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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 171


Page 171 of 510

‘Shadow waveguide’ casts complex acoustic patterns to control particles

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new approach to using sound waves to manipulate tiny particles suspended in liquid in complex ways. The 'shadow waveguide' technique creates a tightly confined, spatially complex acoustic field inside a chamber without requiring any interior structure.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

Phase 1 clinical study reveals how stem cells alleviate COPD inflammation in humans

A new clinical study reveals that treatment with mesenchymal stromal cells reduces inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study provides insights into the therapeutic potential of MSCs as a novel treatment for COPD, which is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

SourceAlphaMed Press·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 18, 2021

New study a step forward for children’s footwear

A new study has established recognized terms, definitions, design characteristics, and prescription criteria for off-the-shelf stability footwear. This standardized approach aims to improve the effectiveness of therapeutic footwear in treating children with various mobility issues.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalBMJ Open·TypeSurvey·DateAug 18, 2021

Mechanism behind compulsive alcohol use revealed

A study published in Science Advances reveals a previously unknown mechanism behind compulsive alcohol use, which may be targeted by medication. A small group of nerve cells in the central amygdala promote alcohol use despite negative consequences.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 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.

Treading wander paths to uncover the geological history of southwest Japan

The study reconstructs the movement of southwest Japan from the Cretaceous to the Cenozoic era using paleomagnetic analysis. The researchers found that southwest Japan experienced two clockwise rotations, indicating tectonic rotations during the Paleogene and Neogene periods.

SourceOkayama University·JournalEarth Planets and Space·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 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.

US kidney transplant survival rates continue to improve

Long-term kidney transplant survival rates in the US have increased significantly over the last three decades, with five-year survival rates for deceased and living donors rising from 66.2% and 79.5%, respectively, in 1996-1999 to 78.2% and 88.1% in 2012-2015.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 18, 2021

Lonely flies, like many humans, eat more and sleep less

A study found that isolated fruit flies exhibit changes in gene expression, neural activity, and behavior, including increased eating and reduced sleep. The research suggests that P2 neurons play a crucial role in the perception of social isolation and its effects on behavior.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateAug 18, 2021

Study reveals patient age not so important in determining colorectal cancer growth

Researchers compared tumor biology in patients with early-onset and average-onset colorectal cancer, finding no significant differences in terms of tumor location, symptoms, or genetic makeup. The study suggests that early-onset colorectal cancer is not biologically distinct from average-onset cases, and more aggressive treatment may n...

SourceOxford University Press USA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2021

Pancreatic cancer trials are no more diverse now than over a decade ago

Black, Hispanic, Indigenous and Asian Americans remain underrepresented in pancreatic cancer clinical trials, despite federal mandates. The lack of diversity hurts patients and science alike, with racial and ethnic minorities accounting for a disproportionate burden of pancreatic cancer cases.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalGastroenterology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 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.

How special are we?

A recent study sheds light on the formation of planetary systems like our own, suggesting that nearby supernovas may have contaminated gas with radioactive material. The researchers found a 59% chance that the enrichment process in Ophiuchus star-forming region is due to supernovas.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Astronomy·DateAug 17, 2021

Brain organoids develop optic cups that respond to light

Researchers generated brain organoids containing functional optic cups from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), demonstrating intrinsic self-patterning ability. The optic cups exhibited light sensitivity, diverse retinal cell types, and connectivity to brain regions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

A new approach to curing HIV

A new strategy for curing HIV targets latent viruses by blocking and excising the virus, offering hope for patients to be taken off daily treatments. The HOPE Collaboratory's approach uses genome editing technology to destroy latent HIV.

SourceGladstone Institutes·DateAug 17, 2021

New exotic magnetic quasiparticle "skyrmion bundle" joins topological zoo

Researchers discovered a new family member of topological magnetic structures, the skyrmion bundle, which exhibits arbitrary topological charges. The study used Lorentz transmission electron microscopy and found collective motions and topological sign dependence of Hall sideway shifts driven by nanosecond pulsed currents.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 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.

Europe-wide political divide emerging between cities and countryside – study

A new study reveals a deepening geographical fracture in European societies, with rural areas showing lower trust in politics but higher voting rates. The research suggests that mainstream politicians must address feelings of disconnection from politics and provide economic opportunities to re-engage residents of small towns and villages.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCambridge Journal of Regions Economy and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2021

Humans vs. automation: Service center agents can outperform technology, study shows

Researchers from University of Notre Dame discovered that behavioral inertia can be beneficial in service center operations, particularly when agents are experts or handling difficult calls. The study suggests striking a balance between automated routing systems and agent discretion to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Operations Management·DateAug 17, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

US health care spending by race, ethnicity

Researchers estimated health care spending by race and ethnicity in the US from 2002 to 2016, finding that Hispanic patients faced the highest costs. The study suggests racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare spending are significant, affecting patient outcomes and access to care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 17, 2021

Ageing cuttlefish can remember the details of last week’s dinner

Researchers found that ageing cuttlefish can remember the details of last week's dinner, unlike humans who gradually lose episodic memory with age. The 'vertical lobe' brain region associated with learning and memory in cuttlefish does not deteriorate until the last two to three days of life.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

Contact tracing is key to suppressing COVID-19

A new University of Georgia study models the impact of three interventions - social distancing, contact tracing, and case isolation - on containing COVID-19. The researchers found that robust contact tracing was essential in suppressing outbreaks, with a significant increase in cases when efforts were less efficient.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEpidemics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 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.

Study compares Fox News and MSNBC using 52,000 transcripts, 283 million words

Researchers compared Fox News and MSNBC using natural language analysis, finding distinct linguistic styles in the two networks. The study analyzed over 283 million words in 52,000 transcripts, highlighting differences in pronoun use, analytic content, and noun use.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAnalyses of Social Issues and Public Policy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 17, 2021

Dieting: Villain or scapegoat?

Research suggests that dieting is a consequence of an unhealthy food environment, rather than the cause of weight loss problems. Experts recommend refocusing concerns on changing the food environment to curb dieting and related issues.

SourceDrexel University·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateAug 17, 2021

Team develops bioprocess for converting plant materials into valuable chemicals

A team of scientists developed a bioprocess that efficiently converts plant matter into high-value bioproducts, overcoming a major hurdle in lignocellulosic biofuels. The process uses xylose and acetate as carbon sources, resulting in significant increases in TAL production and biomass accumulation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

Ice formation on surfaces enhanced via a non-classical nucleation process

Researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have discovered a non-classical nucleation process that can greatly facilitate ice formation on foreign surfaces. This finding has the potential to decelerate glacier melting and alleviate environmental concerns by predicting and controlling crystallization processes.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 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.

HKUST scientists develop genome-editing strategy for potential Alzheimer’s disease therapy

Researchers at HKUST have developed a novel genome-editing strategy to reduce Alzheimer's disease pathologies in genetically modified mouse models. The technology offers immense potential as a long-acting therapeutic treatment for AD patients, with lasting effects that prevent amyloid-related neurodegeneration.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 17, 2021

Microbiology: Bacterial evolution in ancient sub-seafloor sediments

A new study reveals that bacterial evolution can occur in ancient sub-seafloor sediments with low nutrient availability. The genomes of bacteria isolated from these sediments show a high proportion of pseudogenes and reduced genetic recombination, leading to the accumulation of deleterious mutations.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalmBio·DateAug 17, 2021

Rice U. study: Use your team’s emotions to boost creativity

A Rice University study finds that teams benefit from diverse emotional states, with 'negative affect' promoting critical thinking and 'positive affect' fostering broad thinking. This 'dual-tuning' leads to greater team creativity.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Organizational Behavior·DateAug 17, 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.

On the road to faster and more efficient data storage

Researchers have discovered a way to induce magnetic waves in antiferromagnets using ultrafast laser pulses, potentially leading to faster and more efficient data storage. This technology could endow materials with new functionalities for energy-efficient and ultrafast data storage applications.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 17, 2021

Study: Pregnant women do well with COVID vaccine

A survey of over 17,000 pregnant and lactating individuals who received the COVID-19 vaccine found that they did not experience symptoms more severe than non-pregnant counterparts. The study's lead author notes that pregnant people do well with the vaccine and should be included in clinical trials for other relevant vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateAug 17, 2021

Researchers uncover evolutionary forces at play in the aging of the blood system and identify people at increased risk of blood cancer

A recent study has uncovered the evolutionary forces at play in the aging of the blood system and identified individuals at increased risk of blood cancer. The research provides a robust indicator for classifying patients with ARCH mutations, allowing for more frequent screening and early treatment.

SourceOntario Institute for Cancer Research·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 2021

Way forward: Quantitative analytical tools in medicine and clinical research

Recent studies demonstrate the applications of LC-MS in characterizing Traditional Chinese Medicine formulations, real-time drug measurement, and bioactive compounds from Osmanthus fragrans. These techniques offer high sensitivity, robustness, and ease of use for quality assessment and characterization.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 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.

Indigenous territories fight climate change

Researchers found that Indigenous Territories are as effective as Protected Areas in preserving forest's carbon stocks, with some areas showing up to 10% more carbon storage. The study suggests that securing land titles and formalizing forest co-governance can bring multiple benefits for both indigenous people and national governments.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2021

How COVID-19 death rates impacted 2020 presidential voting patterns

A Northwestern University study found that COVID-19 death rates had a significant impact on the 2020 presidential election. Counties with high mortality rates saw smaller increases in Democratic voters, while those with lower mortality rates saw larger increases in support for Joe Biden.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPublic Health·DateAug 17, 2021

Should cancer patients participate in tumour conferences?

A new study investigated the benefits of patient participation in tumour conferences for complex cancer cases. Most respondents perceived their participation as a positive experience, finding it informative and recommended to others. However, some patients reported feelings of fear and uncertainty after participating in the conference.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalCancer Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 2021

Free electron laser insight: laser-beam interaction in a dipole magnet

Researchers have directly measured the interaction between an ultraviolet laser and a relativistic electron beam in a dipole magnet. The study shows that energy modulation of the electron beam can be effectively tailored, leading to precise bends in the pathway and improved FEL pulse properties.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 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.

Worsening GP shortages in disadvantaged areas likely to widen health inequalities

A study published by the University of Cambridge found significantly fewer full-time equivalent GPs and total direct patient care staff in deprived areas. Despite some compensation due to increased numbers of nurses, the shortage is likely to widen health inequalities, with limited access to care for those who need it most.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBJGP Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2021

Leaping squirrels could help scientists develop more agile robots

Researchers at UC Berkeley studied how squirrels decide whether to take a leap and assess their biomechanical abilities to know whether they can land safely. They found that squirrels learn to adapt their leaping strategy in just a few attempts, depending on the branch's compliance and gap distance.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 17, 2021

Texas A&M engineers grow 3D bioprinted blood vessel

Researchers designed a 3D-bioprinted model of a blood vessel that mimics its state of health and disease, enabling more accurate cardiovascular drug advancements. The team's novel nanoengineered bioink offers high printability and ability to protect encapsulated cells.

SourceTexas A&M University·TypeNews article·DateAug 17, 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.

New tool to quantify risk of cognitive dysfunction in drug treatment programs

Researchers have developed a simple assessment tool to evaluate patients' risk of cognitive dysfunction in drug treatment programs. The tool combines cognitive measures with patient demographics and health history to produce an overall risk score, helping staff identify accommodations needed for effective treatment.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 2021

Ultra-complex structure of carbon disulfide proved under high pressure

A study by researchers from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science reveals that non-molecular carbon disulfide exhibits a mixture of 3 and 4-fold coordinated carbon atoms, contradicting the long-held Bridgman's polymer model. This finding enhances understanding of bonding behaviors in group IV and VI AB2 compounds.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

Vitamin D may protect against young-onset colorectal cancer

A study found that total vitamin D intake of 300 IU per day or more was associated with a 50% lower risk of developing young-onset colorectal cancer. Higher dietary vitamin D intake was linked to a reduced risk of colon polyps detected before age 50.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalGastroenterology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2021

Nanomotors for glucose-powered catalytic motion

A research team at POSTECH has developed a biocompatible nanomotor that mimics life's autonomous motility using glucose as fuel. The nanomotors exhibit directional propulsion, overcoming Brownian motion, and show potential for intracellular targeted drug delivery and precise cell manipulation.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 17, 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.

New way of analyzing tree rings confirms unprecedented central Asia warming

Researchers reconstructed Mongolia's temperature history using a new tree ring analysis method, confirming record-breaking summer warmth over the past eight centuries. The study supports the delta blue intensity method and enhances climate projections, highlighting the urgent need to address Central Asia's rapid warming.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2021

Researchers identify mechanisms of resistance to drug for triple-negative breast cancer

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified two separate genetic alterations that enable triple-negative breast cancer cells to develop resistance to a highly effective drug. The findings could help improve therapy and prolong survival for patients with this aggressive form of breast cancer.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

Light can trigger key signaling pathway for embryonic development, cancer

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a method to regulate the Wnt signaling pathway using blue light, allowing them to study its functions in embryonic development and cancer. This approach enables precise control over the pathway's activity, potentially leading to new treatments for tissue repair and cancer research.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 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.

Scientists identify for the first time live immune cells in a coral and sea anemone

Researchers identified specialized immune cells in cauliflower coral and starlet sea anemone that can fight infection. These unique cell types were previously unknown and have implications for understanding coral resilience to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 17, 2021