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Science News Archive May 2021


Page 28 of 47

Mixing massive stars

A team of astronomers has measured internal mixing within an ensemble of massive stars using observations of stellar oscillations. The results show that the mixing is diverse, unrelated to star mass or age, and influenced by internal rotation. This study provides new insights into the evolution and structure of massive stars.

Freeform imaging systems: Fermat's principle unlocks 'first time right' design

Researchers at Brussels Photonics develop a deterministic design method for freeform imaging systems using differential equations derived from Fermat's principle. The method generates 'first time right' initial designs that enable rigorous evaluation in solution space, reducing the need for trial-and-error approaches.

Force-sensing PIEZO proteins are at work in plants, too

Research led by Scripps Research and HHMI finds PIEZO proteins essential for plant roots' growth and mechanotransduction in Arabidopsis thaliana. This ancient evolutionary origin may lead to new strategies for improving crop yields.

NK cells with bispecific antibody show activity against lymphoma cells

A new preclinical study from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that cord blood-derived NK cells combined with AFM13 displayed potent anti-tumor activity against CD30+ lymphoma cells. The therapy showed improved tumor control and survival in animal models with minimal side effects.

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.

Congestion pricing could shrink car size

Researchers studied a Seattle-area sample over six years, finding that more congested commutes led to bigger car purchases perceived as safer. Congestion pricing could reduce mid- to full-size SUVs' market share by 8% and save lives and billions in fuel efficiency costs.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Advertising on popular made-for-kids online channels

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open analyzed advertisements on popular made-for-kids YouTube channels and found that age-inappropriate content is prevalent. The researchers also examined the frequency of such ads, highlighting concerns about children's exposure to mature material.

Fossilized tracks show earliest known evidence of mammals at the seashore

A study published in Scientific Reports reveals fossilized tracks from the brown bear-sized Coryphodon, showing that large-bodied mammals regularly used marine environments after non-avian dinosaurs went extinct. The discovery is significant as it provides evidence of early mammal behavior and evolution.

Scientists launch 'next generation' human brain imaging lab

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a wearable headset that measures brain activity in real-time, allowing for the study of social interactions, humans of all ages and sizes, and people in motion. The optically pumped magnetometry technology enables movement-tolerant brain imaging simultaneously with two research volunteers.

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.

Teaching a computer program to track cells

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes create an artificial intelligence system that can follow hundreds of cells in a petri dish, revealing key findings on cell behavior and leadership patterns. The AI approach provides a comprehensive view of how cells cooperate and form complex organs, with potential applications for therapeutic purposes.

CDEX listens to the sound of cosmology from a laboratory deep underground

The China Dark matter Experiment (CDEX) has presented new limits for the couplings of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) in the non-relativistic effective field theory approach, improving over current bounds in the low mass region. CDEX's analysis also extended the limit on WIMP-pion coupling to the mχ< 6 GeV/c2 region.

Antarctic ice sheet retreat could trigger chain reaction

A new study suggests that the Antarctic ice sheet was more unstable in the past than previously thought, with fluctuations in its area causing significant changes in deep-sea temperatures. This can lead to a chain reaction of climate change, accelerating further ice loss and increasing rainfall on Antarctica.

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.

Carbon emissions from dams considerably underestimated so far

Researchers found that dams release significantly more carbon dioxide than previously thought, with areas drying out releasing considerably more carbon. The study used satellite imagery and found that 15% of dam reservoirs were not completely filled, leading to increased carbon emissions.

Epigenetic changes drive the fate of a B cell

Researchers found epigenetic modifications driven by DNMT3A protein determine B cell fate, with implications for understanding diseases linked to B cells' dysregulation. Chronic lymphomic leukemia (CLL) risk arises when these modifications are lost.

Urban traffic noise causes song learning deficits in birds

Young zebra finches exposed to traffic noise developed songs with lower accuracy and were delayed in their vocal development. Chronic stress due to noise also suppressed the birds' immune function, leading to potential long-term health issues.

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.

Johns Hopkins develops device for fast gonorrhea diagnosis

A portable, inexpensive testing platform, called PROMPT, can diagnose gonorrhea in under 15 minutes and determine its antibiotic resistance. The device has been shown to be 97% accurate in detecting the most common strain of gonorrhea and 100% accurate in determining its response to ciprofloxacin.

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.

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.

Who is affected by brain pressure disorder the most?

A study found that Black and Hispanic women are more likely to develop idiopathic intracranial hypertension, a condition characterized by increased pressure in the fluid surrounding the brain. Obesity is the primary risk factor for the condition, which can cause chronic headaches, vision problems, and permanent vision loss.

What does your voice say about you?

An international research team found a lower pitched voice is associated with individuals who are more dominant, extrovert, and higher in sociosexuality, regardless of gender. The study used objective digital measures to analyze the pitch of over 2,000 participants' voices.

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.

Preliminary data suggests mixing COVID-19 vaccine increases reactogenicity

Research from the Com-COV study shows that mixing COVID-19 vaccine doses can lead to more frequent mild-moderate symptoms, but adverse reactions are short-lived and no safety concerns were found. The study's findings suggest that mixed schedules could result in increased work absences after vaccination.

'Opioid treatment deserts' abound, study finds

A new study has identified opioid treatment deserts in Ohio, where distances to recovery services exceed a mile or 30 minutes by public transit. These areas pose significant barriers to care, with shorter travel times found for white adults compared to Black adults.

New algorithm to ensure more accuracy in studying the interior of the Earth

Geophysicists at St. Petersburg State University have developed an algorithm to combine electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and radiomagnetotelluric (RMT) methods for more accurate subsurface imaging. The joint inversion of CSRMT and ERT data provides a closer match to borehole data, improving the accuracy of geophysical exploration.

Integration through in­ter­cul­tural music col­lab­o­ra­tion

The World In Motion ensemble, founded by Katja Thomson, uses collaborative composing and arranging to create a space for reciprocal integration among refugees and Finnish musicians. This social innovation addresses the challenges of immigration through musical collaboration.

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.

Low levels of a simple sugar -- A new biomarker for severe MS?

Researchers have discovered that low levels of N-acetylglucosamine are associated with progressive MS, clinical disability and neurodegeneration. The simple sugar may serve as a biomarker and promote myelin repair, offering potential new avenues for treating the disease.

Bears that mark more trees may be more successful in mating

A University of Alberta study finds that brown bears who rub against trees more often tend to have more offspring and more mates. The research team analyzed bear hair samples from over 900 rub sites and found a correlation between tree-grating behavior and reproductive success.

Earthworms could help reduce antibiotic resistance genes in soil

Researchers found that earthworm guts have lower numbers and relative abundances of antibiotic-resistance genes compared to surrounding soils. The earthworms' unique gut environment may destroy ARGs or outcompete bacteria hosting them, suggesting a potential role in natural bioremediation.

Fighting food insecurity by building better beans

Michigan State University scientists are breeding heat-resistant tepary beans to address global food security concerns. By leveraging the genetics of the tepary bean, researchers aim to create beans that can thrive in challenging climates and provide essential nutrients for vulnerable populations.

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.

20 days later -- The short story about muscles regeneration

Researchers have developed biofabricated muscle substitutes that can restore significantly injured skeletal muscles with unprecedented efficiency. These biocompatible gel-like structures mimic the native muscle structure and can be created using 3D bioprinting, allowing for faster and more effective recovery from severe muscle mass loss.

Petting therapy dogs enhances thinking skills of stressed college students

Research at Washington State University found that petting therapy dogs enhanced executive functioning in stressed-out college students, particularly those at risk of mental health issues. The study, published in AERA Open, demonstrated long-lasting cognitive benefits up to six weeks after program completion.

Ancestors may have created 'iconic' sounds as bridge to first languages

Researchers found that people from diverse linguistic backgrounds could understand novel vocalizations for 30 different meanings, including animate and inanimate entities, actions, properties, and quantifiers. The study suggests iconic vocalisations may have played a crucial role in the creation of original spoken words.

Genetic risk of heart disease may be due to low Omega 3-linked biomarker

A new study has identified a link between a genetic variation called omentin and cardiometabolic health, specifically among Asian Indian participants. The researchers found that the role of adiponectin, an obesity-related biomarker, was linked to cardiovascular disease markers independent of common and central obesity.

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.

Better integrated circuits with glide symmetry

Researchers applied glide symmetry to dual-strip SSPP TLs, achieving flexible control of modal fields and significant suppression of coupling. This design enables compact circuits with improved signal integrity and low crosstalk.

Locomotion Vault will help guide innovations in virtual reality locomotion

The Locomotion Vault project provides a central, freely-available resource to analyze various virtual reality locomotion techniques. Researchers and developers can use the interactive database to inform decisions about the best approach for their application, while also identifying gaps where future investigation might be necessary.

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.

Research reveals new approach to understanding our wellbeing

Research by Swansea University highlights the importance of taking a wider approach to wellbeing influenced by issues like inequality and climate change. The study presents a transdisciplinary framework to understand and improve wellbeing, emphasizing the need for focused efforts to tackle societal challenges.

Research news tip sheet: Story ideas from Johns Hopkins Medicine

A recent case study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers provides evidence that medical marijuana may be an effective treatment for patients with chronic itch. The team found that THC, a compound in cannabis, attaches to brain receptors and reduces inflammation, leading to a reduction in skin sensations such as itchiness.

Salmonella contamination via strawberry roots not a dietary risk factor

Researchers found that Salmonella bacteria cannot penetrate through strawberry roots and reach the fruit, making it an unlikely dietary risk factor. Effective methods for preventing surface contamination, such as drip irrigation and proper handling during harvesting, can further reduce the risk of contamination.

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.