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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 173


Page 173 of 510

Cancer therapy breakthrough in vitro using self-assembled drugs

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have developed a new approach to combat cancer treatment challenges by creating self-assembled drugs with high specificity towards human cancer cells. The breakthrough demonstrates unprecedented anti-cancer activity and selectivity in laboratory testing.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

Cannabis use disorder: Another COVID risk factor

Research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that cannabis use disorder (CUD) may be a risk factor for poorer COVID-19 outcomes due to a genetic predisposition. CUD was found to account for up to 40% of genetically influenced risk factors, such as body mass index and diabetes, for severe COVID-19 presentations.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalBiological Psychiatry Global Open Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 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.

OU-MRU: A berry vine found in Asia proves useful in combating lung cancer

A research team from Okayama University has reported the potential of a berry-producing vine, Vitis coignetiae Pulliat (Yamabudo), against lung cancer in mice. The study found that extracts from Yamabudo and its chemical compounds display tumor-suppressing properties by repairing DNA damage and suppressing growth signaling pathways.

SourceOkayama University·JournalFood and Chemical Toxicology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

Experimental drug that boosts immunotherapy shows promise in bladder cancer study

Researchers found that combining entinostat with immunotherapy boosted cancer remission in mice by increasing neoantigen-specific T cells. The combination therapy showed promise in the lab and is being tested in an ongoing clinical trial for people with advanced bladder cancer.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Beating the curse of dimensionality

A KAUST-led research team has developed a prediction scheme that can more reliably forecast future environmental trajectories by integrating information from past complete and partial data. This approach, called partial functional prediction (PFP), captures both long-term trends and well-matched partial trajectories to achieve improved...

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of the American Statistical Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 2021

Heavily enriched: An energy-efficient way of enriching hydrogen isotopes in silicon

Researchers at Nagoya City University find a fourfold increase in surface deuterium atoms on nanocrystalline silicon, paving the way for sustainable deuterium enrichment protocols. The efficient exchange reaction could lead to more durable semiconductor technology and potentially purify tritium contaminated water.

SourceNagoya City University·JournalPhysical Review Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021

Changes in Canada’s cannabis retail market 2 years after legalization

The study found that the legal cannabis market increased significantly in Canada, with twice as many stores concentrated in low-income neighborhoods compared to high-income areas. Jurisdictions with private retail models saw a 913% increase in store growth, while public models saw a 75% increase.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 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.

Local perceptions obscure COVID risk during pandemic

A study finds that local perceptions of COVID-19 risk often don't align with national infection rates, leading to inconsistent public behavior. The research suggests that community-level organizations and high-level institutions need to work together to provide accurate information and support individuals in understanding the risks.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalDecision·TypeSurvey·DateAug 16, 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.

Small protein protects pancreatic cells in model of type 1 diabetes

A new study reveals that the small protein MOTS-c prevents the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic cells in mice with autoimmune diabetes. MOTS-c treatment supports regulatory T-cells and reduces the activation of killer T-cells, effectively preventing disease onset.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021

With redesigned ‘brains,’ W88 nuclear warhead reaches milestone

Sandia National Laboratories completed the first production unit of a weapon assembly responsible for key operations of the W88 nuclear warhead. The new arming, fuzing and firing assembly ensures the system works as intended when authorized, with rigorous testing conducted to validate its design.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateAug 16, 2021

Researchers publish new theory of life’s multiple origins

Researchers Chris Kempes and David Krakauer present a new three-layered framework to recognize life's full range of forms. By considering the space of possible materials, constraints, and optimization processes, they argue that life can originate multiple times, taking on diverse forms such as culture, computation, and forests.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalJournal of Molecular Evolution·DateAug 16, 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.

DOE-funded study will explore how magnetic materials could improve the performance of quantum computing circuits

Researchers at University of Illinois and Argonne National Laboratory will explore magnetic materials to reduce noise in quantum computing hardware. The team aims to design non-reciprocal circuitry by harnessing magnetic features, which could lead to a hybrid device for sensing and communication applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateAug 16, 2021

What is the surprise in passing surprise medical billing legislation?

Prices paid to in and out-of-network anesthesiologists decreased after surprise billing legislation was introduced, with California and Florida seeing significant drops. In-network prices also decreased in these states, suggesting a direct impact on provider-payer negotiating dynamics.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 16, 2021

Molecular mechanisms of corona drug candidate Molnupiravir unraveled

Researchers at Max Planck Institute elucidated the molecular mechanism of Molnupiravir, an antiviral agent that reduces Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus transmission. By incorporating RNA-like building blocks into the virus genome, Molnupiravir prevents further replication and transmission.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateAug 16, 2021

Cities are making mammals bigger

A new study finds that urbanization is causing many mammal species to grow bigger, contrary to Bergmann's Rule. The study analyzed over 140,000 measurements of body length and mass from North American mammals collected over 80 years.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 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.

Effective temperatures connect equilibrium and nonequilibrium systems

Researchers at USTC discovered effective temperatures consistent with characteristic temperatures in equilibrium systems, bridging nonequilibrium and equilibrium theories. This finding helps establish accurate recognition of effective temperatures, linking slow-evolving nonequilibrium systems.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 16, 2021

Stem cell therapy restores injured tendons to full health in study on sheep

Researchers used autologous adipose micrografts to treat tendon injuries in sheep, achieving similar diameter and hardness to healthy tendons within two months. The study suggests a safe, reliable, and relatively fast way to promote tendon healing, with potential for human treatment.

SourceAlphaMed Press·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021

College drinking declined during pandemic

Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found that first-year college students reported decreased alcohol use and binge drinking during the pandemic. Social factors such as social distancing and reduced social support were associated with these decreases, while stress-related factors played a lesser role for most students.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·TypeSurvey·DateAug 16, 2021

Loss of placental hormone linked to brain and social behavior changes

A new study in mice suggests that preterm birth may alter long-term brain development due to the loss of placental hormone allopregnanolone. Reduced ALLO levels led to changes in brain structure and behavior, including autism-like behaviors, which were prevented with a single injection of ALLO.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 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.

Having a good listener improves your brain health

A new study shows that having someone available to listen can improve cognitive resilience and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. The study found that individuals with higher listener availability had better cognitive function despite similar physical aging or disease-related changes.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 2021

Pandemic and digitalization set stage for revival of a cast-off idea: personal carbon allowances

A recent study suggests that personal carbon allowances (PCAs) may be a feasible solution to reduce emissions and promote sustainable lifestyles. The researchers propose a market-based approach to provide individuals with incentives and options to link their actions with global carbon reduction goals.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 16, 2021

Woven nanotube fibers turn heat into power

Researchers have developed a new material that can convert heat into energy, with potential applications in textiles and electronics. The woven nanotube fibers show promise as building blocks for fiber and textile electronics, and could also be used to cool sensitive electronics.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 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.

Pre-pandemic physiological data can predict mental well-being during COVID-19

A Bar-Ilan University study found that individuals with more relaxed heart rate/respiratory function 2-3 years prior to SARS-CoV-2 reported greater mental well-being during the pandemic. Physiological measures such as RSA and SCL were used to assess individuals' mental well-being and regulation of negative emotions.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalPsychophysiology·DateAug 16, 2021

Breaching tipping points would increase economic costs of climate change impacts

Researchers have created a new model that estimates the economic impacts of climate tipping points, such as disintegration of the Greenland Ice Sheet. The study finds that exceeding these tipping points could lead to increased economic costs of climate change impacts by up to 25%.

SourceGrantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 16, 2021

First genetic sequencing of Brazilian pit viper is completed

Researchers completed the first genetic sequencing of a Brazilian snake's genome, revealing that most toxin genes likely arose from existing functions in ancestral species. The study identified markers for comparing toxin genes with non-toxic 'ancestral' genes, shedding light on the evolution of venom production.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 16, 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.

New study: Viral load is not a true indicator of SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk

Researchers found that college students with low viral loads can still transmit the virus, and Ct values are not a reliable predictor of transmissibility. The study suggests that symptomatic individuals tend to have higher viral loads or maintain their viral loads for longer periods.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021

Nearby star-forming region yields clues to the formation of our solar system

A new study of the Ophiuchus star-forming complex offers an analog for the formation of our solar system, suggesting that short-lived radioactive elements were enriched through supernovas in a nearby cluster. The research provides new insights into the conditions in which our solar system was born.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 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.

Pollinators: First global risk index for species declines and effects on humanity

A new global risk index highlights the alarming decline of pollinators, which are crucial for food production and ecosystem services. The top causes of pollinator loss include habitat destruction, pesticide use, and climate change, with serious consequences for human populations, particularly in the Global South.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 16, 2021

Microplastics hinder the growth of microscopic marine animals

A recent study found that microplastic ingestion by dinoflagellates lowers their growth and abundance, affecting the larger marine animals that feed on them. The impact is significant, with energy transfer up the food chain reduced by as much as 30%.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021

Boston University recognized by NIH for enhancing faculty gender diversity

Boston University has received a $50,000 Prize for Enhancing Faculty Gender Diversity from the National Institutes of Health. The institution's three-pronged approach to supporting women STEMM faculty members has substantively improved gender equity, including increased rates of promotion and diversified leadership.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateAug 16, 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.

The Arctic Ocean’s deep past provides clues to its imminent future

A team of scientists from Princeton University found that the Arctic Ocean's nitrogen supply is limited by strong stratification, preventing plankton growth and potentially affecting fish populations. The research used fossilized plankton to study the history of nitrogen sources and supply rates in the western and central Arctic Ocean.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 2021

Scientists realize noiseless photon-echo protocol

Researchers at USTC achieved a significant reduction in noise by 670 times compared to previous strategies, enabling solid quantum memory with high fidelity. The new protocol, NLPE, uses double rephasing to manipulate spontaneous noise emission and separate the signal from the noise.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 16, 2021

Researchers reveal mechanisms of enhanced evaporation flux through nanochannels

Scientists develop a quantitative model to explain ultra-high fluxes in covalent organic frameworks (COFs) films, enhancing water desalination and purification. The work reveals mechanisms of enhanced evaporation through nanochannels, reducing vapor diffusion length and preventing salt crystallization.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 16, 2021

Next generation electronics: Expanding the possibilities with silver nanowires

Researchers from Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation developed a method to fabricate ultrathin gold shells around silver nanowires, improving their stability and effectiveness. The gold-coated nanowires showed superior durability and performance in various tests, outperforming commercial nanowires.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalNano Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 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.

Herbicide resistance no longer a black box for scientists

Researchers identify gene regions responsible for non-target-site herbicide resistance in waterhemp, a key step towards early detection and management tools. By analyzing the genome of waterhemp, scientists have narrowed down the genetic regions controlling resistance to two areas, paving the way for further studies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPest Management Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 16, 2021

Shifting the dialogue on high-quality carbohydrate foods

A team of six world-renowned experts in carbohydrate research outlines the need for a stronger, evidence-based approach to defining quality CF to support overall health and provide clearer dietary guidance. The QCC-SAC consensus is that existing measures, such as glycemic index, are flawed and unreliable.

SourceThe Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE)·JournalNutrients·DateAug 16, 2021

Tulane scientist leads study on faster charging energy storage

A novel material has been engineered to achieve high power and energy densities, potentially reducing charging times from hours to minutes. This breakthrough could address the need for electrochemical energy storage devices capable of handling high charging rates and high capacity.

SourceTulane University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 16, 2021

Widespread pain linked to heightened dementia and stroke risk

Research finds widespread pain associated with a heightened risk of all types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and stroke. People with widespread pain were 43% more likely to have any type of dementia and 47% more likely to have Alzheimer's disease compared to those without widespread pain.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalRegional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 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.

Polymers “click” together using green chemistry

A team of chemists developed a new set of modifiable polymers made from SOF4, allowing for environmentally safe reactions and fast production. This breakthrough enables the generation of a vast library of polymers with distinct properties for applications in drug discovery and material science.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 16, 2021

Humble pond plant duckweed may help researchers to develop better crops

A Rutgers-led study puts duckweed, a tiny freshwater floating plant, as an excellent laboratory model for discovering new strategies for growing hardier and more sustainable crops. The study suggests that duckweed's unique characteristics make it an ideal platform to discover novel strategies for improved plant growth.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateAug 16, 2021