Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2021 - Page 11


Page 11 of 510

A quantum view of ‘combs’ of light

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a miniaturized frequency comb that can generate non-classical light, enabling the study of quantum entanglement and opening up new pathways for quantum computing. The microcomb's precise spacing allows for detailed measurement of its finer features.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 16, 2021

Color-sorting metalenses boost imaging sensitivity

Researchers have developed a new metalenses technology that enables filter-free color image sensors with enhanced signal levels. This innovation could improve low-light and fast imaging capabilities for smartphones and autonomous vehicles, leading to better night view capture and high-speed object detection.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

QuTech takes important step in quantum computing with error correction

Researchers at QuTech have successfully integrated high-fidelity operations on encoded quantum data with a scalable scheme for repeated stabilization. They demonstrate that it is possible to compute as well as encode and stabilize qubits, a crucial step towards developing fault-tolerant quantum computers.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Belzutifan offers hope for patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease

Patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease may benefit from Belzutifan, a daily oral medication that shrinks tumors and keeps patients from undergoing surgery. The drug targets the molecular defect in the VHL gene, producing few side effects and showing long-lasting anti-cancer effects.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System receive federal grant to expand addiction medicine education and training

The grant will fund a new curriculum focused on diagnosing and treating people with opioid use disorder (OUD), including guidance on medications for addiction treatment (MAT). The program aims to train hundreds of medical students and residents to diagnose, treat, and care for individuals with substance use disorders.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateDec 16, 2021

Researchers expanding study of landlords, rental housing markets

A team led by Iowa State University researchers is expanding their study of landlords and rental housing markets to add high-risk cities such as Miami and New Orleans. The grant will help cities better understand the regulatory and market complexity of rental housing, which affects not only tenants but also the broader community.

SourceIowa State University·DateDec 16, 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.

Over 1kg of plastic waste is produced per patient anaesthetised, Spanish study finds

A Spanish study has found that each patient undergoing anaesthesia generates up to 1kg of plastic waste, with plastic wrappers being the most common item. The study suggests that up to 60% of this waste could be recycled and highlights the need for improved waste management strategies.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·JournalEuropean Journal of Anaesthesiology·DateDec 16, 2021

European data: Understanding the burden of COVID-19 in children

The study estimates the risk of severe outcomes among symptomatic children aged 0-17 years in the European Union, with hospitalization rates highest among youngest age groups. The authors also note that most children with symptomatic COVID-19 have a low risk of death or hospitalization.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2021

COVID-19 may have spread faster in US because first symptom was cough

A new study suggests that the D614G variant of COVID-19, which was prevalent in the US during the first wave, may have been more infectious because it often started with a cough. This order of symptoms may increase our understanding of how disease spreads and inform future research.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 16, 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.

Novavax COVID-19 vaccine found to be safe and effective in trial conducted by UM School of Medicine researchers

The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to be highly efficacious and safe, with a 90% efficacy rate in preventing COVID-19 illness. The vaccine was also found to be 100% effective in preventing moderate and severe disease requiring hospitalization.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 16, 2021

Impact of COVID-19 on breastfeeding

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decrease in breastfeeding rates among participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Southern California. Breastfeeding education and support services were disrupted due to the pandemic, which may have contributed to the decline.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·TypeCase study·DateDec 16, 2021

Science’s 2021 breakthrough of the year: AI-powered protein prediction

Researchers have successfully predicted complex protein structures using AI-driven software, solving a long-standing scientific challenge. The approach, made freely available to researchers, greatly expands accessibility to protein structures and accelerates scientific discovery.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 16, 2021

Snow drought research finds predictability in uncertainty

A Dartmouth team compiled a global-scale dataset to show how uncertainties over determining snow depth can actually improve predictions of water availability. The approach leverages observational and definitional uncertainties to make better assessments of snow droughts and their impacts.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateDec 16, 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.

Concurrent heatwaves seven times more frequent than 1980s

A study found concurrent heatwaves occurring simultaneously in mid- to high-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere were seven times greater in the 2010s, causing more severe societal impacts. The heat events grew hotter and larger, exhausting countries' ability to provide mutual aid during crises.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Climate·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2021

Nanoparticle therapeutic enhances cancer immunotherapy

Researchers have discovered a nanoparticle therapeutic that enhances cancer immunotherapy and treats malignant pleural effusion. The treatment targets the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells, improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 16, 2021

Building a better bat box: Temperature variation in rocket box designs

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a new bat box design that provides more thermally appropriate roosting spaces for bats. The 'rocket box' style, with modifications to length and insulation, helps reduce the risk of overheating and provides space for bats to move and avoid extreme temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEcological Solutions and Evidence·DateDec 16, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Two blood markers for schizophrenia

A study reveals that blood biomarkers miR-137 and COX6A2 can distinguish between clinical sub-groups of patients with schizophrenia, offering a new tool for stratifying individuals and tailoring treatment. The discovery also highlights the critical role of oxidative stress in schizophrenia's heterogeneity.

SourceNational Center of Competence in Research Synapsy·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Mitigating environmental impact of herbicides

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are developing a framework to understand how herbicides interact and drift onto unintended plants, affecting crops and the environment. The study found that genetically modified crop introduction influences herbicide use rates and practices, leading to increased drift.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2021

Insects: How farmers can be better engaged in species conservation

A new study found that farmers are extremely knowledgeable about pollinators and have taken initiatives to protect insects on their farms. However, more flexible funding options and cooperation between research and practice are needed to realize their full conservation potential.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·TypeSurvey·DateDec 16, 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.

Room-temperature crystallography aids new study of photosynthetic bacteria

Researchers used room-temperature crystallography to study photosynthetic bacteria's proteins, discovering they are 'remarkably robust' and more efficient than previously thought. The study sheds new insight into the mechanism of electron transfer early in photosynthesis.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

UNH research amidst COVID-19 finds leadership style may impact crisis outcomes

Researchers found that global leaders with a rational, problem-solving approach had fewer country-wide infections, while charismatic leaders were associated with higher infection rates. The study suggests that leadership style can significantly impact public health outcomes during crises.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateDec 16, 2021

Robots use fear to fight invasive fish

A team of biologists and engineers created a robotic fish that scares mosquitofish away, altering its behavior and physiology. The study found that the mosquitofish showed fearful behaviors, weight loss, and reduced fertility when confronted with the robot.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Successful heart transplant in 31-year-old Covid patient

A 31-year-old man underwent a heart transplant after recovering from COVID-19, illustrating that the procedure can be successful in patients with severe infections. The patient had been diagnosed with familial inherited cardiomyopathy and had deteriorated rapidly despite treatment.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·JournalEuropean Journal of Anaesthesiology·DateDec 16, 2021

The origin of neuronal diversity

Researchers developed a new technique to analyze brain cell development, finding that cells of similar types are often unrelated and can converge from different progenitors. Conversely, different cell types can diverge from the same progenitor, determining their fate during differentiation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateDec 16, 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.

Temperature-adaptive passive radiative cooling for roofs and windows

Researchers developed a scalable, adaptive radiative cooling technology that can be applied to window glass and roof coatings. The new material, using tungsten-doped vanadium dioxide, can passively turn off radiative cooling at lower temperatures, providing year-round energy savings in most climate zones.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 16, 2021

1,500 endangered languages at high risk of being lost this century

A new study by Australian National University warns that 1,500 endangered languages could cease to be spoken by the end of this century. The researchers found that increased years of schooling can lead to higher levels of language endangerment.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 16, 2021

Poor women in rural India still denied safe hospital births, with maternal deaths at “alarmingly high” levels, study finds

A new study reveals that poor women in rural India are more likely to die during childbirth due to lack of access to safe hospital births. The research found that only 26% of women in low-performing states deliver in hospitals, compared to 87% of those exposed to mass media.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalGlobal Health Action·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 2021

Greater exposure to nitrogen dioxide linked to higher levels of biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in the brain

Exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particles is associated with increased beta-amyloid protein deposition and neurofilament light in cerebrospinal fluid, indicating a potential risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. The study highlights the importance of reducing exposure to air pollution to mitigate this risk.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateDec 16, 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.

Secret embraces of stars revealed by Alma

Researchers studied 15 unusual stars in the Milky Way galaxy, discovering that all have recently undergone a rare phase where one star engulfs another. The findings provide new insight into the sky's most dramatic phenomena and may help answer questions about how stars live and die.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 2021

Private equity long-term care homes have the highest mortality rate during COVID-19

A new study by University of Waterloo researchers reveals that for-profit long-term care homes owned by private equity firms and large chains have the highest mortality rates during COVID-19. The study found a correlation between financialization of senior housing and lower quality care, with prioritizing profits over patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalAntipode·DateDec 16, 2021

How to successfully implement digital strategies

Research highlights the importance of individual entrepreneurial orientation, including proactiveness, risk-taking, and innovativeness, in digital strategy implementation. Employees' relational capital also plays a role, particularly when innovative-oriented employees score high in networking.

SourceCopenhagen Business School·JournalTechnological Forecasting and Social Change·TypeSurvey·DateDec 16, 2021

Ambulance call-outs for heart attacks rise when air pollution is high, German study finds

A German study finds that ambulance call-outs for heart attacks increase when air pollution is high, but decrease with warmer weather. The research highlights the need for better planning and resource allocation by hospitals to address climate change-related changes in weather conditions.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·JournalEuropean Journal of Anaesthesiology·DateDec 16, 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.

Emergency workers need standard health checks to prevent heart events on the job

A new review article emphasizes the importance of regular health checks for emergency workers, such as firefighters and police officers, to prevent heart events on the job. The authors highlight the need for standardized screening and risk management measures to balance individual health with public safety.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateDec 16, 2021

Breakthrough infections generate ‘super immunity’ to COVID-19, study suggests

A new study suggests that breakthrough infections generate 'super immunity' to COVID-19, providing a robust immune response against the delta variant and potentially other variants. The study found that antibodies generated from breakthrough cases were 1,000% more effective than those from vaccinated individuals.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJAMA·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Nanodiamonds are key to efficient hydrogen purification

Researchers at Kyoto University developed nanodiamond-reinforced composite membranes to purify hydrogen from humid mixtures. The addition of positively charged nanodiamonds resolves the humidity-induced disintegration problem, making the membrane more compact and water-resistant.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Energy·DateDec 16, 2021

Proton translocation pathways in a molecular machine of cellular energy metabolism

Researchers at Goethe University and the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics have gained new insights into how mitochondrial complex I facilitates proton transfer through water molecules. The study's high-resolution structure data enabled computer simulations that shed light on the protein's dynamics during its catalytic cycle.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Study in Biosphere 2 facility in Arizona reveals how tropical forests will respond to drought

A study in Biosphere 2's Arizona facility sheds light on tropical forest responses to drought, revealing diverse drought strategies among plant species. The research, which tracked carbon, water, and VOC fluxes during a 9.5-week drought, may help improve predictions of climate change impacts on these ecosystems.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 16, 2021
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.

Oropharyngeal cancer incidence and mortality rising in nearly all 50 states, reports new national study

A new national study found that oropharyngeal cancer incidence is increasing rapidly across the US, particularly among men and in the Midwest and Southeast. The study also reported a significant increase in large tumor diagnoses and mortality rates over the last decade.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateDec 16, 2021

Stem cells organize themselves into embryoid

Scientists at the University of Bonn have developed a method to generate embryo-like cell complexes from mouse stem cells. The resulting embryoids exhibit coordinated development similar to natural embryos, offering a promising alternative to animal testing for toxicology studies.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Sexist “sexplanation” for men’s brilliance debunked

A new study from Australian National University challenges long-held scientific beliefs about the biological basis of gender differences in intelligence and achievement. The researchers found that males and females have similar levels of variability, contradicting the idea that male animals are more variable than females.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalBiological Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 16, 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.

Comparison of intimate partner violence injuries among sexes uncovers higher level of severity for male victims

Researchers compared injury patterns among men and women presenting to emergency departments with intimate partner violence (IPV) injuries. The study found that male victims were more likely to have severe injuries, such as lacerations and gunshot wounds. In contrast, female victims were more likely to have facial bruises.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAggressive Behavior·DateDec 16, 2021

Perceptions of respect by patients with eye conditions

Patients with eye conditions from racial minority groups report feeling less respected by healthcare professionals compared to their non-Hispanic white counterparts. The study highlights the importance of addressing cultural disparities in healthcare settings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateDec 16, 2021

Muscles seem to grow, rather than shrink, in some critically ill Covid patients

Contrary to previous research, some Covid patients exhibit increased muscle mass, particularly those with a strong immune response, while others experience significant muscle wastage. This study suggests that immune response to Covid may exacerbate muscle damage, potentially impacting recovery and quality of life.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·JournalEuropean Journal of Anaesthesiology·DateDec 16, 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.

Study questions widely used race-based formula to define lung disease

A long-term epidemiologic study found that a race-based formula for diagnosing lung disease is no better than a race-neutral equation, which could lead to more accurate diagnoses and treatments. The study used data from thousands of patients and compared the two formulas, finding that the race-neutral equation yielded better predictions.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 2021

Millet bread and pulse dough from early iron age South India

Researchers at Seoul National University analyzed charred food lumps from a 2,300-year-old site in southern India, revealing evidence of millet flatbreads and pulse batter. The study provides new insights into the diet and culinary practices of ancient South Asian populations.

SourceSeoul National University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateDec 16, 2021

RNA molecules with no apparent function represent a new therapeutic approach against fungal infection by Candida

Researchers have identified fragments of genetic material in Candida fungus that do not encode proteins but are specifically expressed during distinct stages of the infection process. These long non-coding RNA molecules show high specificity and differ between species, making them a potential target for new treatments.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Coast redwood and sequoia genome sequences completed

The research provides a foundation to better understand redwood responses to climate impacts and pathogens. Hundreds of gene families unique to the coast redwood were found, many helping trees respond to stress and resist disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalG3 Genes Genomes Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2021

No longer just ‘famine food’ and the ‘fish of death’

Limpets played a significant role in global culture, medicine, and innovation, with uses dating back tens of thousands of years. They have contributed to the evolution of human brain development and feature in many place names and traditions.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalInternational Review of Environmental History·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 16, 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.

Delving into the pressures around penalty kicks

Professional footballers took penalty kicks under low and high-pressure conditions, revealing the impact of cognitive and somatic anxiety on performance. The study aimed to create a pressure protocol for penalty taking, assessing its effect on psychological and psychophysical responses.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalJournal of Sports Science·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 2021

Lack of access to affordable, nutritious food puts those with chronic liver disease at a higher risk of death

A new study by Keck Medicine of USC found that food insecurity increases the risk of death among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and advanced liver disease. The study, which analyzed data from over 34,000 individuals, suggests that eradicating food insecurity could eliminate up to 7% of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease d...

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2021