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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 110


Page 110 of 510

New insight on the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes

A study by Karolinska Institutet reveals that enlarged fat cells cause inflammation and pathology in adipose tissue, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that blocking the formation of senescent fat cells reduced pro-inflammatory factors, paving the way for novel treatment strategies.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

Threatened rattlesnakes’ inbreeding makes species more resistant to bad mutations

Researchers sequenced genomes of 90 Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes and found that potentially damaging gene mutations were less abundant. This suggests that inbreeding might not be as detrimental as theory predicts, as beneficial mutations can easily purge bad ones. The study's findings could influence management decisions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2021

Glycerin is safe, effective in psoriasis model

Researchers found glycerin, a natural ingredient in many skin lotions, reduces psoriasis symptoms by calming scaly patches and promoting healthy skin cell maturation. The study's results support anecdotal reports from patients with psoriasis, providing objective evidence of glycerin's effectiveness in combatting the condition.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateOct 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.

Excess deaths disproportionally occurred among Black, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and Latino males and females during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic

A large study found that excess deaths during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic were significantly higher among Black, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and Latino males and females. The disparities were attributed to structural and social determinants of health with deep roots in racism.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 4, 2021

Housing status influenced pandemic mental health issues

Research from the University of Georgia found that individuals living in multifamily housing units were more likely to experience mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Renters had higher odds of experiencing mental health issues due to factors such as tighter living quarters, financial anxieties, and lack of control over...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateOct 4, 2021

Research reveals earliest evidence yet of huge hippos in Britain

Researchers have discovered a 1 million-year-old hippo tooth at Westbury Cave in Somerset, which reveals that the animal roamed Britain much earlier than thought. The fossil belongs to an extinct species of hippo called Hippopotamus antiquus, which was larger and more reliant on aquatic habitats than its living relative.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of Quaternary Science·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2021

Research finds that more predictable worker scheduling improves health and well-being

A Seattle ordinance requiring more notice in scheduling for hourly workers resulted in improved worker well-being, sleep quality, and economic security. Researchers found that predictable shifts led to measurable changes in workers' schedules and positive effects on happiness, sleep quality, and material hardship.

SourceHarvard Kennedy School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 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.

Health disparities and inequities impact Black and Latino Americans with autoimmune diseases, says new USC study

A new USC study reveals that gaps in income, education, and access to care contribute to poorer outcomes for people of color with multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. The review shows significant inequities in accessing healthcare, leading to diagnostic delays and underuse of services.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 4, 2021

Researchers measure the breakup of a single chemical bond

Using advanced microscopy techniques, researchers recorded the breaking of a single chemical bond between a carbon atom and an iron atom on different molecules. The team measured the mechanical forces applied at the moment of breakage, revealing insights into the nature of these bonds and their implications for catalysis.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

Making self-driving cars human-friendly

Researchers used neuroscientific theories to develop a decision-making model that predicts pedestrian road-crossing decisions. The model shows that pedestrians add up sensory data before crossing, helping autonomous vehicles communicate more effectively with pedestrians.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalComputational Brain & Behavior·DateOct 4, 2021

Dialysis facility closures linked to patient hospitalizations and deaths

A study found that patients affected by dialysis facility closures experienced higher rates of hospitalizations (7-9%) and a higher risk of dying within 6 months (8%). The researchers highlight the need for policies to reduce the risk of closures to safeguard patient health.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 4, 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.

New study capture sugar transport fundamental to plants

Researchers at Aarhus University have elucidated structures of a sugar transport protein that drives transport of sugar in plants, revealing key elements involved in the transport cycle. The study provides new evidence for regulatory mechanisms conserved within the sugar porter family across all kingdoms of life.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

New model simplifies orbital radar trade-off studies for environmental monitoring

A new model developed by Skoltech researchers optimizes satellite radar system design, balancing performance characteristics with other mission parameters. The study identifies optimal designs for small satellite platforms, particularly in the 8-12 GHz and 4-8 GHz frequency bands.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalActa Astronautica·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2021

Depressed COVID patients respond better than expected to antidepressants

A pilot study found that depressed COVID patients responded well to SSRIs, with 91% showing improvement within 4 weeks. The study suggests post-COVID depression is treatable and may benefit from antidepressant treatment.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalEuropean Neuropsychopharmacology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 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.

CPRIT grant awarded to train new cancer prevention researchers

The UTHealth-CPRIT Innovation in Cancer Prevention Research Training Program aims to increase cancer prevention scientists from underrepresented minority groups. The program provides a systematic method to teach career skills, problem-solving skills, team science, and transdisciplinary communication.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateOct 4, 2021

Maryland scientists crack blue crab’s genetic code

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science has sequenced the genome of the blue crab, revealing approximately 24,000 genes and a genome length that is one third of the human genome. This breakthrough will aid in fisheries policies, aquaculture, and potentially track food source origins.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalG3 Genes Genomes Genetics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 4, 2021

Researchers and citizen scientists complete first-ever Weddell seal count

A global population estimate of Weddell seals reveals significantly fewer seals than previously thought, with approximately 202,000 female seals in Antarctica. The research provides a benchmark for understanding the effects of climate change and commercial fishing on the seals and their ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 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.

Medicaid expansion closed health gaps for low-income adults across racial and ethnic groups, study shows

A new study from the University of Michigan finds that Medicaid expansion in Michigan has significantly improved access to regular healthcare services for low-income adults across various racial and ethnic groups. By 2018, 83% of Healthy Michigan Plan enrollees reported having a regular doctor's office, with notable increases seen amon...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeSurvey·DateOct 4, 2021

Oncotarget: High CD39 expression is associated with human bladder cancer

Researchers found that high CD39 expression is associated with human bladder cancer, particularly in the non-muscle-invasive phenotype. CD39's involvement in tumor development and progression is still unclear, but its overexpression in early-stage tumors suggests a potential role in bladder cancer progression.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateOct 4, 2021

Second vaccine dose needed for individuals infected with COVID-19 shortly after the first dose

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University found that individuals previously infected with COVID-19 require a second dose of the vaccine to achieve optimal protection. This is because infection after the first dose did not increase IgG antibody levels, and those infected post-vaccination had lower antibody levels than never infected individuals.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalEpidemiology and Infection·DateOct 4, 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.

Black patients’ Lyme disease often diagnosed late, possibly due to missed signs

A UCLA study found that Black patients with Lyme disease are more likely to have neurological complications, such as meningitis and neuropathy, when diagnosed late. The study analyzed data from 2015-16 and found that approximately 1 in 3 Black patients had these complications, compared to less than 1 in 10 white patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2021

CAR-T immunotherapy could be improved to kill solid tumors

Researchers found that CAR-T cells require a high number of antigens to kill melanoma cells, but TCR-T cells are more effective in detecting and killing tumor cells with lower levels of target molecules. This study could lead to better immunotherapies for solid tumors.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

Chemists develop new technology that detects algae crop health

Researchers developed a real-time measurement technique to detect algae health issues, detecting threats 37-76 hours earlier than traditional methods. This could save hundreds of millions of dollars in algae biomass losses and protect the world's most promising sustainable product source.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

Quantum mechanics affects light emission

Researchers found that quantum mechanics' influence on particles affects light emission, demonstrating wavefunction collapse and altering interference patterns. The study sheds new light on the counter-intuitive phenomenon, revealing a direct connection between light emission and quantum entanglement.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 4, 2021

Differences in brain structure between siblings make some more susceptible to developing severe antisocial behaviour

Researchers discovered structural differences in brain regions responsible for decision-making and empathy in adolescents with conduct disorder compared to their unaffected siblings. These findings suggest that small changes in brain function may contribute to the development of antisocial behavior in some siblings.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPsychological Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 4, 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.

Comparable survival for pacemaker wearers after heart valve replacement

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet studied long-term outcomes of patients with pacemakers after transcatheter aortic valve replacement and found no significant difference in mortality. The study included over 3,400 patients, with 481 receiving permanent pacemakers within 30 days of surgery.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJACC Cardiovascular Interventions·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2021

6 out of 10 patients in England with ‘red flag’ symptoms not given urgent cancer referral

Research published in the journal BMJ Quality & Safety found that six out of ten patients in England with 'red flag' symptoms indicative of possible cancer didn't receive an urgent referral for specialist assessment within two weeks. Nearly four percent of these patients were diagnosed with cancer within the next 12 months.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Quality & Safety·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2021

First European map of the insulating effect of forests

A European map has been created to show the insulating effect of forests, which cool the air by 2.1°C in summer and keep temperatures 2°C higher than ambient air in winter. This finding highlights the crucial role of forests in regulating temperature and provides shelter for wildlife.

SourceCNRS·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateOct 4, 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.

A look back into record-breaking 2020 Mei-yu rainfall and flooding throughout China: Magnitude, scale, and dynamics

Heavy precipitation affected a significant portion of China, with the Yangtze River basin experiencing extreme flooding and multi-day rain events. The study found that the East Asian Summer Monsoon front played a dominant role in bringing persistent precipitation to the region.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateOct 4, 2021

How apples get their shapes

Using observations, lab experiments, theory, and computation, researchers have developed a simple theory to explain the form and growth of apples' cusp-like features. The team found that mechanical instability and underlying fruit anatomy play joint roles in giving rise to multiple cusps in fruits.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 4, 2021

Aging-US: Cellular senescence in lymphoid organs and immunosenescence

Recent studies suggest that aging is a malleable process influenced by physiological, genetic, dietary, and pharmaceutical interventions. The relationship between cellular senescence and immunosenescence has been largely explored, with the goal of developing improved therapeutics to conserve vitality as we age.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·DateOct 4, 2021

Our DNA is becoming the world’s tiniest hard drive

A new method for recording information to DNA has been proposed by Northwestern University researchers, taking minutes to complete instead of hours or days. This method, called TURTLES, uses a novel enzymatic system to synthesize DNA that records rapidly changing environmental signals directly into DNA sequences.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 4, 2021

T-cell tests unreliable in establishing previous COVID-19

Researchers found that T-cell tests are prone to false-positive responses due to cross-reactive reactions with other infections. The study suggests that these tests should not be used for individual diagnosis, but may still have a role in research and studies.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 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.

Shear-wave elastography for interventional monitoring of pediatric Budd-Chiari syndrome

A prospective study found that liver stiffness measurements obtained by shear-wave elastography decreased significantly after image-guided intervention for chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome in children. Disease recurrence was typically associated with an increase in liver stiffness measurements compared to prior assessments.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2021

HKU Engineering makes breakthrough in droplet manipulation

Researchers have discovered an innovative way to navigate liquids on a surface without external force or energy. The breakthrough enables controllability, versatility and performance in delivering and transporting liquids, offering potential solutions for thermal management, desalination and other applications.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 4, 2021

Exposure to deadly urban heat worldwide has tripled in recent decades, says study

A new study found that urban heat exposure has tripled worldwide since the 1980s, affecting nearly a quarter of the global population. The study revealed that city dwellers are exposed to extreme heat and humidity for more person-days, with 1.7 billion people affected on multiple days.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 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.

When the western US burns, the east also gets sick

A new study reveals that while Western US wildfires contribute more health problems, they affect a greater number of people in the Eastern US due to higher smoke concentrations. The researchers estimated 6,300 extra deaths annually from long-term smoke exposure, with most occurring in populous states.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeoHealth·DateOct 4, 2021

Researchers reveal the growing threat extreme heat poses to urban populations

A new study reveals that exposure to extreme heat in urban areas has increased by 200% globally since the mid-1980s, with population growth contributing two-thirds of the increase. The study found that almost one in five people on Earth experienced increases in exposure to urban heat over the past 30 years.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 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.

The case of the aquarium's disappearing medicine

Researchers at Shedd Aquarium and Northwestern University discovered a family of microbes responsible for disappearing anti-parasitic medicine in the aquarium's quarantine habitats. The microbes, which were using the medicine as a source of nitrogen, were found in outlet pipes and were identified as belonging to various phyla.

SourceNorthwestern University·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

Growing droplets in the matrix

The study models biomolecular condensates using oil droplets and polymer mesh, revealing temperature modulation's impact on droplet growth and size distribution. The results provide insights into the formation of microscopic patterns in biological systems.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 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.

Peritoneal dialysis: Cause and solution for complications found

Researchers at Medical University of Vienna discovered that lithium chloride can reduce peritoneal thickening, fibrosis markers, and αB-crystalline expression in mesothelial cells. This innovative solution aims to preserve the peritoneum for longer, allowing patients to live a normal life or wait for a transplant.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeCase study·DateOct 4, 2021

Convalescent plasma futile as treatment for critically ill COVID-19 patients

A clinical trial found that convalescent plasma did not improve survival rates in most critically ill COVID-19 patients. However, immunocompromised patients showed a slight improvement with the treatment. The researchers speculate that too few high-quality antibodies and a runaway inflammatory immune response may be to blame.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA·DateOct 4, 2021

Epigenetics predicts the efficacy of T-lymphocyte treatments in hematological malignancies

Researchers found a genetic regulation profile associated with improved overall survival and reduced disease relapse in patients treated with CAR-T cells. The epigenetic pattern is typical of young T lymphocytes, suggesting they may be ideal for selection and administration.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

Urban mining for metals flashes forward

A new process recovers rhodium, palladium, gold and silver from electronic waste in seconds, producing a byproduct clean enough for agricultural land. The flash Joule heating method uses significantly less energy than traditional lab methods, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 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.

Non-melanoma skin cancers increased 30% over 15 years in Ontario, Canada

Non-melanoma basal and squamous cell skin cancers saw a 30% rise in Ontario over 15 years, mostly among people under age 35. The annual mortality rates increased by almost 5-fold, with males experiencing higher rates than females.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2021