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Science News Archive March 2021 - Page 5


Page 5 of 53

New tool assesses patients' home dialysis experience

Researchers developed a new tool to capture patients' opinions on home dialysis care, highlighting the importance of communication and care coordination. The Home Dialysis Care Experience instrument will be valuable for future research, clinical care, and quality improvement initiatives among home dialysis facilities.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·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.

Breaking records like baking bread

Researchers at KAUST have developed a novel method called thermal interdiffusion alloying (TIA) to create high-quality thin films of aluminum gallium oxide alloys. By controlling the annealing temperature and time, they achieved a record-high composition of up to 81% aluminum, resulting in a wide bandgap range.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·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.

New statistical method eases data reproducibility crisis

Researchers at Penn State developed a new statistical tool, MAMBA, to enhance replicability of large genomic datasets. The method estimates the probability that an experiment can be replicated with different individuals, mitigating the reproducibility crisis.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 30, 2021

Viewing the virus close up

The 'Compact Cell-Imaging Device' project aims to advance research into viral diseases by developing a miniaturized soft X-ray approach. This method allows for three-dimensional imaging of intact cells and can reveal changes induced by viral infections, making it an attractive tool for studying SARS-CoV-2.

SourceHeidelberg University·DateMar 30, 2021

The egg in the X-ray beam

A team of scientists has developed a new time-resolved method to analyze the structural changes in egg whites when heated. The study reveals how proteins unfold and cross-link to form a solid structure, with implications for food industry applications.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 30, 2021

Modern analysis of rock art

A machine learning study of rock art in Arnhem Land, Australia, has reconstructed the chronology of artistic styles using over 14 million images. The analysis revealed a link between style similarity and time, showing that styles closer in age were also more similar in appearance.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAustralian Archaeology·DateMar 30, 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.

Professor Qingwei Ma seeks to unlock the potential of marine wave energy

The WavE-Suite project aims to overcome challenges in survivability of wave energy converters using a novel numerical modelling suite. The project combines machine learning techniques for more accurate and efficient simulations, enabling engineers to design reliable and economically viable devices.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·DateMar 30, 2021

An organic material for the next generation of HVAC technologies

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed an organic material that uses less energy to dry air, enhancing the efficiency of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The polyimide-based dehumidifiers can bring down the cost of HVAC systems, which currently cost thousands of dollars.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·DateMar 30, 2021

Cone snails use sexual enticements to lure prey out of hiding

Researchers discovered that cone snails produce small chemicals mimicking worm pheromones to trigger sexual activity in marine worms. In laboratory experiments, these compounds sparked mating behavior in female and male fire worms, making it easier to lure them out of hiding.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 30, 2021

Chronic inflammatory liver disease: cell stress mechanisms identified

A recent study published in Hepatology has identified a molecular signature for ER stress in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis, which is associated with poorer prognosis and higher incidence of complications. The discovery opens up new treatment options by targeting ER stress with drugs already in clinical testing.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalHepatology·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.

Study: Insights from two reopened schools during the COVID-19 pandemic

Two reopened k-12 schools in the US demonstrated low in-school transmission rates with universal testing and mitigation measures, such as mask-wearing and ventilation. The study suggests that testing allows for early detection of potential outbreaks and can help prevent big school closures.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalJournal of School Health·DateMar 30, 2021

Researchers observe new isotope of fluorine

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have observed a new form of fluorine, the isotope 13F, which has four fewer neutrons than the naturally occurring stable isotope 19F. This discovery was made using a charge-exchange reaction mechanism, allowing scientists to create a previously inaccessible isotope with exotic properties.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 30, 2021

Columbia establishes treatment center, clinical trials network for Lyme disease

The Cohen Center will provide comprehensive, coordinated treatment for patients with Lyme and tick-borne diseases, offering affordable care with experienced physicians. The center will also integrate research and physician training into its clinical model, aiming to address the growing need for evidence-based treatments.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·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.

New early warning system for self-driving cars

A team of researchers at TUM developed a new early warning system for self-driving cars using artificial intelligence to learn from thousands of real traffic situations. The system can predict potentially critical situations with over 85% accuracy, up to seven seconds in advance.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·DateMar 30, 2021

New £1.49 million project to research nuclear decontamination robots

Scientists from Lancaster and Manchester Universities have received a £1.49 million grant to research the use of robots for nuclear decontamination. The ALACANDRA project aims to improve the interpretation of robot-derived information from complex, cluttered spaces contaminated with dispersed radioactivity.

SourceLancaster University·DateMar 30, 2021

Prime editing enables precise gene editing without collateral damage

Scientists report that prime editing successfully shuts down a gene involved in smooth muscle cell differentiation, correcting genetic problems and disease models. Prime editing is less complicated and more precise than traditional CRISPR, with fewer components and no collateral damage.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalGenome Biology·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.

Cardiorespiratory fitness improves grades at school

Researchers found an indirect link between cardiorespiratory fitness and higher marks in mathematics and French 2. Better executive functions, specifically cognitive flexibility, were also associated with improved academic performance. The study emphasizes the importance of physical education classes in schools.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateMar 30, 2021

Fasting acts as diet catalyst

A five-day fast followed by a healthy diet reduces inflammation and promotes beneficial gut bacteria, improving cardiovascular health. Long-term effects include lower body mass index, reduced blood pressure, and decreased antihypertensive medication use.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 30, 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.

Screams of 'joy' sound like 'fear' when heard out of context

A new study by psychologists at Emory University found that people can accurately discern most emotions tied to screams, but those of happiness are often misjudged as fear. Screams convey strong emotions, and researchers speculate that this may be an evolutionary carryover bias, where humans err on the side of caution.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPeerJ·DateMar 30, 2021

A second look at sunlight

A team of researchers re-examines the effectiveness of sunlight in deactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus, finding that results contradict previous theories and suggest an alternative mechanism involving UV-A light. This discovery could lead to new management strategies using widely available UV-A radiation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMar 30, 2021

New oil palm map to inform policy and landscape-level planning

A new map of oil palm extent in Southeast Asia provides critical information for policymakers and stakeholders, allowing for sustainable production and forest conservation. The map's high accuracy enables calculations of greenhouse gas emissions and removals, as well as verification of official statistics.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalScientific Data·DateMar 30, 2021

Synthetic mucus can mimic the real thing

Researchers at MIT have created synthetic mucins with a polymer backbone that mimic the structure and function of naturally occurring mucins, effectively neutralizing the bacterial toxin that causes cholera. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for infectious diseases and potentially less resistance to antibiotics.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Central Science·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.

Teachers can use popular media to address anti-Asian bias, KU research shows

A University of Kansas study demonstrates the effectiveness of critical race media literacy in discussing difficult topics, such as racism and sexism, with younger age groups. By using popular media like superhero movies, teachers can create a safe space for students to discuss complex issues.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalInternational Journal of Multicultural Education·DateMar 30, 2021

Using holographic endoscopes to observe distant objects

Researchers developed a holographic endoscope made of single-hair thin optical fibers to reconstruct images of macroscopic objects at larger imaging distances. The tool sheds light on biological processes occurring at the macromolecular and subcellular levels, allowing for better treatment of severe brain diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Photonics·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.

How coastal forests are managed can impact water cycle

Researchers from North Carolina State University found that younger trees take up and release less water than mature trees, suggesting managers should time timber harvests to mitigate runoff. The study suggests leaving older trees alongside new growth can help mitigate effects of forest harvesting on drainage.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAgricultural and Forest Meteorology·DateMar 29, 2021

Air pollution and physical exercise: when to do more or less

A nationwide study of nearly 1.5 million people found that increasing physical activity in low-to-moderate air pollution areas reduced cardiovascular disease risk by 27%, while decreasing activity increased the risk. In contrast, high air pollution levels saw an increased risk when physical activity exceeded recommended levels.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMar 29, 2021

Uprooting cancer: Hydrogel rapidly reverts cancer cells back to cancer stem cells

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a hydrogel that rapidly reprograms differentiated cancer cells into cancer stem cells within 24 hours. The study has significant implications for developing targeted anti-cancer therapies and personalized medicines by targeting cancer stem cells, which are resistant to current treatments.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 29, 2021

Arash Ajoudani awarded the IEEE Ras Early Career Award 2021

Arash Ajoudani has made a significant impact on the field of human-robot collaboration and telerobotics with his research. He has contributed to several successful European projects, including ERGO-Lean and SOPHIA, which aim to develop collaborative robotics systems capable of anticipating human behavior.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·DateMar 29, 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.

Probing wet fire smoke in clouds: Can water intensify the Earth's warming?

Researchers have developed a novel instrument to measure the effects of water on wildfire smoke absorption, which could enhance light absorption by up to 20%. The findings were tested in laboratory experiments and will be deployed next year as part of a DOE campaign to better understand fire impacts.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalAerosol Science and Technology·DateMar 29, 2021

Direct oral anticoagulants show better safety and effectiveness versus warfarin in patients with val

A study of over 56,000 patients found that new users of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) had lower risks for ischemic stroke or systemic embolism and major bleeding events compared to warfarin. DOACs were associated with greater effectiveness and fewer major bleeding events in adults with valvular atrial fibrillation.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 29, 2021

Inflammation-fighting protein could improve treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers at Washington State University have discovered that GBP5 protein suppresses inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis by reducing the effects of interleukin-1 beta and supporting interferon gamma's anti-inflammatory function. This finding could lead to new treatments for the disease, affecting an estimated 1.5 million Americans.

SourceWashington State University·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateMar 29, 2021

Researchers discover how animals grow their pointy body parts

An interdisciplinary team at Monash University discovered a new universal rule of biological growth that explains surprising similarities in the shapes of sharp structures across the tree of life. The 'power cascade' rule applies to various animals, including teeth, horns, claws, and even plant thorns, following a power law pattern.

SourceMonash University·JournalBMC Biology·DateMar 29, 2021

Diabetes drug may be a new weapon against HIV

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discover that widely used diabetes drug metformin suppresses HIV replication in immune cells by inhibiting a key process in their production of chemical energy. This finding suggests that metformin and other drugs reducing T cell metabolism might be useful as adjunct therapies for treating HIV.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 29, 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.

Jordan's worsening water crisis a warning for the world

A new study predicts that Jordan's water crisis will worsen unless measures are taken to increase supply, slash demand, and reform distribution. The country's unique role as a bastion of peace in the region makes these findings particularly concerning.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 29, 2021

High risk of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing treatment for infected total knee replacement

A study found that nearly 20% of patients with antibiotic-loaded spacers and IV antibiotics developed acute kidney injury, with those with preexisting chronic kidney disease at highest risk. The study identified several risk factors for AKI, including high doses of antibiotics and certain heart rhythm disorders.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMar 29, 2021

Deciphering the secrets of printed electronics

The technology allows for the creation of non-rigid, component-free, flexible, bendable, and easily integrable devices. Researchers from Aarhus University have published a comprehensive review of printed electronics techniques, material inks, and applications.

SourceAarhus University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 29, 2021

Forests on caffeine: Coffee waste can boost forest recovery

A new study found that coffee pulp can speed up tropical forest recovery on degraded land in Costa Rica. After two years, the area treated with coffee pulp had 80% canopy cover and four times taller trees than the control plot.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalEcological Solutions and Evidence·DateMar 29, 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.

A visit to 'Dr. Google' makes patients better at diagnosis

A study of 5,000 participants found that patients made modest improvements in diagnostic accuracy and experienced no change in anxiety after using the Internet to research symptoms. Participants showed improved ability to triage conditions without a change in anxiety levels.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 29, 2021

Noninfluenza viruses have rates of illness, death similar to flu

A study of 2119 adults with confirmed viral acute respiratory infections found that noninfluenza viruses (NIRV) caused illness rates and death similar to influenza. Patients with NIRV infections were generally younger but had underlying conditions, such as compromised immune systems.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 29, 2021

Stellar eggs near galactic center hatching into baby stars

Astronomers discovered over 800 dense gas and dust cores near the Galactic Center, which may be 'stellar eggs' hatching into baby stars despite harsh conditions. The findings suggest that star formation is more resilient than thought, with ALMA observations detecting small outflows indicative of star birth.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateMar 29, 2021

Common medications contain animal byproducts, study finds

New research highlights the prevalence of animal-derived medications in common treatments, including blood thinners and hormones. Patients who object to using products from animals should be informed about their medication options.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalJournal of Osteopathic Medicine·DateMar 29, 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.

Cells rely on their crampons to avoid slipping

Scientists from UNIGE discovered that paxillin helps cells perceive their environment and dock at the right place using cellular crampons. Without functional paxillin, cells can't attach properly and slip continuously.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMar 29, 2021

Younger age of first drug use associated with faster development of substance use disorder

A study by NIH/NIDA found that adolescents who started using cannabis or misusing prescription drugs earlier are more likely to develop substance use disorders. The prevalence of substance use disorders was higher among adolescents than young adults at various time frames since first drug use, highlighting the vulnerability of young pe...

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 29, 2021