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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 138


Page 138 of 510

Researchers shed new light on molecular mechanisms in brain diseases

Researchers have discovered key insights into how toxic proteins are regulated in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Fasting has been found to dramatically increase the production of exophers, a type of neurotoxic protein, and three cellular pathways that contribute to this process have been identified.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 13, 2021

RIT scientists model how coronavirus attaches itself to human cells

Researchers used complex computer simulations to study the attachment of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants to human cells. They found that the virus has two main locations where it grabs onto the host cell receptor ACE2, with early strains having a slippery interaction at one region that becomes less slippery as variants evolve.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics·DateSep 13, 2021

Autism: a spectrum on the path to segmentation

Researchers used EEG microstate analysis to study brain dynamics in pre-school children with ASD, identifying five predominant states with distinct characteristics. This segmentation of the autism spectrum provides reliable indicators for diagnosis and therapy development.

SourceNational Center of Competence in Research Synapsy·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 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.

What was really the secret behind Van Gogh’s success?

A new study from Northwestern University finds that exploring diverse styles before exploiting a narrow area can lead to a career's greatest hits. Dashun Wang and his team analyzed data from over 2,128 artists, including Jackson Pollock, and found a consistent association between the 'exploration-exploitation' pattern and hot streaks.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2021

Blood lipoprotein levels linked to future risk of ALS

A large epidemiology study found associations between higher HDL and apoA1 levels with a lower risk of ALS. Lower LDL and apoB levels were also linked to decreased risk. These findings may support population screening and preventative therapy for ALS.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 2021

The bridge between public health education and government workforce needs fixing

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed a long-term underinvestment in the US public health workforce, with staff losses and underfunding for public health education. Experts recommend increasing access to education for future public health professionals and investing in the existing workforce to address this critical shortage.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 13, 2021

Research discovery identifies cause of neonatal strokes

Researchers have discovered a link between low platelet counts and brain bleeds in newborns, which can lead to fatal strokes or permanent neurological conditions. The study aims to develop new treatments to prevent these strokes.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalBlood·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2021

New method enables 3D microscopy of human organs

Researchers at Umeå University developed a method to study specific cell types in human organs with high-resolution 3D imaging. This allows for the visualization of previously unrecognized alterations in organs like the pancreas, which can lead to improved understanding of disease conditions and treatment options.

SourceUmea University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 13, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NSF grants $2.5M for seagrass, marine ecosystem research

The National Science Foundation has awarded a $2.5 million grant to Cornell University to study the transmission pathways of seagrass wasting disease in coastal meadows. The researchers aim to understand how climate warming affects the spread of the disease, which can have devastating effects on marine biodiversity and human health.

SourceCornell University·DateSep 13, 2021

Study: Colon cancer risk extends to second- and third-degree relatives

A study by researchers from the University at Buffalo and the University of Utah found that second- and third-degree relatives are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. The study, which reviewed over 1,500 cases, suggests that early colonoscopy screening may be beneficial for these relatives as well.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalCancer Epidemiology·DateSep 13, 2021

Kaya receives funding for collaborative research focused on developing integrated computer science curricula for linguistically diverse classrooms in grades 3-5

Erdogan Kaya and his team will develop an ELL-friendly elementary computer science curriculum utilizing educational robotics, aiming to improve English language proficiency, science, math, and computer science achievement. Funding from NSF CSforAll grant will support a collaborative project with institutions nationwide.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateSep 13, 2021

Dying at home, lack of healthcare contribute to COVID’s hidden death toll

A new study reveals that COVID-19 deaths were underreported due to inadequate healthcare access and at-home deaths in rural areas. The research found that counties with reduced access to health insurance and primary care services had higher excess mortality rates not attributed to COVID-19.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 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.

Engineers grow pancreatic “organoids” that mimic the real thing

Researchers at MIT developed a new way to grow pancreatic organoids using synthetic gel, allowing for study of interactions between tumors and environment. The gel can also be used to grow other types of tissue, including intestinal and endometrial tissue.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 13, 2021

UMass Amherst infectious disease forecaster gets renewed funding

The UMass Amherst Reich Lab, led by biostatistician Nicholas Reich, will continue to advance real-time forecasting methods during infectious disease outbreaks thanks to a five-year NIH grant renewal. The lab's flu forecasting collaborative has been designated as one of two national Influenza Forecasting Centers of Excellence.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateSep 13, 2021

Air pollution exposure during pregnancy has long-term impact on children’s health, development

Research reveals that air pollution exposure during pregnancy can have a lasting impact on children's health and development. Studies show a link between prenatal exposure to fine and ultrafine particulate matter and adverse outcomes such as low birth weight, asthma, cognitive and behavioral issues, obesity, and diabetes.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalEnvironmental Health and Preventive Medicine·TypeNews article·DateSep 13, 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.

Study describes new procedure that successfully treated patients with congenital intestinal malrotation

A new surgical procedure called Kareem's procedure has been introduced to treat congenital intestinal malrotation, a condition where the intestines twist, causing serious complications. The study shows favorable outcomes in patients with intact gut and disabling symptoms, with significant improvement in digestive symptoms after surgery.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateSep 13, 2021

Researchers develop new tool for analyzing large superconducting circuits

Researchers developed a new tool to analyze large superconducting circuits, allowing for the extraction of quantitative information previously inaccessible. The method uses a variational tight-binding approach to simulate circuit behavior, paving the way for further advancements in quantum computing.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 13, 2021

Light does the twist for quantum computing

Researchers generate circularly polarized light at room temperature, a breakthrough for optical quantum information processing. The device uses strained semiconductors to produce twisting 'chiral' valley-polarized light, promising vast data storage capabilities.

SourceNagoya University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2021

Jet stream changes could amplify weather extremes by 2060s

Research suggests that climate-caused disruptions to the jet stream's position and intensity could lead to severe weather-related consequences. The study's findings imply that continued warming could cause significant deviations from the norm, rendering the jet stream drastically different within a matter of decades.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 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.

$25M center will use digital tools to ‘communicate’ with plants

The Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems (CROPPS) will develop technologies connected to the internet and cloud to listen to and learn how plants sense and respond to their environments. This two-way communication system aims to help scientists improve crop management by better understanding plant biology.

SourceCornell University·DateSep 13, 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.

Rerun of supernova blast expected to appear in 2037

Astronomers predict a supernova, dubbed Supernova Requiem, will reappear in the sky around 2037. The rebroadcast is expected to be visible through advanced telescopes, providing an opportunity for scientists to study its behavior.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 13, 2021

Mimicking nature to provide long-lasting local anesthesia

A new biomimetic system mimics the body's own receptors for anesthetics, providing prolonged nerve blockade with minimal toxicity. The system consists of nanostructures that bind to tetrodotoxin and slowly release it, allowing for long-lasting pain relief without systemic toxicity.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2021

Breast cancer ‘ecotypes’ present new path to personalised treatment

Researchers have discovered 50 distinct breast cancer subtypes and nine 'ecotypes', each linked to different clinical outcomes, offering a potential framework for personalized treatments. The study's findings could inform therapy strategies and identify patients most likely to respond to specific treatments.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 13, 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.

Largest population-based study of "lazy eye" reveals public health’s blind spots

A recent study of 1.5 million Israeli teens found that approximately 1% have lazy eye, with a decline in incidence over the past two decades. Socioeconomic factors and ultra-orthodox upbringing are linked to increased risk, while immigrants from certain countries have a higher prevalence

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2021

Covid-19 pandemic dramatically increased maternal mortality in Mexico

A study from Texas A&M University found that COVID-19 was the leading cause of maternal death, with a lethality rate higher than in the US. Maternal mortality also increased due to deaths related to hemorrhage and hypertension. The pandemic's impact on healthcare access and care quality highlighted the importance of timely prenatal care.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeNews article·DateSep 13, 2021

How genetic islands form among marine molluscs

A new study explains how genetic islands can occur in marine molluscs by studying the limpet Nacella concinna. The researchers found that an entire generation of offspring descended from a limited number of parents and were carried by ocean currents to one location.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 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.

Eye conditions linked to heightened risk of dementia

A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and diabetes-related eye disease are independently associated with an increased risk of dementia. In contrast, glaucoma was not linked to Alzheimer's disease but was associated with a higher risk of vascular dementia.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 2021

Astronomers spot the same supernova three times — and predict a fourth sighting in 16 years

Researchers used gravitational lensing to observe the same exploding star in three different locations and predict a fourth image will appear in the sky by 2037. This study provides an opportunity to explore the expansion of our universe and sheds light on cosmological riddles, including the expansion rate.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 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.

Neoadjuvant atezolizumab in combination with cisplatin/pemetrexed and as maintenance for resectable pleural mesothelioma meets safety criteria

Research presented at the IASLC 2021 World Conference on Lung Cancer found that neoadjuvant cisplatin and pemetrexed plus atezolizumab followed by surgical resection and maintenance atezolizumab met safety criteria for patients with resectable pleural mesothelioma. Sixty percent of eligible patients proceeded to maintenance therapy.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateSep 12, 2021

Star attraction: Magnetism generated by star-like arrangement of molecules

A new study reveals the emergence of magnetism in a 2D organic material due to strong electron-electron interactions in its unique star-like atomic-scale structure. The findings have potential applications in next-generation electronics based on organic nanomaterials.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

World-leading pharma collaborates call for plain language summaries of peer-reviewed medical journal articles

Pharmaceutical companies in the Open Pharma collaboration recommend developing plain language summaries of peer-reviewed medical research articles. The summaries should be understandable, unbiased, non-promotional, and easily accessible. This move aims to make medical publishing more open and inclusive for all audiences.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCurrent Medical Research and Opinion·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 12, 2021

Observation of quasi-equilibrium phase coexistence in supercritical fluids

A Korean research team has observed a long-lasting non-equilibrium phase coexistence in supercritical fluids, lasting several hours. The phenomenon is explained by a mass transport model at the phase coexistence interface, where nano-sized clusters facilitate transport.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 12, 2021

Better in pairs: Proteins can help each other bind to DNA

Researchers found that Atf1 and Rst2 transcription factors reciprocally bind to DNA in fission yeast cells responding to glucose scarcity. This unique mechanism prevents both proteins from binding alone and integrates independent activation pathways.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 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.

UK lung cancer trial shows screening at-risk groups lowers mortality rates

The UK Lung Screening Trial (UKLS) found a significant reduction in lung cancer mortality among high-risk groups through low-dose CT screening. The study, which included over 4,000 participants, showed a 16% relative reduction in lung cancer deaths.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 11, 2021

Catalyst study advances carbon-dioxide-to-ethanol conversion

Researchers have discovered a three-part catalyst configuration that transforms CO2 into ethanol through a well-tuned interplay between cesium, copper, and zinc oxide sites. The study provides a fundamental understanding of the reaction mechanism and will drive further research towards developing practical industrial catalysts.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 10, 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.

Linking US prescription drug prices to those paid in other nations could cut costs in half

A new RAND Corporation study models likely savings from legislative proposal to adopt reference pricing, which could reduce US spending on prescription drugs by at least half. The study found that caps on prices set at 120% of what is paid in six other nations could lower US spending on insulins and 50 top brand-name drugs by 52%, savi...

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2021

Treatment with gene therapy of a new rat model of Morquio A, a disease with severe skeletal dysplasia and cartilage deterioration

Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona develop gene therapy that fully corrects severe whole-body alterations in Morquio A disease, a rare condition caused by GALNS enzyme deficiency. The therapy, administered via intravenous viral vector, prevents bone malformations and life-threatening complications.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 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.