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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 208


Page 208 of 510

Of lives and life years: 1918 influenza vs COVID-19

The 1918 influenza pandemic and COVID-19 share similar patterns in mortality comparisons due to population adjustments for average life years lost. The study assesses the cumulative health impacts of interventions and provides a basis for decision-making.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateJul 19, 2021

New study examines commuter characteristics and traffic pollution exposure among commuters

A new study led by George Mason University faculty Jenna Krall investigated how commuting patterns impact air pollution exposure, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The research found that commuters traveling during rush hour have higher overall exposure to traffic-related air pollution compared to sporadic commuters.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJul 19, 2021

Understanding the physics in new metals

Researchers developed a new X-ray study method to understand correlated metals, promising for superconductors and quantum computers. The method, resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXs), excites electrons, providing information about electronic structure.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJul 19, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

RNA modification may protect against liver disease

Researchers found that a chemical modification called m6A may offer protection against non-alcoholic fatty liver by slowing down the accumulation of fat in the liver. The study also suggested that this modification occurs at a different rate in females than males, potentially explaining sex differences in liver fat content.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJul 19, 2021

An automated flight control system for drone swarms has been developed

Researchers at the LABYRINTH project have developed an automated flight control system for drone swarms that can efficiently plan routes, communicate using 5G networks, and prevent collisions. The system aims to safely integrate drones into European airspace and address concerns around their use in cities.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalSensors·DateJul 19, 2021

Researchers reveal pathogenesis and therapeutic strategy of pre-engraftment syndrome

Severe PES is characterized by high fever, rash, diarrhea, and increased transplant-related mortality. A study revealed that monocytes derived from cord blood produce proinflammatory cytokines, leading to PES. Tocilizumab treatment significantly controlled clinical symptoms and reduced mortality in patients with severe PES

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 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.

New long-term satellite analysis shows "plum" rainy season wetter now than ever before

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University analyzed long-term satellite data to find a significant increase in rainfall over the past decade during the annual Meiyu-Baiu rainy season. The increased rainfall is driven by tropical moisture transport and upper tropospheric troughs, which are strongly correlated with enhanced rainfall.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 17, 2021

Study shows that electronic air cleaning technology can generate unintended pollutants

A Georgia Tech study found that a hydroxyl radical generator in an office setting generated organic acids and secondary organic aerosols, which can cause health problems. The device was marketed to inactivate pathogens like coronaviruses, but the study highlights the need for further research on its unintended effects.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJul 16, 2021

First 3D simulation of rat's complete whisker system acts as a tactile 'camera'

Northwestern University engineers created the first full 3D simulation of a rat's complete whisker system, providing rare insight into how rats actively sense their natural environments. The model incorporates 60 individual whiskers and simulates rats in various environments, revealing unique patterns of data.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2021

NIH-funded study finds gene therapy may restore missing enzyme in rare disease

A new study suggests that gene therapy delivered into the brain may be safe and effective in treating AADC deficiency. The therapy resulted in clinical improvement of symptoms, including reduced oculogyric crises, improved movement and motor function, and better sleep patterns.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 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.

Outcomes of patients treated by female vs male physicians

Researchers investigated whether female vs male physicians differ in patient outcomes, including mortality rates and care processes. The study found no significant differences in patient outcomes between female and male physicians, suggesting that the quality of care is not influenced by physician gender.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJul 16, 2021

Organic electronics possibly soon to enter the GHz-regime

Researchers at TU Dresden introduce complementary vertical organic transistors that can operate at low voltage, have adjustable inverter properties, and demonstrate fast response times. The development of these devices could pave the way for flexible, printable electronics with GHz-regime performance.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Electronics·DateJul 16, 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.

When mad AIOLOS drags IKAROS down: A novel pathogenic mechanism

Researchers at TMDU discovered a novel disorder resulting from a mutation in the AIOLOS protein, which causes immune deficiency and interferes with IKAROS protein function. The study found that the mutant protein forms a heterodimer with IKAROS, recruiting it to incorrect regions of the genome and leading to immunodeficiency.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 16, 2021

3D "assembloid" shows how SARS-CoV-2 infects brain cells

Researchers created a stem cell model demonstrating SARS-CoV-2's entry into the human brain through blood vessels and infected pericytes. Astrocytes were the main target of this secondary infection, leading to complications like inflammation, clotting, stroke, or hemorrhages.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 16, 2021

SUV39H2: A direct genetic link to autism spectrum disorders

A human variant of the SUV39H2 gene has been linked to autism spectrum disorders, causing cognitive inflexibility in mice and misregulated expression of genes related to brain development. The study suggests that histone methylation plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, and its absence may lead to serious problems.

SourceRIKEN·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 16, 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.

RUDN University biologists prove the anticancer potential of macrophages

Researchers identified that macrophages from different types of monocytes respond to inflammation in opposing ways, with CD14+monocytes being more prone to a pro-inflammatory response. This could lead to targeted activation of macrophages for cancer treatment by choosing the most suitable monocyte subset.

SourceRUDN University·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·DateJul 16, 2021

COVID-19 vaccination: Examining negative dominance on social media

A recent study published in the Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness journal explores negative dominance of COVID-19 vaccine-related information online. The researchers found that compared to all other content, posts focused on adverse events pale in comparison to posts promoting positive messages about vaccines.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateJul 16, 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.

Swimming at the mesoscale

Researchers from FAU and partners discover a microswimmer propelled by symmetrical oscillations, contradicting the Scallop theorem. The system uses the principle of inertia to move through fluid, with smaller beads reacting faster to spring force, causing asymmetrical motion.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 16, 2021

Study finds vaccine hesitancy lower in poorer countries

A new study published in Nature Medicine reveals that willingness to get a COVID-19 vaccine is higher in developing countries, with personal protection being the main reason for acceptance. Concern about side effects was the most common reason for vaccine hesitancy, but health workers were considered trusted sources of information.

SourceInnovations for Poverty Action·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 16, 2021

New score measures health-related quality of life in patients with kidney failure

A new score, PROPr, assesses health-related quality of life in patients with kidney failure by considering cognitive function, depression, fatigue, and social roles. The study's findings support the validity of PROPr among patients undergoing hemodialysis or kidney transplants.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 16, 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.

Enabling the 'imagination' of artificial intelligence

USC researchers develop AI that can simulate human imagination by recombining learned knowledge of attributes. This technique enables controllable novel image synthesis, a key step towards overcoming the generalization problem in AI. The approach has potential applications in medicine, autonomous vehicles, and fairness in AI.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateJul 16, 2021

New discoveries and insights into the glass transition

Research from Tohoku University and Johns Hopkins University sheds new light on the glass transition in metallic glasses, influenced by high configuration entropy. The study introduces a novel glass-forming system with unprecedented thermodynamic and dynamic characteristics.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 16, 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.

Autism can be detected during toddlerhood using a brief questionnaire

A study published in The BMJ Paediatrics Open found that the Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT) can detect autism at 18-30 months, but not all children who will be diagnosed later. The Q-CHAT shows promise for early detection and diagnosis of autism.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBMJ Paediatrics Open·DateJul 16, 2021

Noninvasive, label-free optical method visualizes deep, cellular brain disease in vivo

Scientists developed a label-free optical microscopy approach that can image deep brain cells with high resolution and minimal invasiveness. They used the 1700 nm water absorption window to visualize neuronal cell architecture across the entire depth of the mouse neocortex, revealing severe pathology in deep but not superficial cortex.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 16, 2021

New web platform for planning flood prevention in cities

The SaferPlaces web service uses open data to identify areas at risk and plan protection measures, such as building modifications and new dikes. By mapping hazards and damages, users can simulate the effects of measures on the platform, ensuring user-friendliness and efficiency.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·DateJul 16, 2021

How a butterfly tree becomes a web

A new study in Genome Biology and Evolution reveals extensive gene flow among butterfly lineages, resulting in a network of related species rather than a simple tree. This challenges traditional models of evolution and highlights the importance of adaptive introgression in shaping species diversity.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateJul 16, 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.

The paradox of a free-electron laser without the laser

Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have developed a new method to produce coherent radiation using a short undulator and attosecond duration electron bunches. This approach could revolutionize light sources by making them compact, table-top size and capable of producing ultra-short duration pulses of light.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 16, 2021

Climate change to bring more intense storms across Europe

A new study by Newcastle University and the Met Office predicts a significant increase in slow-moving intense rainstorms across Europe by the end of the century, potentially leading to devastating flooding. The research estimates that these storms could be 14 times more frequent, with increased rainfall accumulations and flash flood risk.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 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.

Bats are kings of small talk in the air

Researchers found that bats can compress their echoes by up to 90% without losing essential information for sonar-based tasks. This efficient encoding strategy allows bats to navigate complex environments with minimal neural machinery, enabling them to detect location and movement with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 16, 2021

Invention: The Storywrangler

Researchers developed the Storywrangler, a data-driven tool analyzing over 150 billion tweets, providing insights into global conversations, popularity, and emerging trends. The tool reveals potential predictors of geopolitical risk and demonstrates its potential to index everyday conversations.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 16, 2021

Artificial sweeteners enable delivery of carbon monoxide to treat organ injury

Researchers at Georgia State University have developed an oral prodrug that delivers carbon monoxide via artificial sweeteners, showing promise in treating acute kidney injury. The study demonstrates the protective effects of CO against organ damage and suggests potential applications for transplantation and other conditions.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalChemical Science·DateJul 16, 2021

Dapagliflozin found effective and safe in adults with advanced kidney disease

The DAPA-CKD trial found that dapagliflozin significantly reduced kidney function decline, cardiovascular events, and mortality rates in patients with stage 4 chronic kidney disease. The study also showed similar safety profiles for dapagliflozin and placebo in this patient population.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 16, 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.

Immune system May Need 'Continuing Education' to Protect Pregnancy

A newly discovered class of immune cells may prevent the mother's immune system from attacking the placenta and fetus. Researchers found that pregnant mice without these cells were twice as likely to miscarry, with severely restricted fetal growth in many cases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience Immunology·DateJul 16, 2021

Cellular uptake of nanoparticles keys for further development of temperature sensing

The study investigates the cellular uptake of Pr3+:LaF3 nanoparticles and their potential as cell nano-sensors. The results show that both nanoplates and nanospheres are easily internalized by A-549 cells via macropinocytosis, leading to an increase in optical inhomogeneity and potentially enabling temperature sensing.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Nanoparticle Research·DateJul 16, 2021

Researchers surprised to find bacterial parasites behind rise of 'super bugs'

Phages play a key role in initiating rapid bacterial evolution and the emergence of treatment-resistant superbugs, according to new research from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The study reveals that phages interact with bacteria and facilitate adaptation, allowing resistant strains to gain an evolutionary advantage.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 16, 2021

Watching the ultrafast dance moves of a laser plasma

Researchers at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research developed a novel method to capture ultrafast motion of plasma at different transverse locations. The team's experiment shows that different portions of the plasma move in and out at different times, contrary to previous expectations.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateJul 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.

Race, politics divide Americans on sports issues

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found sharp divisions among Americans on whether college athletes should be paid and whether it's acceptable for pro athletes to protest racial injustice during the national anthem. The study analyzed opinions from over 1,400 Americans, revealing strong links between race, ethnicity, and...

SourceOhio State University·JournalDu Bois Review Social Science Research on Race·DateJul 16, 2021

Scientists get to the bottom of deep Pacific ventilation

A new study by University of New South Wales scientists has shed light on the pathways of ocean circulation that supply newly ventilated surface water to the deep Pacific. The research finds that diffusive transport plays a leading role in ventilating the shadow zone, which is crucial for biological production and climate regulation.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 16, 2021

Psychiatric patients at increased risk of COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality

A large meta-analysis of 33 studies from 22 countries found that psychiatric patients are twice as likely to die or be hospitalized after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with psychotic disorders, mood disorders, and those receiving antipsychotic or anxiolytic treatments are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19-associated mortality.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 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.

From genes to memes: Algorithm may help scientists demystify complex networks

A new algorithm can help researchers understand how simple actions lead to complex behaviors in biological systems, such as cancer growth and voting patterns. The algorithm analyzes Boolean networks, which are collections of nodes that are either on or off, to identify attractors that correspond to stable long-term behaviors.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 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.