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Science News Archive May 2021 - Page 45


Page 45 of 47

Study reveals the gateway to conscious awareness

A new study from Michigan Medicine researchers identifies the anterior insular cortex as a key area in the brain that acts as a filter, allowing only the most important sensory information to enter conscious awareness. This gate-like structure regulates brain network transitions and plays a crucial role in conscious access.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 4, 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.

Insights from color-blind octopus help fight human sight loss

Researchers developed a novel medical device using octopus vision technology to assess macular pigment levels, enabling optometrists to provide preventative advice to patients. The technology can screen people from 5-95 years of age for low macular pigments, a strong risk factor for macular degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 4, 2021

Staying down on the farm

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology modeled dynamic instability in tractor operation, revealing that self-excited oscillations can arise when the tractor pushes against the ground. The model showed that power hop can occur based on draft load, soil, and tire conditions.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·DateMay 4, 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.

Researchers identify protein "signature" of severe COVID-19

A team of researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital has identified a consistent protein signature in patients with severe COVID-19. The study found that this signature is associated with an immune response, but also with older patients who have chronic diseases and weakened immune systems.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateMay 4, 2021

The secret life of bee signals can communicate colony health

Researchers monitored honeybee hives to study their electrostatic field (ESF) data, revealing communication patterns and impact of pesticides on bee health. The findings indicate that weakened communications can signal colony stress and damage from environmental pollutants.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateMay 4, 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.

Investigating the role of Brd4 in diet-induced obesity

Researchers discovered that Brd4 plays a crucial role in diet-induced obesity by modulating lipid metabolism. In mice lacking Brd4, high-fat diets did not lead to obesity, indicating an alternative energy source was used instead of sugar.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalJCI Insight·DateMay 4, 2021

UMD team demonstrates swarm of photons that somersault in lockstep

Researchers at the University of Maryland have demonstrated a swarm of photons that somersault in lockstep, pointing their spin perpendicular to their direction of propagation. This surprising result has potential applications in nonlinear optics and free-space optical communications.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalOptica·DateMay 4, 2021

Observation of antichiral edge states in a circuit lattice

Scientists have directly observed and measured the novel phenomenon of antichiral edge states in a circuit lattice. The results demonstrate that these edge states exhibit counter-propagating bulk states, opening new avenues for exploring the properties of antichiral edge states.

SourceScience China Press·DateMay 4, 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.

Climate action potential in waste incineration plants

Researchers at ETH Zurich calculate that waste incineration plants in Europe have a significant potential for negative emissions through bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). If fully exploited, BECCS could reduce European CO2 emissions by 200 million tonnes per year.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 4, 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.

Our immune systems blanket the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with antibodies

A team of researchers at the University of Texas at Austin has discovered that most SARS-CoV-2 antibodies target areas outside the receptor-binding domain, neutralizing the virus in cell cultures. This finding provides a promising lead for designing next-generation vaccines against variants and future coronaviruses.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateMay 4, 2021

Researchers identify potential combination therapy for aggressive lung cancer

A new study by UCLA researchers identified a novel combination therapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors with ATRA to potentially overcome resistance to immunotherapy in LKB1-deficient lung cancer. The therapy led to eradication of over 70% of tumors and generated durable tumor-specific immunity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer Research·DateMay 4, 2021

Researchers advance 3D printing to aid tissue replacement

A team of researchers developed a unique scaffolding material for engineered tissues that can be fine-tuned to mimic natural tissue properties. This allows for the creation of customized replacement skin, cartilage, or other tissue for patients, with potential applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBioprinting·DateMay 4, 2021

Tiny plastic particles in the environment

Scientists are concerned about the potential harmful effects of nanoplastics on ecosystems, but knowledge gaps hinder understanding of their risks. Research is needed to develop analytical methods and study interactions between nanoparticles and biological systems.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 4, 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.

Phase transition inside the nucleus provides oncogenic function to mutant p53 in cancer

Researchers at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro discover a crucial link between phase transition and cancer pathology. Mutant p53 aggregates are formed through liquid-to-liquid phase separation, progressing to a gel-like or solid-like state that plays a key role in cancer development.

SourceInstituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INBEB)·JournalChemical Science·DateMay 4, 2021

First detailed look at how charge transfer distorts a molecule's structure

A SLAC X-ray laser study reveals the molecular structure changes during charge transfer in N,N'-dimethylpiperazine (DMP) gas molecules. The research team observed how the molecule's atomic scaffolding deforms and redistributes charges, leading to a lopsided response to light.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2021

Little to no increase in association between adolescents' mental health problems and digital tech

A new study published in Clinical Psychological Science found little evidence of increased association between adolescents' technology engagement and mental health problems. Only social media use showed a slight increase in emotional problems, while other associations remained consistent or decreased over time.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateMay 4, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mangroves and seagrasses absorb microplastics

A recent study published in Environmental Science and Technology found that mangroves and seagrasses capture higher concentrations of microplastics than control sites. The study's lead researcher notes that the accumulation of microplastics in these ecosystems may have negative impacts on animal and plant life.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 4, 2021

Empowering citizens for successful energy transitions

A new IIASA-led study investigates the potential of polycentric governance in facilitating citizen participation in energy transition. The research found that providing citizens with options to make choices about services affecting their communities increases trust in decision makers, while also increasing awareness and willingness to ...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnergy Policy·DateMay 3, 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.

Baek receives funding for NAQFC community emission testbed

Research Scientist Bok Haeng Baek is collaborating with other institutions on a project addressing anthropogenic emission updates and wildfires. The team will use the National Air Quality Forecast Capability Community Emission Testbed to solve these problems, incorporating NOAA satellite remote sensing and data sources.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateMay 3, 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.

Need to vent? Turn to real-life support, not social media

A study by Michigan State University found that excessive social media use can lead to poor mental health due to limited real-life social support. The research suggests that people who engage in too much social media use often receive less social support in their daily lives, which can negatively impact their mental well-being.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateMay 3, 2021

Applying UV light to common disinfectants makes them safer to use

A new study from the University of Waterloo discovered that UVC light can neutralize benzalkonium chloride (BAK), a common ingredient in disinfectants, making them safer for humans and the environment. The treatment reduces BAK's toxicity and minimizes its harmful effects on skin and eyes.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCutaneous and Ocular Toxicology·DateMay 3, 2021

Scientists find small molecule cocktail to improve stem cell use in research, medicine

Researchers at NIH have devised a four-part small-molecule cocktail, CEPT, that protects induced pluripotent stem cells from stress and maintains normal stem cell structure and function. The cocktail enhances the potential therapeutic uses of stem cells in treating diseases like diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injury.

SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 3, 2021

Housing subsidies reduce health care costs for vulnerable veterans

Veterans who received temporary financial assistance for housing had fewer hospital visits and an average reduction in health care costs of $2,800 over two years compared to those who did not receive the benefit. This model could help better serve homeless Americans, including non-veterans.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMay 3, 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.

Previously unrecognized tsunami hazard identified in coastal cities

Researchers discovered overlooked tsunami hazards linked to undersea strike-slip faults, especially in areas like the San Francisco Bay and Izmit Bay. The study highlights the need to reassess tsunami hazard ratings for underwater strike-slip faults traversing narrow bays worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2021

Volunteer firefighters have higher levels of 'forever chemicals'

A Rutgers University study found that volunteer firefighters have higher levels of 'forever chemicals' in their bodies than the general public. The chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are linked to numerous health conditions including cardiovascular disease and cancer.

SourceRutgers University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMay 3, 2021

Study finds disparities in colorectal cancer screenings

New research reveals patients with multiple comorbidities are more likely to be screened for colorectal cancer than those without any health conditions. Regular screenings significantly reduce cancer mortality.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalJournal of Osteopathic Medicine·DateMay 3, 2021

Plastic pollution in the deep sea: A geological perspective

Research highlights the persistence of plastic waste in deep-sea environments, with potential implications for marine life and the sedimentary record. The study suggests that plastics can survive for thousands of years in ocean trenches, posing a significant challenge to mitigation efforts.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMay 3, 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.

Thermal resilience of Red Sea corals

The study found that Red Sea corals can withstand temperatures up to 32°C without major gene expression changes, but 34.5°C is above the lethal limit for some species. The corals' resilient gene expression enhances their chances of survival in a warming world.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2021

33% of neighborhoods in largest US cities were 'pharmacy deserts'

A USC study reveals that 1 in 3 neighborhoods in the largest US cities have limited pharmacy access, disproportionately affecting Black and Latino residents. This 'pharmacy desert' phenomenon may contribute to persistent racial and ethnic health disparities.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMay 3, 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.

At the heart of globalization

The new Käte Hamburger International Research Center will study globalization from the dynamics of 'dis:connectivity', considering opposing forces, diversions, and loss of connectivity. Researchers hope to develop a practice-based understanding of globalization combining scholarly approaches with aesthetic points of view.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·DateMay 3, 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.

Blockchain as 'TechQuity': How tech solutions have the power to help the homeless

Researchers from Dell Medical School propose using blockchain to manage identities of people experiencing homelessness, providing secure access to critical services. The technology has shown promise in establishing an identity system for those in need, improving their ability to navigate complex bureaucracies.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved·DateMay 3, 2021

Prehistoric humans first traversed Australia by 'superhighways'

Researchers created detailed maps of prehistoric human migration to Australia, identifying 'superhighways' that aligned with earliest known archaeological sites. The approach could help forecast modern-day human migration and inform the search for undiscovered archaeological sites.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMay 3, 2021

UTEP study examines movement in children with autism

A UTEP study published in Perceptual and Motor Skills found that children with autism exhibit highly individualized responses to live animation biofeedback when learning motor skills. The results suggest that each child with autism requires tailored instruction to overcome their unique motor learning characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalPerceptual and Motor Skills·DateMay 3, 2021