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Science News for May 28, 2021


Natural gas pipeline density higher overall in more vulnerable US counties

A study by North Carolina State University researchers found that US counties with more socially vulnerable populations have a higher density of natural gas pipelines, putting them at risk for water and air pollution, public health and safety issues. The analysis used a social vulnerability index to assess 3,142 US counties and found a...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalGeoHealth·DateMay 28, 2021

Lessening the cost of strategies to reach the Paris Agreement

Researchers analyzed conversion factors of methane into CO2 equivalent, finding a dynamic approach to reduce economic cost while maintaining stability. The study suggests adapting conversion factors to future pathways to implement cheapest options, potentially avoiding additional mitigation costs up to 5% in high overshoot scenarios.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 28, 2021

Mechanically imprinting atoms in ceramic

The researchers have successfully mechanically imprinted atoms in ceramic, achieving improved electroceramic properties. This method allows for the creation of well-ordered fields of newly occupied atomic rows, which control local polarisation and load dislocation in the material.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalScience·DateMay 28, 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.

Peptide nanoparticles marked for in vitro visualization

Researchers at Kazan Federal University and Chinese Academy Sciences have developed peptide nanoparticles that can be visualized in living cells using hyperspectral microscopy. These nanoparticles have the ability to scatter light efficiently, allowing for non-fluorescent labeling of cells.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateMay 28, 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.

New drug combo found effective against high-risk leukaemia

Australian scientists have discovered a new and effective way to treat high-risk blood cancer in children. A combination of ruxolitinib with commonly used anticancer drugs showed enhanced treatment efficacy in two out of three patient-derived xenograft models, achieving long-term suppression of leukaemia growth.

SourceChildren's Cancer Institute Australia·JournalLeukemia·DateMay 28, 2021

Elucidating how the production of antibodies is regulated, one cell at a time

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how the production of antibodies is regulated in human cells, using cutting-edge technologies to sequence genes in individual cells. This knowledge could lead to enhanced antibody production in vaccines and treatments for diseases such as autoimmunity and allergy.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalScience Immunology·DateMay 28, 2021

Plastic in Galapagos seawater, beaches and animals

A new study reveals widespread plastic pollution in Galapagos seawater, beaches, and animals, with over 400 plastic particles found per square meter on some beaches. Microplastics were also discovered inside more than half of the marine invertebrates studied, posing a potential threat to the ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateMay 28, 2021

Depressive symptoms linked to rapid kidney function decline

A study of 4,763 individuals found that those with frequent depressive symptoms were more likely to experience rapid kidney function decline over a median follow-up period of 4 years. The study suggests that high depressive symptoms may be an important modifiable risk factor for chronic kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 28, 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.

ECOG-ACRIN research highlights at ASCO 2021

The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group presented new research results on patients with breast and HPV-associated throat cancers. A phase III trial found platinum chemotherapy ineffective in preventing recurrence of basal-like triple-negative breast cancer, while a study on severe joint pain in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-p...

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·DateMay 28, 2021

Antarctic hotspot: Fin whales favour the waters around Elephant Island

Researchers from Alfred Wegener Institute found that fin whales regularly inhabit waters surrounding Elephant Island, indicating a notable achievement in the fin whale population's recovery. The study suggests that protecting this habitat is crucial due to frequent visits by cruise ships and extensive krill fishing.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMay 28, 2021

Results of the COLCORONA study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine

The COLCORONA study suggests that colchicine, an anti-inflammatory drug, could be used to prevent COVID-19-related complications in non-hospitalized patients with at least one risk factor for disease progression. The study's primary endpoint was the composite of death or hospitalization in patients with COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateMay 28, 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.

A fiery past sheds new light on the future of global climate change

A new study published in Science Advances reveals that the pre-industrial Southern Hemisphere was much smokier than previously thought, shedding light on the future impacts of global climate change. This research used ice core samples to determine the amount of smoke aerosols in the pre-industrial atmosphere.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 28, 2021

Open, expressive family life may reduce social deprivation effects among adopted children

A study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health found that open, expressive family life can moderate the effects of pre-adoption adversity on adopted children's cognitive ability and development. In contrast, rule-driven households with conflict may increase the risk for behavioral problems.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalPediatric Research·DateMay 28, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

DNA-based material with tunable properties

Researchers have created DNA-based materials with tunable properties, which can be controlled by adjusting the level of supercoiling. These materials have potential applications in drug delivery and tissue regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 28, 2021

Electrons waiting for their turn: New model explains 3D quantum material

Researchers at TU Dresden developed a theoretical model that explains how electrons move through three-dimensional materials, even when their electric transport appears two-dimensional. The findings have implications for topological quantum phenomena and could lead to powerful quantum technologies.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 28, 2021

Revenge of the seabed burrowers

A new Yale study finds that seabed burrowers were helpful in creating conditions for complex animal life to expand. Bioturbation altered the chemical makeup of the sea and oxygen levels, fostering the emergence of increasingly productive ecosystems during the Cambrian explosion.

SourceYale University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMay 28, 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.

Socioeconomic disparities in respiratory health in US

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals worsening socioeconomic disparities in respiratory health in the US over the past six decades. The researchers found that individuals from lower-income backgrounds are more likely to experience respiratory problems and have poorer lung function.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 28, 2021

Older adults with cerebral palsy need more, receive less physical therapy

A recent study found that adults with cerebral palsy receive significantly less physical therapy for musculoskeletal disorders, despite greater risk of secondary comorbid conditions. The researchers underscore the need for increased clinical awareness and improved screening strategies to address this inequity in healthcare.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDisability and Health Journal·DateMay 28, 2021

Pollen-sized technology protects bees from deadly insecticides

A Cornell University-developed technology provides an antidote for deadly pesticides that kill wild bees and cause beekeepers to lose around a third of their hives every year. The antidote delivery method has now been adapted to effectively protect bees from all insecticides, and inspired a new company, Beemmunity.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Food·DateMay 28, 2021

A helping hand for working robots

A partially-compliant robot hand using a Crossed Flexural Hinge (CFH) was developed to increase lifting power while minimizing damage in collisions. The CFH-jointed robot hand demonstrated 46.7% more shock absorption than a pin joint-oriented robotic hand and could hold objects weighing up to four kilograms.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalSoft Robotics·DateMay 28, 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.

Researchers create machine learning model to predict treatment with dialysis or death for hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict patients requiring dialysis or critical illness leading to death in COVID-19 hospitalizations. The XGBoost without imputation method outperformed other models with higher precision and recall, using data from electronic health records.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 28, 2021

Ban on flavored vaping may have led teens to cigarettes, study finds

A new study from Yale University found that a ban on flavored vaping products in San Francisco's school district led to a doubling of conventional cigarette smoking among high school students. The study suggests that flavor bans may inadvertently push youth toward cigarettes, highlighting the need for caution and alternative policies.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 28, 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 GSA Bulletin articles published ahead of print in May

The Mesaverde Group in the Wyoming-Utah-Colorado region is characterized by four tectonically driven classic wedges with large basinward and landward shoreline shifts. A new K-Ar illite dating application constrains the timing of subduction in West Sarawak, Borneo, offering insights into the dynamic interaction between tectonic control...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateMay 28, 2021

Prognostic value of troponin I in COVID-19 patients

Researchers found cardiac troponin I levels elevated in ICU patients with COVID-19, associated with higher mortality rates. Elevated cTnI levels are a prognostic factor for ICU admission and mortality in COVID-19 patients.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Cardiovascular Medicine Journal·DateMay 28, 2021

Climate change-resistant corals could provide lifeline to battered reefs

A new study led by Katie Barott found that climate change-resistant corals can thrive in different environments and maintain their resilient qualities after transplantation. The research suggests that these hardy corals could serve as a founding population to restore reefs in the future.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 28, 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.

Using the environment to control quantum devices

The study reveals that the environment can have contrasting effects on localization in quantum systems, depending on the strength of disorder and interaction. This discovery suggests new ways to protect quantum devices from noise and potentially grant them novel properties.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·DateMay 28, 2021

Cheap alloy rivals expensive platinum to boost fuel cells

A team of researchers from USTC developed a novel Ni-W-Cu alloy, demonstrating 4.31 times higher efficiency than traditional platinum-based catalysts in alkaline medium hydrogen oxidation. The alloy maintains high activity for up to 20 hours and shows excellent resistance to CO poisoning.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 28, 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.

Plant flowering in low-nitrogen soils: A mechanism revealed

Researchers from Hokkaido University revealed a molecular mechanism for plant flowering under low-nitrogen conditions. The FBH4 protein, regulated by SnRK1 activity, controls gene expression essential for flowering and nitrogen recycling.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 28, 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.

Providing more low-value care doesn't lead to higher patient experience ratings

A new study from the University of Chicago and Harvard Medical School found no relationship between low-value care exposure and favorable patient ratings. Despite concerns that catering to patient satisfaction may lead to worse outcomes, the researchers eliminated patient-level factors and gained a less-biased look at the relationship,...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 28, 2021

Pioneering single-dose radiotherapy for breast cancer treatment

Researchers at University College London have pioneered a single-dose radiotherapy approach for breast cancer treatment that is as effective as traditional radiotherapy and avoids potential damage to nearby organs. The treatment, TARGIT-IORT, has been shown to reduce the risk of fatal cardiovascular disease and other cancers in patients.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateMay 28, 2021

LJI and Synbal, Inc. partner to develop better COVID-19 models

The La Jolla Institute for Immunology has partnered with Synbal, Inc. to develop multi-gene, humanized mouse models for COVID-19 research. These new models are expected to provide a better understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity, enabling the development of more effective vaccines and therapies.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·DateMay 28, 2021

Data from 45 million mobile users further shows poorer people less able to stay at home COVID rules

A study of 45 million mobile users in the US found that poorer communities spent less time indoors during lockdowns, with lower earners often unable to afford stay-at-home orders or working from home. This disparity worsens social inequality and puts vulnerable groups at greater risk from COVID-19.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAnnals of the American Association of Geographers·DateMay 28, 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.

Moving one step closer to personalized anesthesia

Researchers at EPFL's Integrated Systems Laboratory have developed a system that can measure propofol concentration in patients as they're being operated on, adjusting doses accordingly. The device uses machine learning to provide accurate measurements, overcoming the challenge of propofol sticking to needles

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems·DateMay 28, 2021

Climate change makes West Nile virus outbreaks 'plausible' in UK

A new model predicts that rising temperatures in the UK will increase the risk of West Nile virus outbreaks, which are spread by mosquitoes with no vaccine available. The risk is currently low but expected to rise as temperatures increase.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMay 28, 2021

SNMMI Virtual Annual Meeting to take place June 11-15, 2021

The SNMMI Virtual Annual Meeting will convene over 6,000 attendees to share breaking news and research in precision medicine, focusing on early diagnosis, effective therapy delivery, and optimized treatment monitoring. The meeting features hundreds of scientific abstracts and a cutting-edge exhibit hall.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateMay 28, 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.

UM research suggests social factors important for human-wildlife coexistence

Researchers found that landowners who have talked to a wildlife professional are more likely to secure attractants, emphasizing the importance of collective factors in improving wildlife-human coexistence. Effective communication and outreach could increase behaviors by highlighting social influence and neighborly norms.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateMay 28, 2021

Earlier sleep timing associated with lower depression risk, new study suggests

A large genetic study suggests that going to bed earlier may be associated with a lower risk of major depression. The study found that one-hour earlier sleep timing corresponded to a 23% lower likelihood of having a major depressive disorder. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this effect and how shifting sl...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 28, 2021

Stem cell drugs surprise researchers: Could lead to better drugs in the future

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen conducted a study on stem cell transplantation, revealing that one drug is more effective than previously thought due to its impact on cell signaling pathways. This discovery may lead to improved drugs for both stem cell mobilization and HIV treatment.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMay 28, 2021

Heart Failure 2021: Improving quality of life in patients with heart failure

The Heart Failure 2021 congress showcases the latest evidence on preventing and managing heart failure, including the impact of COVID-19 and digital health. Researchers will present data on improving quality of life for patients with heart failure through medication, physical activity, diet, and implantable devices.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateMay 28, 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.

Nanofibrous filters for PM2.5 filtration

Researchers reviewed various nanofibrous membranes for their filtration efficiency and pressure drop, highlighting the trade-off between mechanical adsorption and electrostatic adsorption in nanoparticle removal. Six filter classifications were also presented, including net/nanofiber and conductive filters.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateMay 28, 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.

Blood test detects childhood tumors based on their epigenetic profiles

A new study uses liquid biopsy analysis to detect and classify childhood tumors based on their unique epigenetic signatures. This approach enables minimally invasive diagnosis and monitoring without the need for tumor biopsies, holding promise for improved treatment outcomes and personalized therapies.

SourceSt. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 28, 2021

New insights into switchable MOF structures

Researchers studied DUT-8, a switchable MOF structure that changes shape in response to guest molecules. The findings improve understanding of switching processes and gas exchange reactions in MOFs, paving the way for targeted development of functional materials.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 28, 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.

Danish invention preserves muscle mass in COVID-19 patients

Researchers at Aarhus University developed biocompatible electrodes for electrical muscle stimulation and integrated them into medical support stockings. The study found that the stockings counteracted significant muscle loss in bedridden Covid patients, reversing a 10% decline in muscle mass after five to six days of hospitalization.

SourceAarhus University·DateMay 28, 2021

Helping doctors manage COVID-19

A new AI tool developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo uses deep-learning technology to assess the severity of lung infections in COVID-19 patients. The tool shows promising results, aligning well with expert assessments and potentially improving clinical efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 28, 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.

The properties of non-racemic dihydrofurans have been studied at Samara Polytech

Researchers at Samara Polytech developed a method to obtain non-racemic 4,5-dihydrofurans using Michael addition, which could lead to the creation of biologically active compounds. The study also explores the potential use of these compounds as treatments for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceSamara Polytech (Samara State Technical University)·JournalTetrahedron·DateMay 28, 2021

Better choice of contraceptives can prevent breast cancer

Researchers at EPFL found that certain progestins in hormonal contraceptives can stimulate cell proliferation in the breast, while others do not. This suggests that informed choices about contraceptive composition may help prevent breast cancer risk.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMay 28, 2021

Tiniest of moments proves key for baby's healthy brain

A new study by University of Virginia researchers identifies the final step in cell division as crucial for proper brain growth and function. Understanding this process may lead to potential treatments for microcephaly, a birth defect affecting brain development.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateMay 28, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Detecting skin disorders based on tissue stiffness with a soft sensing device

A research team from City University of Hong Kong has designed a simple electromechanical device that can detect skin disorders such as psoriasis by measuring tissue stiffness. The device provides real-time evaluations of deep tissue stiffness, allowing for accurate targeting of lesions and monitoring of skin health status.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMay 28, 2021

When to release free and paid apps for maximal revenue

A new study suggests that the most common optimal launch strategy is to offer the paid version first, as it generates download revenues from the first day of sales. The researchers also find that the relative profitability of the free version tends to increase with app age, while that of the paid version declines.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 28, 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.

Proton's travel route in polymers could lead the way to clean fuels

A team of researchers from Japan discovered that high COOH concentration facilitates internal proton transport while lower concentrations favor interfacial transport. The study may contribute to developing bio-conductive materials for biological devices and eco-friendly fuel cells.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalElectrochemistry·DateMay 28, 2021

How retroviruses become infectious

Researchers at IST Austria have uncovered the crucial role of IP6 in stabilizing virus shells, preventing premature genome release. The study provides insights into the variability of capsid shapes and potential differences in infectivity.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 28, 2021

Horror films as a reimagined space for healing

Researcher Morgan Podraza examines the representation of trauma in horror films, arguing that the final girl trope can be reimagined as a space for healing and futures for people with trauma. The analysis highlights the need to acknowledge trauma and its ongoing effects, rather than just focusing on survival.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHorror Studies·DateMay 28, 2021

A non-invasive procedure allows obtaining archaeological information without excavating

Researchers led by Stefano Biagetti used portable X-ray fluorescence analysis to analyze anthropogenic sediments in Botswana, detecting patterns of livestock use, middens, and workshop areas. The non-invasive technique provides unprecedented insights into ancient settlement functions, confirming the potential for future archaeological ...

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 28, 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.

Applying private insurer rules to Medicare Part B

Researchers estimated the extent of Medicare Part B medical services subject to private insurer prior authorization under coverage policies. The study found that these restrictions would have resulted in significant spending savings, affecting healthcare delivery and policy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMay 28, 2021

Declining biodiversity in wild Amazon fisheries threatens human diet

A study in the Peruvian Amazon reveals that declining fish biodiversity poses a significant risk to human nutrition, particularly for iron and essential fatty acids. The researchers predict that a tipping point will be reached when 40 of 60 food species become scarce or extinct, leading to a nosedive in nutritional value.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 28, 2021