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Science News Archive March 2021 - Page 48


Page 48 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.

Nature: new compound for male contraceptive pill

Researchers at The Lundquist Institute have discovered a new compound called triptonide, which exhibits ideal male contraceptive effects in pre-clinical studies. Triptonide can be purified from a Chinese herb or produced through chemical synthesis and induces altered sperm with minimal motility, leading to male infertility in 3-4 weeks.

SourceThe Lundquist Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 3, 2021

Will this solve the mystery of the expansion of the universe?

Researchers propose a new type of dark energy that could explain conflicting measurements of the universe's expansion rate. The theory suggests that dark energy underwent a phase transition triggered by the universe's expansion, resulting in a more consistent explanation for observed phenomena.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalPhysical Review D·DateMar 3, 2021

Lessons from Wuhan: What managers and employees need to know

A study by the University of Illinois Chicago reveals that employee engagement and performance are highest when employees are mentally prepared to return to work and their managers prioritize health and safety. Managers must set a good example, communicate effectively, and enforce safety protocols to promote workplace well-being.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateMar 3, 2021

How to track the variants of the pandemic faster

Scientists highlight the need for sustainable collaboration frameworks and harmonization of health data practices to tackle the pandemic. Improved sequencing could enable better tracking of transmission and mutations, leading to more accurate estimates of R-number and improved understanding of mutational impacts.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature·DateMar 3, 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.

Tracking data reveals shared political responsibility for the conservation of albatrosses and petrel

Researchers analyzed tracking data of 5,775 birds across 39 species to estimate global political responsibility for their protection. The study found that many countries lack agreements with each other's breeding grounds, highlighting the need for international agreements to conserve these threatened seabirds.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 3, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Color blindness-correcting contact lenses

Researchers developed infusing contact lenses with gold nanoparticles to create a safer way to see colors for people with color blindness. The gold nanocomposite lenses improved red-green color perception in clinical trials without leaching dye, offering a potential solution for those struggling with the condition.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 3, 2021

Researchers realize the ice inhibition for cryopreservation

Researchers have developed a new method to prevent ice crystal formation during cryopreservation, enabling cells and organs to survive and even proliferate after thawing. The technique uses nanocomposites to regulate ice nucleation and reduce damage caused by crystallization.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMar 3, 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.

Study reveals details of immune defense guidance system

Researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered that sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) levels in lymph nodes increase as the immune response mounts, leading to inflammation and damage. This finding could lead to better drugs used to fight inflammation, such as medications already approved for inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateMar 3, 2021

Fluorescent nanodiamonds successfully injected into living cells

Researchers at Lund University have successfully injected large numbers of nanodiamonds into living cells, providing a novel means to monitor cellular activity over time. This technique has potential applications in separating healthy cells from diseased ones and targeting disease-causing proteins.

SourceLund University·JournalSmall·DateMar 3, 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.

Incentives can reduce alcohol use among American Indian and Alaska Native people

A low-cost intervention using small prizes and incentives successfully reduced alcohol use among American Indian and Alaska Native adults diagnosed with alcohol dependence. Participants who received contingency management interventions were 70% more likely to abstain from alcohol than control participants.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMar 3, 2021

Tiny computers reveal how wild bats hunt so efficiently

Wild greater mouse-eared bats use extremely weak prey echoes that are like whispers to humans, allowing them to focus on their next meal. The bats control the strength of their returning echoes by calling louder or weaker, using this strategy to simplify their information and process.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 3, 2021

Tackling tumors with two types of virus

A Swiss research group has developed a novel cancer vaccine strategy utilizing two different viruses to stimulate the immune system against tumor cells. In animal experiments, this approach led to the elimination or slowing down of tumors in 20-40% of cases.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateMar 3, 2021

Influenza vaccine produces protective antibodies against diverse flu strains in animals

A nanoparticle-based vaccine has been shown to produce protective antibodies against multiple H1 and H3 influenza A viruses in nonhuman primates. The vaccine's broad immunity suggests it may provide long-term protection, offering a promising solution to the challenge of creating a universal flu vaccine.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 3, 2021

The social and economic cost of eating disorders in the United States

The study found that eating disorders in the US resulted in a total economic cost of $64.7 billion and a substantial reduction in wellbeing worth $326.5 billion. The authors aim to scale up effective prevention, early detection, and treatment interventions for eating disorders.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateMar 3, 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.

Study: Bahamas were settled earlier than believed

Researchers at Texas A&M University discovered evidence of human settlement in the Bahamas around 1200-1300 A.D. using charcoal deposits from human fires thousands of years ago. The new settlers dramatically changed the landscape, leading to increased deforestation and loss of native species.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2021

Opioid overdose reduced in patients taking buprenorphine

Patients taking buprenorphine for opioid use disorder who also take benzodiazepines experience a 40% lower risk of overdose, according to research published in The American Journal of Psychiatry. This finding suggests that buprenorphine can protect patients from overdose even when taking benzodiazepines.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 3, 2021

Molybdenum disulfide ushers in era of post-silicon photonics

Researchers discovered giant optical anisotropy in molybdenum disulfide crystals, enabling compact photonic devices and waveguides. The material's birefringence value is several times greater than previous record-breakers.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 3, 2021

Researchers discover SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors

A research team has discovered two families of active substances that can block the replication of SARS-CoV-2 by targeting its main protease enzyme. The drug candidates show promise for therapeutic development, but extensive clinical trials are still required.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 3, 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.

UBC study finds high life satisfaction linked to better overall health

A UBC study found that higher life satisfaction is associated with 21 positive health outcomes, including a 26% reduced risk of mortality. The research suggests that policymakers should consider improving life satisfaction as a target for enhancing physical and mental well-being.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMilbank Quarterly·DateMar 3, 2021

Conquering the timing jitters

A team of scientists from Argonne National Laboratory developed a method to dramatically improve ultrafast time resolution achievable with X-ray free-electron lasers. This breakthrough enables new insights into the behavior of materials and chemical processes, allowing for more efficient designs and discoveries.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 3, 2021

New, highly precise 'clock' can measure biological age

Researchers developed an 'aging clock' that directly measures biological age from gene expression in Caenorhabditis elegans. The new BiT age clock uses a mathematical trick to minimize gene activity variation, allowing accurate predictions of biological age and its effects.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalAging Cell·DateMar 3, 2021

Bioinspired materials from dandelions

Researchers at the University of Trento have discovered that dandelion clocks can trap air when submerged in water, leading to the development of new materials that could be used in underwater operations. The discovery was made by students and professors who were inspired by a observation made by a high school student.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalMaterials Today Bio·DateMar 3, 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.

Sewage-handling robots help predict COVID-19 outbreaks in San Diego

Researchers at UC San Diego used sewage-handling robots to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and predicted COVID-19 cases with excellent accuracy. The system extracts RNA from sewage samples, runs PCR to search for virus signature genes, and can process 24 samples every 40 minutes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateMar 3, 2021

Researchers reveal process behind harmful glial cell change in motor neurone disease

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have identified the key cellular change that leads to harmful astrocytes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The discovery could lead to new therapies to slow disease progression and is also relevant to other neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Understanding this c...

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMar 3, 2021

Report: The Impact of the COIVD-19 pandemic on CUNY students

A recent survey found that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health and financial stability of approximately 274,000 City University of New York (CUNY) students. Over half reported experiencing depression and/or anxiety, with food insecurity and housing worries being strong predictors of anxiety/depression.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateMar 3, 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.

Depression and anxiety among first-year college students worsen during pandemic

First-year college students are experiencing higher rates of depression and anxiety due to social isolation and remote learning. The study found that Black students were disproportionately affected by depression, while Hispanic and first-generation students showed improvements in feelings of social isolation.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 3, 2021

Study examines motives for dropping out of higher education

A new study analyzed reasons for university dropout, finding lack of interest in field of study and academic performance issues as key motivators. The research suggests implementing early warning systems and personalized counseling services to support students at risk.

SourceWiley·JournalEuropean Journal of Education·DateMar 3, 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.

Custom diets are essential to mental health, new research shows

New research reveals that diet plays a major role in improving mental health, with different age groups and genders requiring unique dietary approaches. The study found that young adults need more energy and nutrients due to brain development, while men and women have distinct nutritional needs influenced by biological sex.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalNutrients·DateMar 3, 2021

Research news tip sheet: Story ideas from Johns Hopkins Medicine

A study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that proteins in urine can be used as biomarkers to predict the likelihood of progression to chronic kidney disease and death after acute kidney injury. The three protein biomarkers, MCP-1, UMOD, and YKL-40, showed promise in predicting patient outcomes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 3, 2021

Study offers an explanation for why the APOE4 gene enhances Alzheimer's risk

A study from MIT reveals the APOE4 gene variant causes widespread disruptions in brain cells' ability to metabolize lipids and respond to stress. Supplementing with choline may reverse these effects, offering a potential new approach to treating Alzheimer's disease.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 3, 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.

How math can help us understand the human body

Researchers at Ohio State University used graph theory to model homeostasis in the human body, predicting changes in dopamine levels and identifying properties of graphs that can help prevent system breakdowns. This approach could lead to targeted medical care for people who need it.

SourceOhio State University·DateMar 3, 2021

Vaping marijuana associated with more symptoms of lung damage than vaping or smoking nicotine

A new University of Michigan study suggests that adolescents who vape cannabis are at greater risk for respiratory symptoms indicative of lung injury than those who smoke cigarettes or vape nicotine. The study found that vaping marijuana was associated with a stronger relationship between respiratory symptoms and asthma diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMar 3, 2021

New search engine for single cell atlases

A new software tool called scfind allows researchers to quickly query datasets generated from single-cell sequencing, identifying which cell types any combination of genes are active in. This enables swift analysis of multiple datasets containing millions of cells by a wide range of users.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 3, 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.

Swiss statistical systems enhanced by big data

Researchers at EPFL's HERUS lab used anonymized data from La Mobilière to develop a spatial regression model predicting 12 socio-economic indicators in six categories. The study aimed to show the potential of insurers' datasets beyond marketing purposes, guiding policymakers and government statistical offices.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 3, 2021

Heart failure-related death rates higher in rural versus urban US counties

Nationwide analysis reveals adults in rural counties experience higher heart failure-related death rates compared to urban counterparts, with greater increases for younger adults. Socioeconomic factors and clinical risk factors contribute to the urban-rural divide, prompting a need for targeted health and economic policy efforts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 3, 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.

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.

Energy switching decisions could widen social inequalities

Research found that new energy contracts designed for a low-carbon future can benefit all types of customers, but only younger, higher-income individuals with higher education are likely to adopt them. This could widen the gap between those who benefit from the market and those who lose out.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 2, 2021