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Science News Archive May 2021 - Page 40


Page 40 of 47

Slender-snouted Besanosaurus was an 8 m long marine snapper

Researchers have identified five additional specimens of a 240-million-year-old ichthyosaur, named Besanosaurus leptorhynchus, providing new information on its anatomy, diet, and exceptionally large adult size. The species is the earliest large-sized marine diapsid with a long and narrow snout.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateMay 6, 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.

Space weather and solar blobs

Researchers at DOE's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory receive $2 million in funding to investigate magnetic reconnection and plasma blobs that can disrupt communications satellites. They aim to recreate conditions in the magnetosphere using a device resembling an enormous silvery barrel tipped on its side.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateMay 6, 2021

Epilepsy research reveals why sleep increases risk of sudden death

New research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine reveals that sleep can increase the risk of sudden death in people with epilepsy. Seizures disrupt the body's natural regulation of sleep-related changes, leading to a slower heart rate and potentially deadly consequences.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalEpilepsia·DateMay 6, 2021

Review: Most human origins stories are not compatible with known fossils

Most human origins stories are incompatible with the fossils found today, according to a new review that argues for the importance of fossil apes in understanding human evolution. The study examines the major discoveries in hominin origins since Darwin's time and finds that relying on living apes alone is insufficient.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalScience·DateMay 6, 2021

Feeling younger buffers older adults from stress, protects against health decline

A study by the American Psychological Association found that people who feel younger have better cognitive functioning, lower inflammation, and a lower risk of hospitalization compared to those who feel older. The researchers suggest that feeling younger could help buffer middle-aged and older adults against stress's negative effects.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateMay 6, 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.

Patient support program for painful conditions may reduce opioid use

A patient support program for people with autoimmune diseases and complex medication regimens can help them avoid using opioids or reduce their use. The study found that patients in the program were 13% less likely to start taking opioid pain medications and 26% less likely to fill two or more opioid prescriptions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalRheumatology and Therapy·DateMay 6, 2021

5:2 diet helps reduce skin symptoms in Psoriasis patients

A modified 5:2 diet has shown promising results in reducing scaling and thickness of skin symptoms in psoriasis patients. The study found a significant reduction in Psoriasis severity after following the MIF diet, with 30% of patients reporting a decrease in itching.

SourceSay Communications·DateMay 6, 2021

Children likely to be pleading guilty when innocent, study argues

A recent study published in the Journal of Law and Society suggests that children are more prone to pleading guilty even when innocent due to their brain development and information processing abilities. The researchers argue that this can lead to inaccurate convictions and recommend tailored protection for young defendants.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Law and Society·DateMay 6, 2021

Cell cytoskeleton as target for new active agents

A team of scientists at the Paul Scherrer Institute has discovered 27 binding sites on tubulin, a critical protein in the cell cytoskeleton. Eleven of these sites were previously unknown and hold promise for developing new cancer-fighting agents.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 6, 2021

New indicator for oxygen levels in early oceans developed

Researchers have discovered a new method to track oxygen levels in the ancient oceans by analyzing tungsten isotopes. This breakthrough may provide valuable insights into the evolution of life on Earth and its ability to thrive under various environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 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.

Pandemic-driven telehealth proves popular at safety net health system

A new study by UCSF found that 9 out of 10 clinicians support using telehealth for outpatient care, despite concerns about diagnostic accuracy. Clinicians reported challenges with speech, hearing, and cognitive barriers, as well as limited internet access and language barriers.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved·DateMay 6, 2021

Rooted tree key to understanding bacterial evolution, new study suggests

A recent study uses phylogenetic methods to integrate vertical and horizontal gene transmission, revealing that genes travel vertically two-thirds of the time. This analysis predicts a root between two major clades, Terrabacteria and Gracilicutes, shedding light on early bacterial evolution.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience·DateMay 6, 2021

Exercise aids the cognitive development of children born preterm

A study by the University of Basel found that exercise training helps improve motor skills in children born prematurely, leading to better impulse control and reduced behavioral problems. This targeted training may also reduce cognitive limitations, providing essential support for these children as they grow into teenagers.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalDevelopmental Cognitive Neuroscience·DateMay 6, 2021

Research breakthrough in the fight against cancer

A UMass Amherst research team has engineered a nanoparticle that can deliver cancer-fighting drugs to specific cells, reducing side effects. The innovation combines biologics and antibody-drug conjugates, enabling safer treatments for various genetic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 6, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Eating sardines regularly helps prevent type 2 diabetes

A study found that consuming two cans of sardines a week reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 31% in elderly patients with prediabetes. The nutrient-rich fish helped lower insulin resistance, increase HDL cholesterol and improve glucose metabolism.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalClinical Nutrition·DateMay 6, 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.

JAMA Health Forum now peer-reviewed journal

The JAMA Health Forum has transitioned from an online health policy channel to a peer-reviewed, open-access online journal. The journal is focused on health policy, health care systems, and global and public health, with an editorial team led by John Z. Ayanian and Melinda B. Buntin.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMay 6, 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.

Temperature explains why aquatic life more diverse near equator

Research from University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Yale University suggests that temperature explains why tropical waters have a higher biodiversity. However, global warming could reduce this diversity as temperatures rise, potentially leading to extinctions.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 6, 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.

Physicists describe new type of aurora

Researchers have found a new feature in the diffuse aurora, where sections of the background-like glow disappear and then reappear after a short period. This phenomenon, dubbed 'diffuse auroral erasers,' has never been mentioned in scientific literature and raises questions about its frequency and potential impact on Earth's climate.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateMay 6, 2021

Researchers speed identification of DNA regions that regulate gene expression

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have developed an integrated system to better understand and possibly manipulate gene expression for treatment of disorders like sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia. The new method identified dozens of DNA regulatory elements that orchestrate fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switch, offeri...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 6, 2021

Only 41% of people would sign up for COVID-19 trials says new report

A new report by the University of Birmingham reveals that only 41.4% of respondents in a UK-wide survey expressed interest in participating in COVID-19 vaccine trials. The study found that male graduates, those aged 40-49 and 50-59, and individuals with no health issues were more likely to be interested, while Black Asian Minority Ethn...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalTrials·DateMay 6, 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.

Sharks use Earth's magnetic fields to guide them like a map

Researchers found that sharks rely on magnetic fields to guide them during long-distance migrations. Bonnethead sharks were used in experiments, which showed that they orient themselves based on the magnetic field, even when exposed to fields outside their natural range.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 6, 2021

Cancer patients lonely and depressed during COVID

A new UCSF study reports that cancer patients experience a deep sense of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 53% of participants classified as lonely. The study also found higher levels of depression, fatigue, and sleep disturbance among lonely patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCancer·DateMay 6, 2021

Depression part of daily life for many Black Canadians

A study by the University of Ottawa found nearly two-thirds of Black individuals in Canada suffer from severe depressive symptoms. Women are disproportionately affected, with those who experience racial discrimination also showing higher rates.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalDepression and Anxiety·DateMay 5, 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.

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.

A touch from a conversing robot is linked to positive emotional state

A study published in PLOS ONE found that participants who were touched by a humanoid robot during conversation reported a better emotional state. Those who received non-functional touch from the robot were more likely to comply with requests and exhibit positive behavioral responses, suggesting potential for robots to boost motivation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 5, 2021

Study shows how low-protein intake during pregnancy can cause renal problems in offspring

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that low-protein intake during pregnancy can lead to a significant decrease in the number of nephrons in offspring, resulting in hypertensive effects and kidney damage. The researchers discovered this effect by analyzing microRNA expression in rat embryos fed with a low-protein diet during ges...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 5, 2021

Aluminum may affect climate change by increasing ocean's carbon sink capacity

Researchers found that adding aluminum to seawater increases net carbon fixation of marine diatoms by 10-30%, improving the ocean's ability to absorb CO2. This process can significantly increase the ocean's carbon sink capacity and sequester carbon for long periods, aiding climate change mitigation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateMay 5, 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.

How mitochondria make the cut

Researchers investigated mitochondrial fission and discovered two types of division: midzone and peripheral. Midzone divisions have textbook machinery, while peripheral divisions are associated with stress and dysfunction. The study sheds light on regulation mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for human diseases.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateMay 5, 2021

Distinguished diabetes researcher named 2021 Hamm prize laureate

Andrew T. Hattersley, a renowned diabetes researcher, has been awarded the 2021 Harold Hamm International Prize for Biomedical Research in Diabetes. The prize recognizes his lifelong contributions to the field of diabetes research and his singular advances that promote curative potential.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateMay 5, 2021

What is driving reductions in residential greenhouse gas emissions in the US?

A Yale School of Environment study found that efficiencies in new home construction, energy consumption, and household appliances have contributed to lower emissions, but other factors may cancel out progress. The researchers suggest shifting from single-family housing to multi-family housing could reduce energy demand by up to 47%.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 5, 2021

Exploring the possibilities of hyaluronic acid

Research has expanded hyaluronic acid's uses beyond cosmetics, exploring its potential in wound healing, nerve and muscle pain treatments, and cancer therapy. The ingredient is being combined with other proven ingredients to create optimized products with tangible results.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 5, 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.

Scientists find a new anti-hepatic fibrosis drug target

Researchers from Skoltech, Italy, discovered a new axis for preventing liver fibrosis by targeting the GILZ protein. The study used mice models and verified findings with human clinical data, suggesting that controlling the signaling pathway involving GILZ could lead to treating inflammatory liver diseases.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalCell Death and Disease·DateMay 5, 2021

ASN Foundation announces recipients of National Scientific Achievement Awards

The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) has announced the recipients of its scientific achievement awards, recognizing top researchers, clinicians, and educators for their contributions to advancing nutrition research, education, and practice. The awards will be presented virtually during NUTRITION 2021 LIVE ONLINE.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·DateMay 5, 2021

Superconductivity, high critical temperature found in 2D semimetal W2N3

Researchers have discovered a high-temperature superconductor in the 2D material W2N3, with a critical temperature of 21 K. This finding has significant implications for the development of nanoscale devices and our understanding of topological properties.

SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 5, 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.

The oldest human burial in Africa

Researchers have uncovered the oldest known human burial in Africa, dating back to 78,000 years ago. The discovery, made at Panga ya Saidi cave site in Kenya, reveals evidence of an intentional burial and suggests that Homo sapiens practiced mortuary rites similar to those of Neanderthals.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature·DateMay 5, 2021

Can Twitter help improve dental education?

Studies found Twitter's real-time Q&A sessions and semi-anonymous interactions can benefit students' engagement and confidence. However, barriers to Twitter's use in dental education include privacy concerns and professionalism issues.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Dental Education·DateMay 5, 2021