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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 144


Page 144 of 510

Study unveils dynamic behavior of Cu-N-C single-atom catalyst in electrocatalysis

Researchers synthesized a uniform Cu-N-C single-atom catalyst that exhibits comparable alkaline ORR activity to Pt/C. The active site structure undergoes dynamic changes during the reaction, transforming into HO-Cu-N2 under reaction conditions.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 8, 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.

Inspired by metamorphosis, researchers create materials for shape-shifting architecture

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a class of materials that can change their fundamental architecture, inspired by nature's metamorphosis. The metamorphosis system involves connecting kirigami units to create structures capable of bearing significant weight and transforming into different architectures.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMaterials Today Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

A gene that controls the severity of colon cancer

Researchers found that the gene TCF-1 regulates specific Treg cells, leading to more severe and inflammatory colon cancers. Without TCF-1, these cells become activated and gain a gut-homing feature, resulting in harsher cancer outcomes.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Immunology·TypeCase study·DateSep 8, 2021

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer names Australian researcher Dr. Michael Boyer 2021 recipient of the Adi F. Gazdar IASLC Merit Award

Dr. Michael Boyer is the chief clinical officer at The Lighthouse Chris O'Brien comprehensive cancer center in Sydney, Australia. He has been recognized with the Adi F. Gazdar IASLC Merit Award for his pioneering work in molecular pathology and dedication to lung cancer research.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateSep 8, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Exploring the genetic ma(i)ze: Functional genomics can help molecular breeding of maize

Researchers used functional genomics to identify key genes involved in inducing callus from immature maize embryos, overcoming a major roadblock in plant breeding. The study found that nearly 30% of predicted A188 genes were structurally different from other maize lines, accounting for high protein divergence and phenotypic variations.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalThe Crop Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2021

Exposure to traffic noise linked to higher dementia risk

A study from Denmark found that long-term exposure to road traffic and railway noise is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease. The researchers estimate that up to 1,216 cases of dementia in 2017 could be attributed to these noise exposures.

SourceBMJ Group·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2021

USC study identifies new risk factor for most common childhood cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Children genetically predisposed to overproduce lymphocytes in relation to other white blood cells are at higher risk of developing ALL, according to a new USC study. The research found that the ratio of lymphocytes to other key blood cells is significant in predicting leukemia risk.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2021

HIV linked with increased risk of sudden cardiac death

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people living with HIV are at a higher risk of sudden cardiac death compared to those without the virus. The study analyzed data from over 144,000 veterans and found that 26% of those who died from sudden cardiac death had HIV.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 8, 2021

Antioxidant drug reverses process responsible for heart attacks and strokes

A new antioxidant drug, cysteamine, has been found to reverse atherosclerosis by reducing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. This process reduces inflammation, damage, and clot formation, ultimately lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Cysteamine was shown to decrease plaque size by up to 56% in mice with atherosclerosis.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 8, 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.

Sunlight can break down marine plastic into tens of thousands of chemical compounds, study finds

A new study finds that sunlight can break down marine plastic into tens of thousands of chemical compounds, transforming it into a suite of polymer-, dissolved-, and gas-phased products. This process produces more complex transformation products than previously understood, with some bags producing up to 15,000 formulas.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2021

Hand pollination of crops is of major importance

Researchers from Göttingen and Hohenheim found hand pollination used worldwide for 20 crops, including apples and vanillas. The method can reduce losses and improve crop quality, but also brings challenges due to labor intensity and cost.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalBasic and Applied Ecology·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 8, 2021

Benefits of intraoperative assessment in bariatric procedure

The study found that intraoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy (IEGD) reduces hospital length of stay, radiation exposure, and costs compared to postoperative upper gastrointestinal (PUGI) radiographic series. IEGD also improves patient satisfaction with similar clinical outcomes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBariatric Surgical Practice and Patient Care·TypeCase study·DateSep 8, 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.

Impaired immune response may cause bone resorption in patients with genetic disorder

Researchers found that patients with a rare genetic condition may develop chronic inflammatory bone diseases due to an impaired response to interferon gamma. The study suggests that this impairment leads to excessive osteoclast proliferation and increased bone resorption, causing multifocal osteomyelitis.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 8, 2021

Study finds critical data needed for monitoring and preserving biodiversity is missing

The world's largest repository of raw genomic sequences is missing critical data necessary for monitoring and preserving biodiversity. Only 14% of archived datasets contain information about when and where organisms were sampled, highlighting the need for community standards to preserve metadata.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 8, 2021

The Sun's 11-year cycle cannot explain global warming

A new study published in Climate Dynamics analysis observational data and a large climate model found that the Earth's 11-year cycle is out of sync with solar fluctuations. The findings refute climate skeptics' claims that the sun plays a major role in global warming.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalClimate Dynamics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 8, 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.

People with Parkinson's may benefit from 7 walking strategies

Researchers surveyed 4,324 people with Parkinson's and found that many are unaware of all seven compensation strategies, but most who tried them reported positive effects. The study suggests a 'one-size-fits-all' approach doesn't work, emphasizing the need for personalized education on available strategies.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 8, 2021

CityU scientist hunted down the first unpaired Weyl magnetic monopole

A City University of Hong Kong physicist has observed the first unpaired singular Weyl magnetic monopole in a specific kind of single crystalline solid, defying the Nielsen-Ninomiya no-go theorem. The discovery opens up new avenues for understanding bulk topological properties and potential applications in spintronics.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2021

Electron-Ion Collider in China (EicC) white paper has been released

Scientists propose EicC to investigate quark and gluon contributions to nucleon spin and mass, as well as novel multi-particle dynamics. The recently released white paper outlines physics goals, detector design, and accelerator specifications.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Physics·TypeSurvey·DateSep 8, 2021

Monash University researchers unlock the key that could lead to the development of non-opioid painkillers to treat chronic pain

Researchers at Monash University have discovered a new mode of targeting the adenosine A1 receptor protein, which could lead to the development of non-opioid painkillers to treat chronic neuropathic pain. The study provides an opportunity for researchers to develop safer and more effective drugs.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

The evolution of mammals reveals 2,000 new genes key to longevity in humans

A comparative genomic study of 57 mammal species identified over 2,000 new genes linked to longevity in humans. These genes are involved in DNA repair, coagulation and inflammatory response mechanisms, and codify more stable proteins in longer-living species.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 8, 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.

Doing Poseidon’s work: How citizen scientists are restoring NSW’s endangered seagrass meadows

A study published in Biological Conservation enlisted the help of 80 citizen scientists to collect 1500 naturally detached Posidonia shoots washed up on the beach after storms. The 'Storm Squad' successfully rehabilitated populations of NSW's endangered Posidonia australis, with most transplanted fragments producing new shoots after on...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalConservation Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

Museum collections predict species abundance in the wild

Researchers analyzed 1.4 million field observations and 73,000 museum records to find a strong correlation between species abundance in nature and their presence in museum collections. This method enables scientists to study species decline and estimate past abundances, providing insights into conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 8, 2021

Sharp fall in amputations due to type 1 diabetes

A 20-year study shows a 40% decrease in amputation rates among people with type 1 diabetes in Sweden. Improved treatment of risk factors such as blood sugar levels and kidney function contributed to the trend reversal.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalDiabetologia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 8, 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.

Biological clue to why stressed out fruit flies die sooner

Researchers found that stressed fruit flies have the biggest change in their microbiome, suggesting a link between social stress, immunity, and longevity. The study used Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies and found sex- and age-specific variations in their microbiome composition.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateSep 8, 2021

Study reveals dramatic impact of climate change in the Sierra Nevada

A new study reveals climate change has dramatically altered the Sierra Nevada's aquatic ecosystem, impacting water resources. The research found that the region's snowpack and lake sediments show significant changes in response to warming temperatures, posing major threats to California's water supply.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 8, 2021

Potential indicator for obesity risk detected during sleep

A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that individuals with inflexible metabolisms exhibit higher carbohydrate oxidation rates at night, indicating a reduced ability to burn fat during sleep. This discovery has the potential for practical use in disease prevention and early intervention.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature·DateSep 8, 2021

Steps per day matter in middle age, but not as many as you may think

A UMass Amherst researcher found that walking 7,000 steps per day significantly reduces middle-aged mortality risk, but further increases do not provide additional benefits. The study analyzed data from over 2,100 participants and suggests that even small increments in physical activity can have substantial health implications.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 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.

NIH-funded modern “white cane” brings navigation assistance to the 21st century

A newly improved robotic cane, funded by NIH/National Eye Institute, uses a color 3D camera, inertial measurement sensor, and onboard computer to guide users to desired locations while avoiding obstacles. The device can provide accurate navigation assistance in large spaces with sensory and auditory cues.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

Immunologic resilience: A new metric to accurately gauge COVID-19’s path

Researchers developed a novel concept to predict COVID-19 severity using immunologic resilience, which was linked to patient outcomes such as mortality, hospitalization, and SARS-CoV-2 levels. The study found that patients with inferior immune health grades had higher risks of severe illness and poorer outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2021

Could the water in bedrock save our forest ecosystems from climate change?

Researchers found that trees tap into bedrock water stores, relying on them during droughts and dry summers. This discovery overturns assumptions about where trees get their water, highlighting the importance of accounting for rock moisture in understanding forest ecosystem function.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 8, 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.

Iron supplements not linked to cognitive improvements for kids

A study in rural Bangladesh found that iron supplements have no effect on child cognitive function, language, and motor development. While iron supplements improved anaemia in children, they had no impact on growth, behavior, or developmental delays.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 8, 2021

Platelets key to blood vessel damage in COVID-19 patients

A new study has identified abnormal crosstalk between platelets and cells lining blood vessels as a cause of deadly organ damage in severe COVID-19 patients. The study found that protein signals from platelets can create inflammation, abnormal clotting, and damage to vessels when exposed to the pandemic virus.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

Tweezer grant pleases Rice researchers

The university will acquire an optical tweezer to study colloidal copolymer chains, protein binding strength and other phenomena. The instrument will be made available to Rice researchers and collaborators.

SourceRice University·DateSep 8, 2021

Smaller breathing tubes are better when intubating singers, everyone

A survey of 147 medical professionals found that smaller endotracheal tube sizes reduce complications in professional voice users. The team hopes to establish evidence-based practices for managing the airways of these patients, who are particularly vulnerable to damage from intubation.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Voice·DateSep 8, 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.

New study reveals the relationship between mitochondrial processes and apoptosis

A new study found that mitochondrial biogenesis is enhanced in early-stage apoptotic cells under certain conditions, positively correlating with apoptosis at a later stage. This result challenges the previous notion of negative correlation between mitochondrial biogenesis and apoptosis.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

Marijuana use at historic high among college-aged adults in 2020

The 2020 Monitoring the Future survey found significant increases in marijuana and hallucinogen use among college students, while daily or near-daily marijuana use rose. In contrast, vaping marijuana and nicotine levels plateaued after sharp increases between 2017 and 2019, while alcohol use declined significantly.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 8, 2021

Experts make weak recommendation for medical cannabis for chronic pain

A panel of international experts recommends a trial of non-inhaled medical cannabis or cannabinoids for people with moderate to severe chronic pain, where standard care is insufficient. The recommendation is based on systematic reviews of 32 trials and found small improvements in pain intensity but no benefits in emotional functioning.

SourceBMJ Group·DateSep 8, 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.

Insect protein has great potential to reduce the carbon footprint of European consumers

Researchers found that insect protein has great potential to reduce global warming associated with food consumption in Europe, especially when used in broiler meat production. Using edible insects or low-value food industry side stream products can increase the carbon footprint benefits of using insect protein over soybean meal protein.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateSep 7, 2021

Scientists discover chemical signals in starfish that stop them eating

Researchers found that injecting SK/CCK-type neuropeptides into starfish retracts their stomachs and makes them less inclined to eat, even with food in front of them. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary conservation of feeding regulation mechanisms across animals.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 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.

Pivotal discovery of nanomaterial for LEDs

Researchers have developed a stable perovskite nanocrystal material for LEDs, enabling bright and long-lasting light sources. The new material is made using a metal-organic framework structure, which keeps the nanocrystals separate and prevents degradation.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Photonics·DateSep 7, 2021

Eliminating cash could benefit average U.S. families

A new study from the University of Georgia suggests that eliminating physical currency could benefit average Americans as long as certain taxes are lowered too. The research finds that reducing cash transactions would lead to lower tax evasion, allowing governments to reduce other taxes and boost overall well-being.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEuropean Economic Review·DateSep 7, 2021

Helping semiconductors find a cooler way to relax

A study from KAUST found that interface and bandgap engineering can significantly slow down the relaxation of 'hot' electrons in semiconductors, increasing their lifetimes. This innovation has potential applications in solar cells, which could improve efficiency by reducing heat loss.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 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.

Researchers use deep learning to predict breast cancer risk

A new study uses deep learning to predict breast cancer risk from mammograms, outperforming clinical risk factors in distinguishing between women who will develop cancer and those who won't. The findings have significant implications for breast cancer management, suggesting a potential role for AI as a second reader for radiologists.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateSep 7, 2021

Association between police contact, health, well-being of Black youth

A review of 29 studies with nearly 20,000 participants reveals an association between police exposure and adverse health outcomes for Black youth. The current body of evidence suggests that police contact may be a significant risk factor for poor health and well-being in this demographic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 7, 2021

Under loading ceramics self-heal cracks by forming kink-bands

Researchers have discovered that MAX phases ceramics can form kink-bands under loading, which can effectively stop cracks from growing and even close and heal them. This self-healing mechanism makes MAX phases suitable for a variety of advanced structural applications, including efficient jet engines and safer nuclear reactors.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateSep 7, 2021