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Science News Archive March 2021 - Page 53


Page 53 of 53

NAU astronomer receives prestigious 2021 Cottrell Scholar Award

Tyler Robinson, a Northern Arizona University astronomer, has been recognized as a 2021 Cottrell Scholar for his outstanding academic leadership and research quality. He will receive a three-year $100,000 grant to advance his teaching and research, focusing on exoplanet atmospheres and undergraduate education.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·DateMar 1, 2021

On calm days, sunlight warms the ocean surface and drives turbulence

On calm days, sunlight warms the ocean surface in tropical oceans, driving atmospheric turbulence and affecting weather patterns. Researchers from Oregon State University used Doppler lidar technology to collect unprecedented measurements of turbulence over the ocean, revealing that such events occur during about 5% of days.

SourceOregon State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 1, 2021

Deciphering the genetics behind eating disorders

A recent study analyzing over 20,000 genomes found similarities and differences in genetic patterns among anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. The research team discovered that while these eating disorders share genetic risk with psychiatric disorders, they differ in their association with body weight regulation.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·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.

Birthweight strongly linked to type 2 diabetes risk in adulthood

Research found a strong association between birthweight of 2.5kg or more and lower IGF-1 levels, which are linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in adulthood. The study involved 112,736 women and 68,354 men from the UK Biobank study.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care·DateMar 1, 2021

Velcro-like cellular proteins key to tissue strength

Specialized proteins called cadherins join forces to make cells stick together, forming bonds 30 times stronger than individual strengths. This discovery could lead to more life-like artificial tissues and tumor-busting drugs.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2021

The missing trillions

A new study estimates that the externalities of coal, oil, and gas are worth trillions of dollars, with coal accounting for nearly 60% of energy externalities. The research highlights the market failure of the world's energy systems, suggesting that factoring in these costs could make fossil fuelled power stations economically unviable.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·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.

Top diversity and equity leaders in psychiatry offer guidelines for academic medicine

DEI leaders in academic medicine face growing expectations without sufficient resources. A new article offers guidelines for departments to support their efforts, including elevating the title, clear job responsibilities, and financial compensation. The authors aim to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 1, 2021

Increase in medicaid managed care for youth linked to slightly more preventive care

Youth Medicaid enrollment in managed care increased from 65% in 2000 to 94% in 2017, but preventive care coverage fell short of the 80% goal. The study found significant increases in preventive care services in 17 states and decreases in six states, with Tennessee seeing the largest increase and North Carolina the largest decrease.

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

Stressed-out young oysters may grow less meat on their shells

A study found that early exposure to heat and low oxygen can leave lasting scars on oysters' ability to grow tissue. Oysters invested more in growing their shells than tissue when exposed to the double punch of low oxygen and warmer waters. This could pose a problem for anyone involved in the seafood industry.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalEcological Applications·DateMar 1, 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.

Watch: Recycled cotton becomes new fabric

Researchers at Lund University develop a method to convert cotton into sugar, which can be turned into spandex, nylon, or ethanol. The process involves soaking fabrics in sulphuric acid, producing a clear, dark amber-coloured sugar solution with potential uses in various industries.

SourceLund University·JournalWaste Management·DateMar 1, 2021

Could our immune system be why COVID-19 is so deadly?

Researchers analyzed COVID-19 data to understand the immune system's response and found SARS-CoV-2 uniquely triggers a more severe cytokine storm in certain patients. The study aims to identify better treatments and diagnoses for this deadly condition.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateMar 1, 2021

Rarest seal breeding site discovered

Scientists have discovered a new breeding site for the world's rarest seal species, the Mediterranean monk seal, in northern Cyprus. At least three pups were born at one cave between 2016-19, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·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.

Global warming poses threat to food chains

A new study reveals that global warming can reduce energy transfer in plankton food webs by up to 56%, threatening the survival of larger animals. Warmer temperatures cause metabolic rates to accelerate faster than growth rates, leading to less efficient energy flow and reduced biomass.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature·DateMar 1, 2021

Excessive social media use linked to binge eating in US preteens

A new national study found that excessive social media use is associated with a higher risk of binge-eating disorder in US preteens. Children who spend more time on social media are more likely to develop the disorder, with each additional hour linked to a 62% increased risk.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateMar 1, 2021

High school students tend to get more motivated over time

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that increasing students' sense of belonging in school is a key way to boost academic motivation. Over two years, the study followed more than 1,600 students and found that most shifted towards more adaptive profiles with better motivational characteristics.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateMar 1, 2021

Mutant gene-targeted immunotherapy approach developed

Researchers develop targeted immunotherapy approach that specifically kills cancer cells by targeting mutant protein fragments presented on the cell surface. The therapy uses bispecific antibodies to recognize and destroy cancer cells, bypassing conventional antibody limitations.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Immunology·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.

Identified: A mechanism that protects plant fertility from stress

Researchers at the University of Warwick have identified two argonaute-like proteins that protect plant fertility from stress, enabling plants to maintain male fertility and survival. This discovery is crucial for safeguarding future crop production under unpredictable climatic conditions.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 1, 2021

Researchers aim to advance NY winter-storm emergency response

Researchers at Cornell University are developing a hyperlocal weather forecasting system to improve winter-storm emergency response in rural New York communities. The system, led by professor Max Zhang, will integrate computer vision, numerical weather forecasting, and Internet of Things-based sensing packages.

SourceCornell University·DateMar 1, 2021

Rapid antigen testing for COVID-19: piecing the puzzle together

A new study found that the Binax NOW rapid antigen test is comparable to PCR testing in adults with symptoms of seven days or less. However, the test detected lower rates of COVID-19 cases in symptomatic children, highlighting the need for careful interpretation and potential use of PCR confirmatory tests.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·DateMar 1, 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.

New treatment unlocks potential for baking raspberries

Washington State University scientists have developed a method to treat raspberries before freezing, allowing them to maintain their structure when thawed. The treatment involves infusing berries with pectin and calcium, partially drying them, and coating them with an edible layer, resulting in reduced syneresis and improved texture.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFood and Bioprocess Technology·DateMar 1, 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.

Can cannabis use lead to rebound headaches for people with migraine?

Research suggests that using cannabis for migraine relief may lead to medication overuse headache in patients with chronic migraine. The study found that individuals using cannabis had a significantly higher risk of developing medication overuse headache compared to those who did not use cannabis.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateMar 1, 2021

Cell culture engineering webinars

The Cell Culture Engineering XVII Conference has been postponed due to COVID-19, prompting two webinars to be held instead. The first webinar focuses on vaccines, highlighting their safety, efficacy, and global distribution. The second webinar explores therapeutic approaches using antibodies and biologics to neutralize the virus.

SourceEngineering Conferences International·DateMar 1, 2021

New skills of Graphene: Tunable lattice vibrations

Researchers at HZB have developed a method to control lattice vibrations in graphene, enabling the creation of phononic crystals with tunable properties. This breakthrough paves the way for applications in ultrasensitive sensors and quantum technologies.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 1, 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.

Bottling the world's coldest plasma

Rice University physicists have discovered a way to trap the world's coldest plasma in a magnetic bottle, advancing research into clean energy, space weather, and astrophysics. The ultracold plasma has applications for studying solar wind interactions, fusion power, and understanding plasma behavior in complex locations.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 1, 2021

Neanderthal and early modern human culture co-existed alongside older traditions for 100,000 years

Research reveals the Acheulean stone tool tradition persisted for tens of thousands of years longer than thought, overlapping with Neanderthal and early modern human cultures. The study used statistical techniques to reconstruct the end of the Acheulean period, shedding new light on the transition between technologies.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateMar 1, 2021

Goodbye UTIs: Duke scientists develop vaccine strategy for urinary tract infections

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new vaccination strategy to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). In tests in mice, the vaccine administered directly to the bladder effectively cleared bacteria. The study suggests that reprogramming the body's immune response could be key to fighting off UTIs.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2021

Reinforced by policies, charters segregate schools

Research from Cornell University finds that charter schools have contributed to increased school segregation and a decline in residential segregation. The study analyzed over 1,500 metropolitan school districts and found a link between charter school enrollment and racial sorting among families.

SourceCornell University·JournalDemography·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.

Behavior of wild capuchin monkeys can be identified by marks left on their tools

A team of researchers characterized the tools used by bearded capuchin monkeys in Brazil's Serra da Capivara National Park. The study found that different activities created unique use-wear marks on the tools, allowing for identification of their purpose and usage.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateMar 1, 2021

A new theory for how memories are stored in the brain

A new theory, MeshCODE, proposes that memories are written in the shape of molecules in synaptic scaffolds, forming a complex binary code. This discovery may lead to a new understanding of brain function and treating brain diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Neuroscience·DateMar 1, 2021

UBCO economist says private security systems bar others from protection

New research by Dr. Ross Hickey suggests that private security systems are diverting police resources from those who need them most, exacerbating existing inequities in public protection. This can include households with lower incomes or those living on the street, which may not be receiving the same level of policing services.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Public Economic Theory·DateMar 1, 2021

Plant clock could be the key to producing more food for the world

Researchers have discovered how plants use their metabolism to sense time and conserve energy, shedding light on the 'plant clock'. This understanding could help optimize crop growth in various conditions, such as different seasons and latitudes. The study's findings may lead to more reliable food production and improved yields.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·DateMar 1, 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.