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Science News Archive March 2021 - Page 21


Page 21 of 53

Hidden genetic defects contain real risks for serious diseases

Researchers found that every person has two to four hidden genetic defects, which can lead to diseases if inherited from both parents. Consanguineous couples are at high risk, with 20% of cases showing increased risks for serious disorders in offspring.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 19, 2021

Maintaining body weight won't save colorectal cancer survivors

Researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center found that maintaining a stable body weight does not guarantee muscle mass and increases the risk of premature death among colorectal cancer survivors. Women are particularly vulnerable to losing muscle mass, with one in five women experiencing significant changes.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 19, 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.

More is better, when it comes to case volume for complex gastrointestinal cancer surgery

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that patients undergoing elective esophagectomy, gastrectomy, or pancreatectomy for malignancies at top-ranked hospitals had significantly lower in-hospital death rates compared to those at unranked hospitals. The average annual case volume for these high-ri...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 19, 2021

New antibiotic clears multi-drug resistant gonorrhea in mice in single dose

A new antibiotic compound targets a molecular pathway found in bacteria but not humans, clearing infection of multi-drug resistant gonorrhea in mice with a single oral dose. The research team developed the compound through iterative optimization and testing, demonstrating its potential as a single-dose therapy for gonorrhea.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 19, 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.

Starving tumors by blocking glutamine uptake

Researchers have identified a small molecule drug candidate that targets the uptake of glutamine in cancer cells, slowing the growth of melanoma and other cancers. The study, published in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, offers an exciting new therapeutic approach for treating tumors addicted to glutamine.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateMar 19, 2021

Tropical species are moving northward in U.S. as winters warm

As US winters warm, tropical plants and animals are expanding their ranges northward, altering ecosystems and posing risks to human health. The study found that insects, fish, reptiles, and mammals are among the species adapting to warmer temperatures, while others may be less welcome, such as invasive Burmese pythons.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMar 19, 2021

Particulates are more dangerous than previously thought

A recent study at the Paul Scherrer Institute has revealed that airborne particulate matter can generate additional oxygen radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and damage lung tissue. The formation of these radicals is triggered by the interaction of iron and organic compounds under typical weather conditions.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 19, 2021

New research shows substantially higher burden of COVID-19 compared to flu

A study conducted at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that COVID-19 cases resulted in significantly more hospitalizations, mechanical ventilation, and mortality rates than influenza cases, highlighting the severity of COVID-19 on patients and hospitals.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 19, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How RNA editing affects the immune system

Researchers have discovered that ADAR1 can bind to multiple forms of RNA, leading to the misregulation of the immune response in cancer. This finding has implications for the development of new therapies targeting ADAR1's role in cancer regulation and other diseases.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 19, 2021

Adults in Canada report adverse childhood experiences

Nearly two-thirds of Canadian adults aged 45-85 reported adverse childhood experiences, including physical abuse, intimate partner violence, and emotional abuse. The research found that exposure to these experiences varied by demographic factors, such as age, sex, education, and socioeconomic status.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 19, 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.

Endocrine disruptors threatens semen quality

Researchers found that men exposed to endocrine disruptors in utero are twice as likely to have low semen volume and sperm count. Exposure to pesticides, phthalates, and heavy metals is associated with poorer sperm quality.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateMar 19, 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.

Technique based on artificial intelligence permits automation of crop seed analysis

Researchers developed a non-invasive methodology using artificial intelligence to analyze crop seed quality. The technique uses light-based technology and machine learning to identify immature or poor-quality seeds, avoiding the need for destructive germination tests and providing more accurate results in less time.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMar 19, 2021

Looking at optical Fano resonances under a new light

Researchers Adam Overvig and Andrea Alù show that strict periodicity is not required for Fano resonances, enabling novel properties in metasurfaces. They demonstrate a nonperiodic metasurface with perfect reflection and phase conjugation, opening up new applications in optics and beyond.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMar 19, 2021

Building tough 3D nanomaterials with DNA

Columbia Engineers use DNA nanotechnology to design nanoparticle-based 3D materials that can withstand extreme conditions. The new fabrication process results in robust and fully engineered nanoscale frameworks with a broad range of applications.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 19, 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.

Vaccination by inhalation

MIT researchers develop a vaccination strategy that creates an army of T cells ready at the respiratory tract's mucosal surfaces, boosting immune responses. The approach uses albumin proteins to ferry vaccines across mucosal barriers, offering a quicker response to viral invaders and potential treatment for lung cancer.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 19, 2021

Health declining in Gen X and Gen Y, national study shows

Recent generations show a worrying decline in health compared to previous generations, with poorer physical health, higher levels of unhealthy behaviors, and more depression and anxiety. The researchers found that measures of physical health have worsened from the Baby Boomer generation through Gen X and Gen Y.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateMar 19, 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.

Increasing neurodiversity within organisations can boost skill base

Research from Cranfield University reveals that organisations can tap into the unique skills of neurodiverse employees, but fear of stereotyping holds them back. The study found that stereotype threat is a major barrier to hiring and retaining neurodiverse staff, highlighting the need for companies to create more inclusive workplaces.

SourceCranfield University·JournalEmployee Relations·DateMar 19, 2021

The hidden machinery of a photosynthetic giant revealed

Researchers have developed a new extraction method to isolate monomeric photosystem I (PSI), revealing its atomic structure and providing insights into the energy transfer process. The discovery may enable uphill energy transfer and improve our understanding of photosynthesis.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMar 18, 2021

Animal model opens way to test Alzheimer's disease therapies

Researchers have developed a new animal model of early-stage Alzheimer's disease in rhesus macaques, which could enable better testing of new treatments. The model replicates the spread of misfolded tau proteins through brain circuits, similar to human disease progression.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateMar 18, 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.

Common, serious gut disorder is under- and often misdiagnosed

A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital highlights rumination syndrome, a behavioral problem where patients regurgitate food into their mouths while eating. The condition is often confused with other gastrointestinal disorders, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNeurogastroenterology & Motility·DateMar 18, 2021

Melting glaciers contribute to Alaska earthquakes

Researchers found that ice loss near Glacier Bay National Park has influenced earthquake timing and location with a magnitude of 5.0 or greater since the past century. This study links expanding mantle movement with large earthquakes across Southeast Alaska, where glaciers have been melting for over 200 years.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateMar 18, 2021

Manta-like, plankton-eating sharks once soared through late cretaceous oceans

A new species of manta-like planktivorous shark, Aquilolamna milarcae, was discovered in northern Mexico, revealing an unexpectedly early evolutionary experimentation with underwater flight. The ancient shark's unique features included long, slender pectoral fins and a wide mouth adapted for filter-feeding.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 18, 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.

Discovery of a 'winged' shark in the Cretaceous seas

The discovery of Aquilolamna milarcae sheds light on the evolution of oceanic animals and reveals a new facet of sharks' evolutionary history. The species is characterized by extremely long pectoral fins reminiscent of wings, feeding on plankton.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateMar 18, 2021

Organic crystals' ice-forming superpowers

Researchers discover that organic molecules, commonly found in aerosols, can facilitate ice crystal formation in clouds. They also investigate a memory effect where second-round ice formation is more effective than the first, revealing crevices in the nucleant surface can hold onto small amounts of ice.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 18, 2021

How bushfire smoke traveled around the world

A study found that Australian fires created a spreading stratospheric haze, peaking in January to March and persisting through July. The particles were transported by mid-latitude cyclone belts and weather patterns, eventually settling around the entire hemisphere.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateMar 18, 2021

SFU lab one step closer to understanding how life started on Earth

Scientists have isolated a genetic clue in the form of an RNA polymerase enzyme that offers new insights into the origins of life. The discovery provides evidence for the RNA World Hypothesis, suggesting that self-replicating RNA molecules were capable of driving chemical reactions essential for life.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalScience·DateMar 18, 2021

Living for today: Exposure to disaster may cause impatience in children

A recent study from Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that children who experienced housing loss during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake are more likely to prioritize short-term gratification over long-term rewards. The study analyzed data collected in 2012-2014 on 3- to 5-year-old survivors of the disaster.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·DateMar 18, 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.

Surveys find strong support for COVID-19 mitigation measures over time, with differences by age, beliefs, and party affiliation

The study found that a large majority of U.S. adults support COVID-19 mitigation measures, including mask wearing, social distancing, and contact tracing. Support varied across ages, political party affiliation, and levels of trust in science, highlighting the challenges of reaching key groups during the pandemic.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 18, 2021

UNIST to develop new electrolyte additives for high-energy-density LIBs

A UNIST research team has developed a novel electrolyte additive that enables long lifespan and fast chargeability of high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries. The additive tackles the shortcomings of conventional materials, such as poor mechanical strength and chemical stability.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 18, 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.

What is the probability of ships becoming beset in ice in Arctic waters?

Statisticians have calculated the probability of ships becoming beset in ice along the Northern Sea Route, supporting safer maritime transport planning and oil spill prevention. The study's results also benefit authorities regulating maritime traffic by providing a foundation for statutes and legislation.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalCold Regions Science and Technology·DateMar 18, 2021

Babies pay attention with down payment from immature brain region

Research using fMRI scans reveals that babies under a year old use areas of their frontal cortex to focus attention, previously thought to be immature. This discovery sheds light on the neural origins of attention in infants, potentially informing early childhood education and neurodevelopmental disorder research.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2021

Image methods tested on a SARS-CoV-2 protein improve the 3D reconstructions of macromolec

Researchers at Universidad Complutense de Madrid developed new image processing methods to enhance the analysis and three-dimensional reconstruction of biological macromolecules. The methods, published in Nature Communications, improved the visualization and quality of cryogenic electron microscopy-derived 3D reconstructions.

SourceUniversidad Complutense de Madrid·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 18, 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.

New study from Finland: Undocumented women receive inadequate pregnancy care

A new study from Finland reveals that undocumented women receive inadequate pregnancy care, with delayed access to prenatal care and lower rates of infection screening. The study highlights the need for better healthcare systems to cater to the unique needs of these vulnerable populations.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateMar 18, 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.

Cellular Chinese whispers

Research on E. coli bacteria reveals that higher translation error rates lead to increased phenotypic variability at the single-cell level, affecting cell length and division time. However, population-level growth parameters show inconsistent correlations with mistranslation levels, highlighting the need for further investigation.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalEvolution·DateMar 18, 2021

Demonstrating the world's fastest spintronics p-bit

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a nanosecond operation technology for the spintronics-based probabilistic bit, enabling faster computation speeds and accuracy. The device, with an in-plane magnetic easy axis, achieves 100 times faster relaxation times than previous records.

SourceTohoku University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 18, 2021