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Science News Archive May 2021 - Page 18


Page 18 of 47

AI-aided search for single-atom-alloy catalysts yields more than 200 promising candidates

Researchers at Skoltech developed a new algorithm to identify over 200 previously unknown single-atom-alloy catalysts with improved stability and performance. The AI-powered approach uses machine learning models to extract key parameters from computational data, providing a recipe for finding the best SAACs for specific applications.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2021

A rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 in saliva

A rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 in saliva has been developed, showing high accuracy and efficiency for mass-screening. The test uses chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) and can detect the virus within an hour.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·DateMay 19, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Same nerve cell -- Different influence on food intake

Researchers have identified two subtypes of POMC neurons with distinct hormone sensing and appetite suppression profiles. The findings suggest that the diversity of these neurons is crucial for their function in regulating metabolism.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 19, 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.

A new rapid test detects a coronavirus infection in 10 minutes

Researchers developed a new rapid assay principle for viral antigen detection, enabling fast and accurate diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infections. The test can detect almost all specimens containing the virus and has a high theoretical capacity of up to 500 samples per hour.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalmBio·DateMay 19, 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.

Study solves mystery of how amyloid beta forms in brain nerve cells

Researchers at MGH have discovered the role of mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) in forming amyloid beta in axons and neuronal processes. The study suggests that targeting sigma-1 receptors or inhibiting palmitoylation may reduce Abeta production, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's d...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 19, 2021

Study on bizarre rodent genetics solves a mystery and reveals another

Researchers at San Francisco State University have discovered a strange and confounding system of genes in the creeping vole, a tiny rodent native to the Pacific Northwest. The team found that the X and Y chromosomes had fused, causing the X chromosome in males to act like a Y chromosome.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalScience·DateMay 19, 2021

'Alien' plants could pose risk to fruit bats

A study found that introduced plant species on Christmas Island do not provide a balanced meal for fruit bats, putting their survival at risk. The researchers suggest preserving the animals' complex foraging habitats is key to their conservation.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 19, 2021

TTUHSC study: Virus, restrictions increase mental health risks for nursing home caregivers

A recent study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that COVID-19 geriatric care significantly impacted the mental health of nursing home staff, causing stress, anxiety, and depression. The lack of PPE, fear of contracting COVID, and isolation due to lockdowns contributed to these negative outcomes.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateMay 19, 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.

Novel immunotherapy boosts long-term stroke recovery in mice

Researchers discovered that a population of regulatory T cells serve as tissue repair engineers to promote functional recovery after stroke. Boosting these cells improved behavioral and cognitive functions in mice for weeks after a stroke, pointing to potential immunotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalImmunity·DateMay 19, 2021

Racial/ethnic diversity among OBGYN, surgical, nonsurgical residents

Researchers found that the proportion of non-white residents increased among obstetrics and gynecology, surgical, and nonsurgical training programs. The study suggests improvements in diversity and inclusion efforts are needed to address racial and ethnic disparities in medical education.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 19, 2021

Eating habits change only slightly after gestational diabetes diagnosis, NIH study suggests

A study suggests that pregnant women with gestational diabetes made only modest dietary changes, including a reduction in juice consumption and an increase in artificially sweetened beverages. Disparities were found in certain groups, such as Hispanic women and those with obesity or lower education levels.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateMay 19, 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.

Study points to potential treatment for citrus disease

A new study suggests that hexanoic acid could be a suitable substitute for chemical protection in citrus cultivation, addressing concerns about the impact of old-school defenses on food safety. Researchers believe this fatty acid may help protect against diseases like canker, which causes brownish lesions on leaves and fruit.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Microbiology·DateMay 19, 2021

Research team develops new class of soft materials

Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Engineering have created a new class of soft materials with exceptional stretchability and elasticity, mimicking the properties of vocal cords. The elastomers can be 3D printed for use in healthcare and exhibit promising potential for future treatments.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateMay 19, 2021

Nuclear terrorism could be intercepted by neutron-gamma detector that pinpoints source

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology unveiled a new scanning technology that can detect small amounts of nuclear materials in airports and seaports. The Neutron-Gamma Emission Tomography (NGET) system can pinpoint the origin of neutron and gamma ray emissions from weapons-grade plutonium and other special nuclear materials.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 19, 2021

Workplace pandemic protocols impact employee behavior outside work

A new study from Washington State University found that workplace cultures adopting COVID-19 prevention measures led to fewer employees showing up to work and public places with symptoms. This effect was observed both inside and outside of work, and remote workers were also influenced by their employers' climate.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateMay 19, 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.

The way mice lick could reveal origins of neurological disorders

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a novel technique to study the neuroscience of motor control in mice by focusing on their tongue movements. This approach reveals similarities between mouse tongue movement and primate reach tasks, allowing for new insights into motor control and potential applications in understanding n...

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 2021

New pan-European research reveals double the concern about mental health impact of Lockdown and associated restrictions than physical inactivity

A new survey found that nearly two-thirds of adults expressed concern about worsening moods during Lockdowns, with coffee helping to lift almost half of their negative moods. The study also revealed that lockdowns had a significant impact on mental health, with twice as many people concerned about mental health than physical inactivity.

SourceKaizo·DateMay 19, 2021

Scientists take a bite out of solar efficiency challenge with sandwich model

Researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science have discovered a 'sandwich' structure in 2D perovskite films used in solar cells. This layout encourages excitons to move from the central layer to both surfaces, helping to result in more efficient solar energy generation. Prototype devices have demonstrated 13% efficiency.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateMay 19, 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.

Consumer views on using digital data for COVID-19 control

A study of US consumer views on utilizing digital information for COVID-19 control found varying levels of acceptance based on several factors. The research identified key factors associated with higher or lower approval of using this information.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 19, 2021

Study validates shorter treatment for major world infection, tuberculosis

A multinational study validated a four-month multi-drug therapy regimen as effective as the standard six-month treatment for active tuberculosis, reducing treatment time by a third. The new regimen, which includes rifapentine and moxifloxacin, was safe and well-tolerated.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 19, 2021

Good results with online CBT for atopic eczema

Researchers found that internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) significantly improves eczema symptoms and reduces stress, insomnia, and depression. The treatment required fewer therapy resources than conventional face-to-face psychological treatment, making it a potential care option for a large patient group.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMay 19, 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.

Vegan and omnivorous diets promote equivalent muscle mass gain, study shows

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of São Paulo found that healthy young adults on vegan or omnivorous diets with adequate protein intake gained equivalent muscle mass. The key to this finding lies in the level of protein intake, rather than the source.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalSports Medicine·DateMay 19, 2021

Apps to fight a crisis?

A research project at Göttingen University is studying the effectiveness of tracing apps in fighting crises. The team aims to assess the positive and negative effects of these 'societal apps' on individuals and society.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·DateMay 19, 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.

Novel approach identifies genes linked to autism and predicts patient IQ

A new computational approach identifies genes most likely linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and predicts patient IQ using rare mutations. Researchers analyzed de novo missense mutations in a cohort of patients with ASD and their siblings, revealing that most genes are mutated only once.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 19, 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.

Silicon chips combine light and ultrasound for better signal processing

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University developed a novel solution combining light and ultrasound waves to create ultra-narrow filters in silicon integrated circuits. This innovation addresses the challenge of accommodating long delays required for narrowband filtering, enabling more efficient microwave photonic systems.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalOptica·DateMay 19, 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.

Triple-drug therapy safely cuts serious asthma flares

Researchers found that adding a third drug to dual-drug inhalers can reduce severe asthma exacerbations and improve asthma control in children, adolescents, and adults with moderate-to-severe asthma. The study included data from 20 randomized controlled trials involving almost 12,000 patients.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJAMA·DateMay 19, 2021

The 'Great Dying'

A new study reveals that the End-Permian extinction event, also known as the 'Great Dying', was caused by a rapid spike in global temperatures due to volcanic activity. The researchers found that the region experienced abrupt aridification and changed climate patterns, with high-southern latitudes serving as refugia for moisture-loving...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMay 19, 2021

Music may benefit older adults with cognitive impairment

An analysis of nine studies found that active music-making can provide significant cognitive benefits to older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Music-based interventions have the potential to support millions of older adults in their emotional, social, and well-being needs.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 19, 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.

Genetic tools help identify a cellular culprit for type 1 diabetes

By mapping the genetic underpinnings of type 1 diabetes, researchers have identified a predictive causal role for specific cell types, including pancreatic exocrine cells. This study provides a major leap in understanding the causes of type 1 diabetes and may lead to new treatments for reversing its course.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 2021

Pets and their owners diet together, new study finds

A new international study found that pet owners who follow gluten-free, organic or grain-free diets are likely to look for similar characteristics in their dog's food. The study also found that dog owners in Germany preferred grain-free dog food at a rate of 30%.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 19, 2021

Tumor marker may help overcome endocrine treatment-resistant breast cancer

A study identified a tumor marker that can predict which breast cancer patients will benefit from early HER2 targeted therapy, helping to avoid disease relapse. The research found that low or absent MLH1 and PMS2 gene expression may indicate an increased risk of death from the disease.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 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.

We've got the dirt on soil protists

A recent study published in Microbiome Journal found that soil protists respond to plant signals, shifting community compositions and altering nutrient cycling. This groundbreaking research highlights the importance of including protists in terrestrial ecological studies.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalMicrobiome·DateMay 19, 2021

Rogue antibodies wreak havoc in severe COVID-19 cases

Researchers at Yale University found that autoantibodies in severe COVID-19 cases can attack healthy tissue and organs, leading to increased disease severity. The study also suggests that long-lived rogue antibodies may contribute to lasting medical symptoms, or long COVID cases.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 2021

Study reveals high levels of contaminants in killer whales

A study published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry reveals high levels of contaminants in killer whales near Norway, affecting their tissues and offspring. The findings also highlight the persistence and mobility of chemicals in marine ecosystems.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateMay 19, 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.