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Science News Archive March 2021 - Page 52


Page 52 of 53

New algorithm identifies 'escaping' cells in single-cell CRISPR screens

A new computational tool called mixscape has been developed to help understand the function and regulation of human genes. Mixscape identified a molecular mechanism for regulating immune checkpoint proteins that govern the immune system's ability to identify and destroy cancer cells.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 1, 2021

Balanced T cell response key to avoiding COVID-19 symptoms, study suggests

A new study suggests that individuals who remain asymptomatic after SARS-CoV-2 infection have a highly efficient and balanced anti-viral cellular response. This response produces a careful balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules, protecting the host without causing symptoms.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 1, 2021

Future of immunotherapy could be 'off-the-shelf' treatments

Researchers develop bispecific T-cell engaging antibodies that target cancer cells and stimulate the immune system without removing T-cells. This approach could make personalized treatments more broadly accessible and potentially transform cancer into a chronic disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalScience·DateMar 1, 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.

Science takes guesswork out of cheese production and reduces waste

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a method to predict and control the ripening process of cheese, allowing for earlier detection of quality issues. This new approach uses biomarkers and multi-omics analysis to compare cheese samples, enabling more accurate grading and reducing waste.

SourceRMIT University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateMar 1, 2021

New cancer scan could guide brain surgery

A new type of ultrasound scan, shear wave elastography, has been shown to detect residual cancerous tissue in the brain more sensitively than traditional methods. The technique, which measures tissue stiffness and stretchiness, could improve surgical outcomes and reduce the risk of tumor recurrence.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalFrontiers in Oncology·DateMar 1, 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.

Searching for novel targets for new antibiotics

Scientists at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have identified a promising target for new antibacterial agents in the formation of ribosomal components. The study, published in Molecular Cell, reveals that a helper protein called ObgE plays a key role in guiding the process, which could be inhibited to stop bacterial growth.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 1, 2021

UNESCO listing for AusStage

AusStage, a digital humanities platform preserving Australian live performance history, has been awarded a UNESCO Memory of the World accolade. The recognition highlights the importance of preserving artistic activity and its impact on understanding Australia's cultural heritage.

SourceFlinders University·DateMar 1, 2021

Researchers watch anti-cancer drug release from DNA nanostructures in real time

A team of researchers from Aalto University and other institutions have developed a method to monitor the digestion of DNA nanostructures by endonucleases in real time. This study provides insights into tunable drug delivery and new design paradigms for DNA-based drug-carriers, with potential applications in cancer treatment.

SourceAalto University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMar 1, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

COVID-19 lockdown highlights ozone chemistry in China

A COVID-19 lockdown in Northern China led to a significant decrease in nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions but an increase in ground-level ozone pollution. Researchers found that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were driving the increased ozone production, as NOx levels scavenged radicals and prevented ozone formation during summer months.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2021

Alcohol and tobacco sales climb during early months of COVID-19 pandemic

A new study by Keck Medicine of USC found that alcohol and tobacco sales nationwide rose significantly during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales increases were highest among younger adults, ethnic minorities, those with younger children and/or large families, and those with higher incomes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 1, 2021

Swapping alpha cells for beta cells to treat diabetes

Scientists use monoclonal antibodies against the glucagon receptor to convert alpha cells into beta cells, significantly increasing the number of cells in the pancreas. This could potentially treat both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes by restoring natural insulin production.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2021

Africans have authored just 3% of COVID-19 research

Despite Africa being home to 17% of the world's population, African authors account for only 3% of COVID-19 research papers. Analysis of top medical journals reveals a significant underrepresentation of African authors and perspectives in global health literature.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Global Health·DateMar 1, 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.

Researchers find frustration is an additional factor of addiction

A new study published in Psychopharmacology found that frustration is a significant contributor to addiction. Researchers at UTMB used a rat model to demonstrate how frustration can lead to increased drug intake and escalation of opioid use disorder.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateMar 1, 2021

Agri-environment schemes and farmland biodiversity

Researchers found that agri-environmental schemes can help maintain species richness across flowering fields and seminatural grasslands in Germany. The study suggests a combined network of both is necessary to maximize biodiversity conservation efforts.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 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.

The jaws of life - how hypoxia exposure affects jaw cartilage growth

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that intermittent hypoxia inhibits mandibular cartilage growth in newborn rats. The study also showed decreased expression levels of genes TGF-β and SOX9 in jaw cartilage, while collagen X displayed increased expression.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 1, 2021

Scientists describe 'hidden biodiversity crisis' as variation within species is lost

A new study highlights the importance of preserving intraspecific variation within species, which supports essential ecological functions and benefits nature provides for people. The loss of this variation can have serious ecological consequences, including boom-bust population cycles and reduced medicinal properties in plants.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 1, 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.

Protein kinases significantly contribute to the immunodeficiency in HIV patients

Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered that HIV's Nef protein activates protein kinases, leading to chronic immune activation and disease progression. The study suggests repurposing kinase inhibitors as a new treatment option for patients whose immunodeficiency is not reversed by current therapies.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMar 1, 2021

Natural product isolated from sea sponge tested against cancer cells

Scientists at Far Eastern Federal University have developed a compound that kills prostate cancer cells while also activating an enzyme protecting them. The compound, 3,10-dibromofascaplysin, works well in combination with approved anticancer drugs and is being studied for its potential to reduce side effects.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalMarine Drugs·DateMar 1, 2021

Wrasses dazzle: how fairy wrasses got their flamboyant colours

A new study reveals that fairy wrasses' diverged in form and colour after repeated sea level rises and falls during the last ice age, driven by an 'evolutionary arms race' to court females and chase off rival males. The research used a novel genome-wide dataset to reconstruct the fish's evolutionary history.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalSystematic Biology·DateMar 1, 2021

School-based dental program reduces cavities by more than 50%

A school-based cavity prevention program reduced untreated cavities by more than 50% among 6,927 elementary school students. The program, which provided twice-yearly dental exams and treatments, showed promise in reducing health disparities and saving federal dollars.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateMar 1, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Growth mindset and educational mobility

A study found that growth mindsets are positively correlated with math, science, and reading performance globally. However, the effect is weaker in countries with low educational mobility, where environmental factors hinder individual growth.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2021

New research highlights health risks to babies on the front line of climate change

New research highlights how extreme rainfall associated with climate change harms babies' development, leading to smaller birth-weight and premature birth. The study found that even non-extreme intense rainfall resulted in lower birth-weight, with children from disadvantaged households facing the most severe effects.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 1, 2021

Socioeconomic status plays a major role in cognitive outcomes

A study at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that socioeconomic status is significantly linked to IQ, academics, and self-care skills in children with brain tumors treated with radiation. The gap between these groups widens over time.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNeuro-Oncology·DateMar 1, 2021

New study identifies mountain snowpack most "at-risk" from climate change

A new study by Scripps scientists reveals that mountain snowpack is vulnerable to premature melt due to rising temperatures, with coastal regions and the Arctic being the most at-risk. The research identifies regional variations in snowpack melt and provides a theory explaining why some regions are more susceptible than others.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 1, 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.

How a plant regulates its growth

Researchers studied how the herbicide naptalam affects plant growth by inhibiting auxin transport proteins. Naptalam disrupts polarity in plants by blocking the directional flow of auxin, leading to inhibited root growth and altered flower and seed formation.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateMar 1, 2021

Medical school curriculum takes aim at social determinants of health

A new health equity curriculum at Wake Forest School of Medicine improved students' knowledge and confidence in addressing social determinants of health. The program, implemented in 2018, included simulations, online modules, and community-based partnerships.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 1, 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.

March SLAS Discovery explores COVID-19 drug therapies six months later

The article highlights available treatment alternatives for mild and serious COVID-19 cases, as well as vaccine options that can confer immunity to vaccinated individuals. Researchers conclude a combinatorial therapy should be designed with both immunizations and small compounds.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateMar 1, 2021

Princeton lab profiles histone mutational landscape of human cancers

The study reveals that mutations in histones can disrupt nucleosome remodeling, contributing to the development or progression of various human cancers. Researchers identified key sites and mutations affecting chromatin structure and stability, which may play a role in cancer progression.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 1, 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.

Potential target for treating many cancers found within GLI1 gene

Scientists have identified a region within the GLI1 gene responsible for regulating its expression, providing a potential target for cancer treatment. Removing this region eliminates GLI1 activity, halting excessive cell division characteristic of cancer.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalStem Cells·DateMar 1, 2021

Boston College physicist Brian Zhou receives NSF CAREER Award

Brian Zhou, Assistant Professor of Physics at Boston College, has received a $567,000 NSF CAREER Award to study the imaging of photocurrents in quantum materials. He will use this funding to develop nanoscale quantum sensors for spatially imaging flow and characterize ultrathin magnetic materials.

SourceBoston College·DateMar 1, 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.

Individualized brain cell grafts reverse Parkinson's symptoms in monkeys

Grafting neurons from monkeys' own cells into their brains relieved debilitating movement and depression symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. The autologous transplants showed significant improvements within six months, with dopamine levels doubling and tripled within a year.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 1, 2021

High-performance electrocatalysts to propel development of direct ethanol fuel cells

Direct ethanol fuel cells have high energy density, low toxicity, and easy operation, but lack robust electrocatalysts for anodic ethanol oxidation. The study proposes alloying effects with core-shell construction to optimize Pd shell surfaces, achieving highest mass activity and specific activity for catalyzing ethanol electro-oxidation

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateMar 1, 2021

Repurposed arthritis drug did not significantly improve severe COVID-19 pneumonia

Researchers found that tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody treatment, improved length of stay by eight days and reduced mechanical ventilator use, but had no significant impact on clinical status or mortality rate in severe COVID-19 pneumonia patients. Further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 1, 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.

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.

Most dollars spent on top-selling orphan drugs don't go to treat people with rare diseases

A new study by University of Michigan and Boston University researchers found that only 21% of dollars spent on 15 top-selling partial orphan drugs went to treating rare diseases, while 70% went to common diseases. This raises questions about whether the benefits of orphan drug status are always warranted for these drugs.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 1, 2021

What's happening to the most remote coral reefs on Earth?

The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation's Global Reef Expedition found the Chagos Archipelago to be home to some of the most diverse coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. Despite being relatively undisturbed, human impacts were evident, and mass bleaching caused widespread coral mortality.

SourceKhaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation·DateMar 1, 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.

Covid-19: How to do lockdown? Russian scientists may have an answer

Researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University modified the SIR model to include individuals in isolation or quarantine. Their results show that total isolation early on can significantly reduce the spread of disease and bring an earlier end to the pandemic. The modified SEIR model has been tested on data from St...

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalInternational Journal of Technology·DateMar 1, 2021