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Science News Archive March 2021 - Page 42


Page 42 of 53
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.

Sophisticated skin

Researchers have discovered that squids can not only change the color of their skin but also its brightness, achieved through the action of 'osmotic motors' driven by reflectin proteins. This complex mechanism allows for a wide range of iridescent colors and brightness levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 8, 2021

Antarctic Peninsula warming up due to heat in Tasman sea

A recent study by Japanese and Australian scientists reveals that the Antarctic Peninsula is warming up due to changes in wind patterns caused by heating in the Tasman Sea. This warming trend has significant implications for sea levels worldwide.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2021

UK charity announces £1.2 million funding to design Parkinson's drug

Parkinson's UK is investing £1.2 million in a project to refine a molecule that could be developed into a drug to protect dopamine-producing brain cells and slow down the progression of Parkinson's. The project aims to develop a treatment that can halt Parkinson's by boosting the function of brain cells' energy-producing mitochondria.

SourceParkinson's UK·DateMar 8, 2021

Investigating youth suicides among children involved with the welfare system

A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that youth in the child welfare system who died by suicide were more likely to have experienced out-of-home placements, mental health conditions, and visited healthcare settings. Integrating suicide prevention strategies into healthcare delivery is crucial for this vulnerable population.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 8, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Predicting success in therapy with individualized cancer models

Researchers at the University of Bern developed a new strategy to assess therapy response in prostate cancer patients. They created patient-derived organoids that retain relevant characteristics of the original tumors, allowing for targeted drug testing and potential treatment repurposing.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2021

Unique sensor network for measuring greenhouse gases

The MUCCnet sensor network in Munich quantifies carbon dioxide, methane, and carbon monoxide concentrations with unique spectral analysis. By removing local disturbances, the network provides robust and accurate emission balances.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAtmospheric Measurement Techniques·DateMar 8, 2021

Paw hygiene no reason to ban assistance dogs from hospitals

Researchers at Utrecht University discovered that assistance dogs' paws are cleaner than their users' shoe soles, invalidating hygiene reasons for banning them from hospitals. A pilot study of 25 assistance dogs and their owners found no significant presence of fecal bacteria or diarrheal bacteria on the dogs' paws.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 8, 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.

Time needed to sequence key molecules could be reduced from years to minutes

Researchers have developed a novel method for rapid and accurate glycan sequencing, reducing the time required from years to minutes. The technique utilizes a nanopore device and machine-learning software to identify sugar chains based on electrical signals generated as they pass through a tiny hole.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2021

Algorithm helps artificial intelligence systems dodge "adversarial" inputs

A new deep-learning algorithm, CARRL, is designed to help machines build a healthy skepticism of their measurements and inputs. By combining reinforcement-learning algorithms with deep neural networks, researchers created an approach that outperformed standard machine-learning techniques in scenarios with uncertain and adversarial inputs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems·DateMar 7, 2021

Pay-off when solar cells can keep their cool

Lowering solar panel operating temperature by a few degrees can significantly increase electricity generation over lifetime, KAUST researchers show. They developed a metric to compare LCOE gains from reducing module temperature vs. improving efficiency, finding that cooling can achieve similar gains as PCE improvements.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJoule·DateMar 7, 2021

Researchers develop improved recycling process for carbon fibres

A new recycling method for carbon fibre composites has been developed by researchers from the University of Sydney, maintaining 90% of their original strength. The process uses a two-phase approach, including pyrolysis and oxidation, to preserve the functionality of carbon fibres.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateMar 7, 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.

Biological artificial organs like skin, vessels...now produced more easily

A Korean research group has developed a new cell co-culture platform that enables the differentiation of stem cells into desired cell types without special pretreatment. The platform displays surface traits similar to those of the extracellular matrix, providing cells with an environment similar to that of the body.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 7, 2021

It's time to bolster women in conservation

A University of Queensland and Nature Conservancy study reveals that women's voices are critically lacking in conservation, with gender discrimination being systemic and consistent. The research found positive impacts when women were involved in conservation, but existing gender roles and dynamics limit their participation.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalOryx·DateMar 7, 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.

Critically endangered macadamia species becomes a plant supermodel

Researchers at the University of Queensland have created a highly detailed genome model for critically endangered Macadamia jansenii, a plant species that is rare in the wild. The model has been used to study the genetics and diversity of the species, providing valuable insights into how rare plant species survive population decline.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalGigaScience·DateMar 7, 2021

Targeted immunotherapy could boost radiotherapy response

Cancers resistant to radiotherapy may be rendered susceptible through immunotherapy treatment, according to a new study. The research found that profiling the immune landscape of cancers before therapy can identify patients who are likely to respond well or poorly to radiotherapy.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateMar 7, 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.

"Magic sand" might help us understand the physics of granular matter

Scientists created a mixture of silicone-coated and normal sand to study the behavior of wet granular materials. Adding a certain threshold of magic sand leads to an abrupt change in clustering and rigidity, allowing for the tuning of flow properties.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of the Physical Society of Japan·DateMar 6, 2021

Watching the brain learn

Researchers at Göttingen University have discovered that adult mice brains display increased experience-dependent spine removal, a hallmark of critical period-like plasticity. This study reveals structural changes in the visual cortex associated with silent synapses and sheds light on lifelong neural plasticity.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2021

Making sense of commotion under the ocean to locate tremors near deep-sea faults

Researchers developed a new methodology to estimate the source of weak ground vibrations in subduction zones, providing more accurate travel times and insights into fluid pressure and permeability at plate interfaces. This approach can aid in detecting slipping among plates and warning against larger earthquakes and tsunamis.

SourceKyushu University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMar 5, 2021

Automatic adverse drug reaction extraction from electronic health records

The study uses natural language processing to extract adverse effects from Spanish health records, highlighting a major health problem and improving clinical decision making. The system learns more effectively with larger corpora, contributing to closing the gap in clinical text mining across languages.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalComputer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine·DateMar 5, 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.

Controlling adhesions in the abdomen

Adhesions form after inflammation or surgery and can lead to chronic pain, digestive problems, infertility, and life-threatening consequences. Researchers have discovered that macrophages play a key role in their development and have developed a new imaging system to visualize them.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2021

Health care use among undocumented patients

Researchers found that increased anti-immigrant rhetoric during the 2016 presidential campaign led to a significant increase in healthcare services usage among undocumented patients. The study suggests that this association may be attributed to decreased trust and increased stress related to immigration policies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 5, 2021

Variable compensation and salesperson health

Research finds variable compensation plans can induce performance pressure leading to stress, burnout, and sickness among salespeople. Companies can mitigate this by screening for stress-vulnerability and providing resources such as job-related support and social connections.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMar 5, 2021

Research identifies impact of teenage screen use

Research at the University of Leicester found that two-thirds of children use multiple screens simultaneously, leading to reduced physical activity, higher BMI, and less sleep. The study also identified a strong correlation between screen use and poor self-esteem.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateMar 5, 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.

Significant gender disparities revealed in COVID-19 clinical trial leadership

A study found that less than one-third of COVID-19 clinical trials are led by women, a disparity compared to non-COVID-19 trials. The research suggests that gender biases and imbalances may expose systemic inequalities in women's access to research activities and funding.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·DateMar 5, 2021

The amazing promise of artificial intelligence in health care

Artificial intelligence has already shown promise in pathology, including image classification and diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy. Future developments aim to further enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve patient outcomes through augmented intelligence. The authors emphasize the need for careful validation, performance monitoring, ...

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalArchives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine·DateMar 5, 2021

New 'split-drive' system puts scientists in the (gene) driver seat

Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new 'split-drive' system that harnesses the spread of cargo carried by gene drives, providing more control over their releases. The system uses a non-spreadable Cas9 component to separate genetic implementation processes, increasing safety and control.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 2021

Key task in computer vision and graphics gets a boost

A Kanazawa University researcher has developed a method to speed up non-rigid point set registration, a fundamental problem in computing with extensive applications in autonomous driving, medical imaging, and robotic manipulation. The proposed technique reduces computing time for large point sets, outperforming state-of-the-art approac...

SourceKanazawa University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence·DateMar 5, 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.

Study reveals how egg cells get so big

A new study in fruit flies reveals the process of oocyte growth relies on physical phenomena analogous to gas exchange between balloons. Nurse cells surrounding the larger oocyte dump their contents into it, using a counterintuitive mechanism where air flows from smaller to larger balloons.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2021

Chimpanzees without borders

A recent study found that chimpanzees have been reconnected for extended periods during the most recent maximal expansion of African forests, contrary to previous assumptions. The team's comprehensive sampling and use of rapidly-evolving genetic markers revealed genetic connectivity mirrors geographic distance and local factors.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMar 5, 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.

Rapid 3D printing method moves toward 3D-printed organs

A new rapid 3D printing method developed by University at Buffalo engineers has the potential to create life-sized human tissue and organs in just minutes, rather than hours. The technique uses hydrogels and stereolithography to print cells with embedded blood vessel networks, a key step towards producing functional 3D-printed organs.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateMar 5, 2021

Blind trust in social media cements conspiracy beliefs

A recent study from Washington State University reveals that people who blindly trust information on social media are more likely to believe conspiracy theories, even if they can identify misinformation. Researchers found that a strong trust in social media information lowers the ability to reject conspiracy beliefs, highlighting the n...

SourceWashington State University·JournalPublic Understanding of Science·DateMar 5, 2021

Molecular mechanisms identified in chronic skin inflammation

Researchers have identified p62 as a multifunctional protein that influences inflammatory changes in diseased epidermis. Inhibiting p62 leads to alleviation of chronic inflammation, suggesting it as a promising therapeutic target for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMar 5, 2021

Building networks not enough to expand rural broadband

Rural broadband cooperatives face high operation and maintenance costs, low population density, and prohibitively high service fees. Policymakers should consider eliminating property taxes on broadband infrastructure and payments to rent space on poles to make high-speed internet more affordable.

SourceCornell University·JournalTelecommunications Policy·DateMar 5, 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.

Species are our livelihoods

A new study found that biophysical and species-linked ecosystem services often occur simultaneously, especially on larger spatial scales. The researchers discovered that regions where species conservation and ecosystem services play a role coincide more frequently than previously assumed.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalEcosystem Services·DateMar 5, 2021

Cultural values and demographics impact COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers found COVID-19 cases and deaths significantly affected by local culture and demographics in global scale studies. The model identified population size, density, public transportation use, African American percentage, and Democrat election vote share as predictive factors for US counties.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalEconomics & Human Biology·DateMar 5, 2021

Life's rich pattern: Researchers use sound to shape the future of printing

Researchers have developed a new technique called sonolithography, which harnesses the power of sound to create precise patterns on surfaces from aerosol droplets or particles. This method has far-reaching implications for biomedicine, electronics, and other fields, offering improved speed, cost, and precision in non-contact patterning.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateMar 5, 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.

Christopher Tunnell wins NSF CAREER Award

Dr. Christopher Tunnell, a computational astroparticle physicist at Rice University, has been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award to further his research on dark matter and other phenomena. The award will support a combined physics and computer science effort to detect rare particles and understand the universe.

SourceRice University·DateMar 5, 2021

How does your brain process emotions? Answer could help address loneliness epidemic

A study found specific brain regions respond differently to emotional stimuli related to loneliness and wisdom. Lonelier individuals showed increased activity in the left superior parietal cortex when presented with angry faces, while wiser individuals displayed enhanced happy emotion-driven activity in the left insula.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateMar 5, 2021

CVIAhas just published a new issue, Volume 5 Issue 3

This issue of CVIA features important papers on COVID-19's impact on cardiology, including a meta-analysis of pacemaker complications and risk factors for pressure injuries during aortic surgery. Research also explores the relationship between cardiac injury and inflammatory biomarkers in severe COVID-19 patients.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateMar 5, 2021

New Corona test developed

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have developed a new colorimetric RT-LAMP assay called Cap-iLAMP, which extracts viral RNA from gargle lavage samples. The improved testing method outperforms previous methods, reducing false positives and increasing detection accuracy.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 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.

Tracking proteins in the heart of cells

Scientists at UNIGE have developed a fluorescent dye to track the movement of kinesin proteins within cells, revealing their path and direction. This breakthrough enables researchers to study the fundamental question of protein transport and cargo distribution in cells.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 2021

Leading migraine researcher supported by the NIH wins The Brain Prize 2021

Michael A. Moskowitz, a leading migraine researcher supported by the NIH, has won The Brain Prize 2021 for his groundbreaking contributions to understanding migraine triggers. By blocking the action of released neuropeptides, Moskowitz proposes a new approach to treating this debilitating condition.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·DateMar 5, 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.