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Science News Archive March 2021 - Page 4


Page 4 of 53

Heart attacks in young adults more deadly in those with systemic inflammatory disease

A study found that young adults with inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis are twice as likely to experience fatal heart attacks. Researchers also discovered that patients with these conditions were less likely to be prescribed aspirin and statins after a heart attack.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMar 30, 2021

Algorithm-based music recommendations: Low accuracy for lovers of non-mainstream music

A study found that algorithm-generated music recommendations are less accurate for listeners of non-mainstream music compared to those who listen to mainstream music. The researchers identified four groups of non-mainstream music listeners based on their listening habits and found that users who listened to high-energy music received t...

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalEPJ Data Science·DateMar 30, 2021

Researchers discover new type of ancient crater lake on Mars

Researchers from Brown University have discovered a previously unknown type of ancient crater lake on Mars that differs from other Martian crater lakes. The crater was likely fed by runoff from a long-lost Martian glacier, which suggests the planet's early climate may have been warmer and wetter than previously thought.

SourceBrown University·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·DateMar 30, 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.

The 'one who causes fear' - new meat-eating predator discovered

A new species of dinosaur, Llkalkan aliocranianus, was discovered with extreme powerful bites, very sharp teeth, and huge claws. Its unique skull structure suggests it may have had a better sense of hearing than other abelisaurids.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateMar 30, 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.

Endangered songbird challenging assumptions about evolution

A University of Colorado Boulder-led research team found the Iberá Seedeater, an endangered songbird, used genetic shuffling instead of new mutations for speciation. The bird's unique behavior keeps it apart from closely related species.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience·DateMar 30, 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.

Urban squirrels, how much are we disturbing you?

Research finds that urban squirrels' success rates increase with repeated solving of a novel food-extraction task, suggesting adaptability to urban stressors. The study also reveals that direct human disturbance is a major stressor, while green coverage and squirrel population size have less impact on problem-solving performance.

SourceHokkaido University·DateMar 30, 2021

High-fiber diet may play a role in controlling the inflammation associated with COVID-19

Researchers found that high-fiber compounds reduced the expression of a gene and cytokine receptor involved in viral cell entry and inflammation. The findings suggest that high-fiber diets may help control inflammation caused by COVID-19, which can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms and changes in gut microbiota.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalGut Microbes·DateMar 30, 2021

Helping childhood-onset lupus patients stay healthy as adults

Researchers found that patients with public health insurance, a history of Child Protective Services involvement, and an unscheduled hospitalization during pediatric care were at higher risk for end-stage renal disease and death. Childhood-onset lupus patients face significant challenges as they transition to adult healthcare.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalSeminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism·DateMar 30, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Unique AI method for generating proteins will speed up drug development

Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology have developed an AI-based approach called ProteinGAN, which uses generative deep learning to create highly diverse protein variants with naturalistic-like physical properties. This method accelerates the rate of protein engineering, driving down development costs and enabling environm...

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateMar 30, 2021

Scientists discover unique Cornish 'falgae'

Researchers found genetically distinct Fal Estuary maerl beds, shaped by geographical isolation and limited connectivity. Threats from shipping and climate change require targeted conservation efforts to protect these ancient ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateMar 30, 2021

Study investigates non-verbal signs of resistance

A new study examines how people with limited language ability express their wishes and preferences, and how support workers respond. The research found that subtle non-verbal cues signal resistance to activities, emphasizing the need for flexible institutional timetables and staff training.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalSociology of Health & Illness·DateMar 30, 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.

The neural mechanism of a circulatory response to stress

Researchers found that the lateral habenula (LHb) regulates cardiovascular responses via the serotonergic system, controlling heart rate and blood pressure. The study provides new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying stress-induced behavioral responses.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateMar 30, 2021

Architecture of Eolian successions under icehouse and greenhouse conditions

A new study analyzes thousands of geological features to quantify the response of ancient eolian systems to global climatic shifts. The results demonstrate that preserved sedimentary architectures developed under icehouse and greenhouse conditions are fundamentally different due to contrasting environmental conditions. This research ca...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateMar 30, 2021

T cells recognize recent SARS-CoV-2 variants

Researchers found that CD8+ T cells in recovered COVID-19 patients can recognize virtually all mutations in recent SARS-CoV-2 variants, offering protection against emerging strains. This suggests that vaccination may still be effective against new variants, and booster vaccinations may be needed to maintain immunity.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateMar 30, 2021

Pandemic stress, boredom caused some PA residents to increase cigarette use

During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly a third of Pennsylvania smokers increased their daily cigarette consumption due to stress, boredom, and increased free time. Smokers who experienced this increase were at a higher risk of dependence and had difficulty quitting.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 30, 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.

Social media addiction linked to cyberbullying

A new study by the University of Georgia suggests that social media addiction is associated with an increased risk of cyberbullying behaviors among adolescents. Higher scores on social media addiction tests, more time spent online, and identifying as male were linked to a greater likelihood of perpetrating cyberbullying.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Counseling·DateMar 30, 2021

Preventive treatment reduces diabetic retinopathy complications

A four-year clinical trial from the DRCR Retina Network found that early anti-VEGF injections slowed diabetic retinopathy progression, but did not improve vision at two years. Standard treatment remained effective in preventing further vision loss.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·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.

Salt substitution -- an effective way to reduce blood pressure in rural India

A new study by The George Institute for Global Health found that replacing regular salt with a reduced-sodium, added-potassium salt substitute significantly lowered systolic blood pressure in rural Indian hypertensive patients. The intervention was shown to be an effective and low-cost way to control blood pressure in these communities.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 30, 2021

Scientists show technology can save people from shark bites

The deployment of personal electronic deterrents is an effective way to prevent future deaths and injuries from shark bites. The technology has been shown to reduce the likelihood of a bite by about 60%, potentially saving hundreds of lives.

SourceFlinders University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 30, 2021

Dementia and COVID: What families and physicians should know

A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that COVID-19 patients with dementia were more likely to experience delirium and confusion compared to those without dementia. While dementia itself was not a primary driver of mortality, other factors such as age and comorbidities played a significant role.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateMar 30, 2021

Turning back the clock on a severe vision disorder

A new gene therapy approach has been successful in restoring both normal structure and function to the retina's cone photoreceptor cells in dogs with a severe form of Leber congenital amaurosis. The treatment, which delivered a normal copy of the NPHP5 gene, was tested in nine five-week-old dogs and showed promising results.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateMar 30, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

'Bottom-up' approach needed to study freshwater blooms

A national research team is calling for a more comprehensive understanding of freshwater cyanobacteria blooms by studying the organisms that live at the bottom of lakes. This could help predict how climate change affects bloom frequency, intensity, and duration.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJournal of Plankton Research·DateMar 30, 2021

Infants' language skills more advanced than first words suggest

Researchers found that infants as young as 11-12 months can distinguish between frequently used and less common multiword sequences, suggesting they learn individual words and complex phrases simultaneously. This study challenges traditional views on how children acquire language.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalCognition·DateMar 30, 2021

In the deep sea, the last ice age is not yet over

Researchers investigated methane hydrate deposit in deep-sea fan of Danube in western Black Sea, finding dynamic situation related to Black Sea development since last ice age. The study suggests gas hydrates decompose due to salinity, pressure, and temperature changes, with implications for climate change

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMar 30, 2021

Doctors experiencing domestic abuse feel socially and professionally isolated

A new study reveals that female doctors who suffer domestic abuse often feel unable to get help due to perceptions of shame and a judgemental culture in medical settings. The findings highlight the need for a designated confidential service and cultural change to support doctor victim-survivors.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateMar 30, 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.

COVID-19-associated seizures may be common, linked to higher risk of death

A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital reveals that nonconvulsive seizures in COVID-19 patients are associated with worse outcomes, including higher rates of death and longer hospital stays. Seizures can occur even in patients without prior neurological history, highlighting the need for close monitoring and treatment.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 30, 2021

Human hiking trails custom built for sauntering grizzlies

Researchers measured grizzly bears' metabolic rates on flat and uphill gradients, finding they use less energy walking downhill. The study reveals why grizzlies often appear on human hiking trails, and provides insights for hiker safety.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMar 30, 2021

New research shows risk of COVID-19 from aerosols to healthcare workers

A new study found that coughing and deep breathing create more than 100-fold greater amounts of aerosols than oxygen therapies, increasing the risk to frontline staff. The research challenges current guidelines, suggesting that healthcare workers wear only surgical masks face a higher risk of infection.

SourceAAGBI·JournalAnaesthesia·DateMar 30, 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.

Cervical cancer testing tech could replace pap smears, save lives

Emerging technologies can screen for cervical cancer better than Pap smears, especially in places with limited access to healthcare. Advanced nanotechnology and computer learning are helping develop HPV screening that takes the guesswork out of precancer tests.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiophysics Reviews·DateMar 30, 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.

Mysterious living monuments

Researchers found that nearly nothing is known about the biggest trees and how they die, making them difficult to study. Climate change, severe storms, and droughts are affecting these giant trees, releasing more carbon into the atmosphere.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 30, 2021

Why are optical refractive indices so small?

A recent study published in Physical Review X reveals that the refractive index of dilute atomic gases can only reach a maximum value of 1.7 due to near-field interactions and multiple scattering effects.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMar 30, 2021

Growing appetite for meat alternatives in Brussels

A recent study by the University of Bath found that over half of Belgians are now satisfied with plant-based meat alternatives, up from 44% in 2019. Meanwhile, attitudes towards cultured meat remain stable, but also hold appeal for certain consumer groups.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalAppetite·DateMar 30, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

'Mop up' malaria vaccine advances to trials in people

A new malaria vaccine aims to stop mosquitoes from transmitting Plasmodium parasites to people by immunizing them against infection. The vaccine, developed by University of Florida researcher Rhoel Dinglasan, has shown promise in laboratory studies and is now set to be tested in humans.

SourceUniversity of Florida·DateMar 30, 2021

Groundwater discharge affects water quality in coastal waters

A global study led by the University of Gothenburg found that groundwater discharges are a major source of nitrogen and phosphorus to coastal waters worldwide, often exceeding river pollution at 60% of sites. This discovery highlights the importance of considering groundwater aquifers in managing coastal water quality.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·DateMar 30, 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.

Water splitting for solar energy conversion

Researchers have developed a highly-efficient water decomposition reaction using BaTaO2N photocatalyst, achieving nearly 100 times the efficiency of conventional methods. The new method involves sequential cocatalyst decoration on the surface of BaTaO2N particles, resulting in high dispersion and improved hydrogen production.

SourceShinshu University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 30, 2021

Stopping the sickness: Protein may be key to blocking a nauseating bacterium

Researchers at Washington State University have discovered a protein that could block Campylobacter, a leading cause of food poisoning. The secreted protein, CiaD, facilitates cell entry and takes control of important cell processes. This breakthrough could lead to real-world solutions for preventing Campylobacter-related diseases.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 30, 2021