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Science News Archive March 2021 - Page 36


Page 36 of 53

Study offers insights into management of invasive paperbark trees

A 13-year study in Florida found that biological controls significantly reduced the size of new paperbark tree populations after wildfires. The treatments helped to slow growth and inhibit reproduction, allowing land managers to prioritize removing large trees.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalInvasive Plant Science and Management·DateMar 10, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

With gene therapy, scientists develop opioid-free solution for chronic pain

Researchers at UC San Diego developed a gene therapy that temporarily represses a gene involved in sensing pain, increasing pain tolerance and providing months of relief. The therapy could be used for various chronic pain conditions, including lower back pain and rare neuropathic disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 10, 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.

The 3Rs of the genome: Reading, writing, and regulating

A high-resolution map of protein binding locations in yeast has produced two distinct gene regulatory architectures, challenging traditional models of gene regulation. The study revealed unique protein assemblages and absence of specific regulatory control signals at housekeeping genes.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateMar 10, 2021

Researchers solve more of the mystery of Laos megalithic jars

New research at the UNESCO-listed 'Plain of Jars' in Laos establishes that stone jars were placed in their final position from 1240 to 660 BCE. The study used Optically Stimulated Luminescence and radiocarbon dating to analyze sediment samples, revealing enduring ritual significance across historical times.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 10, 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.

Soft contact lenses eyed as new solutions to monitor ocular diseases

Researchers from Purdue University developed soft contact lenses with integrated biosensors to monitor ocular health conditions, including glaucoma. The technology records electrophysiological retinal activity without topical anesthesia, improving accuracy and user comfort.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2021

Scientists develop new magnetic nanomaterial for ?ounterfeit money prevention

A new iron-cobalt-nickel nanocomposite with tunable magnetic properties has been developed by NUST MISIS to protect money and securities from counterfeiting. The material's high coercivity makes it suitable for EMI shielding, magnetically coupled devices, and other industrial applications.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalNanomaterials·DateMar 10, 2021

New technology could increase health inequities

A new study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology highlights how new technologies can exacerbate existing social health inequalities. Research shows that people with lower education and income have poorer health outcomes, and that wealthier individuals may buy their way to access to life-saving vaccines.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalActa Sociologica·DateMar 10, 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.

IceCube detection of a high-energy particle proves 60-year-old theory

The IceCube Neutrino Observatory has detected a high-energy particle, confirming the 60-year-old Glashow resonance theory. The particle produced a W-boson through an interaction with an electron antineutrino, providing further confirmation of the Standard Model of particle physics.

SourceWisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center (WIPAC), University of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·DateMar 10, 2021

Where am I going? Just ask your subiculum

A team at Osaka City University has found that the subiculum sorts and routes spatial information from the hippocampus to specific regions of the brain, enabling smooth navigation. This discovery could shed light on disorders such as dementia and improve our understanding of brain function.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 10, 2021

Diet high in healthful plant-based food may reduce risk of stroke by 10%

A diet high in healthful plant-based food may reduce the risk of ischemic stroke, with participants who consumed more plant-based foods showing an 8% lower risk. Researchers found no association between vegetarian diets and stroke risk, but noted that the quality of plant-based foods was a key factor.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 10, 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.

Second shot of COVID-19 vaccine may not be necessary in previously infected individuals -- Mount Sinai

Researchers at Mount Sinai found that a single shot of COVID-19 vaccine can provide immunity to individuals who have previously been infected by the virus. This could help stretch limited vaccine supplies and spare individuals from unnecessary side effects of a second dose.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 10, 2021

harp reductions in costs of producing cannabis, fentanyl likely to spur widespread changes in use, dependence

A new analysis by Carnegie Mellon University professor Jonathan Caulkins explores the effects of reduced production costs on cannabis and opioid use. Sharp declines in prices may alter consumption patterns and lead to changes in drug markets, including reduced violence and disruption of criminal organizations.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateMar 10, 2021

Manure improves soil and microbe community

A study published by Lindsey Slaughter found that adding manure to pastures increases soil organic carbon and microbial activity. The results took almost a year and a half to manifest, highlighting the challenges of implementing this method in dry climates.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMar 10, 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.

Trial compares two gestational diabetes screening methods

A large-scale randomized trial involving nearly 24,000 women found no significant differences in health outcomes between two gestational diabetes screening methods. The study evaluated rates of gestational diabetes diagnosis, large-for-gestational-age infants, and adverse perinatal outcomes.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 10, 2021

NIH researchers develop guidelines for reporting polygenic risk scores

The NIH has developed a framework for reporting polygenic risk scores, which provide an estimate of an individual's inherited risk for diseases. The new guidelines aim to improve the validity, transparency, and reproducibility of polygenic risk scores in clinical care.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 10, 2021

Bioaccumulation of phased-out fire retardants is slowly declining in bald eagles

Research published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry shows a sustained 3.8% annual decline in PBDE concentrations in bald eagle nestlings' blood samples across Minnesota and Wisconsin. The findings are instructive for regulators to set protective levels for wildlife and fish consumption advisories for humans.

SourceSociety of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateMar 10, 2021

Are 'bacterial probiotics' a game-changer for the biofuels industry?

Scientists found that certain bacteria, like Lactobacillus amylovorus, can increase fermentation yields by up to three percent. This discovery suggests a new approach to industrial production, focusing on selecting beneficial bacteria rather than relying on broad-spectrum antibiotics or treatments.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2021

Elite women might have ruled El Argar 4,000 years ago

Researchers from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona found evidence suggesting that elite women played a crucial role in the governance of El Argar, a Bronze Age society. The study of a princely tomb discovered in La Almoloya revealed valuable items and diadems made with silver, indicating the women's symbolic power.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalAntiquity·DateMar 10, 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.

A safer MRI contrast agent for high-resolution 3D microvascular imaging

Researchers developed a nanoparticle-based MRI contrast agent called SAIO for high-resolution 3D microvascular imaging, outperforming traditional gadolinium-based agents. The agent provides excellent resolution and stability, allowing for accurate diagnosis of cerebro-cardiovascular diseases.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 10, 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.

Helpful behavior during pandemic tied to recognizing common humanity

A new study from the University of Washington found that individuals who recognize common humanity with others are more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors, such as wearing masks and helping those in need, even at personal cost. This identification with all humanity was a stronger predictor of behavior than identifying with one's c...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 10, 2021

Study shows simple blood test could detect liver injury earlier

Researchers have developed a simple blood test that can detect acute liver damage earlier than current methods. The test uses gold nanoparticles to target the antioxidant glutathione, which is depleted in damaged liver cells. This early detection could lead to faster recovery and improved treatment outcomes for patients with liver injury.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 10, 2021

Deciphering the impacts of small RNA interactions in individual bacterial cells

Researchers deciphered the impacts of sRNA interactions on individual bacterial cells, revealing minor effects from base-pairing interactions and significant effects from disruptions in Hfq binding. The study used high-throughput sequencing and quantitative super-resolution imaging to understand the regulation of gene expression under ...

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 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.

Fossils from "Vegetational Pompeii" Resolve Deep Palaeontology Mystery

Researchers have confirmed Noeggerathiales had fern-like spore propagation and seed plant vascular tissue, revealing a closer relationship to seed plants than previously thought. The study also shows that the ancestral lineage of seed plants diversified during the Devonian-Carboniferous-Permian periods.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2021

'Lost' ocean nanoplastic might be getting trapped on coasts

Researchers have shown experimentally that most nanoplastics in estuarine waters clump, forming larger clusters that settle or stick to solid objects. This could mean that estuaries filter out nanoplastics before they enter the ocean.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 10, 2021

Lockdowns linked to rise in eating disorder symptoms

A longitudinal study by Anglia Ruskin University found that lockdowns to combat COVID-19 led to an increase in symptoms associated with eating disorders. Participants experienced higher levels of morbid eating behaviors such as anorexia and bulimia, but also increased exercise rates after the first lockdown.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateMar 10, 2021

The quest for sustainable leather alternatives

Researchers have developed innovative sustainable materials mimicking the texture and look of cowhide leather without using livestock or synthetic chemicals. Plant-based materials, mushroom leather, fish skin, and cell-culture leather are gaining attention among manufacturers.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMar 10, 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.

Concerns over integrity of mRNA molecules in some COVID-19 vaccines

Early commercial batches of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine had lower than expected levels of intact mRNA molecules, a finding that raised concerns about the manufacturing process and its impact on vaccine potency. Regulators like the EMA and FDA are unsure of the implications for safety and efficacy.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 10, 2021

Material from Russia will triple the capacity of lithium-ion batteries

Researchers from NUST MISIS developed a new nanomaterial that can replace low-efficiency graphite in lithium-ion batteries, increasing capacity and extending service life. The material provides three times higher capacity than existing batteries and allows for five times more charge-discharge cycles.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateMar 10, 2021

NYITCOM researcher wins prestigious NSF CAREER grant

Watanabe's project aims to improve understanding of brain-skull interactions, potentially preventing and treating neurological and cranial birth defects. He will study this topic using birds as a model system and create educational tools, including a virtual reality game.

SourceNew York Institute of Technology·DateMar 10, 2021

In Panama, nitrogen-fixing trees unlock phosphorus and other scarce nutrients

A new study reveals that nitrogen-fixing trees play a vital role in recovering tropical forests by enriching nutrient-poor soils with scarce elements such as phosphorus. The trees' roots weather rocks beneath them, releasing nutrients like phosphorus and molybdenum that boost plant growth.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Study finds lower dose of ketamine equally effective in reducing pain

A recent Loyola Medicine study found that reducing the standard dose of IV-administered ketamine in half is as effective as the larger dose in reducing pain in adults. The study involved 98 patients and showed similar results at 30 minutes, with lower adverse event rates in the low-dose group.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateMar 10, 2021

Tracing and controlling High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza

Researchers found migratory birds from Europe introduced the HPAIV H5N8 virus to Japan. The team also investigated two human anti-influenza drugs, baloxavir marboxil and peramivir, which improved survival rates in infected chickens and reduced viral amounts.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalViruses·DateMar 10, 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.

Analysis of "virtual" pollinator trade reveals global dependence on biodiversity for food consumption

Developed countries heavily rely on imported pollination services from developing nations with high crop export rates, indicating a global dependence on biodiversity. Countries that export most pollinator-dependent crops also experience fastest cropland expansion and highest biodiversity decline rates.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 10, 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.