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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 17


Page 17 of 510

Specific metabolic dependencies of cancer cells revealed by perturbation with tailored chemical library offer new therapeutic possibilities

Researchers identified specific metabolic vulnerabilities in leukemia cell lines, including sensitivity to PI3K and fatty acid synthase inhibitors. The study highlights the potential for targeted cancer therapy by exploiting these dependencies.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 14, 2021

"Crazy" light emitters: Physicists see an unusual quantum phenomenon

Physicists from the Technische Universität Dresden have confirmed an unusual movement of light-emitting particles in atomically-thin semiconductors. Excitons seem to move in opposite directions at the same time, a behavior previously known only for individual electrons.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 14, 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.

When the brain switches from hearing to listening

Researchers at the University of Basel traced the neuronal fingerprint of sound processing in mouse brains, finding ten distinct activity patterns that depend on factors like attention, arousal, and reward. These findings suggest that even simple sound detection is a cognitive process that profoundly shapes brain activity.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2021

Evidence for shared earthquakes between San Andreas and san Jacinto faults

Researchers have found evidence of joint ruptures, or shared earthquakes, between the San Andreas and san Jacinto faults in California. The Lytle Creek Ridge Fault, a small fault between the two major faults, acted as a passive marker during these events, with 20% to 23% of earthquakes on these faults being shared.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalGeology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 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.

Killing pain without hurting the body: Novel compound that is potentially safer than current drugs

Researchers discover novel compound AD732 with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, outperforming standard NSAIDs while causing minimal harm. The compound may be a safer alternative for treating pain and inflammation in difficult diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2021

Study combines climatic, tectonic models to explain Andean conundrum

A new study reveals that modern top-down climate-related factors combined with traditional bottom-up tectonic models can help uncover the history of the Andes Mountains. The research suggests that a submerged volcanic hotspot chain, known as the Juan Fernandez Ridge, plays a crucial role in shaping the Andes' unique tectonic setting.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 14, 2021

Darwin’s finches ‘evolve’

A new study found that Galápagos Islands Darwin's finch females who spend longer inside the nest can ward off deadly larvae of the introduced avian vampire fly, improving offspring survival. The maternal buffer is a life-saver, especially during the first days after hatching.

SourceFlinders University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 2021

Antibiotics can be first-line therapy for uncomplicated appendicitis cases

A recent review article by Duke University Medical Center suggests that antibiotics can be an effective first-line therapy for uncomplicated appendicitis cases, treating up to 70% of cases. However, the definitive treatment option remains surgery, usually done laparoscopically, for severely inflamed appendices or high-risk patients.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 14, 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.

City allotments match farming productivity per square metre

A citizen science project found urban growers in Brighton and Hove harvested 1kg of insect-pollinated fruit and vegetables per metre squared, comparable to conventional farming. Urban farming benefits biodiversity and human health while offering sustainable and productive alternatives.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·DateDec 14, 2021

New algorithm by Pusan National University scientists can repair missing data in event logs with superior accuracy

Researchers from Pusan National University have developed an algorithm to restore missing data in event logs, improving restoration accuracy by 10-30% compared to existing algorithms. The high accuracy of the new algorithm ensures its widespread application in industries and potential improvements in AI technologies.

SourcePusan National University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Services Computing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 14, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Anti-gay slurs not targeted just at gay men

A new study by Nathan Grant Smith and colleagues found that straight men use anti-gay slurs not due to their sexual orientation but to protect traditional masculine norms. The study suggests that threatening straight men's status can trigger the use of such slurs, highlighting a significant problem in our culture.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalCurrent Psychology·DateDec 14, 2021

Farmed seafood supply at risk if we don’t act on climate change

A new study projects that farmed seafood supply will drop by 16% globally by 2090 if no action is taken to mitigate climate change. The industry is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and some regions could see a decline in mariculture production by up to 90%.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 13, 2021

Climate-driven disease devastates seagrass health

Seagrass wasting disease, caused by warming waters, compromises roots and storage sugars, setting up plants for a harder winter. The disease affects eelgrass meadows, vital nutrient stores, and supports herring, salmon, and other marine life.

SourceCornell University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateDec 13, 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.

Low-cost AI soil sensors could help farmers curb fertiliser use

The new technology measures ammonium levels in soil using machine learning and combines it with weather data to predict optimal fertilisation timing. This could lead to reduced overfertilisation, lower expenses for growers, and improved crop yields, particularly for nutrient-thirsty crops like wheat.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Food·DateDec 13, 2021

Identifying rare disease-associated genetic variants in patients with severe schizophrenia

Researchers have found that individuals with extremely treatment-resistant schizophrenia carry a higher burden of rare, damaging genetic variants than those with typical schizophrenia. This study suggests that focusing on patients with severe forms of the illness could improve the detection of disease-associated genetic variants.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2021

Extinct megafauna prone to ancient ‘hunger games’

A team of researchers has uncovered a previously unrecognised process contributing to the disappearance of ancient megafauna communities across south-eastern Australia. Changing food supply driven by climatic changes or human land use in the Late Pleistocene era might have facilitated the extinction of the biggest herbivores.

SourceFlinders University·JournalEcography·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 13, 2021

Quantum algorithms bring ions to a standstill

Researchers have successfully cooled a pair of highly charged ions to an unprecedentedly low temperature of 200 µK using quantum algorithms. This achievement brings the team closer to building an optical atomic clock with highly charged ions, which could potentially be more accurate than existing clocks.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2021

Protein in blood sign of heart damage after surgery

Researchers found that up to one in five patients experience increased troponin levels after major surgery, indicating potential heart damage. These patients were also more likely to be anaemic before the operation.

SourceLinköping University·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·TypeObservational study·DateDec 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.

New gene-writing technology to obtain more effective and safe therapies developed

Researchers have developed Find Cut-and-Transfer (FiCAT) technology, a tool capable of accurately writing small and large genes. FiCAT allows precise insertion of large fragments into the genome, enabling development of therapeutic solutions for diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy and hereditary blindness.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 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.

New treatment combination without chemotherapy is effective in PH+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia

A new treatment combination of dasatinib, blinatumomab, and prednisone has shown promise in treating older patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The trial achieved a three-year DFS rate of 80 percent and an overall survival rate of 85 percent for enrolled patients.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 13, 2021

Want to limit carbon and curb wildfire? Create a market for small trees

Researchers at UC Berkeley propose creating a market for small diameter trees and woody biomass to reduce wildfire risk while limiting carbon emissions. By investing in innovative wood products, the state can achieve both net carbon benefits and wildfire mitigation benefits.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 13, 2021

Gunfire or plastic bag popping? Trained computer can tell the difference

Researchers developed an algorithm to differentiate life-threatening gunshot events from non-life-threatening plastic bag explosion events. The study found that 75% of plastic bag pop sounds were misclassified as gunshot sounds, highlighting the need for a diverse dataset of similar sounds.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalSensors·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

NYU Langone Health performs second successful xenotransplantation surgery

Researchers at NYU Langone Health have successfully performed their second xenotransplantation procedure using a genetically engineered pig kidney. The procedure, part of an ongoing study, demonstrates continued promise for these genetically engineered organs as a renewable source of life-saving gifts.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateDec 13, 2021

Researchers of CONTAIN study say convalescent plasma likely had benefit in early days of COVID-19; could be used early in next pandemic

A landmark study found that convalescent plasma was safe and effective in treating early COVID-19 patients, particularly those with weakened immune systems. The trial showed improved outcomes in patients given high-titer plasma during the first quarter of the pandemic.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 13, 2021

New hope for people living with a genetic cause of autism

A study by UC Riverside researchers shows that reactivating the Fmr1 gene in young transgenic mice with Fragile X syndrome eliminates symptoms. This breakthrough treatment offers hope for young children living with FXS and suggests targeting early brain development may be effective.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2021

Marathon experiment reveals quirks of quarks

The Marathon experiment has provided new insights into the distribution of quarks, particularly the down quark, as a function of momentum. The study suggests that nuclei may be built using quasi-particles with changed internal quark structures, a paradigm shift in atomic physics.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 13, 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.

Study suggests melting glaciers will produce new salmon habitat

A new study suggests that melting glaciers in the Pacific mountains could produce over 6,000 kilometers of new salmon habitat by 2100. Researchers modeled glacial retreat under different climate change scenarios and found that 315 glaciers could create habitats with conditions suitable for salmon.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 13, 2021

New inexpensive method to detect lime in soil

University of Adelaide scientists developed a new simple and inexpensive method to detect low concentrations of agricultural lime in soils. The Mid Infrared spectroscopy technique allows for accurate detection of very small amounts of lime, enabling farmers to manage their soils more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalGeoderma·DateDec 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.

Live-streaming ads for alcohol, junk food increased during pandemic

A Penn State study found that live-streaming ads for alcohol, energy drinks, and junk food significantly increased during the pandemic, targeting young viewers. The researchers discovered that energy drinks made up nearly 80% of marketing, while ads for restaurants and soda were also prevalent.

SourcePenn State·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 13, 2021

“Supermeres” may carry clues to cancer, Alzheimer's disease and COVID-19

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a nanoparticle called a supermere, which carries enzymes, proteins, and RNA associated with multiple diseases. The discovery provides new insights into the role of extracellular vesicles and nanoparticles in disease transmission.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 13, 2021

Superhero behavior sheds light on staying healthy in later life

Researchers analyzed Marvel movies to understand aging trajectories and outcomes among superheroes. They found that physical activity, social cohesion, and a positive mindset are essential for healthy aging, while negative behaviors such as loud noises and smoking increase the risk of dementia and disability.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2021

Computer-, smartphone-based treatments effective at reducing symptoms of depression

A meta-analysis of 83 studies found that digital interventions improved depression symptoms over control conditions, but the effect was not as strong as face-to-face psychotherapy. Digital treatments with human components were most effective in reducing symptoms, particularly when accompanied by human guidance.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 13, 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.

Losing isn’t always bad: Gaining topology from loss

Researchers have demonstrated a novel topology arising from losses in hybrid light-matter particles, introducing a new avenue to induce topological effects. The study found that the mere presence of loss in an exciton-polariton system causes it to exhibit nontrivial topology.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2021

No more ‘patch and go’: Revolving emergency departments must deliver more for victims of child abuse and neglect

Researchers found alarmingly high attendance rates at hospital emergency departments for children, teens, and adult victims of child abuse and neglect. Children exposed to child maltreatment have substantially increased risk of attending emergency departments during childhood and early adulthood.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·TypeCase study·DateDec 13, 2021

Protein can save the heart after cancer

Researchers have discovered that NOR-1 protein can provide broad protection against heart damage following cancer treatment. Administering the protein directly may reduce heart risk, at least in laboratory tests.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalBiomedicines·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 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.

Personality traits predict performance differently across different jobs

A new study by researchers at the University of Arkansas found that personality traits, such as conscientiousness and extraversion, have varying effects on job performance across different occupational groups. The study's findings suggest that jobs with moderate complexity are ideal for relying on personality traits to predict performa...

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 13, 2021

An enemy within: Pathogens hide in tissue

Research at University of Basel discovered that certain areas in tissue allow bacteria to survive despite antibiotic therapy. Immune system plays a critical role in eradicating bacteria, and boosting defenses with immune therapy can lead to more effective clearance.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2021

A potential new approach for the treatment of schizophrenia

Vanderbilt researchers discover how a protein may treat schizophrenia, including reversing working memory deficits. Enhancing the activity of mGlu1 selectively increases the activity of specific inhibitory interneurons, restoring their ability to inhibit neuronal circuits.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 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.

Gene Network changes associated with cancer onset and progression identify new candidates for targeted gene therapy

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have identified a key class of genetic changes associated with cancer, which may be missed by current gene expression analyses. These 'hub genes' play a central role in shaping the network structure of cancer cells and could serve as new targets for targeted gene therapy.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournaliScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 13, 2021

Study: Financial hardship prevalent during and after pregnancy

A study found that nearly a quarter of pregnant and postpartum women in the US reported unmet healthcare need due to cost. Women with private insurance and lower incomes were more likely to experience unaffordable healthcare, while those with public insurance and higher incomes had better access.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 13, 2021

Common sleep disorder combo could be deadly

A study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that people with both insomnia and obstructive sleep apnoea are at a higher risk of heart problems and mortality. Participants with co-morbid insomnia and sleep apnoea were two times more likely to have high blood pressure and 70% more likely to have cardiovascular disease.

SourceFlinders University·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 13, 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.

Air flow key to ensuring black soldier fly larvae thrive as a sustainable food source

Black soldier fly larvae thrive in dense groups when given the right amount of airflow, reducing the risk of overheating. The research, published in Frontiers in Physics, aims to make these protein-rich insects more readily available as recyclers of food waste, which totals 1.3 billion tons per year.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Physics·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2021

New AI system provides the consistent endoscopic evaluation

Researchers developed an AI system to detect inflammation in ulcerative colitis patients using live colonoscopy videos. The system accurately predicted remission cases with high accuracy, reducing the need for invasive biopsies.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateDec 13, 2021