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Science News Archive March 2021 - Page 14


Page 14 of 53

Beneficial bacteria help wheat stand the heat

Research reveals that root-dwelling bacteria can enhance plant heat tolerance, with SA187 showing promising results in lab and field tests. The bacteria trigger the plant's defense system by producing metabolites that prime its heat-resistance genes for action.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalEMBO Reports·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.

Decades of radiation-based scientific theory disproven by Ben-Gurion University US-based study

A large-scale study found that people living in areas with high background radiation had a 2.5-year longer life expectancy and lower rates of certain cancers, including lung, pancreatic, colon, and rectal cancer. The researchers suggest re-evaluating the linear no-threshold paradigm for low-dose radiation.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalBiogerontology·DateMar 24, 2021

Dow-like index for energy prices might help smooth transition to clean power

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a metric that reflects the average price of energy in the United States, providing a way to optimize policies for a smooth and efficient transition to clean energy. The energy price index can forecast energy demands and prices, helping policymakers navigate the evolving energy landscape.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 24, 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.

Study illuminates the molecular details of lung development

A study has produced a detailed molecular atlas of lung development, identifying critical cell types and signaling pathways. The researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing and ATAC sequencing to record gene expression in thousands of individual cells across the lifespan, revealing new insights into how alveoli develop and mature.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 24, 2021

Corona waste kills animals throughout the entire world

Biologists Auke-Florian Hiemstra and Liselotte Rambonnet found reports of various animals becoming entangled in corona waste, including foxes, birds, hedgehogs, seagulls, crabs, and bats. The diversity of affected species is considerable, with vertebrates and invertebrates on land, in freshwater, and seawater also impacted.

SourceNaturalis Biodiversity Center·JournalAnimal Biology·DateMar 24, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Female salmon are dying at higher rates than male salmon

New UBC research finds female sockeye salmon are dying at significantly higher rates than their male counterparts during migration, leading to skewed sex ratios in spawning grounds. The study identifies four reasons for this trend: depletion of energy reserves, reduced cardiac capacity, stress and disease.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateMar 24, 2021

Once-in-a-century UK wildfire threats could happen most years by end of century

A new study predicts that parts of the UK, particularly eastern and southern England, will face extremely hot and dry conditions conducive to wildfires nearly every other year by 2080 due to climate change. This could lead to a significant increase in wildfire danger, posing environmental, health, and economic risks.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·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.

Meta-analysis shows children prefer people who speak like them

A meta-analysis of studies with monolingual and bilingual children found that they generally favor native speakers over non-native speakers. However, children raised in diverse environments may have a greater awareness of linguistic-based group differences.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMar 24, 2021

NIH grant focuses on eye disorders

The University of Delaware lab will investigate the role of Elav11 and its partners in eye development under a four-year NIH grant. Researchers aim to understand mechanisms behind cataracts and lens abnormalities.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateMar 24, 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.

Scientists discover how humans develop larger brains than other apes

A new study reveals the genetic mechanism behind human brain development, identifying a key molecule called ZEB2 that influences brain growth. The research found that human brain organoids grow larger and have more neurons than those from other apes due to a delayed change in cell shape.

SourceUK Research and Innovation·JournalCell·DateMar 24, 2021

Nanoparticle flu vaccine blocks seasonal and pandemic strains

Researchers have developed next-generation influenza vaccines that protect against a wide variety of seasonal and pandemic strains, including avian viruses H5N1 and H7N9. These nanoparticle-based vaccines spur strong immune responses in animal trials, potentially lowering the risk of bad flu seasons.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·DateMar 24, 2021

Fighting 'forever chemicals' with microbes

Researchers explore using microbes to degrade per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), persistent environmental pollutants. A study suggests that certain microbe strains can defluorinate PFAS, but further research is needed to develop a feasible method for cleaning up the compounds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMar 24, 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.

Aspirin not as effective as anticoagulation

A multicenter study found that aspirin was not equally effective as blood thinners in treating cervical artery dissections. The international study showed a higher risk of problems with aspirin treatment compared to anticoagulation.

SourceInselspital, Bern University Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateMar 24, 2021

Psychological forest: What trees reveal about Antarctic researchers

A team of Japanese scientists conducted a study on the psychological effects of living in Antarctica, using non-invasive surveys and tree drawings as tools. The results showed two types of coping mechanisms: stabilizing life by maintaining previous routines, and flexibly adjusting to new circumstances.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalInternational Journal of Circumpolar Health·DateMar 24, 2021

Extreme temperatures, heat stress and forced migration

A new study projects extreme heatwaves of up to 56 degrees Celsius in the MENA region, posing a significant threat to human life and forced migration. The research team recommends immediate climate change mitigation measures and adaptation solutions for urban centers.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemistry·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateMar 24, 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.

A better treatment for sickle cell disease

A team of researchers from Texas A&M University developed an organ-on-a-chip device that can model the disease physiology of patients with sickle cell disease. The device uses blood outgrowth endothelial cells to mimic a patient's vessel, allowing for personalized treatment and predicting disease progression.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalBioengineering & Translational Medicine·DateMar 24, 2021

Harvard, Smithsonian astronomers help capture first image of black hole's magnetic fields

Astronomers have captured the first-ever image of a black hole's magnetic fields, revealing that polarized light reveals the structure of these fields just outside the event horizon. This breakthrough observation will help scientists understand how energy is extracted from spinning black holes to produce powerful jets.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·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.

A novel marker of adult human neural stem cells discovered

A team of researchers identified a novel biomarker, membrane-bound BASP-1 protein, to visualize adult human neural stem cells in the live mammalian brain. This discovery enables better understanding of neurogenesis and its relevance to neurological disorders, potentially leading to new therapeutic approaches.

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 24, 2021

Older than expected: Teeth reveal the origin of the tiger shark

Researchers have discovered that the modern tiger shark originated 13.8 million years ago, rather than the previously assumed 5.3 million years. The study, published in Paleobiology, used geometric morphometrics to analyze fossil teeth and found only one valid species of tiger shark remaining today.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPaleobiology·DateMar 24, 2021

Decline in black cherry regeneration may herald wider forest change

A decline in black cherry regeneration is reported, suggesting that environmental changes might impact other tree species in mixed forests. An increase in pathogens and reduced nitrogen deposition in soil are identified as key factors contributing to this decline.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalBioScience·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.

Optical fiber could boost power of superconducting quantum computers

Physicists at NIST have developed a system that uses optical fiber to control and read out a superconducting qubit, enabling the creation of a more powerful quantum computer. The method allows for the conversion of light signals into microwaves, which can be used to store and process information.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateMar 24, 2021

Mixed reality gets a machine learning upgrade

Osaka University researchers use deep learning to improve mobile mixed reality generation, enabling the automatic removal of obstructions and addition of greenery. This technology may revolutionize green architecture and city revitalization by providing real-time visualizations.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Engineering Informatics·DateMar 24, 2021

Engineered immune cells deliver anticancer signal, prevent cancer from spreading

Scientists genetically engineered myeloid cells to deliver an anticancer signal, shrinking tumors and preventing cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. The study shows promise as a potential treatment for metastatic cancer, with treated mice living substantially longer and experiencing reduced metastatic cancer.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalCell·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.

How grasslands respond to climate change

Climate change impacts grassland vegetation through increased CO2 concentration, leading to reduced stomatal conductance, nitrogen uptake, and yield. Researchers found that heavy nitrogen fertilization no longer boosts yield performance, instead hindering it.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalBMC Biology·DateMar 24, 2021

Effective Field Theories and the nature of the universe

Effective Field Theories were introduced to simplify mathematics involved in unifying interactions. Steven Weinberg shares his expertise on these theories, which unify weak and electromagnetic interactions with the strong interaction. He also discusses implications for future research and applications in diverse areas.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateMar 24, 2021

Pumice the key to solving seabird mass death mystery

Researchers used pumice from an underwater volcanic eruption to determine the cause of a mass death of migrating seabirds. The study found that birds were starving and eating non-food materials like pumice stones due to lack of food, indicating broader health issues for the marine ecosystem.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateMar 24, 2021

The world's earliest stone technologies are likely to be older than previously thought

Researchers have found that Oldowan and Acheulean stone tool technologies are likely to be tens of thousands of years older than previously thought. Using statistical modeling techniques, the study estimates the origins of these early stone tools at 2.617-2.644 million years ago for Oldowan and 1.815-1.823 million years ago for Acheulean.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateMar 24, 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.

Pilot study finds evidence of bartonella infection in schizophrenia patients

A pilot study from North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found evidence of Bartonella infection in the blood of people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. The study suggests a potential link between Bartonella infection and neuropsychiatric disease, particularly schizophrenia.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalVector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases·DateMar 23, 2021

Online mindfulness may improve mental health during COVID-19 pandemic

A recent study published in Global Advances in Health and Medicine found that online mindfulness interventions can improve psychological health during times of uncertainty. The study showed significant reductions in momentary stress, anxiety, and COVID-19 concern among participants.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalGlobal Advances in Health and Medicine·DateMar 23, 2021

Artificial neurons help decode cortical signals

Artificial neurons help decode cortical signals using a new algorithm that automates feature extraction and interpretation. The neural network architecture is automatically tuned to analyze signals from separate neural populations, providing physiologically meaningful results.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateMar 23, 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.

Association found between consumption of ultra-processed foods and drinks and colorectal cancer risk

A large study found a strong association between ultra-processed food consumption and an increased risk of colorectal cancer, with a 10% increment in consumption leading to an 11% increase in risk. Ultra-processed foods were also linked to less healthy diets among breast cancer cases, while no association was found with prostate cancer.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalClinical Nutrition·DateMar 23, 2021

Variable pay schemes can make workers ill

Research by Ruhr-University Bochum finds that performance-based remuneration schemes can lead to emotional exhaustion, fatigue, depression, and burnout in employees. Workers with specific skills or experience tend to cope better with pressure.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMar 23, 2021

Making molecular movies of a biological process of energy conversion

Researchers use time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography to capture dynamic changes in chloride ion-pumping rhodopsin, an atomic 'pump' driven by sunlight. The study reveals the mechanisms of energy conversion and has implications for designing light-sensitive molecular pumps.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·DateMar 23, 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.

OCD among new mothers more prevalent than previously thought

Research suggests that postpartum women are at a higher risk of developing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) than previously thought, with symptoms often going undetected. The study found that up to 17% of new mothers experience OCD symptoms related to infant-related harm, emphasizing the need for targeted screening and assessment me...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateMar 23, 2021

Preemies at greater risk for mortality in adulthood

A new study found that premature birth increases the risk of mortality in adulthood by up to 40% compared to full-term births. Chronic diseases such as heart disease and lung disease also pose a higher risk, with individuals born before 37 weeks having twice the risk of dying from these conditions.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 23, 2021

Stem cell therapy shows promise against age-related muscle loss

Researchers have found that using a small molecule called givinostat can coax induced pluripotent stem cells to become muscle progenitor cells, increasing muscle stem cells and decreasing destructive inflammation. The strategy also restores levels of dystrophin, a key protein for the muscle, in animal models of muscular dystrophy.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateMar 23, 2021