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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 153


Page 153 of 510

Do genetics control who our friends are? It seems so with mice

Researchers found that genetically similar mice prefer each other's company, while PDE11 mutant mice show no preference for familiar friends. This discovery may indicate a biological basis for human social choices and improve healthcare outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2021

Coastal grape growers can use less water during drought

A recent study published in Frontiers in Plant Science found that coastal grape growers in California can reduce irrigation levels by up to 50% during droughts without affecting crop yields or flavor profile. This reduction also leads to a decrease in water footprint and improved water use efficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2021

Prehistoric climate change repeatedly channelled human migrations across Arabia

Research in Saudi Arabia reveals multiple pulses of increased rainfall transformed the arid region into a hospitable route for human population movements. The discovery of thousands of stone tools shows changing human culture over time, documenting transition from Lower Palaeolithic Acheulean to Middle Palaeolithic technologies.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature·DateSep 1, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Family of proteins offers promise as ischemic stroke treatment, preclinical trial finds

A preclinical trial has found that boosting a naturally occurring protein family may reduce damage from ischemic strokes. The study, published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, discovered that administering supplemental IAIP after an ischemic stroke reduced the size of the damaged area and improved functional recovery.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2021

Warming Atlantic drives right whales towards extinction

A Cornell-University of South Carolina-led report warns that warming oceans are driving North Atlantic right whales towards extinction. The calving rate has declined by 26% since 2010, with the population now estimated at just 356 whales.

SourceCornell University·JournalOceanography·DateSep 1, 2021

Cao receives Young Investigator Award from American Chemical Society

Pengfei Cao, a polymer chemist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has been recognized for his significant contributions in polymeric materials science. He is the first ORNL scientist to win the award, which honors early-career emerging leaders who have made notable contributions within seven years of beginning their independent careers.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateSep 1, 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.

Exposure to persistent environmental toxins in everyday products may increase diabetes risk in Latina adolescents

A new USC study found a link between 'forever chemicals' and changes in glucose metabolism in Latina girls, potentially increasing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers measured the impact of PFAS on glucose metabolism over time among adolescents and young adults.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateSep 1, 2021

Food insecurity during college years linked to lower graduation rate

A study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that nearly 15% of college students were food-insecure. These students were 43% less likely to graduate from college and 61% less likely to attain a graduate or professional degree compared to non-food-insecure peers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateSep 1, 2021

New findings on the field of perinatal brain injury

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg generated a comprehensive transcriptional atlas of neonatal mouse meningeal leukocytes, showing that these cells play a crucial role in brain development and pathology. The study also identified novel immune cell subtypes involved in brain injury and provided new insights into the interaction...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalGenes & Development·TypeObservational study·DateAug 31, 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.

Ferroelectrics everywhere?

Researchers have identified a new family of ferroelectric materials, including magnesium-substituted zinc oxide, that can be used for low-energy digital storage. These materials have the potential to revolutionize information and energy storage, offering improved performance and reduced power consumption.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateAug 31, 2021

Fall-prevention program can help reduce harmful in-home falls by nearly 40%

A community-based fall-prevention program helped reduce in-home falls among older adults by nearly 40%, resulting in cost savings of $1,613 per person. The program provided personalized plans to address fall risks and made simple home modifications such as grab bars and slip-resistant surfaces.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 31, 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.

Sandia uncovers hidden factors that affect solar farms during severe weather

A study published by Sandia National Laboratories reveals that older solar farms are more susceptible to extreme weather events, while snowstorms have the highest impact on electricity production. Machine learning analysis also found that low sunlight levels due to cloud cover and geographical features of the farm are significant factors.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalApplied Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 31, 2021

New artificial intelligence tech set to transform heart imaging

A new AI technology enhances magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images to capture scar tissue in the heart, eliminating the need for contrast injections. The approach, called Virtual Native Enhancement (VNE), produces higher-quality images and better captures evidence of scar without contrast.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalCirculation·DateAug 31, 2021

Researchers discover way to switch on and speed up tendon healing

A team of researchers at CÚRAM has developed an implantable stimulator device that combines with body power to speed up treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. The device, powered by walking, controls tendon cell function and repair through electrical stimulation.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 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.

Getting your head in the game

A PSU study found that reattaching to work in the morning enhances managers' positive moods and work focus, leading to better day-level outcomes. Successfully reconnecting with work also enables transformational leadership behaviors crucial for employee engagement.

SourcePortland State University·JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateAug 31, 2021

Study shows evidence of beer drinking 9,000 years ago in Southern China

A new study reveals evidence of beer drinking 9,000 years ago in southern China, with ancient pots found at a burial site containing residues consistent with beer fermentation. The discovery suggests that ritualized drinking played a significant role in forging social relationships and cooperation among ancient communities.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 31, 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.

Helping families exposed to intimate partner violence

Researchers create strengths-based intervention to enhance daily interactions between caregivers and children exposed to IPV. The Mediational Intervention for Sensitizing Caregivers (MISC) project aims to reduce long-lasting effects of trauma on families.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateAug 31, 2021

Mapping the brain circuitry of spirituality

A new study has identified the periaqueductal gray as a critical hub for changes in spiritual identification, surprising researchers who previously thought it was associated with higher brain regions. The discovery could have significant implications for understanding spirituality's role in managing physical and emotional pain.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 31, 2021

Biomarkers found for COVID-19 condition in children

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has identified potential biomarkers for COVID-19 condition in children, known as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). The researchers hope that these biomarkers can help predict the severity of the disease and inform treatment decisions.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 31, 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.

New study sheds light on lives of people with Parkinson’s and their carers

A new European survey sheds light on the lives of people with Parkinson's disease and their carers, revealing a wide range of non-motor symptoms affecting quality of life. The study highlights the importance of individualized management and improved clinical practice in addressing the unique challenges faced by patients and caregivers.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Parkinson’s Disease·TypeCase study·DateAug 31, 2021

Dartmouth Engineering receives $1.25M from NASA to study space ice

The Dartmouth Engineering team will conduct research on planetary science relating to icy planets' geophysics and astrobiology, aiming to understand the nature of these worlds and their habitability. The project will provide valuable tools for interpreting measurements taken by future missions.

SourceThayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth·DateAug 31, 2021

Novel algorithm improves ‘consensus’ performance in multi-agent systems

Researchers have developed a novel algorithm that improves the speed at which nodes converge on agreement regarding a single data value needed during computation. The technique is based on designing an optimized network topology that reduces communication costs while allowing for adjustable convergence rates.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateAug 31, 2021

Keeping gonorrhea at bay

Researchers have identified a unique sequence essential for efficient multidrug efflux function of the MtrD protein in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a key mechanism for antimicrobial resistance. This discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotic treatments.

SourceFlinders University·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 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.

Pandemic restrictions enabled unique bird study

A study by Per Henningsson of Lund University found that birds adapt their speed to navigate through narrow gaps, slowing down as they approach the smallest opening. However, this adaptation comes with a significant energy cost, requiring extra energy to fly at sub-optimal speeds and increasing wing beats.

SourceLund University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

A skin crawling treatment for acne?

A team of scientists at McGill University has invented a smart device for personalized skin care inspired by the male diving beetle. The device collects and monitors body fluids while sticking to the skin's surface, paving the way for more accurate diagnostics and treatment for skin diseases like acne.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

Goldilocks was right! No one-size-fits-all when it comes to kids’ health

Researchers developed a customisable time tool, the Goldilocks Day calculator, to help parents allocate hours and activities for optimal health outcomes. The tool considers physical health, cognitive abilities, and mental wellbeing, allowing parents to adjust daily schedules based on their child's needs.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 31, 2021

Machine learning algorithm revolutionizes how scientists study behavior

A new unsupervised machine learning algorithm, B-SOiD, developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers makes studying animal behavior more accurate and efficient. The algorithm identifies patterns in an animal's body position to discover behaviors, removing human error and bias.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

Understanding a nanomuscle

Researchers at Kanazawa University have made significant progress in understanding the constriction mechanism of dynamin, a protein involved in endocytosis. By combining experiments and simulations, they found that the nanomuscle's motion resembles a ratchet motor, generating enough force to cut off vesicles from cell membranes.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 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 finds telemedicine appointments reduce risk of further illness

A new study by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that telemedicine appointments combined with in-person visits significantly reduced the risk of further illness for children with medically complex cases. The study assessed 422 patients and found that those who received both telemedicine and c...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeObservational study·DateAug 31, 2021

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among patients in two urban emergency departments

A study of over 1,000 patients in Philadelphia's emergency departments found that vaccine hesitancy is common among this population, driven by concerns about safety and research. The authors suggest that EDs can play a valuable role in addressing vaccine hesitancy through targeted education and outreach efforts.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateAug 31, 2021

Quantum networks in our future

Researchers propose a time-sensitive network control plane as a key component of quantum networks, enabling real-time control and low costs. Industry applications include cybersecurity through quantum key distribution, but standardization and certification are needed.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAVS Quantum Science·DateAug 31, 2021

Genomic data reveals new insights into human embryonic development​

Researchers at KAIST used whole-genome sequencing to track human embryonic development from fertilized egg to fully grown adult. The study identified key characteristics of the developmental process, including mutation rates and unequal cell contribution.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 31, 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.

Chemotherapy plus immunotherapy before surgery is beneficial for invasive bladder cancer outcomes

A new study reports that chemotherapy plus immunotherapy before surgical removal reduces tumor invasiveness in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. In the phase II clinical trial, nearly 25% of bladder cancers were found to be invasive, and surgery often had limited success due to microscopic cancer cell spread.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 31, 2021

The people’s waterways

Public monitoring of China's water quality reveals significant improvements, particularly among heavily industrialized areas. However, local governments' misaligned incentives hinder effective implementation of pollution standards.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Do distressed, help-seeking couples improve on their own? Not much, study says

A recent study examined the dynamics of distressed couples who sought online help for their relationship but had to wait six months before starting an intervention program. The researchers found that while some couples did experience improvements in satisfaction and support, overall levels of distress remained elevated. In contrast, ot...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFamily Process·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 31, 2021

Minimum wage hike boosts customer experience

A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that a minimum wage hike improves consumer perceptions of service quality, particularly in independently owned restaurants. The study analyzed online reviews before and after the wage increase and discovered a decrease in negative discussions about worker courtesy and friendliness.

SourceCornell University·JournalMarketing Science·DateAug 31, 2021

Fighting brain cancer at its root

Researchers at McGill University identified proteins that drive cancer stem cells in brain tumours. Targeting the protein galectin1 may provide a more effective treatment for glioblastoma when combined with radiation therapy. The study found significant improvement in tumour response to radiation therapy, resulting in expanded lifespan.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 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.

A Lunar-based Soft X-ray Imager (LSXI) for the Earth’s magnetosphere

The LSXI will use a lunar platform to continuously observe the global images of the Earth's magnetosphere, providing unprecedented observational coverage and innovations in magnetospheric physics research. The instrument combines space-based and ground-based detection results to predict and mitigate space weather disasters.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateAug 31, 2021

Veterans with PTSD may benefit from manualized Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT)--The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry-Embargoed to 1:00 PM EDT(US) Tues., Aug 31, 2021

A recent study found that manualized Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT-PTSD) is safe, feasible, and clinically viable for treating veterans with PTSD. The therapy resulted in marked reductions in both clinician-rated and self-reported symptoms of PTSD and depression.

SourceMan O’War Project·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 31, 2021

Regulators for extracellular vesicle production

Researchers from Kanazawa University have identified 4 potential regulators for extracellular vesicle (EV) production, including 1 inhibitor and 3 activators. The inhibitors and activators were screened using a high-throughput method to detect EVs with high sensitivity and versatility.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 31, 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.

Do you hate seeing people fidget? New UBC research says you’re not alone

Research finds approximately one-third of the population experience sensitivities when seeing others fidget, leading to emotional and social impacts. Individuals with misokinesia report difficulty in social situations, work environments, and learning spaces, with impacts increasing with age.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 31, 2021

Cancer treatment with built-in light

Researchers have developed a new photodynamic tumor therapy that works for deep tumors, eliminating the need for external irradiation. The 'intelligent' drug consists of four components linked into a single molecule that brings its own light source and switches it on in acidic tumorous tissue.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

Personalized cancer treatment tested on artificial cancer

A research team has developed a cell printing technology to produce 3D cancer spheroids with varying diameters and blood vessels. This enables the reproduction of cancer metastasis properties, paving the way for personalized cancer treatments.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalSmall Methods·DateAug 31, 2021