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Science News Archive March 2021 - Page 12


Page 12 of 53

How improving acoustic monitoring of bats could help protecting biodiversity

New research suggests that existing acoustic monitoring measures are insufficient to reliably predict bat mortality risk at large wind turbines. To improve coverage, scientists recommend installing supplementary ultrasonic detectors and complementary sensor technologies like radar systems or thermal imaging cameras.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalMammal Review·DateMar 25, 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.

Researchers dig deeper into how migrating cells interact in the body

Cells migrating along networks of fibers exhibit different behavior than in a flat environment, with increased speed and altered interactions when encountering other cells or dividing. This study provides new understanding into cellular behavior and its relevance to drug delivery and wound healing.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2021

Researchers discover new organic conductor

Scientists have created a new type of salt that acts as an electrical conductor, exhibiting unique magnetic coordination at low temperatures. The discovery was made using tetrathiafulvalene as a skeleton for the new substance, which has infinite chain structure and stabilizes atomic arrangements.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalInorganic Chemistry·DateMar 25, 2021

Palm oil production can grow without converting rainforests and peatland

Research suggests that palm farmers in Indonesia can significantly increase their yields by implementing improved management practices, such as improved harvest methods, better weed control, and plant nutrition. This could lead to an 68% increase in palm oil production on existing plantation areas without expanding into new ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 25, 2021

World-first discovery paves way to new cancer treatment

Australian researchers have made a world-first discovery in targeting an aggressive childhood cancer, neuroblastoma. They found that the cellular protein ALYREF plays a crucial role in accelerating MYCN-driven cancer growth in neuroblastoma cells.

SourceChildren's Cancer Institute Australia·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 25, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

TPU scientists develop sensor with nanopores for definition doping in blood

The researchers created a new sensor using two layers of nanopores that can detect specific enantiomers of chiral molecules, allowing for faster and cheaper detection than traditional methods. The sensor operates by exploiting surface plasmon resonance and takes less than 5 minutes to analyze.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateMar 25, 2021

In certain circumstances, outsourcing poses risks to vendors

A new study found that outsourcing routine tasks can be risky for vendors, particularly when it involves developing specific capabilities for the client. In contrast, well-defined tasks with trained workers and longer contracts are more beneficial for vendors.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalInformation Systems Frontiers·DateMar 25, 2021

New study sheds light on how X and Y chromosomes interact

Researchers at Lund University investigated X and Y chromosome evolution and adaptation in a population. The results show that breaking up coevolved sets of sex chromosomes can lead to lower survival rates among offspring.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 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.

Aerosol formation in clouds

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute have found that isoprene, a dominant non-methane organic compound emitted into the atmosphere, can form up to 20% of secondary organic aerosols in clouds. This process affects Earth's radiation balance and climate change.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 24, 2021

Thirteen UNIST researchers awarded prestigious 2021 Sejong Science Fellowship!

Thirteen researchers from Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) have been selected for the 2021 Sejong Science Fellowship, a program aimed at supporting postdoctoral researchers. The fellowship provides financial support to promote their work, helping them make substantial contributions to their field.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateMar 24, 2021

Exploiting cancer cells to aid in their own destruction

Researchers at the University of Chicago developed a new therapeutic vaccine that uses a patient's own tumor cells to train their immune system to find and kill cancer. The vaccine stopped melanoma tumor growth in mouse models and promoted a broad, robust immune response, preventing new tumor growth when tumor cells were re-introduced.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 24, 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.

Wafer-thin nanopaper changes from firm to soft at the touch of a button

Researchers have developed a bioinspired nanopaper that can change its stiffness and strength with an electrical switch, mimicking the defense mechanism of sea cucumbers. The material, made from cellulose nanofibrils, becomes soft and flexible when electricity is applied, and regains its original properties when the current stops.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 24, 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.

Pollutant levels after Hurricane Harvey exceeded lifetime cancer risk in some areas

Researchers analyzed soil samples from the Manchester neighborhood in Houston, finding nearly half contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are linked to poor health outcomes and different types of cancer. The highest concentrations were found near major highways and industrial facilities.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Health and Pollution·DateMar 24, 2021

New images reveal magnetic structures near supermassive black hole

A new view of the region closest to M87's supermassive black hole reveals important details of magnetic fields and hints at how powerful jets originate. The observations suggest strongly magnetized gas plays a key role in launching energetic jets.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 24, 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.

Bronze Age mining sites received deliveries of pre-processed foods

Cereal plant remains from Prigglitz-Gasteil show signs of processing off-site, suggesting specialized communities relied on external food sources. This discovery adds to the discussion on Bronze Age mining sites' dietary patterns and highlights the importance of processed foods in sustaining these communities.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 24, 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.

News media keeps pressing the mute button on women's sports

A 30-year study found that women's sports receive almost no attention on TV news and SportsCenter, while men's sports dominate the airtime. Despite some bright spots, such as increasing live televised coverage and prominent news outlets like the Los Angeles Times, the overall lack of coverage is significant.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCommunication & Sport·DateMar 24, 2021

Leaky blood-brain barrier linked to brain tissue damage in brain aging disease

A new study has found that people with cerebral small vessel disease who have blood-brain barrier leakage have more brain tissue damage over two years than those with less leakage. The study also found a higher leakage rate at the start of the study resulted in more loss of tissue microstructure around brain lesions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 24, 2021

Shining light to make hydrogen

ITQB NOVA researchers have developed a new approach to produce hydrogen from light using non-photosynthetic microorganisms. The biohybrid systems combine high hydrogen-producing bacteria with self-produced cadmium sulfide nanoparticles, which capture light and enable direct energy transfer.

SourceInstituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa ITQB NOVA·DateMar 24, 2021

Clarity needed in classification systems for processed foods

Researchers found that most classification systems' criteria diverge from scientific evidence on nutrition and food processing. A lack of consistency in categorizing foods deemed 'ultra-processed' and home-cooked foods hinders informed decision-making, according to the study.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalTrends in Food Science & Technology·DateMar 24, 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.

The very first structures in the Universe

Researchers from Göttingen and Auckland universities simulated microscopic clusters from the Big Bang, discovering complex networks of structures that mimic today's galaxy distribution. These primordial clumps would have masses of only a few grams and be incredibly small.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPhysical Review D·DateMar 24, 2021

New sequencing approach finds triple-negative breast cancers continue accumulating genetic changes during tumor growth

A novel method for single-cell DNA sequencing has enabled faster and deeper study of chromosome evolution in triple-negative breast cancers. The technique revealed that these cancers undergo continued genetic copy number changes after an initial burst of chromosomal instability, which may explain why treatments are not always effective.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateMar 24, 2021

Tiny currents may impact vital ocean food source

Researchers from Bigelow Laboratory discovered that copepods gather around small vortexes in the ocean, affecting the food web. These tiny vortexes have significant implications for understanding copepod behavior and their impact on marine ecosystems.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMar 24, 2021

Want a longer, healthier life? Resolve your arguments by day's end, OSU study says

A recent OSU study found that resolving arguments significantly reduces emotional response associated with disagreements, leading to improved overall health. Researchers discovered that people who felt their conflicts were resolved reported lower stress levels on both the day of the encounter and the day after.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series B·DateMar 24, 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.

USC researchers show path to zero-emissions L.A.

USC experts project significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and improvements in air quality, with the city potentially reaching 100% renewable energy by 2045. The study also highlights potential job impacts and challenges to ensuring a reliable water supply.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateMar 24, 2021

Green leafy vegetables essential for muscle strength

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming nitrate-rich vegetables, such as lettuce and spinach, can significantly improve muscle function. The research revealed that people with higher nitrate intake had 11% stronger lower limb strength than those with the lowest intake.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateMar 24, 2021

Risk of suicide attempt after diagnosis of dementia

Researchers evaluated the association between a recent dementia diagnosis and suicide attempt among older adults. The study found that individuals with dementia were at a higher risk of attempting suicide compared to those without the condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMar 24, 2021

Do you know the way to Berkelium, Californium?

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have demonstrated how a world-leading electron microscope can image actinide samples as small as a nanogram, reducing costs and radiation exposure. This breakthrough allows for the investigation of other actinides and advances new materials for radiation cancer therapy.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 24, 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.

Study shows DHA supplement may offset impact of maternal stress on unborn males

A recent study published in Biology of Sex Differences suggests that DHA supplementation during periods of high stress may reverse the negative impact of maternal stress on unborn males. Researchers found that exposure to prenatal distress decreased placenta and embryo weight in males but not females, while DHA groups showed a reversal...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalBiology of Sex Differences·DateMar 24, 2021

Snapshot of COVID-19 vaccine intentions highlights challenges of achieving community immunity goals

A recent study found that about half of Americans intend to get vaccinated as soon as possible, while others are hesitant or unlikely to get vaccinated. The survey highlights the need for targeted outreach to address vaccine hesitancy and build trust with communities, particularly among African American and Hispanic respondents.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalVaccine·DateMar 24, 2021

Study finds foster youth lack critical financial skills

A recent study found that foster youth aged 14-20 struggle with basic financial skills, such as opening a bank account or building savings. The researchers recommend incorporating financial literacy courses and increased support from case workers to help them transition to independence.

SourceWashington State University·JournalChild & Family Social Work·DateMar 24, 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.

Shining a healing light on the brain

Scientists have developed a new treatment that uses wireless modulation of neurons with X-rays to treat brain disorders. The treatment involves injecting nanoparticles that light up when exposed to X-rays, eliminating the need for invasive brain surgery.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 24, 2021

Microaggressions against surgeons, anesthesiologists

A survey study found frequent sexist and racial/ethnic microaggressions against underrepresented groups in the medical field, associated with burnout. The study aimed to address a growing concern in the medical community.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMar 24, 2021

'Break a leg' not so lucky when it leads to limb deformities

A new study led by the University of South Australia found that inhibiting bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) suppresses growth plate bony repair and prevents degeneration. This could lead to a biological treatment in place of correcting deformities through surgery.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBone·DateMar 24, 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.

Commencement of shortwave propagation simulator (HF-START) service

The HF-START simulator estimates and provides shortwave propagation information in real-time under realistic ionospheric fluctuations based on ground-based observations and model calculations. The system allows users to visualize radio wave propagation paths and clarify the impact of space weather on communication.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·DateMar 24, 2021

Recharge your batteries

University of Utah professor Tao Gao's discovery reveals physics behind lithium plating and enables prediction of its occurrence. The breakthrough could lead to faster charging times for electric vehicles and smartphones, reducing charging time from over an hour to under 10 minutes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJoule·DateMar 24, 2021

Liver cancer: which patients benefit from immunotherapy?

Research found that immunotherapy using checkpoint inhibitors does not benefit patients with NASH-related liver cancer, and may even promote tumor growth. The study identified a biomarker to assess treatment efficacy in these patients.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature·DateMar 24, 2021

Greenland caves: Time travel to a warm Arctic

A 12-centimetre-thick sample from a Greenland cave provides unique insights into the High Arctic's climate 500,000 years ago. The speleothem record shows that the region was anomalously warm and wet, contradicting current conditions of permafrost.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 24, 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.

Waste from making purple corn chips yields a natural dye, supplements, kitty litter

A new biorefinery method extracts beneficial pigments from purple corncobs, producing natural dyes, nutraceutical supplements and absorbent kitty litter, offering a sustainable solution with zero waste at the end. The process uses water as an eco-friendly agent and achieves higher pigment extraction rates compared to traditional solvents.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateMar 24, 2021