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Science News Archive March 2021 - Page 28


Page 28 of 53

FSU researchers enhance quantum machine learning algorithms

Researchers at Florida State University developed a method to automatically infer parameters used in quantum Boltzmann machines, which can be applied to train artificial neural networks for tasks like image recognition and drug discovery.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 16, 2021

Toward a more comprehensive understanding of aridity changes over global drylands

A recent study synthesizes global dryland aridity changes, revealing a complex interplay between atmospheric drying and ecosystem greening. Despite rising aridity, lusher drylands are observed due to the physiological response of plants to increasing CO2 concentrations, which conserves water and promotes plant growth.

SourcePeking University·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·DateMar 16, 2021

Physicians and scientists join forces to develop the longevity medicine curriculum

A new educational curriculum in longevity medicine for physicians has been developed, outlining the benefits of promoting healthspan and lifespan. The course provides a comprehensive introduction to theoretical and practical basics of longevity medicine, including molecular mechanisms, biomarkers of aging, and geroprotector regimens.

SourceDeep Longevity Ltd·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·DateMar 16, 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.

Machine learning can identify cancerous cells by their acidity

Researchers developed a method to identify single cancer cells using machine learning and pH-sensitive dye bromothymol blue. The technique can discriminate between healthy and cancerous cells, as well as different types of cancer, without inducing toxic effects or killing the cell.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Bioengineering·DateMar 16, 2021

Study: 94% of older adults prescribed drugs that raise risk of falling

A new study by University at Buffalo researchers found that 94% of older adults were prescribed fall-risk-increasing drugs in 2017, leading to a significant increase in deaths from falls. The study also revealed that women, particularly Black women, were more likely to be prescribed these medications.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety·DateMar 16, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New imaging technology could help predict heart attacks

Researchers developed a new intravascular imaging technique, ILSI, which can detect unstable coronary plaques. The technique provides a direct assessment of mechanical stability, allowing for early detection and treatment of high-risk vulnerable plaques.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateMar 16, 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.

Return to work and the path to recovery after serious injury in Black men

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that returning to work (RTW) after a traumatic injury can predict better mental health outcomes for Black men. The study also identified younger age, lack of insurance, and experiences of racism as strong predictors of poor mental health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalInjury·DateMar 16, 2021

Electronic cigarettes help smokers with schizophrenia quit

High-strength nicotine e-cigarettes have been found to be an effective smoking cessation method for adults with schizophrenia. In a 12-week study, 40 participants showed a sustained 50% reduction in smoking or complete abstinence, and significant improvements in blood pressure, heart rate, and quality of life.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateMar 16, 2021

Are lakes emitting more carbon dioxide in a warming world?

A researcher is studying the connection between CO2 and dissolved oxygen in lakes to better understand lake carbon cycling and its impact on global carbon cycle. The study aims to develop a more accurate understanding of the relationship, which could lead to improved estimates of CO2 emissions from inland waters.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateMar 16, 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.

Imposter syndrome is common among high achievers in med school

A study by Thomas Jefferson University found that 87% of incoming medical students reported imposter syndrome, a mental health challenge linked to depression, anxiety, and self-sabotage. The researchers suggest that supportive feedback, collaborative learning, and individual counseling can help alleviate imposter syndrome.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalFamily Medicine·DateMar 16, 2021

Soil microbes left behind during decades of corn breeding

A new study found that decades of corn breeding led to a degradation of sustainable nitrogen-fixing microbes in the soil, contributing to increased greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers recreated the history of corn breeding from 1949 to 1986 and found modern corn varieties recruit fewer beneficial microbes than earlier varieties.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateMar 16, 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.

From a window to a mirror: new material paves the way to faster computing

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have identified a new material that can switch between a window and a mirror in a quadrillionth of a second, paving the way for faster computing. The material, Ta2NiSe5, exhibits ultra-fast switching capabilities, surpassing current computer speed.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 16, 2021

Photocatalytic efficiency in photocatalysis found to be site sensitive

Research reveals that the surface site and corresponding adsorbed methanol species determine the interfacial charge transfer process and photocatalytic efficiency in anatase TiO2 nanocrystals. Surface structure engineering of photocatalysts is proposed as a method to maximize efficiencies.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 16, 2021

How sperm remember

A new study at McGill University identifies a non-DNA based means by which sperm remember a father's environment and transmit that information to the embryo, affecting gene expression and leading to birth defects. The discovery opens new avenues for studying disease transmission and prevention.

SourceMcGill University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 16, 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.

Visa costs higher for people from poor countries

A research team from the University of Göttingen found significant inequality in travel permit costs globally. People from poorer countries often pay significantly more for tourist visas, with North Africans and South Asians paying an average of $60 compared to Western Europeans at $18.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPolitical Geography·DateMar 16, 2021

How pregnancy turns the stress response on its head

Researchers found that prenatal stress leads to significant inflammation in the fetal brain, but surprisingly, the mother's placenta and uterus remain unactivated. Instead, stress reduces gut microbial strains and functions, especially those linked to inflammation.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 16, 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.

Tear glands in a dish can cry

Researchers have created stem-cell-derived organoids that can produce mature tear products, shedding light on the biology of crying and dry-eye disease. The organoids can be transplanted into mouse tear glands and form functional duct-like structures, revealing new insights into potential treatments for Sjögren's syndrome.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 16, 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.

Criteria published for diagnosing the clinical syndrome of CTE during life

The new NINDS Consensus Diagnostic Criteria for Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome provide a standardized approach to diagnose CTE's clinical manifestations during life. These criteria require substantial exposure to repetitive head impacts and progressive cognitive impairment or neurobehavioral dysregulation.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateMar 15, 2021

Of mice and men and their different tolerance to pathogens

Researchers developed a mouse Intestine-on-Chip platform to study host-microbiome interactions, confirming that Enterococcus faecium promotes tolerance to S. typhimurium infection in mice. The technology mimics human Intestine Chips, enabling real-time analysis of normal and pathological processes.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateMar 15, 2021

Is there an association between a pregnant mother's diet and her child's weight?

Research suggests a mother's diet during pregnancy influences her child's BMI trajectory from birth to adolescence. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help prevent childhood obesity. Mothers' dietary habits during pregnancy are likely to shape their child's eating behaviors and food preferences.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 15, 2021

Biosensing with whispering-gallery mode lasers

Whispering-gallery mode (WGM) microlasers exhibit extraordinary sensitivity for detecting physical, chemical, and biological entities, even down to single molecules. Active WGM microlasers have the potential to expand applications in biological and chemical sensing, particularly in in vivo sensing.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 15, 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.

HIV research: Increased weight gain with TAF medication

A large multicenter cohort study found that individuals switching to TAF therapy gained significantly more weight (1.7 kg) compared to those staying on TDF therapy (0.7 kg). The study also noted a negative development in lipid metabolism with an overall increase in blood lipid levels.

SourceInselspital, Bern University Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 15, 2021

Study finds high tumor mutation burden predicts immunotherapy response in some, but not all, cancers

A new study found that a high rate of genetic mutations within a tumor (high tumor mutation burden) can predict clinical responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors in certain cancer types, such as melanoma, lung and bladder cancer. However, this was not the case for other cancers, including breast, prostate and brain cancers.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateMar 15, 2021

Lessons learned in Burkina Faso can contribute to a new decade of forest restoration

A study in Burkina Faso found that assisted natural regeneration, combined with tree planting and participatory approaches, is effective in restoring degraded landscapes. However, local communities, particularly women, face limited land-access rights, hindering their involvement in decision-making.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalSustainability·DateMar 15, 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.

Doctor communication key to pandemic vaccine adoption

A recent study from Washington State University found that doctor-patient communication plays a crucial role in building trust and increasing vaccination rates during a pandemic. By discussing the pros and cons of vaccines, doctors can help patients make informed decisions and ultimately receive vaccinations.

SourceWashington State University·JournalHealth Communication·DateMar 15, 2021

Dean Sam H. Noh named 2020 ACM fellow

Professor Sam H. Noh, a prominent scientist at UNIST, has been elected as a 2020 ACM Fellow for his groundbreaking work in system software and data storage technology. This recognition is the first for a Korean university scientist and honors his contributions to advancing the field of computing.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateMar 15, 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.

Energy-efficient design for mmWave-enabled NOMA-UAV networks

The researchers propose a hybrid precoding architecture to reduce hardware cost and energy consumption in mmWave-enabled NOMA-UAV networks. They optimize UAV placement, user clustering, and power allocation to achieve a good balance between system complexity and performance.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Information Sciences·DateMar 15, 2021

How artificial intelligence can help curb traffic accidents in cities

Researchers at UOC used AI to analyze urban scenes and identify patterns that may lead to accidents, suggesting that complexity and layout are key factors. The technology aims to aid traffic authorities in reducing the likelihood of accidents by providing real-time hazard warnings and optimizing traffic flow.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalTransportation Research·DateMar 15, 2021

Migration routes of one of Britain's largest ducks revealed for the first time

New research reveals the length, speed, and flight heights of Shelduck migration across the North Sea, showing interactions with offshore wind turbines. The study used solar-powered GPS tags to track four birds, finding that they all ended their migration in almost exactly the same place despite taking different routes.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalRinging & Migration·DateMar 15, 2021

What happens in your brain when you 'lose yourself' in fiction

A study published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that highly identified fans of 'Game of Thrones' characters activate the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC) when thinking about the characters, similar to how they think about themselves. The vMPFC is a brain area involved in self-referential processing.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateMar 15, 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.

Weed invaders are getting faster

A study by James Cook University found that invasive plants rapidly adapt to new regions, growing and reproducing faster in tropical environments. This trend suggests that global warming will increase invasive impacts in these areas.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateMar 15, 2021

Twisting, flexible crystals key to solar energy production

Halide perovskites' twisting motion creates desirable renewable energy properties, helping materials scientists tailor chemical recipes for environmentally friendly applications. The study's findings apply to a wide range of halide perovskites, including hybrid organic-inorganic and lead-free variants.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 15, 2021

Crucial step in formation of deadly brain diseases discovered

A breakthrough discovery has pinpointed the mechanism by which normal proteins convert to diseased forms, causing conditions like CJD and Kuru. The research could lead to the development of new drugs to combat these devastating diseases.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2021

Bacteria adapt syringe apparatus to changing conditions

Pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella can rapidly adapt their injection apparatus to varying digestive tract conditions. This dynamic behavior allows them to quickly respond to environmental changes, preventing misfiring and potentially activating the host's immune response.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 15, 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.