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Science News Archive March 2021 - Page 3


Page 3 of 53

Getting to the core of HIV replication

Computational biophysics research uncovers mechanism for HIV-1 virus importing nucleotides into its core for DNA synthesis. The study challenges the prevailing view of the viral capsid and reveals an active role in regulating a key step in the virus's life cycle.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 31, 2021

Study shows promise of quantum computing using factory-made silicon chips

A single qubit on a standard silicon transistor chip has been successfully demonstrated as 'quantum capable' in a new study. The researchers were able to isolate and measure the quantum state of a single electron in a silicon transistor manufactured using existing manufacturing processes.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPRX Quantum·DateMar 31, 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.

Advances in tropical cyclone observation may aid in disaster reduction and prevention

The launch of a comprehensive tropical cyclone database and recent marine observing experiments may improve prediction accuracy and help mitigate disasters. Researchers aim to better understand tropical cyclones to inform disaster reduction planning, using technologies like artificial intelligence and unmanned vehicles.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMar 31, 2021

Building a culture of high-quality data

A new framework for data quality is proposed to address the challenges of ensuring high-quality ecological data. The framework aims to encourage best practices among collectors, curators, and users of ecological data, leading to higher-quality data with fewer errors.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateMar 31, 2021

Tilapias are not precocious, they are just resilient

A new study reveals tilapias adapt to stress by growing smaller, not reproducing earlier. The Gill Oxygen Limitation Theory explains how fish like tilapia survive in rough environments by stopping growth and stunting reproduction.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAsian Fisheries Science·DateMar 31, 2021

Historical data offers a glimpse into the mental health of adolescents during COVID-19

Researchers studied historical data from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami to better understand the effects of COVID-19 on adolescents' mental health. They found that limited physical exercise can help reduce mental health issues, contradicting previous studies that showed worsening psychological status during lockdowns.

SourceTohoku University·JournalThe Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 31, 2021

Studies of U.S. national parks focused on popular parks, trending down

Research on US national parks has seen a decline in publications since 2013, with popular parks like Yellowstone receiving most attention. The study found that more than half of all studies focused on five national parks, highlighting the need for future research to address gaps and improve management.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalConservation Science and Practice·DateMar 31, 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.

Heat conduction record with tantalum nitride

A research team from TU Wien has discovered a new form of tantalum nitride with exceptional thermal conductivity, surpassing that of diamond. The material's unique atomic structure suppresses interactions that inhibit heat conduction, making it highly promising for the chip industry.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 31, 2021

Impacts of sunscreen on coral reefs needs urgent attention, say scientists

Scientists at the University of York highlight the need for more research into the environmental impact of sunscreen on coral reefs. The study reveals that UV-filter compounds have toxic effects on marine organisms and that current research has significant gaps, particularly in understanding climate-related risks.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalIntegrated Environmental Assessment and Management·DateMar 31, 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.

Even without a brain, Penn Engineering's metal-eating robots can search for food

Researchers have developed a technology that enables robots to navigate and forage for energy sources in their environment, eliminating the need for batteries or computers. The system uses oxidation reactions with surrounding air to power the robot, allowing it to sense and respond to changes in chemical concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateMar 31, 2021

Bringing KAIZEN to kid healthcare

A systematic review of literature found that only 17% of quality improvement articles in PICUs met high standards, highlighting a need for better reporting practices. The study suggests that bringing the KAIZEN philosophy to kid healthcare can improve the timely delivery of medical care.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalPediatric Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 31, 2021

Chemo for glioblastoma may work better in morning than evening

Researchers at WashU Medicine found that administering chemotherapy drug temozolomide in the morning improved overall survival by about 4 months compared to evening, with an average increase of 3.5 months in patients with MGMT methylated tumors. The study suggests that adjusting timing of standard treatment could enhance effectiveness.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuro-Oncology Advances·DateMar 31, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA awards Postdoctoral Fellowships for 2021

The NASA Hubble Fellowship Program has awarded fellowships to 24 postdoctoral scientists to pursue independent research in astrophysics. The selected researchers will focus on three broad scientific questions: How does the universe work?, How did we get here?, and Are we alone?

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 31, 2021

Adherence to UK's test, trace, and isolate system is low

Levels of adherence to the UK's test, trace, and isolate system are low, with only half of respondents able to identify covid-19 symptoms. Intention to self-isolate is high but actual behavior is lower due to various reasons such as needing to go to work or care for others.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 31, 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.

Sugar not so nice for your child's brain development

Research found that daily sugar-sweetened beverage consumption during adolescence impairs learning and memory tasks in adulthood. The bacteria Parabacteroides in the gut microbiome plays a key role in this process, even when not associated with sugar consumption.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMar 31, 2021

Changing hypertension definition may identify more high-risk pregnancies

A new study suggests that a stricter definition of high blood pressure during pregnancy could identify more women at risk of developing life-threatening complications. The revised definition would make over 50,000 additional women eligible for aspirin treatment to prevent preeclampsia.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 31, 2021

Findings offer 'recipe' for fine tuning alloys for high-temperature use

Researchers have discovered a phenomenon related to the invar effect, enabling paramagnetic alloys to maintain mechanical stability at high temperatures. This breakthrough discovery promises to advance the design of high-temperature alloys with exceptional properties.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 31, 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.

Thermal power nanogenerator created without solid moving parts

A team of researchers has created a thermal power nanogenerator that converts abundant thermal energy into electrical energy without any solid moving parts. This innovation, known as the TA-LM-TENG, has the potential to be used in various applications such as waste heat recovery and space power systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 31, 2021

New study discovers ancient meteoritic impact over Antarctica 430,000 years ago

Researchers discovered a low-altitude meteoritic touchdown event reaching the Antarctic ice sheet 430,000 years ago, leaving behind chondritic bulk major particles. The study highlights the importance of reassessing medium-sized asteroid threats and has implications for identifying similar events in deep sea sediment cores.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 31, 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.

Why SARS-CoV-2 replicates better in the upper respiratory tract

Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 prefers to replicate at temperatures typical of the upper airways, whereas replication of SARS-CoV was not impacted by temperature. This understanding provides new insights into virus-host interactions and potential targets for intervention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 31, 2021

Processed meat linked to higher risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease

A multinational study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming moderate amounts of unprocessed meat is okay, but processed meats should be avoided. Higher processed meat intake was associated with higher risks of total mortality and major cardiovascular disease.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 31, 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.

Prioritise opportunities to say final goodbye during COVID-19 pandemic, study finds

A new study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to facilitate connections between patients and their relatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research makes important recommendations for end-of-life care, including prioritising video and telephone calls, providing regular updates, and facilitating in-person goodbyes.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalPalliative Medicine·DateMar 31, 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.

Mount Sinai researchers find novel therapeutic target for specific cancer treatment

Researchers found that autophagy selectively degrades PKA inhibitory subunit RIa, promoting mitochondrial metabolism and tumor cell growth. Suppression of AKAP11 levels in tumor cells prevents degradation and blocks PKA activation, inhibiting tumor cell growth.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 31, 2021

New study looks at long-term outcomes and costs of NMIBC

The study analyzed 412 high-risk NMIBC patients treated with BCG therapy and found significant differences in outcomes according to specific features of the disease. Total median costs at one, two, and five years from start of BCG induction were $29,459, $55,267, and $117,361, respectively.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 31, 2021

The majority of workers return to their jobs after being hospitalized for injuries

A recent study found that nearly 60% of adult patients who needed hospitalization for injuries eventually returned to work. However, they often faced significant challenges, including increased rates of food insecurity, physical disability, and difficulty accessing healthcare. The research team analyzed data from the National Health In...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery·DateMar 31, 2021

Creation of 3D organoid models to fine-tune radiation dose for nasopharyngeal cancer

Researchers have created the first in-vitro patient-derived 3D organoid models of nasopharyngeal cancer, enabling them to predict optimal radiation treatment doses. These models mimic the hypoxic radioresistant sub-volumes of recurrent NPC and have shown that radiation dose escalation can improve treatment outcomes.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalFrontiers in Oncology·DateMar 31, 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.

$1.7 million grant to unlock barley's genetic superpowers

A UC Riverside geneticist has won a $1.7 million grant to study how barley has adapted to survive thousands of years, with the goal of understanding its future survival in extreme weather conditions. The project will also train undergraduates in agricultural science and computational techniques.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMar 30, 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.

Sussex scientists develop ultra-thin terahertz source

Researchers at the University of Sussex have developed an extremely thin, large-area semiconductor surface source of terahertz radiation, opening up opportunities for anti-counterfeiting and 'the internet of things'. The new development is 10 times thinner than previously achieved, with comparable or even better performances.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 30, 2021

Ever wondered what red foxes eat? There's a database for that

A new online database, CarniDIET, has been created to provide detailed information on the diets of carnivores worldwide. Users can search for data by species or country and access interactive maps to understand geographical variations in diet.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateMar 30, 2021

Early Earth's hot mantle may have led to Archean 'water world'

A new study suggests that early Earth's hotter mantle could have stored more water than today, leading to a larger global ocean. The findings challenge previous assumptions about the size of the ocean and offer clues to its evolution over time.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalAGU Advances·DateMar 30, 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.

UMD study suggests supporting Indonesian women in conservation supports biodiversity

A UMD study found that supporting Indonesian women in conservation sciences can help tackle global biodiversity challenges. The research, which documented the motivations and challenges faced by women in this field, highlights the need for culturally appropriate training and mentorship to enable their participation.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalConservation Science and Practice·DateMar 30, 2021

Land-based learning reconnects Indigenous youth to their cultures, says Elizabeth Fast

A series of land-based learning retreats is helping Indigenous youth reconnect with their cultures, emphasizing knowledge-sharing, survival skills, and ceremonies. The retreats provide a safe space for young people to learn about their heritage, including cultural workshops, arts-based activities, and storytelling sessions.

SourceConcordia University·JournalInternational Journal of Indigenous Health·DateMar 30, 2021

New model to help identify risk factors for reading difficulties in children

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center developed a new framework to understand how a child's brain is wired to learn to read. The 'eco-bio-developmental' model identifies risk factors for reading difficulties in infancy, emphasizing the importance of early screening and intervention.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 30, 2021

Investigating boundary layers in hypersonic flight

Researchers investigate shockwave boundary layer interactions, with a focus on transitional regime experiments and simulations. Better understanding of these interactions could prevent catastrophes in high-speed vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateMar 30, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Big data tells story of diversity, migration of math's elite

A recent study analyzing nearly 250,000 mathematicians found that the Fields Medal has elevated marginalized nationalities, but also perpetuates self-reinforcing behavior through mentoring relationships. The research highlights the need for the prize to return to its roots and achieve its original goal of promoting inclusivity in math.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateMar 30, 2021

Bespoke neuroblastoma therapy weaponizes cell metabolism

Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center developed a bespoke therapy combining phenformin and AZD3965 to exploit the metabolic 'hunger' of aggressive neuroblastoma, leading to greater tumor shrinkage without collateral damage. The treatment showed promising results in mice seeded with MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma patient cells.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2021