Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive May 2021 - Page 15


Page 15 of 47

UC leads infant health study

Researchers and community members collaborate to develop a program promoting healthy eating habits in infants, addressing real barriers faced by families. The study aims to improve nutrition and behavior outcomes, with the goal of reducing obesity risk later in childhood and adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateMay 20, 2021

Immune cells promote proinflammatory fatty liver disease

Researchers discovered that type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1) promote progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by inducing inflammatory and aggressive behavior in T cells. Blocking or genetically modifying cDC1 alleviates symptoms in mice, suggesting a potential new approach to prevent serious liver damage.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 20, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How plants leave behind their parents' genomic baggage

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found a gene responsible for reinstalling beneficial epigenetic modifications in plants. This process helps prevent the transmission of harmful genetic traits to offspring, allowing plants to evolve and diversify.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 20, 2021

Across US, COVID-19 death rate higher for those with IDD

A new study published in Disability and Health Journal found that COVID-19 death rates are higher for people with IDD who live in congregate settings. The research team analyzed data from 12 US jurisdictions and compared COVID-19 case-fatality rates among people with IDD to those in the general population.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalDisability and Health Journal·DateMay 20, 2021

Survival of migrating juvenile salmon depends on stream flow thresholds

Research identifies two critical thresholds for stream flow and salmon survival, with a historic mean flow of 10,712 cfs providing an important target for managing water resources. Enacting flows to match this threshold could increase salmon survival rates by doubling or tripling in some years.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalEcosphere·DateMay 20, 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.

A stressful life in the city affects birds' genes

Researchers found genetic differences between city and rural great tits, with changes linked to cognition, aggression, and circadian rhythms. These adaptations enabled the birds to cope with urban stressors like noise pollution, lights at night, and air pollution.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 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.

Survey measures health care delays during pandemic's beginning

A survey conducted by Elizabeth Papautsky at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak found that 48% of respondents experienced delayed health care, with the top reasons being fear of infection and discouragement from healthcare providers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateMay 20, 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.

Face masks effectively limit SARS-CoV-2 transmission

Face masks are highly effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in virus-limited environments, but more advanced masks and ventilation are required in virus-rich settings. High compliance is necessary for mask effectiveness, with at least 60-70% required for surgical masks.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemistry·JournalScience·DateMay 20, 2021

Skoltech team completes a large-scale study into the role of RNA maturation for organ development

The Skoltech team created a genome-wide atlas of developmental alternative splicing changes in seven organs across six mammal species and chicken. Alternative splicing plays a crucial role in forming organs like the brain, heart, and testes, but is less significant for others like the liver and kidneys.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 20, 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.

Thin is now in to turn terahertz polarization

Researchers have discovered a way to manipulate terahertz polarization using ultrathin, highly aligned carbon nanotube films. The phenomenon occurs at a specific angle, known as the 'magic angle,' and allows for precise control over light polarization.

SourceRice University·JournalOptica·DateMay 20, 2021

Airborne radar reveals groundwater beneath glacier

Researchers have successfully detected groundwater beneath Hiawatha Glacier in Greenland using airborne ice-penetrating radar. The discovery could greatly impact sea-level rise projections by enabling the study of water flow through ice sheets at a continental scale.

SourceStanford University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 20, 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.

Type 2 diabetes medication shown to benefit asthma patients

A new class of diabetes medication, GLP-1 receptor agonists, has been shown to improve asthma symptoms and reduce lung inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study found that these medications can help control asthma exacerbations and reduce breathing symptoms.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·DateMay 20, 2021

Making the invisible visible

An international research team, including the University of Jena, has developed a new method for studying atomic structures on material surfaces. The technique uses short-wavelength laser pulses to observe chemical reactions and interfaces at the atomic level.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 20, 2021

Global pollen samples reveal vegetation rate of change

Researchers analyzed global pollen data to study the global rate of change in vegetation, finding a worldwide acceleration in compositional change between 4.6 and 2.9 thousand years ago. Human influence on terrestrial ecosystems exceeds climate-driven transformation during this period.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateMay 20, 2021

New research could lead to better treatment for epilepsy

Researchers found that analyzing local networks within brain regions provides superior results to traditional fiber tract connectivity approaches for predicting disease progression and surgery outcomes in epilepsy patients.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateMay 20, 2021

UVA Children's joins National Autism Care Network

UVA Children's is part of a national network aiming to improve autism care by quickly applying the latest research and best practices. The network focuses on managing common symptoms like hyperactivity, irritability, and anxiety in children with autism.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateMay 20, 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.

An updated understanding of how to synthesize value-added chemicals

A team of researchers has proposed a revised mechanism for adding functional groups onto simple hydrocarbons like methane, highlighting the essential role of chlorine atoms. This new understanding is crucial for designing next-generation catalysts and finding scalable approaches to turn greenhouse gases into value-added chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience·DateMay 20, 2021

Chirality memory effect of ferromagnetic domain walls

The study investigates chirality in magnetic structures, revealing a memory effect for helicity after phase transition to achiral state. Coauthors describe the importance of chirality in defects and dislocations.

SourceTohoku University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 20, 2021

Not all theories can explain the black hole M87*

New research uses M87* data to test Einstein-based and string-inspired theories, constraining the validity of these models. The study suggests that current data aligns well with Einstein's theory and has limitations for string-based theories.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalPhysical Review D·DateMay 20, 2021

Swifts set new record for swiftness

Researchers tracked swifts using miniature technology and found they can migrate 570 kilometers a day, with some journeys reaching over 830 kilometers. The birds use a 'fly-and-forage' strategy, fueling and foraging along the way to reduce fuel costs and maximize speed.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateMay 20, 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.

Young orangutans have sex-specific role models

Young male and female orangutans exhibit distinct preferences for role models, with males learning from immigrant adults and females from their mothers. These differences reflect the animals' ecological needs and adaptability, highlighting the significance of social learning in shaping behavior.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 20, 2021

Study: Culture influences mask wearing

A new study finds that cultural collectivism is a strong predictor of mask usage in the US and globally, with high collectivistic cultures encouraging masking. The study analyzed datasets from the US and 29 countries, controlling for other factors to confirm the link between collectivism and mask use.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2021

ALMA discovers the most ancient galaxy with spiral morphology

Researchers discovered a galaxy with a spiral structure 1.4 billion years after the Big Bang using ALMA data. The galaxy's estimated mass is roughly equal to that of the Milky Way and contains a large amount of dust, making it difficult to study in visible light.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalScience·DateMay 20, 2021

Research shows how people changed their behavior in response to COVID-19 guidance

Research from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences found that people changed their behavior in response to national guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a uniform rise in mobility across the country when the guidelines expired.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2021

Radar tracking uncovers mystery of where honeybee drones have sex

Scientists tracked individual honeybee drones using radar technology, revealing their mating behaviors and finding that they move between multiple congregation areas during a single flight. This discovery suggests the existence of a new type of animal mating system in honeybees.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournaliScience·DateMay 20, 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.

How injured nerves stop themselves from healing

Researchers found that a protein called CXCL12 attracts growing nerve fibers and keeps them entrapped at the injury site. This prevents regeneration in the central nervous system. Eliminating the receptor for CXCL12 improved axonal regeneration, offering a potential starting point for new drugs.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2021

New study presents evaporation-driven transport-control of small molecules along nanoslits

Researchers develop a new technique to control the transport of small molecules in gas-permeable nanoslits, which enables various applications such as molecule-valving, -concentrating and -pumping. The study shows that evaporation flux and nanoslit length govern the transport of small molecules.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 2021

States laws limit local control over guns, favor gun rights

A new study by researchers at NYU School of Global Public Health found that most US states have passed laws preserving state authority over firearms policies. The vast majority of these states use preemption to support gun rights and remove communities' authority to enact gun control protections.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 20, 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.

Emerging H5N8 avian influenza viruses are a serious public health concern

The emergence of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza viruses has led to significant mortality in wild and farmed birds, with at least one spillover event reported in Russia. Global surveillance and rigorous infection control measures are crucial to prevent further human infections and devastating pandemics.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 20, 2021

Compound commonly found in candles lights the way to grid-scale energy storage

Scientists at PNNL have demonstrated the potential of low-cost organic compounds for storing massive amounts of energy to be fed into the electric grid. The researchers showed that fluorenone, a common compound found in candles, can operate continuously for 120 days and lose less than 3% of its energy capacity after 1,111 full cycles.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 20, 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.

High risk of conflict between humans and elephants and lions

Scientists have identified areas at high risk for conflicts between humans and elephants and lions in Africa. The study estimates that mitigation fences could provide considerable return on investment via reduced cattle loss and crop damage.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 2021

New smartphone app predicts vineyard yields earlier, more accurately

A new smartphone app developed by Cornell University engineers can predict grape yields up to 24% more accurately than traditional methods. The app uses computer-vision technology to analyze video footage of grape vines, allowing farmers to secure labor and equipment in advance and reduce profits.

SourceCornell University·JournalFrontiers in Agronomy·DateMay 20, 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.

The when and why of foehn warming in northwestern Japan

A University of Tsukuba study found that Japan's south foehn is driven by dynamic mechanisms, not thermodynamic effects. Dangerously hot windstorms occurred when a typhoon was present, highlighting the need for predictive models to mitigate harm.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateMay 20, 2021

Total deaths due to COVID-19 underestimated by 20% in US counties

A new study estimates that US COVID-19 deaths may be 20% higher than reported, with excess deaths not attributed to the virus more common in low-socioeconomic counties. The research emphasizes the need for policy changes addressing widening health and racial inequities.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 20, 2021

Penn doubles the percentage of Black participants in cancer clinical trials

The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has doubled the percentage of Black participants in cancer clinical trials through community outreach and engagement efforts. The initiative improved access and treatment for historically underrepresented groups, with significant increases observed in non-therapeutic interventional and ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateMay 20, 2021

Will COVID-19 eventually become just a seasonal nuisance?

Mathematical models predict that COVID-19 severity will decrease as populations develop immunity, with mild cases becoming the norm. The research suggests adaptations in immune response over time rather than virus changes may drive this shift.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalViruses·DateMay 20, 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.

Engineering smarter stents

A new type of coronary artery stent is being developed with ultra-low profile struts and a smart surface that can help improve healing and prevent blood clots. The stents aim to reduce the risk of restenosis and thrombosis, which occur in 3-10% of cases.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateMay 20, 2021

Accounting for finance is key for climate mitigation pathways

A new framework connects climate mitigation scenarios and financial risk assessment, enabling a more accurate understanding of the financial system's impact on the transition. By integrating climate-financial risk assessments into IAMs, investors' expectations can be adjusted to enable or hamper the low-carbon transition.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalScience·DateMay 20, 2021