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Science News Archive May 2021 - Page 28


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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMay 13, 2021

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.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 13, 2021

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.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMay 13, 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.

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Econometrics·DateMay 13, 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.

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 13, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 13, 2021

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.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateMay 13, 2021

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.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMay 13, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceScience China Press·DateMay 13, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 13, 2021

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.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 13, 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.

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.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2021

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 13, 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.

Immunocompromised pediatric patients showed T-cell activity and humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2

A new study found that immunocompromised pediatric patients showed significant T-cell activity and humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2. The research suggests that vaccination may still be beneficial for this population, particularly those with antibody deficiency disorders. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Immunology·DateMay 13, 2021

Songbird neurons for advanced cognition mirror the physiology of mammalian counterparts

Researchers identified genetically marked neurons in a zebra finch's forebrain, revealing a landscape of physiology and network roles that mirror those in mammals. This breakthrough advances insight into the fundamental operation of complex brain circuits, suggesting ancient cell types retained features over millions of years.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 13, 2021

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 12, 2021

Researchers discovered a gut microbiota profile that can predict mortality

A large population-level study analyzed stool samples from over 7,000 Finnish adults and found that certain bacterial strains in the gut microbiota were associated with increased mortality risk. The study's machine learning algorithm identified specific microbial species linked to a shorter lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 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.

Xerocrassa montserratensis, an endemic and threatened snail in Catalonia

The study of Xerocrassa montserratensis reveals new insights into the conservation of this endemic and threatened species. The researchers identified genetic groups in different areas where sub-species had been described, providing a better understanding of the species' population structure.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 12, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMay 12, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateMay 12, 2021

Residential coal use in China results in many premature deaths, models indicate

A new study found that indoor air pollution from residential coal burning in China causes a disproportionate number of premature deaths from exposure to tiny PM2.5 pollutants. Residential coal use accounted for 34% of premature deaths associated with PM2.5, despite contributing only 2.9% of total energy use.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 12, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 12, 2021

'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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 12, 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 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.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalJournal of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics·DateMay 12, 2021

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.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMay 12, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 12, 2021

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 12, 2021

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2021

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.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 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.

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAERA Open·DateMay 12, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 12, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 12, 2021

Study finds obese people with pattern of later waking and peak activity later in day at higher risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease

A study found that obese people with an evening chronotype, characterized by later waking and peak activity, have a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This increased risk is independent of sleep quality, age, gender, and body mass index.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 12, 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.

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.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMay 12, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·DateMay 12, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

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.

SourceSwansea University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 12, 2021

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMay 12, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalFood Control·DateMay 12, 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.