Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive March 2021 - Page 24


Page 24 of 53

Research reveals human immune system reduces potency of antibiotics

Research reveals that nitric oxide produced by the human immune system can render aminoglycoside antibiotics ineffective against E. coli strains from human infections. This may impact treatment choices for life-threatening infections such as sepsis, bladder infections, and kidney failure.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalArchives of Microbiology·DateMar 18, 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.

Pressure sensors could ensure a proper helmet fit to help protect the brain

Researchers have developed a highly sensitive pressure sensor cap that can help reveal whether a helmet is a perfect fit for an individual player's head. The device uses fabric-based sensors that map pressure in real-time, providing valuable information on helmet fit and potentially reducing the severity of sports-related head injuries.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateMar 17, 2021

Health promotion, prevention, and psychosocial health

An interdisciplinary team proposes an action model to promote psychosocial health by synergistically combining health promotion and prevention concepts. The model includes five elements: psychosocial health, health promotion, disease prevention, and their relationships.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Public Health Journal·DateMar 17, 2021

Study explores how environmental exposures before conception may impact fetal development

A new report published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests older age and alcohol consumption before conception may alter a specific gene's epigenetic marks, impacting human egg development. The study provides valuable insights into environmental factors affecting gene regulation through epigenetics and imprinting.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

High speed air hand dryers spread contamination more than paper towels

A study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that high speed air hand dryers spread more contamination than paper towels, with levels of surface contamination 10 times higher after air dryer use. Microbes can also transfer to clothing and other surfaces via contaminated hands.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMar 17, 2021

Gun violence rises in TV dramas over two decades, paralleling U.S. gun homicide trends

Research by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that gun violence on popular prime-time TV dramas doubled from 2000 to 2018, with gun use substantially increasing and rising significantly as a proportion of the violence depicted in the shows. This trend parallels the rise in U.S. homicide deaths attributable to firearms.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 17, 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.

Researchers identify head impact rates in four major high school sports

A large study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that soccer had the highest head impact rate for both boys and girls, attributed to intentional headers. Basketball and field hockey had lower but still significant head impact rates, with notable differences between male and female athletes.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalOrthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMar 17, 2021

Hepatitis B: What people can learn from donkeys

Researchers identified a new hepatitis B virus in donkeys and zebras that causes prolonged infections, potentially leading to better understanding of chronic hepatitis B and development of new therapies.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2021

A new satellite-measured "Solar-induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence" (SIF) product aims to improve carbon neutrality research

A new satellite-measured Solar-induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence (SIF) product is introduced to enhance carbon neutrality research. The SIF product, developed using a physical-based algorithm named IAPCAS/SIF, retrieves emission data from two micro-windows within the O2 A-band.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMar 17, 2021

Mitigating impact of artificial light at night in tropical forests

Researchers found that using amber-colored filters on 'warm white' LED lamps reduces insect attraction to nocturnal lighting in a tropical forest. Insects play crucial roles as pollinators, regulators, decomposers, and food sources; using filtered LEDs can mitigate the negative impacts of ALAN on wildlife.

SourceSmithsonian National Zoological Park·JournalInsect Conservation and Diversity·DateMar 17, 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.

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.

Tri-tube heart valve replacement adapts to the growing heart in lambs

Scientists developed a tri-tube heart valve replacement that can regenerate and grow over time, addressing the need for long-term valve replacements in children with congenital heart disorders. The new design showed improved growth dynamics and reduced calcification compared to clinically used bioprosthetic valves.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 17, 2021

Death enables complexity in chemical evolution

Researchers at the University of Groningen found that introducing a molecule that attacks self-replicating fibres allows for the emergence of more complex structures. This discovery solves Spiegelman's monster, which previously hindered the origin of complexity in life.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 17, 2021

Genome scalpel invented for industrial microalgae to efficiently turn CO2into biofuel

Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a 'genome scalpel' to efficiently produce sustainable biofuels from sunlight and CO2 by removing non-essential genes from microalgae. This approach could lead to more efficient production of biomolecules like biofuels, with potential applications in renewable energy and redu...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateMar 17, 2021

Missing baryons found in far-out reaches of galactic halos

Researchers used cosmic microwave background data to map location and density of missing baryons around galaxy groups. The measurements reveal that these halos extend up to 6 million light-years from their center, challenging previous models.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review D·DateMar 17, 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.

IPK scientists: New method for genome assembly in barley provides excellent results

A new method of DNA sequencing using PacBio HiFi sequencing has been successfully applied to assemble the genome of barley with high accuracy and speed. The approach yielded better quality genome sequences compared to other methods, including more complete genes and accurate reassembly of non-coding regions.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 17, 2021

Ultrafast intra-atom motion tracked using synchrotron radiation

Researchers have successfully tracked the ultrafast motion of electrons inside a Xenon atom using synchrotron radiation. By interfering with the coherent light waves, they observed the electron movement at a time scale of femtoseconds, significantly faster than previously thought.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 17, 2021

Solar cells: Losses made visible on the nanoscale

Researchers used conductive atomic force microscopy to detect tiny channels for dark currents in solar cell surfaces, revealing the loss mechanism at the interface of silicon heterojunction solar cells. The study showed that these channels are caused by disorder in the a-Si:H layer and lead to trap-assisted quantum mechanical tunnelling.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateMar 17, 2021

Three times the gains

A groundbreaking global study maps ocean areas that, if strongly protected, can help solve climate, food and biodiversity crises. The research identified specific regions that could provide multiple benefits, including safeguarding nearly 80% of marine species and preventing the release of one billion tons of CO2 into the ocean.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateMar 17, 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.

Astronomers see a 'space jellyfish'

An Australian-Italian team used the Murchison Widefield Array telescope to observe a cluster of galaxies in Abell 2877. The team discovered a radio 'jellyfish' structure with a steep spectrum that challenges current understanding. The discovery was made possible by the unique low-frequency capabilities of the MWA.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateMar 17, 2021

Artificial light at night may disrupt firefly mating

New research reveals that artificial light at night significantly suppresses courtship activity in fireflies, with bright amber light having the greatest impact on female receptivity. This study highlights the need to minimize outdoor lighting to protect firefly populations.

SourceWiley·JournalInsect Conservation and Diversity·DateMar 17, 2021

Cancer survivors face elevated heart disease risk, study finds

A new study found that cancer survivors have a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease in the next decade. Researchers estimate that about 8% of cancer survivors will develop heart disease or stroke over the 10-year period, compared to 5% of those without a cancer history.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 17, 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.

A new view on plate tectonics

A new study published in Nature reveals that transform faults are actively involved in shaping the ocean floors, contradicting a previous assumption. The research found that these faults cause extension of the seafloor and magmatism at their outer corners.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature·DateMar 17, 2021

Elusive protein complex could hold the key to treating chromosomal disorders

Scientists discovered the structural and molecular factors governing the stability of a protein complex involved in DNA repair pathways. The study reveals that exposure to organic solvents and oxidizing environments can cause the complex to disassemble, offering insights into novel phenomena and potential treatments for diseases such a...

SourceTokyo University of Science·DateMar 17, 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.

Christmas Island reptile-killer identified

A silent killer, Enterococcus lacertideformus, has been discovered as the cause of mysterious deaths in native reptile populations on Christmas Island. The bacterium grows in the animal's head and internal organs, causing death through direct contact or biting, highlighting the need for targeted antibiotic trials.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateMar 17, 2021

https://discovery.kaust.edu.sa/en/article/1098/the-right-ring-count-to-harness-waste-heat

Researchers at KAUST have developed electron-transporting, air-stable organic semiconductors that can generate electricity from waste heat. The polymers' unique design enhances electrical conductivity and thermoelectric performance, paving the way for scalable, sustainable energy solutions.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 17, 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.

SARS-CoV-2 infects cells via specific viral entry factors

A new study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 infects cells with high expression of ACE2 receptor and protease, found in lung epithelium and other organs. The study suggests that elderly people, men, and smokers are more severely affected due to increased viral entry factor expression.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 17, 2021

Low-education voters disregard policy beliefs at the polls, research finds

A recent study published in Education & Society found that voters with low education levels tend to support social welfare programs but vote against left-wing candidates. Meanwhile, more educated voters are less likely to sacrifice their policy preferences and vote for parties with opposing views.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEducation and Society·DateMar 17, 2021

Antibody Mediated Prevention (AMP) trials data published by theNew England Journal of Medicine

The AMP trials tested a broadly neutralizing antibody called VRC01, which was effective at preventing the acquisition of HIV strains in sensitive populations. However, results showed that more than one single bnAb is needed to prevent HIV acquisition, highlighting the need for combination monoclonal antibody cocktails.

SourcePublic Relations Pacific LLC·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 17, 2021

South African Oxford AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine study a global game-changer

A landmark South African study validates the need for second-generation Covid-19 vaccines, as the AstraZeneca vaccine showed minimal protection against mild to moderate infections caused by the B.1.351 variant. Despite this, the WHO recommends continued deployment of the vaccine in countries where the variant circulates.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 17, 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.

Modernizing the naval selection process

The US Navy is developing a virtual reality personality assessment tool to improve recruitment and selection processes. The Manpower and Personnel Assessment Battery (MPAB) will use virtual reality technology, physiological markers, and real-time data analytics to assess applicants' skills and personalities.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateMar 17, 2021

Inexpensive tin packs a big punch for the future of supercapacitors

Researchers have created a more powerful, fast-charging supercapacitor with improved connectivity and recyclability using affordable tin. The material enhances the properties of cobalt oxide-based electrodes, leading to increased conductivity and promising practical applications.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateMar 17, 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.

Recreational cannabis use among adults in the home is on the rise, but what about the children?

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that cannabis use among adults with children in states where legalization has occurred increased significantly. The study highlights the need for education on protecting youth from secondhand cannabis smoke, which poses health risks similar to tobacco smoke.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAddiction·DateMar 17, 2021

Donald Sparks honored by European Geosciences Union

Donald Sparks has won the 2021 Philippe Duchaufour Medal for his pioneering work on soil chemistry and carbon dynamics. He is recognized as a global leader in environmental soil chemistry, having carried out visionary science throughout his career.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateMar 17, 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.

Stimulating the immune system to fight cancer

Researchers from Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology have developed a cell-based assay that identifies highly potent IDO1 inhibitors with different mechanisms of action, which could lead to promising immunotherapies for cancer treatment. The new approach overcomes limitations of existing cell-free assays and holds promise for ...

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 17, 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.