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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 164


Page 164 of 510

There’s a bright side to being a ‘Debbie Downer’

A new study published in the Journal of Gerontology finds that engaging in diverse daily activities is associated with a diverse set of emotions. Individuals who regularly participated in a broad range of activities experienced more diverse positive emotions, particularly those between ages 33-44.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Gerontology·DateAug 24, 2021

Researchers developing new cancer treatments with high-intensity focused ultrasound

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology is being explored for its potential to destroy cancerous tumours while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Researchers at the University of Waterloo have made significant progress in understanding how HIFU works on a cellular level, paving the way for future clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalBulletin of Mathematical Biology·DateAug 24, 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.

What effect does early social contact have on dairy calves’ welfare?

A new study found that early socialization of dairy calves does not negatively affect their behavior, performance, or health, and may even benefit their early-life health by reducing scours. Calves housed in pairs after birth showed greater comfort with pen-mates and a reduced risk of diarrhea.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 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.

Study could lead to new treatments for neuroblastoma

Researchers have identified a new potential treatment for neuroblastoma by targeting the ALT mechanism, which is responsible for chemotherapy resistance. The study found that activating ATM kinase at telomeres promotes chemotherapy resistance in ALT neuroblastoma and suggests a cancer-specific approach to treating this disease.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

New sophisticated simulation models can help reduce yogurt spoilage by yeast

Researchers developed predictive models to estimate yogurt spoilage caused by yeast, including the effect of bioprotective cultures. The models were validated with actual data from a European dairy and can help yogurt producers make informed decisions to reduce economic losses due to food waste.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 23, 2021

World First: Smaller than a speck of dust, voltage like a AAA battery - Smallest biosupercapacitor provides energy for biomedical applications

Researchers have created the smallest microsupercapacitors to date, which can function in artificial blood vessels and provide an energy source for tiny sensor systems. The biosupercapacitor has a volume of 0.001 mm3 and delivers up to 1.6 V supply voltage.

SourceChemnitz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Speedy Evolution

Researchers from Harvard University find that the earliest tetrapods acquired new adaptive traits at fast rates of anatomical evolution, but species diversification was slow initially. The study suggests a decoupling between evolutionary rates and species diversity, with a delay in colonization of land and diversification into new niches.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 23, 2021

Eight predictors of upper gastrointestinal bleeding after heart attack

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified eight primary factors that increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding after heart attack. The study, published in European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy, found that smoking, blood pressure, and blood glucose are among the new predictors.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy·TypeObservational study·DateAug 23, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UMass Lowell to test COVID-19 diagnostic methods

UMass Lowell is part of a nationwide program to evaluate rapid COVID-19 diagnostic methods. Researchers will assess the reliability and sensitivity of new products using clinical trials and community testing sites.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·DateAug 23, 2021

No swimming? Molecule regulating sperm motility discovered

Researchers from Osaka University identified SPATA33 as a key regulator of sperm motility, which will aid in developing fast-acting male contraceptives. The study also clarified the mechanism by which SPATA33 controls sperm motility, shedding light on the cause of male infertility.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Phosphorescent material inspired by ‘glow in the dark’ wood

Researchers developed a new phosphorescent material inspired by wood's natural ability to faintly glow, using lignin trapped within a 3D polymer network. The material glows visibly for around one second and has potential applications in medical imaging, optical sensing, and textile industry.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateAug 23, 2021

Researchers invent world's smallest biomechanical linkage

Princeton University researchers have created the world's smallest mechanically interlocked biological structure, a deceptively simple two-ring chain made from tiny strands of amino acids. The study demonstrates that these structures can toggle between at least two shapes, laying the groundwork for a biomolecular switch.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 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.

Study gauges social responsibility in slowing COVID-19 spread

Researchers conducted focus groups with stakeholders to identify safety measures and public health messaging that reduce the spread of COVID-19. Participants emphasized the need for transparent messaging, regulations, and enforcement of precautions to promote community safety and comfort.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateAug 23, 2021

Watch this slow but deadly tortoise hunt a baby bird

Researchers captured footage of a tortoise attacking and killing a tern chick on Frégate Island. The tortoise approached the chick with its jaws open, suggesting it was an experienced hunter. This unusual behavior challenges previous assumptions about tortoises' diets and hunting habits.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 23, 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.

River backwaters to meet high water quality standards

Researchers at TU Wien developed a model to assess the impact of heavy rainfall and flooding on water quality in riverine floodplains, which are essential for drinking water supplies. The model aims to reduce faecal contaminants from human and animal waste, ensuring safe extraction of drinking water.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateAug 23, 2021

Machine learning links material composition and performance in catalysts

Researchers at the University of Michigan used machine learning to predict how metal alloy compositions affect electronic structures, linking fingerprints to material performance. The model simplifies density of states into two principal components, capturing correlations between composition and reactivity.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalChem Catalysis·DateAug 23, 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.

Wildfire smoke exposure during pregnancy increases preterm birth risk

A Stanford University study suggests that wildfire smoke exposure during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth, with as many as 7,000 extra births attributed to this factor between 2007 and 2012. The research highlights the need for investment in prescribed burns, mechanical thinning, or other efforts to reduce extreme wildfires.

SourceStanford University·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 23, 2021

Tree rings from old growth Douglas-firs on the Oregon Coast show evidence of 1700 tsunami

A study published in Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences analyzed tree rings from old-growth Douglas-firs on the Oregon Coast, revealing reduced growth following the 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami in 1700. The findings confirm modeling of the quake's reach and provide insight into the impact of tsunamis on trees.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNatural Hazards and Earth System Sciences·DateAug 23, 2021

Compact system designed for high-precision, robot-based surface measurements

A new compact system enables real-time, in-line 3D inspection of surfaces with micron-scale precision, enhancing quality control in industrial production. The system combines a fast steering mirror and high precision 1D confocal chromatic sensor to create a compact and lightweight measurement tool weighing just 300 grams.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateAug 23, 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 examines how vital new air routes are for organ transplants

A recent study found that introducing new airline routes leads to a 7.3% increase in kidneys sent to transplant centers across the US, while also reducing the discard rate of kidneys. This improved transportation infrastructure facilitates broader organ sharing and can help match supply and demand.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalManagement Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 23, 2021

Prozac changes fat composition of the monkey brain

Researchers found Prozac reduces lipid concentrations in monkey brains, linked to potential side effects in young patients. The study suggests dietary changes may alleviate adverse effects by influencing lipid synthesis.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateAug 23, 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.

New study in regenerative medicine identifies RNA released from damaged cells act as the signal to initiate repair after injury

A new study from Monash University has identified RNA released from damaged cells as a signal to initiate repair in the nervous system. The research found that blocking or enhancing this recruitment of immature neurons halted or sped up neural circuit recovery, demonstrating their power in boosting neural repair.

SourceMonash University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Overcoming false optical activity

Researchers discovered false optical activity in Raman spectroscopic analysis of vitamin B12 and its derivatives, leading to misinterpretations of data. The phenomenon was attributed to circular dichroism and can be computationally modeled or adapted to measurement methods.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

The great outdoors: Citizen Science puts healthy ageing on the map

A new research project by the University of South Australia aims to identify ways for people to grow and sustain meaningful connections as they age. Older adults participating in environmental citizen science projects, such as weekly guided nature walks and wildlife photography, may experience improved physical activity, health, and we...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·DateAug 23, 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.

Think leisure is a waste? That may not bode well for your mental health

Researchers found that people who believe leisure is wasteful report poorer mental health outcomes, including lower happiness and higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. In contrast, those who view leisure as having productive value enjoy activities more.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Turning the tables into touchscreens

Scientists at Nara Institute of Science and Technology create a projected touchscreen system using just one camera and projector, eliminating the need for additional detectors. The system uses slope disparity gating to capture touch data with high efficiency, enabling portable projection systems for large interactive displays.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Access·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 23, 2021

T. rex’s jaw had sensors to make it an even more fearsome predator, new digital study finds

A new digital study has found that Tyrannosaurus rex's jaw had nerve sensors enabling it to better detect and eat its prey. The researchers used computed tomography to analyze the distribution of neurovascular canals in a fossil mandible, revealing complex branching patterns similar to those of modern-day crocodiles and birds.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHistorical Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 23, 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.

One material with two functions could lead to faster memory

Researchers developed a new memory device that uses perovskite to store and visually transmit data, achieving parallel and synchronous reading of data through electrical and optical methods. The device has the potential for numerous applications in next-generation technologies.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 23, 2021

On the “Island of the Blue Dolphins,” a glimmer of hope for a rare fox species

A new study predicts that the population of San Nicolas Island foxes will remain at a low risk of extinction due to their isolated habitat and relatively dry environmental conditions. The researchers suggest strategies such as biosecurity, restoration of habitats, and minimizing human-wildlife conflict to increase the foxes' resilience...

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcosphere·DateAug 23, 2021

A “helping hand”: Intervention for early cancer screening in patients with mental illness

Researchers from Okayama University conducted a randomized trial to assess the benefits of interventions for early cancer screening in patients with schizophrenia. The study found that 47.1% of counseled patients underwent colorectal cancer screening, compared to 11.8% of those receiving only usual treatment.

SourceOkayama University·JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 23, 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.

Pecan-enriched diet shown to reduce cholesterol

Researchers found that consuming pecans daily or substituting them for similar calories in the diet improved total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol levels. The study suggests a more sustainable approach to lowering cholesterol and reducing coronary artery disease risk.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateAug 23, 2021

Making patient care easier: Self-powered diaper sensors that monitor urine sugar levels

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a self-powered diaper sensor that monitors urine sugar levels, providing an alternative biomarker for blood sugar monitoring. The sensor uses a biofuel cell powered by glucose in the urine, detecting sugar levels within 1 second and simplifying caretaking tasks.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalACS Sensors·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Lagging chromosomes among causes of infertility

A study published in Developmental Cell reveals that lagging chromosomes contribute to an uneven chromosomal distribution, leading to aneuploidy and infertility. Researchers propose artificially slowing down cell division to limit aneuploidy, offering a potential solution for improving egg quality in older patients.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 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.

Cutting “edge”: A tunable neural network framework towards compact and efficient models

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a tunable neural network framework that achieves high accuracy and efficiency for sparse CNNs. The new architecture employs a Cartesian-product MAC array and pipelined activation aligners to enable dense computing of sparse convolution, resulting in better resource utilization.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

The sound velocity of Majorite under mantle transition zone conditions

Scientists at Ehime University successfully measured the longitudinal and shear velocities of MgSiO3 majorite garnet up to 18 GPa and 2000 K. The results suggest that elastic softening occurs in mantle garnets with increasing pressure, potentially affecting subducted slab speeds.

SourceEhime University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 23, 2021

Combined approach finds best direct trajectory

A team of researchers has created a new algorithm that determines the most efficient route for robots to navigate complex spaces. The RBF-Galerkin method combines two existing approaches to find the optimal solution, surpassing other methods in terms of cost and time efficiency.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateAug 23, 2021

Using big data to explore the principles of people's online activities globally

Researchers analyzed social media connections of over 4 million users across 10 countries, finding common characteristics and behaviors, including follow ratios and profile length. These findings can help tailor data analysis to cultural differences, improving marketing and information sharing.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalIEEE Access·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 23, 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.

New discovery pinpoints the ‘golden window’ for IVF success

Researchers at RMIT University have discovered a Teflon-like molecule on the womb's surface that decreases at a certain point in the menstrual cycle, opening the 'golden window' for pregnancy success. This finding could lead to improved IVF success rates and potentially treat underlying causes of infertility.

SourceRMIT University·JournalFertility and Sterility·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Rise and fall of water blisters offers glimpse beneath Greenland’s thick ice sheet

A Princeton University-led research team discovered that water blisters on the surface of Greenland's high-elevation ice sheet can estimate transmissivity, a property characterizing the efficiency of water networks between ice and bedrock. The study found that transmissivity can increase by two orders of magnitude during the summer mel...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Understanding how elephants use their trunk

A multidisciplinary team of scientists studied the elephant trunk's kinematic versatility, revealing a toolkit of 20 basic movements that combine to produce complex behaviors. The researchers identified a mathematical law governing the trunk's velocity, similar to human hand-drawing movements.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 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.

Pusan National University researchers shed light on the early development of rice seeds

A team of scientists led by Assistant Professor Lae-Hyeon Cho identified a single mutation in the gene that codes for cytidine triphosphate synthase (CTPS), an enzyme crucial for early endosperm development. The study showed that overexpressing CTPS in genetically modified rice plants results in a larger endosperm, opening up opportuni...

SourcePusan National University·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Sin taxes could unintentionally make others pay

Researchers found that taxi drivers who smoked cigarettes were more likely to cheat riders after the federal excise tax on cigarettes was raised. This spillover effect occurs when targeted individuals defraud others due to perceived unfairness and reduced buying power.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalAccounting Organizations and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 23, 2021