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Science News Archive May 2021 - Page 33


Page 33 of 47

Medicaid expansion alone does not resolve disparities in cancer care

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that Medicaid expansion did not significantly improve receipt of definitive treatment and timeliness of care for cancer patients treated at minority-serving hospitals. Despite increased access to insurance, these hospitals continued to face significant disparities in care.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJCO Oncology Practice·DateMay 11, 2021

Model bias corrections for reliable projection of extreme El Niño frequency change

A new study finds that model biases in simulating tropical climate trends can significantly impact projections of extreme El Niô frequency change. By removing the impacts of these biases, researchers conclude that the extreme El Niô frequency is likely to remain unchanged in the future, contrary to original projections.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 11, 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.

Sex cells in parasites are doing their own thing

Parasites produce gametes through a unique cell division process that differs from traditional biology. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of sexual reproduction in microbes and its potential impact on disease-causing strains.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMay 11, 2021

A personalized anti-cancer vaccine that works in mice

A personalized anti-cancer vaccine using peptides and oncolytic viruses has shown efficacy in mice, with the ability to target specific mutations in cancer cells. The approach differs from existing clinical trials, which do not use oncolytic viruses as adjuvants.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 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.

Freeports: innovative trading hubs or centres for money laundering and tax evasion?

A new study from the University of Portsmouth highlights the attractive trading advantages offered by freeports but also raises concerns about their potential misuse for money-laundering and tax-evasion purposes. The researchers advocate for stronger regulation to prevent these zones from being exploited.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalJournal of Money Laundering Control·DateMay 11, 2021

Strong quake, small tsunami

A recent study by GEOMAR scientists has provided a comprehensive understanding of the northern Chilean subduction zone, shedding light on the relationship between earthquakes and tsunamis. The data set, obtained through a unique deployment of ocean-bottom seismometers, revealed that aftershocks were located both beneath and above the p...

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 11, 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 shows how our brains sync hearing with vision

Researchers at McGill University found that brain signals constantly adapt to synchronize visual and auditory inputs, using temporal recalibration to adjust our sense of time. This dynamic process enables us to perceive sounds and images as simultaneous, despite the different physical velocities and neural processing speeds.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMay 11, 2021

People are persuaded by social media messages, not view numbers

A study found that people's level of persuasion is not directly affected by the number of views a YouTube video has. Rather, viewers' perception of the message as truthful and believable is key. Participants rated messages as more persuasive when they felt they were believable and trustworthy.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMedia Psychology·DateMay 11, 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.

Gene therapy offers potential cure to children born without an immune system

A new form of gene therapy has successfully treated 48 out of 50 children born with a rare and deadly inherited disorder. The treatment, developed by an international team, involves delivering a corrected copy of the ADA gene into stem cells, which are then returned to the child's body to produce healthy immune cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 11, 2021

Low temperature physics gives insight into turbulence

Lancaster physicists create novel method using nanoscience to detect individual quantum vortices in superfluid helium, revealing simpler dynamics than classical turbulence. This breakthrough could provide clues on solving the Navier-Stokes Equations, governing fluid flow.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 2021

Horseradish flea beetle: Protected with the weapons of its food plant

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have identified a group of glucosinolate-specific transporters in the horseradish flea beetle's excretory system, enabling it to accumulate high amounts of plant toxins for defense. This mechanism allows the beetle to turn itself into a 'mustard oil bomb' and deter predators.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 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.

Wealth inequality is key driver of global wildlife trade

A recent study by researchers at the University of Hong Kong and Lingnan University found that wealth inequality is the key driver of global wildlife trade. Wealthier countries are responsible for the majority of the world's demand, with top importers including the US, France, and Italy.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 11, 2021

Oregon State researchers discover new class of cancer fighting compounds

A team of Oregon State University scientists discovered a new class of anti-cancer compounds, SMAhRTs, that activate AhR signaling and kill liver and breast cancer cells. These compounds provide exciting new leads for drug development, targeting the AhR pathway to induce anti-cancer effects.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAPOPTOSIS·DateMay 11, 2021

Researchers find target to fight antibiotic resistance

A component of bacteria's cell walls, cardiolipin, may hold the key to fighting antibiotic-resistant microbes. Without it, the outer membrane becomes penetrable, making bacteria vulnerable to antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2021

Multiple factors influence family physicians' practice scope

A study by Russell et al found that personal factors influence desired scope of practice in family medicine, while workplace, environmental, and population factors impact actual scope. Supportive factors for a broader scope include training, mentorship, organizational leadership, and team-based care.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 11, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Adolescence is a window of opportunity for improving health literacy

A new LifeLab programme, led by the University of Southampton, has been shown to significantly increase young people's understanding of healthy lifestyles. Participants judged their own lifestyles more critically after the programme, suggesting a lasting impact on health literacy.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 11, 2021

Gene therapy restores immune function in children with rare immunodeficiency

Infants and children with ADA-SCID, a life-threatening inherited immunodeficiency disorder, have regained immune system function after receiving gene therapy. The treatment involves inserting a normal copy of the ADA gene into blood-forming stem cells, offering a one-time procedure with long-term benefits.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 11, 2021

Researchers reveal Knl1 gene function in plants

The study identifies Knl1 as a constitutive component of the central kinetochore protein in plants, playing an essential role in chromosomal congregation and segregation during mitosis. Deficiencies in Knl1 are linked to defective kernel development.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2021

Social isolation has a profound and increasingly negative impact on physical functioning in older adults

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that social isolation has a profound impact on physical functioning in older adults. Socially integrated older adults are more likely to engage in physical activity and experience improvements in their physical functioning. The study highlights the importance of inc...

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 11, 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.

Bioengineering approach for functional muscle regeneration

Researchers created a bioengineering approach for functional muscle regeneration by combining biochemical signals and topographical cues. The technique improved muscle function restoration in injured rats, with over 80% recovery rate, and integrated well with neural and vascular systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateMay 11, 2021

The brain game: What causes engagement and addiction to video games?

Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a model to understand the brain mechanisms behind video game addiction. They found that games can be designed to promote healthy engagement, while also addressing addictive behavior.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Access·DateMay 11, 2021

Cell reprogramming could aid spinal cord injury recovery

Researchers are developing a method to convert astrocytes into neurons using the NeuroD1 gene, aiming to restore connections in the brain and spinal cord after an injury. The goal is to promote functional recovery for patients with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, Alzheimer's, and other neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateMay 11, 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.

How to predict severe influenza in hospitalised patients

Researchers from the University of Melbourne have identified four specific types of cytokines that cause severe inflammation during influenza virus infection. This allows clinicians to predict whether a patient will become severely ill with influenza, enabling early interventions and improved outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 2021

Lighting up biology from within

A portable, non-invasive bioluminescence imaging device has been developed to monitor biological processes in animals and humans. The technology uses a biochemical reaction between an enzyme and oxygen to produce light, allowing for minimally invasive diagnostics and potentially reducing the need for expensive tests.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 2021

New ancient shark discovered

A new ancient shark species, Durnonovariaodus maiseyi, has been identified from a 150 million-year-old fossil found in the Kimmeridge Clay Formation of England. The discovery provides valuable insights into the evolution and diversity of hybodontiform sharks, which were closely related to modern sharks.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPeerJ·DateMay 11, 2021

Research by CMU, Twitter could improve cache efficiency by 60%

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University developed Segcache, a system that improves cache efficiency by up to 60% by grouping similar items and removing expired ones. The system was tested on Twitter's production system and has been incorporated into its infrastructure.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMay 11, 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.

Bone-deep: Mineral found in human bone can help fight toxic organic compounds

Scientists have discovered that hydroxyapatite, a mineral present in human bones, can efficiently decompose hazardous organic compounds when activated using mechanical stress. This breakthrough could lead to the development of cheap, noble-metal-free catalysts for controlling volatile organic compounds.

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 11, 2021

New findings linking brain immune system to psychosis

Research at Karolinska Institutet suggests a link between psychosis and a genetic change affecting the brain's immune system, potentially impacting the development of modern medicines. Psychosis affects approximately 2-3% of the population, with increased life expectancy for those with schizophrenia.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMay 11, 2021

COVID-19 risk and restrictions both motivated and supported participants in online weight loss program, but had a negative impact on mood and behaviors

The COVID-19 pandemic's restrictions both spurred motivation and supported participation in an online weight management program, yet had a negative impact on mood and behaviors. Participants attributed lockdowns to weight gain and found the pandemic motivated them to lose weight, but also reported decreased social support.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 11, 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.

Rooting the bacterial tree of life

Researchers have shed light on early bacterial evolution by integrating vertical and horizontal gene transmission, revealing that a tree is still an apt representation of bacterial evolution. On average, genes travel vertically two-thirds of the time, suggesting a tree-like structure.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience·DateMay 11, 2021

Americans are increasingly experiencing chronic pain

A comprehensive new study reveals that chronic pain is on the rise across all adult demographics, with pain increasing in every age group and demographic. The research suggests that physical health conditions, distress, and alcohol use are closely associated with chronic pain trends.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalDemography·DateMay 11, 2021

New material to treat wounds can protect against resistant bacteria

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new hydrogel material that prevents infections in wounds, effective against all types of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant ones. The material uses antimicrobial peptides and is promising for combating global health threats.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateMay 11, 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.

Online CBT effective against OCD symptoms in the young

Researchers found that internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy can be as effective as conventional CBT in reducing OCD symptoms in children and adolescents. The study showed that stepped digital CBT reduced symptoms as much as conventional CBT and required fewer resources.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA·DateMay 11, 2021

Engineering catalysts that turn seawater into fuel

Scientists from the University of Pittsburgh and University of Rochester aim to improve seawater-to-fuel technology by refining a crucial step in the process. The researchers seek to design catalysts that can efficiently convert carbon dioxide into usable fuels, making the process more energy efficient and safer.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateMay 11, 2021

How fasting diets could harm future generations

A recent study found that reduced food intake in roundworms can have a detrimental effect on three generations of offspring, particularly when they have access to unlimited food. The researchers also discovered that fasting can be costly for descendants and this effect may last for generations.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·DateMay 11, 2021

Quantum mechanics paves the way for more stable organic solar cells

A new method using quantum mechanics increases energy transfer in organic solar cells, allowing for simpler structure and improved durability. This discovery has the potential to significantly increase the efficiency and reduce the cost of producing organic solar cells.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 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.

Cholesterol-lowering statins prescribed less later in day

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that patients with heart disease are less likely to receive cholesterol-lowering statin prescriptions later in the day, particularly after 12 pm. The odds of prescription decreased progressively throughout the morning and remained low throughout the afternoon.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 11, 2021

Study finds consumption of free sugars by secondary school children in the UK lower during snacking periods than at main mealtimes

Research by Abigail Stewart and colleagues found that secondary school children in the UK consumed more free sugars outside of school hours, with a lower intake during snacking periods. The study suggests that environmental or physical factors at home may increase sugar consumption, contrary to expectations.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 11, 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.

Study examines connection between oral and general health in patients with diabetes

A cluster-randomized controlled trial found that individuals with type 2 diabetes who received primary care-based oral health support experienced a significant increase in self-reported oral health quality of life. The study's authors conclude that patients with diabetes can benefit from extra attention to oral health, highlighting the...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 11, 2021