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Science News Archive May 2021 - Page 5


Page 5 of 47

Effects of nanoplastics on Canadian and Guadeloupean oysters

A recent study found that nanoplastics and arsenic exposure affects oyster biological functions, with increased bioaccumulation of arsenic in Canadian Crassostrea virginica oysters compared to Guadeloupean Isognomon alatus oysters. Gene deregulation was also observed in C. virginica.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalChemosphere·DateMay 27, 2021

Poor sleep may impact academic achievement for children in disinvested neighborhoods

A new longitudinal study found that sleep health is related to observed classroom behavior and predicts future academic achievement among primarily Black children growing up in historically disinvested neighborhoods. Higher teacher-reported child sleepiness was associated with lower adaptive behaviors and higher behavior problems.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 27, 2021

Quark-gluon plasma flows like water, according to new study

A new study highlights the surprising similarities between quark-gluon plasma, the first matter thought to have filled the early Universe, and ordinary liquids. The ratio of viscosity and density is crucial in determining fluid flow, and researchers found that this ratio is the same for both quark-gluon plasma and water.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalSciPost Physics·DateMay 27, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

It takes some heat to form ice!

Researchers track water molecule movement using Helium Spin-Echo technique, revealing repulsion between water molecules on graphene surface is crucial for ice formation. This discovery challenges previous understanding of ice nucleation and provides new insights into controlling ice formation.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 27, 2021

Fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria has a glowing new weapon

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed chemical probes to detect an enzyme that breaks down antibiotics, making bacteria resistant to treatment. The probes can also be used to study nutritional immunity and may help find alternative treatments for resistant bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 27, 2021

The new species of bacteria killing palms in Australia

A new species of bacteria, Candidatus Phytoplasma dypsidis, has been found to cause a fatal disease in palms in Queensland, Australia. The bacterium is thought to be spread by insects and poses a significant threat to Australia's ornamental palm industry.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateMay 27, 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.

Dark energy survey releases most precise look at the universe's evolution

The Dark Energy Survey has released its most precise look at the universe's evolution, using data from 226 million galaxies observed over nearly one-eighth of the sky. The results confirm the current best model of the Universe, but hint that the Universe today is a few percent less clumpy than predicted.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 27, 2021

How more inclusive lab meetings lead to better science

A new paper provides ten guiding principles for structured lab group meetings that are more inclusive and productive, leading to better science. The guidelines aim to create diverse and inclusive lab environments, increasing individual and collective productivity.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 27, 2021

COVID-19 kept our parks busy, but not everyone ventured outside

Despite increased public use of parks and reserves, 26% of people reduced their visits during lockdowns, highlighting the need for inclusive urban planning policies. The study found that lockdown periods motivated new users to explore green spaces, which foster good mental health and serve as a nature-based coping mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPeople and Nature·DateMay 27, 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.

Shiny mega-crystals that build themselves

Scientists have created mega-crystals with unique properties by mixing different shapes of nanocrystals. These 'Lego materials' form long-range ordered dense lattices called superlattices, which exhibit superfluorescence and can be used for technical applications.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature·DateMay 27, 2021

Mathematical model developed to prevent botulism

A new mathematical model predicts Clostridium botulinum growth and toxin production in chilled food products, reducing the need for costly laboratory experiments. The model's comprehensive approach considers multiple factors, including storage temperature, pH, salt, and preservatives, to ensure food safety.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateMay 27, 2021

Pertussis more common in Europe than previously thought

A new Finnish study reveals pertussis is more prevalent among middle-aged adults in European countries than previously assumed, leading to concerns about underdiagnosed cases. The study also highlights the low levels of antibodies against diphtheria, indicating decreasing herd immunity.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 27, 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.

Socioeconomically disadvantaged adolescents' diets worsened during lockdown

A recent study published in Nutrients found that socioeconomically disadvantaged adolescents' diets worsened significantly during the COVID-19 lockdown. The study, which involved 303 Catalan young people aged 12-18, revealed a 21% greater risk of worsening diet among those from less advantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalNutrients·DateMay 27, 2021

Scientists earn early career awards

The US Department of Energy has awarded $500k in funding to PNNL researchers Marcel Baer, Nathan Tallent, and Ben Loer. Baer will explore protein structures for new materials, while Tallent aims to accelerate data flow between computers and scientific instruments. Loer will focus on reducing radiation impact on quantum computing.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateMay 27, 2021

Roots of major depression revealed in all its genetic complexity

A new study has identified 178 gene variants linked to major depression, providing insights into the disorder's genetic complexity and potential treatments. The findings may help identify individuals most at risk of depression and inform personalized treatment approaches.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 27, 2021

When cancer cells "put all their eggs in one basket"

Researchers discovered that acute myeloid leukemia cancer cells depend on the Fanconi anemia pathway, which can be inhibited to kill cancer cells. This finding could lead to more effective and safer cancer treatments.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCancer Discovery·DateMay 27, 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.

DNA vaccines for COVID-19 effective in mice, hamsters

Researchers developed a DNA vaccine encoding SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which induced long-lasting antibodies in mice and hamsters. The vaccine showed protective efficacy against COVID-19 infection in hamsters, with no loss of body weight or viral RNA in their lungs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 27, 2021

Engineered defects in crystalline material boosts electrical performance

Researchers found that engineered defects in oxide crystals can increase electrical performance by five-fold and 19-fold in dielectric and piezoelectric properties, respectively. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient capacitors with improved environmental and health benefits.

SourceIowa State University·JournalScience·DateMay 27, 2021

A deep dive into the brain

Researchers have developed a new fluorescence microscopy technique that allows for high-resolution images of microcirculation in the brain without invasive surgical methods. This breakthrough has the potential to reveal new insights into neurological disorders and facilitate early detection and treatment.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalOptica·DateMay 27, 2021

Fungus fights mites that harm honey bees

A new fungus strain, developed by Washington State University researchers, has shown promise in controlling varroa mites that harm honey bees. The fungus, Metarhizium, can survive in warm environments common in honey bee hives and kill mites without harming the bees.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 27, 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.

Lactate reveals all about its antidepressant prowess

Researchers from Synapsy have identified lactate's key features, including NADH and neurogenesis, which contribute to its antidepressant effect. Lactate restores adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus, a region crucial for memory and depression.

SourceNational Center of Competence in Research Synapsy·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMay 27, 2021

Visits to 'crisis pregnancy centers' common in Ohio

A new study found that nearly one in seven Ohio women of reproductive age has visited a crisis pregnancy center, which are often funded by state dollars but not regulated by the medical board. This can lead to concerns about access to proper medical care and potential misinformation about reproductive health.

SourceOhio State University·JournalContraception·DateMay 27, 2021

AJR: Ultrasound, MRI aid placenta accreta diagnosis

Placental bulge sign on prenatal ultrasound or MRI significantly aids diagnosis of severe placenta accreta spectrum disorder, warranting hysterectomy over conservative management. The sign's accuracy and sensitivity are notable, making it a valuable tool for maternal counseling.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMay 27, 2021

Resilience of fisheries following Tohoku tsunami

A small Japanese fishing community recovered from the 2011 Tohoku tsunami through cooperative activity, including joint operations and fixed-net fishing. This phenomenon challenges the 'disaster utopia' concept, which suggests temporary collaborative behavior after emergencies.

SourceTohoku University·JournalDisaster Prevention and Management An International Journal·DateMay 27, 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.

Brain injury research to focus on moderate concussion

A new $2.3 million grant will support a five-year research project at UC Riverside, led by Viji Santhakumar, exploring the relationship between inflammation and abnormal neuron connections after brain injury. The study aims to identify potential early therapies to prevent epilepsy and memory issues following traumatic brain injury.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMay 27, 2021

Local management crucial to helping coral reefs survive warming waters

A new study finds that local management of coral reefs can increase their chances of recovery after devastating bleaching events. Caring for reefs on a local scale may help them persist globally by minimizing environmental stressors such as overfishing and pollution.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 27, 2021

Study upgrades one of the largest databases of neuronal types

Researchers have updated one of the world's largest databases on neuronal types, Hippocampome.org, with a comprehensive mapping between neural activity and identified neuron types. This may enable biologically meaningful computer modeling of the full neuronal circuit of the hippocampus.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 27, 2021

UMass Amherst astronomer reveals never-before-seen detail of the center of our galaxy

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery at the center of our galaxy, revealing an X-ray thread and hinting at a previously unknown interstellar energy source. The findings provide the clearest picture yet of a pair of X-ray-emitting plumes emerging from the region near the massive black hole.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 27, 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.

Parents modify the home literacy environment according to their children's progress in learning to read

A longitudinal study found that parents modify their home literacy environment according to their children's progress in learning to read. Access to literacy resources was a consistent predictor of emergent literacy over time. Parents also adjusted their reading comprehension activities with their children as they encountered reading d...

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 27, 2021

Reaping the benefits of noise

Researchers at AMOLF discovered that introducing slow non-linearity can increase the efficiency of mechanical oscillators harvesting energy from noise. This phenomenon, known as stochastic resonance, becomes robust to variations in signal frequency when systems have memory.

SourceAMOLF·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 27, 2021

Vaccine target for devastating livestock disease could change lives of millions

Scientists have identified a promising vaccine target for animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT), a disease causing significant economic impact on livestock in Africa and South America. The vaccine candidate showed long-lasting protection against infection in mice, offering a potential solution to the devastating effects of AAT.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 27, 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.

Microbial gene discovery could mean greater gut health

Scientists have identified a set of microbial genes that play a crucial role in converting bile acids into beneficial forms. This discovery could lead to the development of therapeutic strategies to enhance gut health and prevent diseases associated with unbalanced bile acid levels.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalGut Microbes·DateMay 27, 2021

Lead levels in urban soil are declining but hotspots persist

A Duke University study found that while lead levels have generally decreased since the 1970s, they remain above safety guidelines near residential foundations and in areas with high traffic density. Regular soil testing is essential to mitigate these risks and encourage cities to act on this issue.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 27, 2021

Driving in the snow is a team effort for AI sensors

Researchers at Michigan Technological University discuss solutions for snowy driving scenarios using sensor fusion, which combines data from various sensors like lidar, radar, and cameras. This approach enables autonomous vehicles to better detect obstacles and understand their environment.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateMay 27, 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.

Gene research on brassicas provides potential for making better crops

Scientists have developed a new framework for describing gene content and order across Brassica species, which will aid in evolution studies. This framework enables the acceleration of beneficial gene exchange between species, ultimately leading to more climate-resilient crops.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Plants·DateMay 27, 2021

New framework to enhance national climate action and achieve global goals

IIASA researchers have proposed a novel systematic scenario framework to help policymakers assess and compare climate policies across countries. The framework allows for exploration of multiple systematic scenarios associated with emissions reductions in 2050, providing a flexible approach to assessing national long-term pathways.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 27, 2021

Development anomalies recorded for the first time in a rare tiger moth

Researchers have recorded development anomalies in the Menetries' tiger moth for the first time, providing new information on this rare Palaearctic species. The study found that up to 75% of larvae died before pupation, and some metamorphosis anomalies resulted in adults with wing inflation issues.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNota Lepidopterologica·DateMay 27, 2021

How metals work together to weaken hardy nitrogen-nitrogen bonds

MIT researchers have discovered how metal clusters weaken the strong nitrogen-nitrogen bond, enabling microbes to convert nitrogen into usable forms. The study sheds light on the mechanism of nitrogenases, critical enzymes that fix nitrogen in the atmosphere.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 27, 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.

Immunity boost in the gut

A comprehensive review suggests that gut microbiota play a crucial role in immune responses to vaccinations. The study aims to improve vaccine effectiveness by understanding the microbiota's impact on B and T cell immune responses.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Reviews Immunology·DateMay 27, 2021

COVID-19 increases rate of heart attacks in people at genetic risk for heart disease

A new study by the Family Heart Foundation found that COVID-19 increases heart attack rates in individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The study analyzed data from 55 million individuals and confirmed that COVID-19 worsens cardiovascular outcomes.

SourceFamily Heart Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMay 27, 2021

Mouse pups' cries give clues about autism spectrum disorder

Researchers are using machine learning to identify mouse pups' cries that may predict social abnormalities in autism. The study aims to develop a diagnostic algorithm for ASD, enabling early intervention and potentially improving outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMay 27, 2021

Astonishing quantum experiment in Science raises questions

A new experiment demonstrates the stability of quantum interactions between coupled atoms under electron bombardment. The findings suggest that special quantum states may be realized in quantum computers more easily than previously thought.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScience·DateMay 27, 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.

Seabirds' success reveals asymmetry in ocean health

Researchers found that Northern Hemisphere seabirds suffer greater breeding productivity stresses than their Southern Hemisphere counterparts. This suggests the need for hemispheric-scale ocean management and long-term monitoring programs.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 27, 2021

Prenatal exposure to paracetamol associated with ADHD and autism symptoms in childhood

A study of over 70,000 European children found that prenatal exposure to paracetamol was associated with a 19% increased risk of developing autism spectrum symptoms and a 21% increased risk of developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms. The researchers also found no association between postnatal paracetamol exposure and the de...

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEuropean Journal of Epidemiology·DateMay 27, 2021

Scientists overhear two atoms chatting

Researchers at Delft University of Technology intercept a chat between two atoms, demonstrating perfect superposition and entangled quantum states. This breakthrough has significant implications for research on quantum bits and may lead to new experimental possibilities.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience·DateMay 27, 2021

Comprehensive electronic-structure methods review featured in Nature Materials

The article reviews electronic-structure methods for materials design, discussing their capabilities, limitations, and potential applications. The authors highlight the importance of combining simulations with experiments and emphasize the need for advanced computational infrastructure to support these efforts.

SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 27, 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.

Some forams could thrive with climate change, metabolism study finds

Researchers found that some foraminifera species can survive and even thrive in hypoxic and anoxic sediments, suggesting a new direction for studying past environmental conditions. The study also revealed diverse metabolic strategies used by these organisms to adapt to low oxygen conditions.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 27, 2021

Sometimes, even 3-year-olds just want to fit in with the group

A new study by Duke University researchers found that preschoolers around age three start going along with the crowd more than following authority. Children tend to stick to their initial choices but may switch if presented as a group norm, suggesting they're developing moral reasoning capacity and sense of shared identity.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 27, 2021

Genetic risk factors revealed by largest genome study of depression to date

A large-scale genetic analysis of depression identified 178 loci and 223 single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with increased depression risk. The study, involving over 1.2 million participants, provides new insights into the biological basis of depression and potential drug repurposing.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 27, 2021