in the dark?

A new study found that self-paced physical and cognitive activity after a concussion does not hasten or prolong recovery in children and teens. Increased daily step count was associated with early symptom resolution, but the association was not statistically significant.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateMar 8, 2021

Predator and prey behavior in Pacific kelp forests

A study explores how a drastic reduction in kelp forests led to shifts in sea otter and sea urchin behavior, restructuring mechanisms that control the ecosystem. Following the decline, sea otters increased their consumption of energetically profitable urchins, enhancing kelp patch resistance to overgrazing.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 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.

UCLA-led study reveals 'hidden costs' of being Black in the US

A new UCLA-led study finds that Black men face high levels of discriminatory indignities on a nearly daily basis, regardless of income level. The study's results indicate that structural barriers limit the benefits of economic achievements for Black men, increasing the risk of adverse physical and mental health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 8, 2021

Life expectancy falling for adults without a bachelor's degree

A new study found that life expectancy in adulthood has been declining for Americans without a college degree since 2010. Meanwhile, racial gaps have narrowed, with Black Americans with a bachelor's degree now having more expected years to live than those without a degree.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2021

Financial pollution in the US health system

Exorbitant healthcare spending depletes population resources, harming vulnerable groups through increased insurance premiums and taxes. The authors propose reducing financial pollution by learning from environmental pollution policy approaches.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMar 8, 2021

Study of coronavirus variants predicts virus evolving to escape current vaccines

A recent study predicts that COVID-19 variants from the UK and South Africa may reduce vaccine effectiveness and increase the likelihood of reinfections. The study found that antibodies from Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were less effective against these variants, causing a reduction in protective efficacy.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature·DateMar 8, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Helping people understand glaucoma with a mobile app

A new mobile app, Glaucoma in Perspective, provides glaucoma education in a simple, visual format to help patients and their families understand the potential impact of the condition on their lives. The app covers topics such as visual field tests, eye pressure management, and treatment options.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·DateMar 8, 2021

Finding key to low-cost, fast production of solid-state batteries for EVs

A new manufacturing process developed by Georgia Tech researchers allows for the mass production of solid-state batteries using nonflammable ceramic electrolytes. This breakthrough could lead to lighter, safer, and more energy-dense batteries, potentially reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 8, 2021

New inhibitor found to combat drug-resistant cancer cells

Researchers have developed a new inhibitor that targets the multi-drug resistant protein 4 (MRP4), blocking its transport of cancer-promoting messengers and allowing chemotherapy to work again. This could improve treatment options for persistent cancers.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalMolecules·DateMar 8, 2021

Young Investigator Award

Stephanie Law, associate professor of materials science and engineering, received the Young Investigator Award for advances in growing novel optical materials, including heavily doped semiconductors and topological insulators. The award recognizes her work on improving material quality for infrared and terahertz optics and plasmonics.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateMar 8, 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.

Most distant cosmic jet providing clues about early universe

Astronomers have found the most distant cosmic jet, providing insights into how galaxies evolved and supermassive black holes grew when the universe was only 780 million years old. The quasar, with a massive black hole 300 million times more massive than the Sun, has a jet of fast-moving particles about 1,000 years old.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·DateMar 8, 2021

'Pompeii of prehistoric plants' unlocks evolutionary secret -- study

A new study has uncovered a pivotal moment in the evolution of seed-bearing plants, revealing they outcompeted other fern groups 300 million years ago. The fossils found in China have provided crucial evidence that Noeggerathiales, an ancient plant lineage, were more closely related to seed plants than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2021

COVID-19: Biomarkers linked to severe forms of the disease

Researchers at University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre have identified biomarkers associated with the severity of COVID-19. The study found specific immune alterations linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease progression, which could help stratify patients by risk and identify new therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 8, 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.

Can the digital advertising market achieve privacy without regulation?

New research finds machine learning improves click-through rates by 66.8% over simpler targeting models, with behavioral data offering more accurate targeting in mobile ads. Ad networks may have economic incentives to limit granular behavioral targeting, potentially leading to self-regulation and consumer privacy protection.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateMar 8, 2021

Inaugural AFAR-Sagol Network GerOmic Awards announced

The AFAR-Sagol Network GerOmic Awards support aging research using AI, Big Data, and Systems Research, focusing on heterochromatin domains in exceptional longevity. Researchers Simone Sidoli and Oscar Vivas are receiving awards to investigate chromatin regulations and the autonomic nervous system's function with age.

SourceAmerican Federation for Aging Research·DateMar 8, 2021

Five days of antibiotics fine for children with pneumonia

A five-day course of high-dose amoxicillin is an effective treatment for children six months to 10 years old with common pneumonia. The study found that 85.7% of those who received the short course were cured two to three weeks later.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 8, 2021

Adult life expectancy falling for those without a college degree

A recent study by USC and Princeton researchers reveals that adult life expectancy has declined for Americans without a college degree. The study, which analyzed mortality records from 1990 to 2018, found that the gap in life expectancy between those with and without a college degree widened, but narrowed based on race.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2021

Immune cells in cerebrospinal fluid predict response to immunotherapy

Researchers have identified a novel method using immune cells in cerebrospinal fluid to predict response to immunotherapy for patients with brain metastases. The analysis reveals similarities between immune cells in cerebrospinal fluid and those in brain metastasis, providing valuable insights into tumor microenvironment characterization.

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2021
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.

Post-Fontan liver fibrosis goes under the radar

Researchers found that conventional diagnostic methods for liver fibrosis do not accurately track the disease in patients who underwent Fontan surgery. The study revealed a unique regional development of fibrosis, which was not observed with hepatitis C and B, highlighting the need for new biomarkers and imaging techniques.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalHepatology Research·DateMar 8, 2021

Research offers insights on how night shift work increases cancer risk

A study found that night shifts disrupt natural rhythms in cancer-related genes, making workers more vulnerable to DNA damage. This can lead to increased cancer risk, and researchers hope to develop prevention strategies and treatment options to address this issue.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Pineal Research·DateMar 8, 2021

Why odors trigger powerful memories

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered a neural basis for how odors elicit powerful memories, with the olfactory areas connecting directly to the hippocampus. The study suggests that the sense of smell retains direct access to the hippocampus, unlike other senses like vision and hearing.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProgress in Neurobiology·DateMar 8, 2021

How fast is the universe expanding? Galaxies provide one answer.

A new estimate of the local expansion rate, using a relatively new technique for measuring cosmic distances, finds that the universe is expanding at 73.3 km/sec/Mpc, in the middle of three other good estimates. This discrepancy between estimates raises concerns about understanding the physics and evolution of the universe.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateMar 8, 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.

Timing of Neanderthal disappearance from Northwest Europe

A recent study has revised the timing of Neanderthal disappearance from Northwest Europe using compound-specific radiocarbon analysis, yielding ages up to 10,000 years older than previously reported. The new dates estimate a departure around 44,200-40,600 years ago, contradicting previous findings.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2021

Membrane around tumors may be key to preventing metastasis

The basement membrane surrounding tumors may control their growth and spread by becoming stiffer as it expands. Researchers used a simple technique to isolate the membrane and measure its elasticity, finding it to be nonlinearly elastic, unlike balloons made of linearly elastic materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 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.

New research shows marijuana THC stays in breast milk for six weeks

Researchers at Children's Hospital Colorado found that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of marijuana, persists in breast milk for up to six weeks. The study supports recommendations to abstain from marijuana use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

SourceChildren's Hospital Colorado·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 8, 2021

Cheap, nontoxic carbon nanodots poised to be quantum dots of the future

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new imaging technology that can identify good and bad emitters among populations of carbon nanodots. The study found that approximately 20% of carbon nanodots are perfect emitters, while about 80% have a very short light emission state before expelling heat.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateMar 8, 2021

Speeding treatment for urinary tract infections in children

Researchers defined parameters for white blood cell counts in children's urine to diagnose and treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) more effectively. The new guidelines could help speed treatment, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of lifelong consequences like kidney scarring and hypertension.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 8, 2021
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.

Hybrid microbes: Genome transfer between different bacteria strains explored

A recent study by biophysicists at the University of Cologne shows that bacteria can easily integrate genetic material from other bacterial strains, producing hybrid organisms with extensive genomic and functional changes. This horizontal gene transfer enables rapid evolution and can drive evolutionary processes efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2021

The broader impacts of COVID-19: Societal perspective in health economic evaluations

Researchers call for more inclusive analysis of public health interventions, considering broader impacts on education, criminal justice, housing, consumption, and the environment. Existing evidence shows poorer socio-economic individuals and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalInternational Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care·DateMar 8, 2021

More than 2/3 of Indiana nursing home staff would take COVID-19 vaccine

A survey of over 8,000 nursing home and assisted living staff in Indiana found that 45% would take a vaccine as soon as it was available, while an additional 24% said they would take it at some point in the future. Concerns about side effects, health risks, and effectiveness were common reasons for not wanting to receive the vaccine.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 8, 2021
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.

Drug to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women of 'very limited use'

A study analysis suggests bremelanotide has very limited effectiveness as a treatment for HSDD in women. Trial participants preferred taking a placebo over the drug, with higher dropout rates and adverse event-induced discontinuation. The findings also highlight issues with the validity of HSDD as a diagnosis.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·DateMar 8, 2021

Insatiable demand for cannabis has created a giant carbon footprint

A new study by Colorado State University researchers provides the most detailed accounting of the cannabis industry's greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that US indoor cannabis cultivation results in life-cycle emissions of between 2,283 and 5,184kg CO2 per kg dried flower.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 8, 2021

The impact of lockdown drives us to make poorer choices

A study led by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya finds that lockdowns reduce cognitive capacity, leading to poorer choices and decreased altruism. The shock from restrictions impairs decision-making, causing people to prioritize short-term benefits over long-term consequences.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 8, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Novel hydrogen fuel purification membrane paves the way for greener future

Researchers develop a novel membrane that efficiently purifies hydrogen fuel from a mixture of gases, offering a low-cost and environment-friendly solution. The membrane, made of polycarbosilane, exhibits high hydrophobicity and selective hydrogen permeation, paving the way for widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel in energy needs.

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalSeparation and Purification Technology·DateMar 8, 2021

Yangtze flooding and Indian Ocean conditions

A study found that warming in the Indian Ocean led to extreme monsoon rainfall and Yangtze River flooding in 2020. The researchers used a global atmospheric model and observed data to predict the excessive rainfall, which was mainly caused by temperature anomalies in the Indian Ocean.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 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.

UTHealth leading nation's largest opioid use disorder recovery housing study

The project aims to understand the impact of peer recovery coaches on outcomes for individuals in medication-assisted recovery (MAR) housing. It will compare residents with and without peer recovery coaches to those in non-MAR housing, evaluating how culture, services, and camaraderie affect their recovery.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateMar 8, 2021

Strict environmental laws 'push' firms to pollute elsewhere

A new study by Ohio State University researchers reveals that stricter environmental laws in one country can lead to increased pollution in other countries with lax regulations. This phenomenon, known as 'carbon leakage,' highlights the need for global cooperation on environmental policies.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEconomic Policy·DateMar 8, 2021

Earth's deep mantle may have proton rivers made of superionic phases

A research group led by Dr. Qingyang Hu discovered a hydrous mineral that enters an exotic superionic phase, similar to water ice in giant planets. The team found that this superionic state may lead to a significant increase in electrical conductivity, potentially changing our understanding of Earth's mantle convection.

SourceCenter for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 8, 2021

Direct observation of coherence energy scale of Hund's metal

Researchers directly observed the evolution of coherence energy scale in a strongly correlated material, clarifying the principle behind it. The study used ARPES and first-principle calculation to verify the kink behavior of electronic band structure, linked to Hund's coupling and coherence energy scale.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 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.

Invasive weed may help treat some human diseases, researchers find

Researchers have discovered that extracts from the invasive weed Andropogon virginicus show promise in treating type 2 diabetes and blood cancer by inhibiting cell damage and killing cancer cells. The team plans to further test the compounds and develop functional pharmaceuticals.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalPlants·DateMar 8, 2021

New teamwork model could improve patient health care

A new teamwork model developed by researchers at Rice University aims to improve patient health care outcomes. The model emphasizes psychological safety, trust, adaptability, and resilience, and provides tips for implementing team development interventions to advance team effectiveness.

SourceRice University·JournalOrganizational Dynamics·DateMar 8, 2021

Safe, simple additive could cut agrochemical pollution

Researchers at University of British Columbia discovered a simple polymer additive can cut agricultural pollution in half by improving fertilizer stickiness. The study found that combining fertilizers with a miniscule amount of polyethylene oxide nearly eliminated environmental loss, reducing percentage from 30 to just five.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 8, 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.

Study finds racial disparities in COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes

A new study from the University of Chicago found that nursing homes with larger proportions of non-White residents experience higher rates of COVID-19 deaths due to size and local community spread, not underlying health or quality of care. The study suggests that large facilities are more vulnerable to outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 8, 2021

Digital COVID-19 'symptom checkers' may delay treatment for serious illness

US and UK digital COVID-19 symptom checkers failed to identify severe COVID-19, bacterial pneumonia, and sepsis, often advising patients to stay home. The study suggests that these symptom checkers may delay treatment for serious illness and confer an increased risk of morbidity and mortality.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Health & Care Informatics·DateMar 8, 2021

Research aims to find new treatment for secondary brain damage

A new research project, funded by £1 million from the Medical Research Council, is investigating whether selective P2X7 receptor blocker drugs can treat patients with secondary brain damage. The study's goal is to reduce the impact of traumatic brain injury on patients and improve their clinical outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·DateMar 8, 2021

A biosensor for measuring extracellular hydrogen peroxide concentrations

Researchers developed a sensor to quantify hydrogen peroxide concentrations near cell membranes, providing insights into cellular processes and potential therapeutic strategies. The biosensor uses surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to detect changes in molecular signatures.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateMar 8, 2021

Lights on for silicon photonics

Researchers successfully demonstrated electroluminescence from a silicon-germanium device, marking a key step towards the development of a silicon-based laser. The achievement could have significant implications for the large-scale use of terahertz radiation in fields such as medical imaging and wireless communication.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 8, 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.

Research pinpoints unique drug target in antibiotic resistant bacteria

Scientists have pinpointed a critical mechanism allowing deadly bacteria to resist antibiotics, and discovered a potential new target for effective treatment. The study identified quinolone antibiotic resistance mechanisms, including the production of pentapeptide repeat proteins, and revealed how they inhibit bacterial enzymes.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2021

Study identifies resilience factors to mitigate burnout in college students

Researchers at Yale-NUS College identified five components of resilience that correlate with lower rates of burnout and psychological distress among college students. These components include approach coping, self-belief, effort and purpose, interpersonal resources, and spirituality, which can be learned and honed over time.

SourceYale-NUS College·JournalCurrent Psychology·DateMar 8, 2021

A better way to measure acceleration

The NIST instrument uses laser light to measure acceleration with higher precision and does not require periodic calibrations. It has the potential to improve inertial navigation in critical systems like military aircraft and satellites.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptica·DateMar 8, 2021

'Island of Rats' recovers

A coordinated conservation strategy removed invasive rodents from Hawadax Island, leading to the return of native species and a restoration of the island's ecosystem. The study found that removing the rats allowed the seabirds to replenish the seashore invertebrate population, driving down kelp abundance.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 8, 2021

Meet Turing structures in manmade interface

Scientists from China create a Turing structure on inorganic materials, exhibiting efficient oxygen evolution electrocatalytic activity. The study showcases the potential for designing cheaper catalysts with higher performance.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 8, 2021
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.

Hypertension disorders of pregnancy increase risk of premature maternal mortality

Women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) have a greater risk of premature mortality, including cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related deaths. A new study found that GHTN and preeclampsia were associated with a 42% increase in premature mortality, while women with HDP had an over two-fold higher risk of premature...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 8, 2021

Breast cancer: Mathematics for precision medicine

Decision theory enhances treatment choices by considering multiple possibilities in contradictory diagnostic findings, as shown in a study of 3753 breast cancer patients. The approach outperformed conventional statistics, providing more accurate results and improving patient outcomes.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 8, 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.

Sophisticated skin

Researchers have discovered that squids can not only change the color of their skin but also its brightness, achieved through the action of 'osmotic motors' driven by reflectin proteins. This complex mechanism allows for a wide range of iridescent colors and brightness levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 8, 2021

Antarctic Peninsula warming up due to heat in Tasman sea

A recent study by Japanese and Australian scientists reveals that the Antarctic Peninsula is warming up due to changes in wind patterns caused by heating in the Tasman Sea. This warming trend has significant implications for sea levels worldwide.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2021

UK charity announces £1.2 million funding to design Parkinson's drug

Parkinson's UK is investing £1.2 million in a project to refine a molecule that could be developed into a drug to protect dopamine-producing brain cells and slow down the progression of Parkinson's. The project aims to develop a treatment that can halt Parkinson's by boosting the function of brain cells' energy-producing mitochondria.

SourceParkinson's UK·DateMar 8, 2021

Investigating youth suicides among children involved with the welfare system

A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that youth in the child welfare system who died by suicide were more likely to have experienced out-of-home placements, mental health conditions, and visited healthcare settings. Integrating suicide prevention strategies into healthcare delivery is crucial for this vulnerable population.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 8, 2021

Predicting success in therapy with individualized cancer models

Researchers at the University of Bern developed a new strategy to assess therapy response in prostate cancer patients. They created patient-derived organoids that retain relevant characteristics of the original tumors, allowing for targeted drug testing and potential treatment repurposing.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2021

Unique sensor network for measuring greenhouse gases

The MUCCnet sensor network in Munich quantifies carbon dioxide, methane, and carbon monoxide concentrations with unique spectral analysis. By removing local disturbances, the network provides robust and accurate emission balances.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAtmospheric Measurement Techniques·DateMar 8, 2021

Paw hygiene no reason to ban assistance dogs from hospitals

Researchers at Utrecht University discovered that assistance dogs' paws are cleaner than their users' shoe soles, invalidating hygiene reasons for banning them from hospitals. A pilot study of 25 assistance dogs and their owners found no significant presence of fecal bacteria or diarrheal bacteria on the dogs' paws.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 8, 2021

Time needed to sequence key molecules could be reduced from years to minutes

Researchers have developed a novel method for rapid and accurate glycan sequencing, reducing the time required from years to minutes. The technique utilizes a nanopore device and machine-learning software to identify sugar chains based on electrical signals generated as they pass through a tiny hole.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2021