Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive May 2021 - Page 23


Page 23 of 47

Pet trade may pose threat to bushbaby conservation

A new study suggests that the pet trade in bushbabies could be causing genetic changes within their wild populations, affecting their ability to adapt to human expansion. Researchers analyzed DNA samples from bushbabies across South Africa and found unusual gene mutations that may indicate secret animal trafficking.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPrimates·DateMay 17, 2021

Investigating energy explosions in space

A NASA mission evaluates interactions between the sun and earth's magnetic fields, which can cause explosive energy transfers disrupting technology systems. A UTA professor recruits a first-year doctoral student to join the mission, where he will learn about meaningful magnetospheric events.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateMay 17, 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.

Pollutants rapidly seeping into drinking water

Researchers found that pollutants can reach groundwater supplies quickly, posing a significant risk to drinking water quality. The study highlights the increased risk of pollution in karst regions with thin soils, such as the Mediterranean region.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 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.

Supermassive black holes devour gas just like their petite counterparts

Researchers observed a supermassive black hole's accretion cycle, finding properties similar to stellar-mass black holes. The study suggests that accretion is independent of size, allowing for the capture of short timescale events like tidal disruption events.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateMay 17, 2021

Exposure to lead can cause epigenetic changes even at relatively low levels

Researchers found that even low levels of lead exposure can cause epigenetic changes, including a decrease in DNA methylation, which may precede cellular disorders. The study suggests that these changes could be an early warning sign of potential health problems, highlighting the need for better public policy to minimize lead exposure.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateMay 17, 2021

Newly published data provides clearer picture of volcano collapse

New data on Anak Krakatau volcano flank collapse provides a clearer picture of the event, which triggered a devastating tsunami in Indonesia. The research used synthetic aperture radar images, field observations, and aerial photographs to create a more accurate model of the volcano before and after it collapsed.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 17, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fast, affordable solution proposed for transparent displays and semiconductors

The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) has developed a roll-based damage-free transfer technique to transfer wafer-scale two-dimensional nanomaterials onto substrates without damage. The proposed technique enables large-area continuous transfer of nanomaterials, similar to paper printing.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalNPG Asia Materials·DateMay 17, 2021

Oregon State research shows why some pockets of conifer survive repeated forest fires

Researchers used fire progression mapping and weather interpolation to build statistical models for the Klamath-Siskiyou region, finding that hotter-than-average fire weather and smoke density influence refugia occurrence. Topographic variability and moderate smoke conditions are crucial for preserving these fire-resistant areas.

SourceOregon State University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMay 17, 2021

Mammals in the time of dinosaurs held each other back

A new study suggests that it was not dinosaurs but other mammals that competed with modern mammals before and after the mass extinction of dinosaurs. The research identifies the evolutionary limits placed on different groups of mammals, revealing a more complex story of competition between distinct mammal groups.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 17, 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.

Mother's scent triggers face-selective responses in infants

Research using electroencephalography found that exposure to maternal odors facilitates categorization of face-like objects in infants' brains. This study suggests that the right occipitotemporal cortex plays a key role in this process, potentially indicating an earlier emergence of hemisphere advantages for face recognition.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

Shortcut for dendritic cells

Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered that dendritic cells can migrate more quickly to lymph nodes via a newly found pathway during inflammation. This route allows them to bypass the slow and energy-intensive process of entering capillary vessels, enabling faster immune activation and response.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 17, 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.

First immune stimulating long noncoding RNA involved in body's response to cancer

Researchers at Michigan Medicine identified a long noncoding RNA, LIMIT, that promotes the body's immune response against cancer. By activating key genes and pathways, LIMIT boosts T cell infiltration into tumors, offering new potential therapeutic approaches to overcome immune evasion in human cancers.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMay 17, 2021

Stair climbing offers significant cardiovascular and muscular benefits for heart patients

A team of McMaster University researchers found that stair-climbing routines provide significant cardiovascular and muscular benefits for heart patients. Brief, vigorous stair-climbing and traditional moderate-intensity exercise both changed fitness levels, which is a key predictor of mortality after a cardiac event.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateMay 17, 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 technology makes tumor eliminate itself

Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a new technology called SHREAD that enables cancer tumors to produce therapeutic agents on demand, reducing side effects and improving delivery of Covid-related therapies.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

Multi-gene testing could detect more hereditary cancer syndromes

A new study found that up to 38.6% of colon cancer patients with a hereditary cancer syndrome may be undetected by current universal tumor-screening methods. Researchers recommend implementing multi-gene panel testing as part of the standard care for all colorectal cancer patients.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJCO Precision Oncology·DateMay 17, 2021

Rare COVID-19 response in children explained

A Yale-led study discovered that children with multi-system inflammatory response (MIS-C) exhibit unique immune system signatures, including elevated alarmins and adaptive immune responses. These findings may aid in diagnosis and early treatment of the condition, which can be fatal if left untreated.

SourceYale University·JournalImmunity·DateMay 17, 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.

Diamonds engage both optical microscopy and MRI for better imaging

Researchers have developed microdiamond tracers that can provide information via both MRI and optical fluorescence simultaneously, allowing high-quality images up to a centimeter below the surface of tissue. This technique enables faster imaging and overcomes the limitation of light microscopy in probing deeper tissues.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

How plankton hold secrets to preventing pandemics

A University of Colorado Boulder study suggests that invertebrate immunity can prevent disease transmission, offering insights into COVID-19 and other zoonotic diseases. Researchers observed that some plankton can stop fungal spores from entering their bodies, while others clear infections within a limited window after exposure.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateMay 17, 2021

Routine testing before surgery remains common despite low value

Preoperative testing is often unnecessary for low-risk surgeries, yet it continues to be ordered despite evidence suggesting its low value. Patients who had a complete medical history and physical done during a visit were more likely to have had preoperative testing.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 17, 2021

Air quality linked to increased risk of Alzheimer's

Researchers at UC Davis found a link between traffic-related air pollution and an increased risk for age-related dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Exposure to polluted air accelerated Alzheimer's disease characteristics in both rats with and without the risk gene.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 17, 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.

Engineered organism could diagnose Crohn's disease flareups

Researchers at Rice University engineered a pH-sensing gut bacteria to diagnose inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease. The organism glows green when it encounters acidic conditions, reflecting the level of acidity. This discovery could lead to non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring of acidosis in humans.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 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.

Permafrost thaw emissions and global climate goals

A study highlights the significant impact of permafrost thaw on carbon emissions and climate goals. The authors warn that permafrost thaw is expected to increase as temperatures rise, potentially exacerbating global warming beyond the 2°C limit.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

Scientists find new way of predicting COVID-19 vaccine efficacy

Australian researchers have identified an immune response associated with protection from COVID-19, enabling the measurement of neutralising antibody levels as a proxy for immune protection. The discovery may lead to annual vaccine boosters and more efficient vaccine development.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 17, 2021

Measuring and predicting collective intelligence

Collective intelligence in groups can be quantified by considering individual skill, group collaboration, and gender composition; proportion of women positively correlates with social perceptiveness. The findings suggest that diverse groups are more intelligent due to increased social interaction

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 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.

Warnings on the dangers of screen time are ill founded -- New study

A major international review of screen time research found that estimates of usage were only accurate in about five percent of studies. The study's findings challenge the validity of research on the impact of screen time on mental health, highlighting the need for more reliable measurement practices.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMay 17, 2021

Stunning simulation of stars being born is most realistic ever

The STARFORGE simulation reveals that protostellar jets play a vital role in determining a star's mass, with jets disrupting the inflow of gas toward the star. This breakthrough helps researchers better understand star formation and its impact on galaxy evolution.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 17, 2021

ORNL partners on science kits for STEM schools

The Tennessee Distance Learning Initiative provides hundreds of free science kits aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, promoting hands-on activities in STEM-designated schools. The program aims to engage and inspire students in science and engineering fields.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateMay 17, 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.

New tools needed to prevent plant disease pandemics

Plant diseases can spread rapidly across borders and oceans, threatening global food security. Researchers call for integrated surveillance, detection systems, and predictive modeling to prevent future outbreaks.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

Mechanics of the infinitely small: NanoGear, towards a molecular gear

Researchers at the University of Bologna developed NanoGear, a device consisting of interlocked molecular components that function as a gear. The device exhibits unusual properties, such as 'specific lubrication' in different solvents, which could lead to radical technological innovations.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalChem·DateMay 17, 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.

Gut hormone triggers craving for more proteins

A new study using fruit flies has uncovered the mechanism behind a gut hormone's role in inducing cravings for protein-rich foods. The research found that CNMamide, released by enterocytes in response to protein deprivation, conveys nutrient status to the brain, triggering a desire to consume essential amino acids.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature·DateMay 17, 2021

African rainforests still slowed climate change despite record heat and drought

A recent study found that African tropical rainforests removed 1.1 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide per year during the 2015-2016 El Niño event, equivalent to three times the UK's carbon emissions in 2019. The forests continued to function as a carbon sink, with only modest impacts from extreme heat and drought.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

Study reveals new options to help firms improve the food recall process

A new study from the University of Notre Dame proposes that food companies can reduce recall uncertainty by embedding recall options into their decision-making. The research identifies three key recall options: scale, deferral, and abandonment, which can help managers segment recalls and make informed decisions as they evolve.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Business Logistics·DateMay 17, 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.

"Heat not burn" product compared with cigarettes and e-cigarettes

A study by Queen Mary University of London compared the safety and effects of heat not burn product IQOS with cigarettes, Juul, and refillable e-cigarettes. IQOS delivered less nicotine, had lower nicotine delivery than Juul, and was less effective in reducing urges to smoke.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateMay 17, 2021