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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 135


Page 135 of 510

The COVID-19 virus rapidly evolves to higher infectivity during in vitro growth, which may be a step toward lower virulence

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that SARS-CoV-2 viruses grown in successive generations exhibit increased infectivity, binding to heparan sulfate, and reduced virulence. The study suggests that evolved strains may be used as a basis for development of stable live attenuated vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJournal of Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2021

Married couples in supportive relationships felt significantly less stressed while watching horror movie clips with their partner than without, as measured by pupil dilation

Married couples in supportive relationships showed a significant decrease in stress levels when watching horror movie clips with their partner compared to alone. The study found that spousal emotional support and relationship quality have a buffering effect on pupillary response to horror movies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2021

Three state and federal grants fund campaign to encourage COVID-19 vaccination among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

A campaign is being launched to encourage COVID-19 vaccination among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in New York State. The Einstein-Montefiore team has received grants from the state and federal governments to create tailored messages and content to counter vaccine misinformation and promote vaccination.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateSep 15, 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.

Sandia 3D-imaging workflow has benefits for medicine, electric cars and nuclear deterrence

The new EQUIPS workflow provides a more accurate and reliable way to process 3D images for computer simulations. It uses machine learning to automate the drawing process and produces a range of simulation outcomes, allowing decision-makers to consider best- and worst-case scenarios.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 14, 2021

People synchronize heart rates while listening attentively to stories

Researchers found that subjects' heart rates synchronized even when listening to a story alone, as long as they were paying attention. This synchronization was predictive of conscious processing of the narrative, and had implications for understanding mindfulness and the brain-body connection.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Dielectric measuring cell for the study of gas hydrates

Kazan Federal University researchers designed a unique dielectric cell to study gas hydrate formation and decomposition under pressure. The device's effectiveness was demonstrated, allowing for further investigation of hydrate inhibitors.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalMolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Body clock off-schedule? Prebiotics may help

A new study suggests that prebiotics can help realign sleep-wake cycles and core body temperature after chronic disruption of rhythms, hosting health-promoting microbes and a different metabolome. Researchers hope to develop customized prebiotic mixtures for individuals with frequent circadian disruptions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 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.

State-driven emissions controls only slightly more expensive

Researchers found that state-driven emissions controls are only slightly more expensive than federally mandated ones, with nationwide costs being one-tenth higher. This approach relies on technologies like low-carbon electricity and advanced biofuels, which can be traded between states to even out costs.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 14, 2021

Patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors have better quality of life, Moffitt analysis shows

Patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors show better quality of life and reduced symptoms compared to those without immunotherapy. The study analyzed self-reported outcomes of 26 published studies and found that patients' global quality of life was stable or improved, but breathing difficulties increased

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 14, 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.

LSD-triggered altered behaviors linked to abnormal brain communication

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered changes in brain activity triggered by LSD, explaining altered behaviors such as reduced running speed and increased resting time. The study suggests that LSD disrupts the normal communication between brain regions, leading to a 'fuzzy' map of the environment.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

A possible new pathway for treating epileptic seizures in patients with autism

A recent study published in Cell Reports reveals that genetic variants in the Nav1.2 sodium channel are a leading cause of autism, leading to overactive sodium channels and seizures. Researchers propose developing medicines to open potassium channels as a potential treatment for these patients.

SourcePurdue University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Using visual information to learn voluntary behavior while blind

Researchers at Kyoto University found that monkeys with impaired visual cortex can still identify hidden areas using visual signals, suggesting a possible mechanism for blindsight. The study's findings have implications for understanding human brain functions and artificial intelligence.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Patients with opioid use disorder die at a rate similar to heart attacks

A study from OHSU found that almost 8% of patients with opioid use disorder died within 12 months of hospital discharge, comparable to those who suffered heart attacks. The researchers highlight the need for comprehensive addiction care and destigmatizing healthcare systems.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of Addiction Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 14, 2021

Researchers to build skyrmion sensor with terahertz technology

A team of researchers at Aarhus University aims to develop an optical sensor using terahertz light to decode the direction of tiny magnetic 'tornadoes' called skyrmions. Skyrmions offer a promising candidate for future bits in computer technology, requiring less power and generating less heat than current methods.

SourceAarhus University·DateSep 14, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Building the ovarian environment from stem cells

Researchers at Kyushu University successfully reconstitute the ovarian follicle from mouse stem cells, generating functional egg cells and growing viable mice. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for infertility and help conserve endangered animals through egg cell production.

SourceKyushu University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Newly identified R-2 2D material may show promise in development of spin-layer-locking spinFETs

Researchers at NCCR MARVEL identified lutetium oxide iodide (LuIO) as a high-performance material for spin-layer-locking spinFETs. They demonstrated the control of its properties with electric gates, providing practical guidelines for building and operating devices from this material.

SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·JournalNano Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 14, 2021

Degradation of biobased plastics in the soil

Soil ecologists found that biobased plastics like PBSA degrade efficiently in the soil, even under future climate conditions, but excessive amounts can disrupt microbial communities and agriculture. The degradation process is influenced by fungi and a diverse bacterial community.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Can cocoa consumption help us age better?

A large-scale trial will assess the effects of cocoa supplements and multivitamins on aging, including inflammatory factors and genetic changes. Researchers aim to determine if cocoa consumption can reduce age-related health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateSep 14, 2021

Can You Lose Weight? Ask Your Microbiome

A new study from Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) reveals that the genetic capacity of the gut microbiome is strongly associated with weight loss success or failure. Microbiomes of those who lost weight had higher bacterial growth rates and were enriched in genes that divert dietary nutrients toward bacterial cell growth. In contras...

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalmSystems·DateSep 14, 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.

A unique material with tunable properties is explored in a new study

The study explores chromium oxides, magnetic compounds used in old tapes, and finds that adding oxygen atoms increases metallic properties. This allows for precise control over electrical conductance, enabling the design of molecular-sized components with vast processing and storage capacities.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

KU to lead new program supporting inter-American research on nuclear science

The University of Kansas is leading a $250,000 project to support strategic links among US and international research networks in nuclear physics. The Accelerating Research through International Network-to-Network Collaborations (AccelNet) program aims to tackle grand scientific challenges with coordinated international effort.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·DateSep 14, 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.

Study shows protein that reverses aging of skeletal muscle

A University at Buffalo-led research team has shown that the protein NANOG effectively reverses aging in skeletal muscle cells. The study found that overexpressing NANOG in myoblasts improved cellular characteristics associated with age-related deterioration, including autophagy and mitochondrial function.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 14, 2021

Scientists pinpoint the uncertainty of our working memory

A team of scientists found that brain regions responsible for working memory also gauge the quality and uncertainty of memories, enabling humans to make informed decisions. The study reveals that the same neural populations encode both content and uncertainty of working memory.

SourceNew York University·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Moderna COVID-19 vaccine spurs lasting immune response

A new study from La Jolla Institute for Immunology shows that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine generates durable T cell memory and antibodies, even in people over 70. The researchers found strong CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses to the vaccine, comparable to those seen in recovered COVID-19 patients.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 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 can now assemble entire genomes on their personal computers in minutes

Researchers at MIT and Institut Pasteur have created an efficient method for assembling entire genomes, including the human genome, in minutes using personal computers. This approach uses minimizer-space de Bruijn graphs to store only a small fraction of nucleotides while preserving overall genome structure, enabling faster processing ...

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Curtin research shines a light on Moon’s oldest geologic imprints

Curtin University researchers have found the Moon may have been subjected to more extensive asteroid and body impacts than initially believed. By analyzing lunar impact events during its early formation, they discovered that these collisions could have left fewer visible cratering imprints.

SourceCurtin University·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 14, 2021

Bispecific antibodies neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants

Researchers have created bispecific antibodies that target multiple regions of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, neutralizing virus variants and protecting hamsters from clinical disease. The new treatments may be especially effective against emerging variants due to their binding mechanism.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 14, 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.

A specific subset of immune cells mitigates kidney damage

A subset of mononuclear phagocytes protects the kidney from toxic damage through a specific subtype called CD64-positive MNPs. Eliminating this subtype increases kidney damage, while promoting its proliferation could help mitigate drug-induced nephrotoxicity.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2021

Researchers find immune cells that guard frequent site of cancer spread

A novel population of long-lived T cells, called 'lymph node resident memory T cells,' provides protection against melanoma by persisting in lymph nodes. These cells were found to counteract melanoma spreading in mice and predicted better outcomes for human melanoma patients with lymph node metastases.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalImmunity·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 14, 2021

Loggers, landscapers face deadly danger felling trees in forests and urban areas

A new study by Penn State researchers found that tree felling is the most dangerous job in forestry and landscaping industries, with a fatal injury rate 30 times higher than all U.S. workers. The study analyzed data from 2010 to 2020 and identified poor decision-making and falls from elevation as key causes of fatalities.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateSep 14, 2021

Changes in health care spending in US

Analysis of survey data reveals shifts in health care spending in different US population groups, with significant increases in prescription drug spending between 2001 and 2018. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these trends and promote more equitable healthcare distribution.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 14, 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.

Tuberculosis programs should focus more on young people, researchers say

A study published in The Lancet Global Health found that nearly one-fifth of young people with tuberculosis (10-24 years old) in Brazil experienced adverse treatment outcomes. Factors associated with these outcomes included poverty, HIV, homelessness, and drug use, highlighting the need for greater attention to this age group in tuberc...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateSep 14, 2021

Taking lessons from a sea slug, study points to better hardware for artificial intelligence

A study by Purdue University and collaborators has found a way to demonstrate habituation and sensitization in nickel oxide, a quantum material that mimics the sea slug's most essential intelligence features. This discovery could lead to building hardware-based AI with improved efficiency and reduced energy consumption.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2021

People only pay attention to new information when they want to

A new study found that people tend to listen to and believe information that supports their existing biases, rather than seeking out contradictory evidence. This phenomenon, known as motivated reasoning, can lead to the amplification of biases and the spread of misinformation in online communities and financial markets.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of the European Economic Association·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2021

Clinicians say there is limited clinical guidance for how to help people lose weight after pregnancy

A new study reveals that few recommendations exist for postpartum weight loss, with a focus on diet and exercise. Researchers emphasize the importance of supporting individuals with excessive weight gain or retention during pregnancy and the postpartum period to prevent obesity-related chronic diseases.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 14, 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.

The dynamic tracking of tissue-specific secretory proteins​

A novel method allows for the dynamic tracking and identification of tissue-specific secretory proteins in live mice, revealing distinct patterns from cell culture models. This breakthrough technique can be used to discover biomarkers and therapeutic targets with greater accuracy.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

COVID-19 antibodies persist, reduce reinfection risk for up to six months, study finds

A Michigan Medicine study found that most patients with mild COVID-19 infections produce antibodies that persist and protect them from reinfection for up to six months. Nearly 90% of participants produced spike and nucleocapsid antibody responses, and all but one had persistent antibody levels at follow-up.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2021

Solar cells with 30-year lifetimes for power-generating windows

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed transparent solar cells that can achieve silicon-rivaling efficiencies of 18% while lasting over 30 years. The breakthrough design incorporates zinc oxide and a carbon-based material buffer to protect against degradation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 14, 2021

What lies beneath: Volcanic secrets revealed

A University of Queensland-led study reveals that hot spot volcanoes do not produce 'pristine' magma from the melting mantle but instead filter a different melt to the surface. This new information supports the notion that detection of magma at the crust-mantle boundary could indicate an upcoming eruption.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalGeology·DateSep 14, 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.

September issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover improving treatment for opioid use disorder, mental health perspective on police reform

The September issues of American Psychiatric Association journals explore innovative treatments for opioid use disorder and analyze the mental health implications of police reform. Research articles cover various disorders, including ADHD, anorexia nervosa, and cardiovascular disease in psychiatric patients.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 14, 2021

How the brain accounts for uncertainties in motor planning

Researchers discover brain forms a single motor plan to optimize task performance despite uncertainty, upending decades-old theory of motor averaging. The study used experiments and computational modeling to demonstrate the brain's ability to generate an optimal action choice under uncertain conditions.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournaleLife·DateSep 14, 2021

Infant formula websites overtly discourage breastfeeding

A study by New York University researchers found that infant formula websites predominantly discourage breastfeeding and instead tout the benefits of formula feeding. The analysis of five major formula brands' websites revealed that substantial messaging focused on challenges associated with breastfeeding, such as low milk supply or la...

SourceNew York University·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateSep 14, 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.

Scientists synthesized a yellow fever drug suggested by artificial intelligence

Researchers developed a machine learning model that identified promising compounds for treating yellow fever. The team synthesized five of the most active molecules and found one with a half-maximal effective concentration of 3.2 uM, suggesting a potential new antiviral drug.

SourceFederal Research Centre «Fundamentals of Biotechnology» of the Russian Academy of Science·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·DateSep 14, 2021

Cholesterol drives Alzheimer’s plaque formation, study finds

A new study found that cholesterol produced by astrocytes is required for controlling amyloid beta production, leading to the accumulation of insoluble plaques. Blocking this cholesterol manufacturing reduced amyloid beta production in lab mice, offering a potential strategy against Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2021

Study links severe COVID-19 to increase in self-attacking antibodies

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients have a higher risk of carrying autoantibodies that target their own tissues or substances secreted by immune cells. This could lead to full-blown autoimmune disease. Vaccination is seen as a way to boost the immune system without triggering the production of these harmful antibodies.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 14, 2021

How plants sense phosphate

Scientists at the University of Bonn and IPK discover that plants use signaling molecule InsP8 as a proxy for overall phosphate status. ITPK1 enzyme plays a key role in this process, regulating phosphate sensing and mobilization. The findings have far-reaching consequences for sustainable crop production.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMolecular Plant·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 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.