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Science News Archive March 2021 - Page 17


Page 17 of 53

Income drives the economy, not prices

As consumers become richer, they spend more on services like health and education, while spending less on agriculture and manufactured goods. The study reveals that income and preferences play a larger role than productivity in shaping the sectoral composition of the economy.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEconometrica·DateMar 22, 2021

Direct reprogramming of oral epithelial cells into mesenchymal-like cells

Researchers successfully transformed oral epithelial cell rests of Malassez into progenitor stem-like cells, which were then directly differentiated into endothelial, mesenchymal stem, and osteogenic cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new periodontal regenerative therapies.

SourceHealth Sciences University of Hokkaido·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 22, 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.

New Barrett's esophagus monitoring method could aid in easier and more precise prognoses

A new technique for sampling and testing cells from Barrett's esophagus patients can detect specific chromosomal alterations, including the presence of esophageal adenocarcinoma. The approach combines esophageal brushing with massively parallel sequencing to provide an accurate assessment of disease stages and identify high-risk patients.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMar 22, 2021

Cholesterol accumulation contributes to genetic movement disorder

Researchers at Greenwood Genetic Center have identified cholesterol accumulation as a key contributor to the symptoms of genetic movement disorders, including seizures and balance issues. The study provides new hope for treatments targeting cholesterol accumulation, such as the drug 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin, which showed signi...

SourceGreenwood Genetic Center·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateMar 22, 2021

Prostate cancer uses metabolic switch to thrive after hormone therapy

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center identified a key reason hormone therapies fail and proposed a new treatment strategy directly targeting the cancer's fuel source, glutamine. By inhibiting glutamine utilization, tumor growth is successfully inhibited in studies using prostate cancer cell lines and animal models.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2021

A simple laser for quantum-like classical light

Researchers have developed a method to create arbitrary dimensional quantum-like classical light directly from a laser, enabling the control of high-dimensional classically entangled states. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for applications in quantum metrology, error correction, and optical communication.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 22, 2021

Agricultural biodiversity:

Farmers prioritize government and agricultural sector information, while scientists value scientific information. Female farmers and those using organic farming methods rate biodiversity as more important than others. The study highlights knowledge gaps between research, agriculture, and policy practice.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMar 22, 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.

Upgrade for CRISPR/Cas: Researchers knock out multiple genes in plants at once

Scientists at MLU and IPB improve CRISPR/Cas9 to simultaneously knockout multiple genes in plants, overcoming previous limitations and enabling complex trait investigations. This approach allows for the study of gene interactions and redundancies, paving the way for more efficient research methods.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateMar 22, 2021

More primary care physicians could mean gains in life expectancy, fewer deaths

A new study suggests that increasing primary care physicians by one per 1,500 residents in critical-shortage regions could boost life expectancy by an average of 56 days and prevent over 7,000 deaths annually. This analysis is based on data from 3,400 regions, highlighting the need to incentivize doctors to practice in underserved areas.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 22, 2021

Making plastics production more energy efficient

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method for producing propylene, a key component of plastics, that uses less energy. The technique, which involves the use of two catalysts, produces yields up to 30% higher than traditional methods, making it a promising solution for more energy-efficient plastics production.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateMar 22, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Focusing on the unhealthy brain to speed drug discovery

A new toolkit developed by researchers at the University of Houston, in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health, enables rapid drug development for brain diseases and injuries. The toolkit uses high-resolution imaging to analyze unhealthy brain tissue, revealing multiple biological processes at once.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature·DateMar 22, 2021

First closeups of how a lithium-metal electrode ages

Lithium-metal batteries, used in next-gen electronics and electric vehicles, suffer from calendar aging, losing charge even when turned off. The nature of the battery electrolyte significantly impacts aging, with different electrolytes causing varying levels of corrosion and efficiency loss.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 22, 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.

Finding high-Q resonant modes in a dielectric nanocavity

A research team developed a straightforward method to find high-Q modes in single dielectric nanocavities. They discovered high-Q modes using Mie mode engineering and avoided crossing, resulting in improved photonic device performance and applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMar 22, 2021

Having a single personal doctor may sometimes lead to unnecessary tests

A study by the University of Florida found that male patients with a single general physician were more likely to receive a prostate cancer screening test during a period when it was not recommended. The trust between doctor and patient is strong, but physicians must practice evidence-based care.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·DateMar 22, 2021

New genetic links found to rare eye disease

Scientists have discovered over a dozen gene variants causing the rare eye disease MacTel, which leads to progressive retinal degeneration. The study identifies PHGDH as a key enzyme essential for serine production, whose partial loss contributes to MacTel's development.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Metabolism·DateMar 22, 2021

Modifying an implant: Dental implant biomaterials

The use of dental implants for tooth replacement requires careful consideration of biomaterials, which must integrate into the body while minimizing negative immune responses. Researchers have compared titanium and zirconia, highlighting the importance of surface modification processes and coatings in optimizing implant performance.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateMar 22, 2021

Nanobiomaterial boosts neuronal growth in mice with spinal cord injuries

Researchers used layered double hydroxide (LDH) to inhibit inflammatory environments surrounding spinal cord injuries, accelerating neuron regeneration and neural circuit reconstruction in mice. LDH promotes the activation of channels for neuron excitation and induction of action potential, improving locomotive behavior.

SourceDepartment of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji University·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 22, 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 reveal regenerative treatment path for diabetic foot ulcers

Researchers discovered a powerful approach for treating diabetic foot ulcers by targeting a gene that controls tissue growth and regeneration. The new treatment has shown promising results in animal models and human skin equivalents, and may hold potential for repairing internal organs.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 22, 2021

The dirt on crop insurance

Researchers found that considering soil organic matter improves water retention, mitigating crop yield losses from drought. Including this data in insurance premiums could reduce liabilities by 36% while increasing corn yields by 35 bushels per acre.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 22, 2021

New porous material promising for making renewable energy from water

Researchers at Linköping University have developed nanoporous cubic silicon carbide that efficiently traps and harvests sunlight to split water into hydrogen gas. The material's high charge-separation efficiency boosts water splitting efficiency, making it a promising approach for producing renewable energy.

SourceLinköping University·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 22, 2021

Study identifies concerning delays in TB diagnoses in the United States

A new report by Harvard Medical School researchers found that TB diagnoses in the US are often delayed, leading to a higher likelihood of infection transmission and disease progression. The study suggests that increased clinician awareness and education can help minimize these delays.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 22, 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.

Community 'voice' should guide expanding African cities

Urban populations across Africa are forecasted to triple by 2050, resulting in significant environmental changes. Including local community voices in early planning stages can help reduce the impact of climate-related events and promote more inclusive urban climate policies.

SourceUniversity of York·DateMar 22, 2021

Different diseases - common metabolic pathways

A study of over 11,000 participants found that certain metabolic processes are associated with up to 14 diseases. The researchers identified key factors influencing human metabolism and developed a web application to make their results publicly available.

SourceBIH at Charité·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 22, 2021

Why commercialization of carbon capture and sequestration has failed and how it can work

A recent study by University of California San Diego researchers identified 12 essential attributes that explain why commercial carbon capture and sequestration projects succeed or fail in the US. The credibility of revenues and incentives is crucial, with policies like the 45Q tax credit providing a guaranteed revenue stream.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 22, 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.

Deep seafloor nutrient vital in global food chain

Iron, a micronutrient crucial for phytoplankton, is being released from deep ocean sediments, providing a new source of nutrition for drifting marine organisms. This finding challenges previous expectations and has significant implications for studying the ocean carbon cycle and managing the marine environment.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2021

Healthy sleep may rely on long-overlooked brain cells

A recent study published in eLife reveals that astrocytes, a type of glial cell, can independently promote longer or deeper sleep in mice by manipulating slow-wave activity. The findings suggest that targeting astrocytes could lead to new insights into sleep disorders and brain diseases linked to sleep disturbances.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateMar 22, 2021

Toxic PAH air pollutants from fossil fuels 'multiply' in sunlight

Researchers found that PAHs toxins degrade in sunlight into smaller 'children' compounds that are often more toxic than the original 'parent' PAHs. These compounds can accumulate in rivers, dams, and agricultural land, posing significant environmental challenges.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalChemosphere·DateMar 22, 2021

Incidental findings in brain MRIs of children

A study investigated incidental findings in brain MRIs of children, revealing significant rates that could affect diagnoses and treatments. The research highlights the importance of thorough image review and reporting.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMar 22, 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.

Ending tuberculosis is a race against time and drug resistance

The TB burden in Europe is decreasing, with a 19% overall decline from 2015-2019. However, drug resistance remains a major concern, and the COVID-19 pandemic may stall or cause setbacks in the fight against TB. Treatment outcomes are suboptimal, with only 77% of patients successfully completing treatment in 2019.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·DateMar 22, 2021

Association of age with SARS-CoV-2 antibody response

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that the quantity and quality of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies differ significantly among children, adolescents, and young adults. The research has important implications for understanding the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines and informing public health strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 22, 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.

Severe mental illness linked to higher death rate after heart attack

Researchers found that people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression are more likely to die within 30 days and one year after a heart attack. The study highlights chronic health inequalities faced by those with serious mental illness and calls for urgent action to address disparities.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMar 22, 2021

Planting the seed for DNA nanoconstructs that grow to the micron scale

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute develop programmable DNA self-assembly strategy for ultrasensitive diagnostic biomarker detection and scalable fabrication of micrometer-sized structures. The 'crisscross polymerization' approach enables robust nucleation control and growth to large sizes.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2021

Early warning system for intensive care units

A team of researchers led by Professor Alexander Meyer has created an early warning system for intensive care units (ICUs) using big data and artificial intelligence. The system predicts postoperative bleeding and acute kidney injury with high accuracy, allowing timely interventions to save lives.

SourceBIH at Charité·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateMar 22, 2021

Fourth generation of e-cigarettes is not harmless

A UC Riverside study analyzed fourth-generation electronic cigarette pod atomizer design features, identifying toxic elements such as nickel, chromium, and iron. The findings suggest that these elements may accumulate in the environment and contribute to chemical pollution, highlighting the need for further research on e-cigarette safety.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 22, 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.

COVID-19 related cyber-attacks leveraged government announcements

A consortium of researchers found that some days saw up to 3-4 new cyber-attacks during the pandemic, with most involving phishing and malware. The study reveals an explicit connection between governmental policy announcements and cyber-crime campaigns.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalComputers & Security·DateMar 22, 2021

Investigational AstraZeneca vaccine prevents COVID-19

The AstraZeneca vaccine demonstrated high vaccine efficacy of 78.9% against symptomatic COVID-19 disease, including severe disease or hospitalization. The vaccine also showed no increased risk of thrombotic events or cerebral venous sinus thrombosis among vaccinated participants.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateMar 22, 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.

Plan for globally safer food

The Global Harmonization Initiative aims to establish a legislative framework for recognized food safety professionals, promoting formal requirements for education, registration, and professional bodies. This move seeks to enhance food safety practices globally by setting standards for roles in managing food safety.

SourceUniversity of Malta·DateMar 22, 2021

Goodbye large neural probes

A team of researchers developed an ultrasmall needle-electrode technology called 'STACK' that enables high-quality brain recordings in mice with a high signal-to-noise ratio. The device offers improved biocompatibility and minimized tissue damage, making it suitable for long-term and safe chronic recordings.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·DateMar 22, 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.

Study reveals plunge in lithium-ion battery costs

A recent study reveals a 97% decline in lithium-ion battery costs over the last three decades, driven by rapid growth of electric vehicles and renewable energy. This rate of improvement is comparable to that of solar photovoltaic panels.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMar 22, 2021

The bacteria that look after us and their protective weapons

Researchers at the University of Seville are studying the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) in bacteria like Pseudomonas putida to develop biocontrol agents for sustainable agriculture. The T6SS is a molecular weapon that allows bacteria to quickly eliminate competitors and protect plants from diseases.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2021

Inflammation and pressure-sensing leads to 'feed-forward' loop in osteoarthritis

Researchers found that chronic inflammation in osteoarthritis triggers a harmful 'feed-forward' loop in cartilage cells, making them more sensitive to pressure and leading to further breakdown of the cartilage. This discovery opens the door for disease-modifying treatments for osteoarthritis.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 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.

Big breakthrough for 'massless' energy storage

The new battery has an energy density of 24 Wh/kg, ten times higher than previous prototypes, and a stiffness of 25 GPa. This breakthrough paves the way for 'massless' energy storage in vehicles and consumer electronics.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy and Sustainability Research·DateMar 22, 2021

Teaching AI what's fair

A team led by Michigan State University's Pang-Ning Tan is working to make artificial intelligence algorithms more fair and aware of their potential biases. They're developing a definition of fairness that considers perspectives from groups of people, rather than just individual outcomes.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMar 22, 2021