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Science News for May 7, 2021


Soybean and linseed oils added to cows' diet improve the quality of milk

Brazilian researchers found that feeding cows soybean and linseed oils improves the quality of their milk by reducing saturated fatty acids and increasing unsaturated fats. The study showed an optimal omega-6/omega-3 ratio of 2.7:1, beneficial for human health.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 7, 2021

Systemic inequalities driving exposure to high indoor air pollution in London

London's low-income households face higher levels of indoor air pollution due to poor housing quality and surrounding environmental factors. Long-term exposure to pollutants like PM2.5, NOx, and CO can lead to health problems such as respiratory issues and cardiovascular complications.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalASME Journal of Engineering for Sustainable Buildings and Cities·DateMay 7, 2021

Turning a pancreatic cancer cell's addiction into a death sentence

Researchers found that about half of pancreatic cancer cell lines are dependent on peroxiredoxin 4 for survival. Targeting PRDX4 led to DNA damage and cell death in cancer cells, but not normal cells. This discovery reveals a potential therapeutic window with less toxicity.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 7, 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.

Exercise can help support recovery of patients with lasting COVID symptoms, study finds

Researchers found significant improvements in exercise capacity, respiratory symptoms, fatigue, and cognition in patients with lasting COVID symptoms after a six-week supervised rehabilitation programme. The study suggests that exercise can be a vital part of patient-centred approaches to treating lingering COVID symptoms.

SourceNational Institute for Health Research·JournalChronic Respiratory Disease·DateMay 7, 2021

Artificial intelligence makes great microscopes better than ever

Scientists at EMBL combined AI algorithms with advanced microscopy techniques to reduce image processing time from days to mere seconds while maintaining accuracy. This breakthrough enables researchers to track and measure fast biological processes in 3D.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 7, 2021

WVU researchers study the effects of vaping during pregnancy

A three-year study at West Virginia University is exploring the effects of vaping during pregnancy on long-term health outcomes in offspring. The research team has found that vaping can cause a similar dysfunctional response in blood vessels as smoking, leading to potential serious issues.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateMay 7, 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.

Some meat eaters disgusted by meat

A new study published in Appetite found that nearly 7% of meat eaters experience a strong disgust response to images of meat dishes, which could be leveraged to encourage reduced meat consumption. Researchers suggest harnessing this 'yuk factor' may be more effective than relying on willpower.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAppetite·DateMay 7, 2021

Professor Sang Yup Lee at KAIST elected as a Foreign Member of the Royal Society

Distinguished Professor Sang Yup Lee at KAIST was elected as a foreign member of the Royal Society, one of the world's most prestigious national science academies. He is recognized for his pioneering work in systems metabolic engineering and developing micro-organisms for producing fuels, chemicals, and natural compounds.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·DateMay 7, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

What consumers mean when they say your products are authentic

A study published in the Journal of Marketing explains how consumers assess a product's authenticity, identifying six key judgments: accuracy, connectedness, integrity, legitimacy, originality, and proficiency. By understanding these factors, marketers can develop strategies to enhance consumer perceptions of authenticity.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 7, 2021

Discovery of a new genetic cause of hearing loss illuminates how inner ear works

A study led by Penn Medicine researchers identified a new genetic cause of hearing loss and its link to the GAS2 protein's role in amplifying sound waves. The researchers found that the absence of functional GAS2 leads to severe hearing impairment in mice, highlighting the importance of this protein for normal hearing.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMay 7, 2021

Why hotter clocks are more accurate

A new experiment has found that the accuracy of a clock is directly proportional to the amount of heat supplied, with more energy consumed resulting in more accurate timekeeping. This discovery has implications for future technologies and suggests that clocks are constrained by thermodynamics.

SourceLancaster University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMay 7, 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.

New study explores functionality in aquatic ecosystems

Researchers at the University of Bayreuth have discovered the crucial importance of redox-active substances in aquatic ecosystems. They are able to degrade pollutants and influence large-scale reactions, making them a crux between hydrological fluctuations and ecosystem functions.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 7, 2021

Discovery of huge Raman scattering at atomic point contact

Researchers develop a new technique to investigate surface structures of semiconductors at the atomic scale. The technique, called atomic point contact Raman spectroscopy, reveals enhanced Raman scattering from silicon surfaces when a plasmonic silver tip is brought into contact with the surface.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 7, 2021

Can federated learning save the world?

Federated learning, a new approach to training AI models, is found to have a significantly greener impact than traditional methods. By distributing training across multiple devices, the energy consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced. This method has important privacy benefits as well, keeping data local and secure.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·DateMay 7, 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.

Learning on the fly

Researchers at the University of Sussex developed a new computational model that demonstrates a link between insect and mammalian learning. The model shows how dopamine neurons in a fruit fly's brain produce similar signals to those in mammals, enabling reliable instruction for learning.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2021

Mapping the past, present and future of West Virginia

Assistant Professor Aaron Maxwell uses big data analytics and deep learning to map West Virginia's surface over the last 60 years. The research aims to understand natural landscapes and predict future changes such as landslides and river erosion.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateMay 7, 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.

New antibody rationally designed for better tumor inhibition

Researchers rationally designed a new monoclonal antibody HA98 with improved affinity for CD146, a key adhesion molecule in angiogenesis and cancer metastasis. The study revealed superior inhibitory effects on tumor growth compared to the original AA98 antibody.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournaliScience·DateMay 7, 2021

The legume family tree

A comprehensive study of the legume family reveals a history of whole-genome duplications and helps uncover the evolution of genes involved in nitrogen fixation. The research team identified strong evidence for 28 separate whole-genome duplication events, shedding light on the evolutionary spread and diversification of legumes.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Plant·DateMay 7, 2021

Skoltech scientists find a way to make pultrusion faster

Researchers found that processing additives significantly impact the speed of polymerization in pultrusion, enabling faster production and improved efficiency. The study's findings have potential applications for enhancing profitability while maintaining quality in composite structures.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Composite Materials·DateMay 7, 2021

18.5 million year old vine fossil identified as new species

A 18.5 million year old vine fossil was identified as a new species, providing evidence of the evolution of climbing plants. The fossil's unique features, including two sizes of water-conducting vessels and lobed cross-sections, are characteristic of lianas in the soapberry family.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 7, 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.

With bacteria against coral bleaching

A new study has found that probiotic bacteria can help corals resist heat stress, potentially protecting these vital ecosystems from extinction. By modifying the coral's microbiome, scientists have shown improved resistance to bleaching in experiments.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalMicrobiome·DateMay 7, 2021

New research sets stage for development of salmonella vaccine

University of Florida researchers have demonstrated a novel approach to triggering immunity against salmonella, using extracellular vesicles (EVs) that contain antigens from the bacteria. In mice, these EVs induced both innate and adaptive immune responses, offering a promising direction for developing a vaccine.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 7, 2021

Sleep disorders tally $94.9 billion in health care costs each year

According to a new study by Mass Eye and Ear, sleep disorders are associated with significantly higher health care utilization rates, resulting in an estimated $94.9 billion in annual costs. Patients with conditions like sleep apnea account for 60% more healthcare expenses, with nearly double the number of doctor visits and prescriptions.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateMay 7, 2021

Stop the genetic presses!

Researchers at Penn State discovered a new mechanism for terminating transcription of DNA into RNA in bacteria, facilitated by proteins NusG and NusA. The study found that these proteins together facilitate termination at about 88% of intrinsic terminators, expanding our understanding of gene regulation and potential antibiotic targets.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 7, 2021

Universities to study the impact of gaming on mental health

The University of Chichester is leading a study on the mental health of professional esports players to address the lack of understanding about factors influencing their well-being. The project aims to provide valuable insights to help gamers cope with intense gameplay demands.

SourceUniversity of Chichester·DateMay 7, 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.

Breaching the blood-brain barrier to deliver precious payloads

A team of researchers has developed a delivery system for RNA-based therapy in brain tumors using ultrasound and nanoparticles. The technique allows for increased tumor cell death and reduced harmful protein production, with potential for minimal side effects.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 7, 2021

Consumption of pornography is widespread among young Internet users

A survey of 1000 British adolescents found that nearly four-fifths have encountered pornographic content online, with many visiting dedicated sites frequently. The study suggests pressure should be placed on global publishers to introduce effective age restrictions across social media platforms.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPolicy & Internet·DateMay 7, 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.

Overcoming tab overload

A team of Carnegie Mellon University researchers has developed a new extension called Skeema, which helps users group their browser tabs into tasks and organize, prioritize, and switch between them. This tool addresses the issue of tab overload and improves online productivity by merging tab management and task management in a browser.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMay 7, 2021

Breakthrough thanks to helices made of nickel

Physicists at FAU have confirmed the long-predicted chiral Faraday effect in an experiment using nickel helices. This breakthrough provides a new piece of fundamental magneto-optical theory and has implications for astrophysics and quantum electronics.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 7, 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 Lancet Rheumatology: Largest study to date confirms non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications do not result in worse COVID-19 outcomes

A new observational study published in The Lancet Rheumatology found that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) taken prior to hospital admission for COVID-19 do not increase mortality rates. In fact, the use of NSAIDs was similar among patients who had taken them and those who had not. This large-scale study provides reassura...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·DateMay 7, 2021

New innovation successfully treats neonatal hypothermia

The Dream Warmer, a low-cost, reusable non-electric infant warmer, reduces neonatal hypothermia rates by 11% and infant death rates by 70% in a new study. The warmer is effective, safe, and easy to use, making it a promising solution for optimizing the health of vulnerable infants in resource-limited settings.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·DateMay 7, 2021

How we retrieve our knowledge about the world

The study found that the brain processes individual features of an object, such as sounds and actions, and also abstract symbol-like features. The researchers developed a hierarchical model to reflect how conceptual knowledge is represented in the human brain.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateMay 7, 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.

How bullying and obesity can affect girls' and boys' mental health

A study by Uppsala University found that bullying is a greater risk factor than overweight for developing depressive symptoms in both girls and boys. However, boys' mental health is more affected if they suffer from obesity, with a five-fold higher risk of having depressive symptoms in 2015 compared to normal-weight boys.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateMay 7, 2021

Novel matrix-based slow-release urea improves crop production

A novel matrix-based slow-release urea was developed to improve nitrogen use efficiency in rice production, reducing nitrogen loss and increasing soil nitrogen availability. The new fertilizer showed significant agronomic nitrogen efficiency gains and improved rice yields.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalPedosphere·DateMay 7, 2021

UTMB scientists awarded $11.3 million for new studies on Ebola virus

Researchers at UTMB will investigate Ebola infections in human cell culture and nonhuman primates, with the goal of developing new insights into prevention and treatment. The $11.3M grant will also support the development of sophisticated models using 'big data' to predict infection outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·DateMay 7, 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.

Winning gene combination takes all

Scientists have successfully identified the complete avenacin biosynthetic pathway in oats, which provides resistance to soil-borne diseases like take-all. This discovery has implications for creating disease-resistant lines of wheat using modern technologies.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2021

Archaeologists pinpoint population for the Greater Angkor region

A new study using airborne lidar sensing and machine-learning algorithms estimates that the Greater Angkor region was home to 700,000-900,000 people. The findings provide valuable insights into the region's population dynamics and its relevance to understanding urbanization in the face of climate change.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 7, 2021

Too much, too little or just right: WVU researchers study proper 'dosing' of telehealth

A systematic review of studies on telehealth and chronic conditions found that frequent services benefited patients more when continued for about a year. However, the optimal frequency and duration of telehealth services remain unknown. Researchers are working to measure dose in standard ways to inform best practices.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalE-Health Telecommunication Systems and Networks·DateMay 7, 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 study examines social network's relation to binge drinking among adults

A new study by Indiana University researcher Hank Green found that cohesive neighborhoods where people get along and help each other have a lower likelihood of binge drinking. In contrast, disordered neighborhoods with less social cohesion tend to increase binge drinking, especially among those with denser social networks.

SourceIndiana University·JournalHealth & Place·DateMay 7, 2021

How viruses and bacteria can reach drinking water wells

A study by researchers in Berlin and Milan found that floods can increase bacteria concentrations in groundwater due to reduced purification capacity of bank filtration. The research highlights the importance of considering seasonal dynamics and sediment properties in risk assessment practices.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalWater Resources Research·DateMay 7, 2021

The first hydroxide conductivity in anion conducting polymer thin films

Scientists from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have successfully developed a new humidity measurement technique for anion conducting polymer thin films. The study revealed high hydroxide ion conductivity of 0.05 S cm^-1, comparable to thick membrane forms.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalChemSusChem·DateMay 7, 2021

Essential virulence proteins of corn smut discovered

A complex of seven proteins is essential for Ustilago maydis to infect its host plant maize. The discovery could lead to developing new fungicides and understanding how effectors function in biotrophic fungi.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 7, 2021

Losing an only child is more devastating than losing a spouse, according to study of Chinese parents

A recent study published in Aging & Mental Health suggests that Chinese parents experience approximately 1.3 times more psychological distress after losing an only child compared to losing a spouse. The loss of an only child is devastating due to the emotional, financial, and instrumental support it provides to older adults.

SourceNew York University·JournalAging & Mental Health·DateMay 7, 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.

Study helps to better understand the link between indoor and outdoor air quality

A recent study by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics found that indoor aerosol species are primarily from outdoor air exchange. The researchers measured indoor PM2.5 concentrations and chemical compositions, revealing differences in organic aerosol due to temperature changes. Improved ventilation strategies may actually increase expo...

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalIndoor Air·DateMay 7, 2021