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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 141


Page 141 of 510

Brain molecule helps ‘wake up’ cells that could help tackle MS and similar diseases, study shows

Researchers have identified a molecule called fractalkine that can boost the production of brain cells producing myelin, a key factor in diseases such as multiple sclerosis. The study's findings suggest that fractalkine could be used to treat certain neurodegenerative disorders by restoring lost myelin.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateSep 9, 2021

Keep on moving: Sports relieve tumor-associated anemia

Researchers have shown that physical exercise normalizes metabolic abnormalities caused by cancer, reducing anemia and associated fatigue. Exercise regenerates metabolism, blunting excessive blood cell formation and destruction, leading to improved tolerance of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 9, 2021

Science Journals' new site enlivens communication of leading research and elevates scientist voices

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has launched a revamped website, integrating its six journals and elevating scientist voices through improved navigation and visuals. The new platform offers readers a more immersive experience, with features such as interactive study images and customizable reading modes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 9, 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 to fund revolutionary center for optoelectronic, quantum technologies

The Center for Integration of Modern Optoelectronic Materials on Demand will develop new semiconductor materials and scalable manufacturing processes for applications in displays, sensors, and quantum communication. The center aims to connect academic research with industrial and governmental needs, educating a diverse STEM workforce.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateSep 9, 2021

Small, mighty robots mimic the powerful punch of mantis shrimp

Researchers built a robot that mimics the movement of mantis shrimp, which can deliver impressive forces. The study sheds light on the biology of mantis shrimp and reveals how they control their movements using geometry.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2021

An insulator made of two conductors

A team of scientists at ETH Zurich has discovered a new correlated state in twisted double layers of graphene, where negatively charged electrons and positively charged holes pair up to form an electrically neutral state. This state can transmit information or conduct heat without conducting electric current.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

EU, US regulators apply similar mindset when advising live biotherapeutic product developer

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have applied a similar mindset when advising live biotherapeutic product developer YSOPIA Bioscience. This collaboration has provided valuable regulatory feedback for the company's clinical development efforts. The review highlights the need for harmonize...

SourcePharmabiotic Research Institute (PRI)·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeCase study·DateSep 9, 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.

Have COVID-19 lockdowns affected passion and intimacy in relationships?

A study on dating and married couples in India found that relationship satisfaction and love were significantly lower post-lockdown compared to pre-lockdown. Non-traditional activities like cooking, watching movies, and sharing household chores were associated with higher levels of connectedness and intimacy.

SourceWiley·JournalFamily Relations·DateSep 9, 2021

Children at greatest risk of sexual violence in Kenya during the pandemic

A study of 541 survivors in Kenya found children were 1.6 times more likely to be attacked during the day and 1.7 times more likely to be attacked in private, compared to adults. The research highlights the need for policy-makers to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) risks in national crisis policies.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBMJ Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 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.

New flood risk prediction tool to MapOut disaster mitigation plans

Researchers developed WebFRIS, a web-based platform to provide socio-economic vulnerability analysis and simplify flood risk information. The tool can help formulate targeted solutions and enhance social capacity and resilience in flood-prone regions.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2021

Marine Protected Area status can boost fish populations by almost 400%

Researchers found that areas protected under 'whole-site' Marine Protected Area (MPA) status have four-fold increases in fish abundance and diversity compared to unprotected areas. The study also showed significant benefits for commercially important fish species and conservation.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2021

BU study explores the effect of consumer advertising of cosmetic procedures on patients

A new Boston University School of Medicine study explores the impact of direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising on patients seeking cosmetic procedures. The research found that DTC ads often exaggerate benefits while minimizing risks, suggesting that patients may believe that trained medical professionals are not necessary for these proce...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalDermatologic Surgery·TypeCase study·DateSep 9, 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.

A new method to understand protein dynamics 
and the regulation of cellular processes’

Researchers developed a new computational procedure to discover functional protein shapes, revealing molecular details of cellular processes. The approach focused on allosteric regulation and applied to adenylate cyclase, a key enzyme in energy metabolism and hormone signaling.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2021

Report says mental health distress continued to increase during COVID-19 pandemic

A new report reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in psychological distress, depression, and anxiety among US men and women. The study found that individuals with pre-existing health conditions, financial stressors, and caregiving responsibilities were more likely to experience psychological distress.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 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.

Smoking during pregnancy may impact fetal growth through changes in placental gene expression

A new study found that maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with changes in placental DNA methylation and poor birth outcomes. The research suggests that these epigenetic changes may affect fetal growth by altering the expression of genes involved in environmental responses, growth, and inflammation.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 9, 2021

Transforming ‘sewer gas’ into clean hydrogen fuel

Scientists have developed a chemical process that converts hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas emitted from manure piles and sewer pipes, into hydrogen fuel. The process uses iron sulfide with a trace amount of molybdenum as an additive and requires relatively little energy.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSustainable Chemical Engineering·DateSep 9, 2021

“The MPA Guide”: Local voices must be heard for effective ocean protection

The MPA Guide categorizes MPAs by stage of establishment and level of protection, highlighting the importance of including local peoples in the decision-making process for effective conservation. The guide specifies outcomes for biodiversity and human well-being depending on the chosen level of protection.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScience·DateSep 9, 2021

COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced lung cancer clinical trial enrollment

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decline in lung cancer clinical trial enrollment, with 43% fewer participants enrolling between 2019 and 2020. Researchers identified several barriers, including patient concerns about infection and transportation, as well as institutional challenges such as closures and staff availability.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateSep 9, 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.

Eyeglasses for school kids boosts academic performance

A three-year clinical study found that students who received eyeglasses through a school-based program scored higher on reading and math tests. The students who struggled the most academically showed the greatest improvement, with gains equivalent to two to four months of additional education.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 9, 2021

Technology takes the art of origami into the fight against COVID-19

A team from Simon Fraser University has created a low-cost, portable ventilator using 3D-printed origami technology, which can be produced for about $200 compared to $2,000. The design also makes it small and lightweight, making it useful for treating COVID-19 patients or those in remote rural areas.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalFlexible and Printed Electronics·DateSep 9, 2021

Health insurance coverage declined during the pandemic

A study led by Duke University researchers found that nearly 2.7 million people in the US lost employer-based health insurance during the spring and summer of 2020, but gained coverage through government programs like Medicaid. The study suggests that recent policy changes created a safety net to support those affected by job loss.

SourceDuke University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 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.

Stanford discovery could pave the way to ultrafast, energy-efficient computing

Researchers at Stanford University have overcome a key obstacle in phase-change memory technology, enabling faster and more energy-efficient data storage. By using a thermally insulating flexible substrate, they reduced power consumption by a factor of 10 on flexible substrates and 100 on rigid silicon.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

How serotonin curbs cocaine addiction

Researchers discovered serotonin helps regulate dopamine levels, reducing addiction rates to 20% in humans. The study used mice self-administering cocaine and adding unpleasant stimuli, revealing serotonin's crucial role in curbing addiction.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience·DateSep 9, 2021

Study finds that adults who stutter don’t stutter when they’re alone

A study by NYU Steinhardt Professor Eric S. Jackson found that adults who stutter do not stutter during private speech, suggesting a strong social component in stuttering. The 'talk-alone-effect' is real and is influenced by the perception of being heard by a listener.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Fluency Disorders·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 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.

Study shows decreased mortality for patients with complex aortic aneurysms treated by fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair

A recent study found that fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair significantly reduced mortality rates for patients with complex aortic aneurysms, with a 1% risk of mortality at 30 days compared to 21% in open surgical repair. The procedure also showed better outcomes regarding major adverse events, including spinal cord injury.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateSep 9, 2021

Groundbreaking technique yields important new details on silicon, subatomic particles and possible ‘fifth force’

NIST scientists use a novel technique to measure the properties of silicon crystals, revealing new insights into subatomic particles and the strength of a possible fifth force. The results provide improved precision and complementary information for both X-ray and neutron scattering.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

NIH expands Alzheimer’s and related dementias centers research network

The National Institute on Aging has expanded its network of cutting-edge Alzheimer's disease and related dementias centers, with two new centers in North Carolina and Texas. The Duke/University of North Carolina ADRC will focus on understanding age-related changes across the lifespan and identifying disparities in dementia among differ...

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·DateSep 9, 2021

Is the nature of academic research changing?

The proportion of journal articles using questionnaires tripled between 1996 and 2019, indicating a focus on human opinions and perspectives. However, this trend is linked to declining citation impact, sparking debate about the value and validity of questionnaire-based research.

SourceWiley·JournalLearned Publishing·DateSep 9, 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.

Study links free radicals to heart damage caused by cancer

Researchers at Ohio State University found that cancer can cause cardiac dysfunction due to the presence of free radicals, which were reversed by specific antioxidants in fruit flies and mice with tumors. The study suggests a potential new approach to treating heart problems in cancer patients.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAntioxidants·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

A more efficient way to find a more efficient battery

A universal descriptor has been found to indicate the best electrolytes for organic redox flow batteries, reducing experimentation time. This breakthrough could speed up the development of new storage technologies, enabling grid-scale energy storage with a stable grid.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

Calculated risk – A new tool to predict mortality in patients with liver failure

A novel mortality risk prediction method helps tailor treatment decisions and transplant needs for patients based on individual symptoms. The new tool uses a random survival forest algorithm to predict individual mortality risk curves, calculate mortality at any given time, and provide a 95% confidence interval.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2021

$25M tech grant lets Illinois researchers ‘talk’ to plants

The Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems (CROPPS) aims to create systems that enable plants to communicate their hidden biology to sensors, optimizing growth and the local environment. This will lead to breakthrough discoveries, new educational opportunities, and transformative management of crops.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateSep 9, 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.

Reusable cloth masks hold up after a year of washing, drying

A new study from the University of Colorado Boulder found that washing and drying reusable cloth masks doesn't compromise their ability to filter out viral particles. The research confirms that layering a cotton mask on top of a surgical mask provides more protection than cloth alone, with filtration efficiency reaching up to 40%.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalAerosol and Air Quality Research·DateSep 9, 2021

Reconfigurable metasurfaces provide nanoscale light control

Researchers designed electromechanically reconfigurable ultrathin optical elements that can be controlled on a pixel-by-pixel level. These versatile metasurfaces could offer a new chip-based way to achieve nanoscale control of light, leading to better optical displays and information encoding.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateSep 9, 2021

Link between ADHD and dementia across generations

A large Swedish study found a link between ADHD and dementia across generations. Parents of individuals with ADHD had a 34% higher risk of dementia compared to those without ADHD, while grandparents had a 10% increased risk.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 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.

Earthlike planets in other solar systems? Look for moons

Researchers at the University of Illinois propose a new method to detect moons around planets in double star systems. By analyzing transit timing variations, they can infer the presence of a moon. The study suggests that exomoons may play a key role in keeping planets habitable and could be critical for the evolution of life.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateSep 9, 2021

COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing hospitalizations, emergency visits

A New England Journal of Medicine study found that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and intensive care admissions due to the virus. The vaccines provide significant protections for older adults and minorities, who have been disproportionately affected by the virus.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 2021

CVIA Volume 6, Issue 1 just publsihed

The journal Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications (CVIA) has published its first issue of new Volume 6, featuring important research on the cardiovascular implications of COVID-19. The issue includes several articles on the topic, including a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateSep 9, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

University of Maryland researchers uncover critical barriers to improve sustainability and green infrastructure adoption across two Chesapeake Bay watersheds

Researchers found socio-cultural barriers, lack of maintenance and funding, economic challenges, institutional barriers, technological and environmental barriers hinder GI adoption. Community-based approach identified the need for increased transparency and communication from government, as well as resident participation and engagement.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·DateSep 9, 2021

Discovery about cells' 'batteries' boosts battle against many diseases

Researchers at UVA Health System have made a groundbreaking discovery about cells' 'batteries,' revealing how they sense problems and perform quality control on mitochondrial function. This finding could lead to better treatments for non-communicable diseases, which are estimated to cause 71% of all deaths.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateSep 9, 2021

Transforming marine biodiversity discovery and monitoring

A new system for sampling fragments of DNA from marine organisms drifting in the ocean has been developed, enabling researchers to monitor biodiversity and conservation efforts on a global scale. The innovative approach uses water collected from engine cooling systems on commercial vessels, allowing for large-scale surveys of marine ec...

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2021

$7 million to support research into how human genome works

The university will lead the data and administrative center for a multicenter project investigating how variations in the human genome sequence affect its function. Researchers aim to identify which genomic variants are relevant for health and disease, improving understanding of human health and developing new treatments.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateSep 9, 2021

A recent reversal in the response of western Greenland’s ice caps to climate change

Research reveals that Greenland's coastal ice caps experienced growth rather than shrinkage during past periods of warming. This study provides a new perspective on climate change, highlighting the complex relationship between climate conditions and ice cap changes across different regions of the Arctic.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 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.

Increased frequency of heavy rainstorms and flood disasters in the Three Gorges Region during summer 2020

The Three Gorges Region experienced its second-highest average precipitation on record, with heavy rainstorms and floods dominating the summer of 2020. The region's ecological environment improved, with a significant weakening trend in acid rain over the past decade.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateSep 9, 2021