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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 225


Page 225 of 510

'Zombie cells' hold clues to spinal cord injury repair

A study published in Cell Reports has shown that administration of senolytic drugs targeting 'zombie cells' in the scar tissue surrounding spinal cord injuries improves functional recovery. The zombie cells are senescent cells with interrupted growth and division but not programmed cell death, which persist in mammals and contribute to...

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 6, 2021

Wildfire detection takes flight

A network of ground-based sensors paired with drones can significantly shorten wildfire detection time, giving firefighters a better chance to control the fire. The technology is complementary to satellite imaging and suitable for high-risk regions near human settlements and national parks.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalIEEE Internet of Things Journal·DateJul 6, 2021

Studies add to concern about climate tipping

Two model studies document the probability of climate tipping in Earth subsystems, supporting the urgency of restricting CO2 emissions. The findings suggest that abrupt climate changes might be less predictable and more widespread than anticipated, with potential consequences for Western Europe's climate.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 6, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sodium solid electrolyte combining high conductivity with electrochemical stability

Researchers developed a chlorine-substituted Na3SbS4 solid electrolyte with improved ionic conductivity and superior electrochemical stability, enabling long-term stability with Na metal anodes. The Cl substitution allows for three-dimensional ion diffusion pathways and reduces interfacial resistance.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateJul 6, 2021

Shining a light on methane transformation

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new method to convert methane into valuable chemicals using photocatalysts, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and waste. The process uses light as an energy source to break down methane bonds, creating fuel and chemical products.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateJul 6, 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.

An 'instruction' to the crocodylian skull

Scientists from St Petersburg University describe the detailed structure of crocodylian braincases, revealing evolutionary features that enabled powerful jaws. The study resolves long-standing contradictions in the genealogical tree of reptiles and sheds light on developmental mechanisms behind the akinetic skull structure.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateJul 6, 2021

Research enhances understanding of switchgrass, an important bioenergy crop

A recent study investigated the relationship between switchgrass and soil microbes, revealing that each cultivar harbors a unique community of bacteria and fungi. The research found that root characteristics, such as length and diameter, differ among cultivars and may influence soil microbiomes.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateJul 6, 2021

Still waiting at an intersection? Banning certain left turns helps traffic flow

A new method developed by Gayah and Aalto University researcher Murat Bayrak suggests eliminating left turns at busy intersections to reduce congestion. The hybrid approach uses heuristic algorithms to identify the most efficient configurations, banning left turns in city centers while allowing them on periphery roads.

SourcePenn State·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateJul 6, 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.

Memory making involves extensive DNA breaking

A new study found that memory formation causes neurons to break their DNA, leading to changes in gene expression and potentially undermining brain health with age. The study also discovered that glia play a significant role in establishing memories from fear conditioning.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 6, 2021

New warning on teen sleep

A recent study published in SLEEP found that teenagers who slept only five hours per night experienced significant depression, anger, and confusion. In contrast, those who slept ten hours reported increased happiness. The study highlights the importance of sufficient sleep for adolescents to mitigate mood deficits.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSLEEP·DateJul 6, 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.

Patently harmful: Fewer female inventors a problem for women's health

Research at McGill University found that patented biomedical inventions created by women are more likely to benefit women's health, addressing conditions like breast cancer and postpartum preeclampsia. However, female inventors face significant barriers, including lower commercialization rates and biases in early-stage feedback.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateJul 6, 2021

UT Southwestern scientists closing in on map of the mammalian immune system

Researchers used a machine-learning algorithm to identify novel gene candidates associated with immune traits in mice, including 101 new genes with over 95% chance of being required for immunity. The study's software, Candidate Explorer, helps predict causation of mutations and has already verified hundreds of genes with novel functions.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2021

How racial wage discrimination of football players ended in England

A new study found that racial wage discrimination against black English football players disappeared after the Bosman ruling introduced a free transfer market, increasing labour mobility. However, non-EU players still face wage discrimination due to restrictive contracting rules and prejudice from clubs.

SourceStockholm University·JournalEuropean Economic Review·DateJul 6, 2021

$10M grant funds study of dairy's carbon footprint

A $10 million grant from The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research will support a six-year project to measure dairy farming's greenhouse gas footprint and develop strategies to reduce emissions. The study aims to make the US dairy industry carbon neutral while supporting farmer livelihoods.

SourceCornell University·DateJul 6, 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.

Setting COVID-19 drug trials up for success

A new modeling study suggests that randomization and early recruitment in COVID-19 clinical trials can help identify effective antiviral drugs. The researchers found that timing of treatment initiation also plays a crucial role, with treatments administered within the first day of symptom onset showing improved outcomes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 6, 2021

New risk model may improve the prediction of preterm birth

A new risk prediction model may improve the prediction of impending spontaneous preterm birth, reducing unnecessary hospital admissions and treatment costs. The model combines clinical risk factors with vaginal fluid fetal fibronectin concentration analysis, showing promising performance in predicting preterm birth within seven days.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 6, 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.

Developing new techniques to build biomaterials

Scientists at the University of Leeds have developed an approach to control the structure and mechanics of synthetic biomaterials made from proteins. By removing specific chemical bonds, known as 'protein staples,' they altered the structure of a protein network, resulting in different mechanical properties.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 6, 2021

Cardiovascular disease -- Atherosclerosis and the immune system

A study by Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München's researchers found that the CD40L/CD40 interaction plays a crucial role in atherogenesis. The team showed that inhibition of this interaction can reduce atherosclerosis-associated clot formation and stabilize plaques, offering new therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular disease.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2021

Satellite galaxies can carry on forming stars when they pass close to their parent galaxies

Using numerical simulations, researchers showed that satellite galaxies can retain gas and experience new episodes of star formation after passing close to their parent galaxy. This process is driven by the satellite's reserve of cold gas and minimum distance from its parent galaxy.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 6, 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.

Adult ADHD is linked to numerous physical conditions

A large register-based study found adults with ADHD at higher risk of various physical conditions, particularly nervous system, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and metabolic diseases. The strongest associations were seen for alcohol-related liver disease, sleep disorders, and obesity.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 6, 2021

Safe nurse staffing standards in hospitals saves lives and lowers costs

A new study found that establishing safe nurse staffing standards in hospitals in Chile could significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. The research revealed that private hospitals had better nurse-to-patient ratios than public hospitals, resulting in lower avoidable deaths and hospital readmissions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJul 6, 2021

Singlet oxygen selectively degrades oxytetracycline in fenton-like oxidation

Researchers developed hollow amorphous Co/C composites to activate hydrogen peroxide, generating singlet oxygen that selectively eliminates oxytetracycline in complicated water matrices. The system exhibited excellent repeatability, stability, and anti-interference ability.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateJul 6, 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.

New fossil sheds light on the evolution of how dinosaurs breathed

A 200-million-year-old South African dinosaur, Heterodontosaurus tucki, breathed by expanding its chest and belly, unlike birds which use air sacs. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of how dinosaurs breathed and could help paleontologists understand what features allowed certain species to survive or go extinct.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·DateJul 6, 2021

Bacterial survival kit to endure in soil

Acidobacteria use low-affinity terminal oxidases to 'breathe' oxygen at nanomolar concentrations, challenging traditional assumptions. These microbes also scavenge atmospheric hydrogen to survive nutrient-poor periods, playing a central role in soil microbial communities and ecological balance.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJul 6, 2021

Fecal transplant plus fibre improves insulin sensitivity in severely obese

A double-blind, randomized trial found that patients with severe obesity and metabolic syndrome had improved insulin sensitivity after receiving a fecal microbial transplant followed by daily fibre supplements. The study, led by Professor Karen Madsen, suggests that the microbiome can be targeted to improve human health.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 6, 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.

Men with low testosterone more likely to die from Covid-19

Research shows that men with symptomatic Covid-19 and low testosterone are more likely to become severely ill and die. The lower the testosterone levels, the higher the likelihood of severe illness and death, according to a study presented at the European Association of Urology congress.

SourceEuropean Association of Urology·DateJul 6, 2021

Study finds boys' dislike for reading fiction is actually fiction!

A new study reveals that boys in Australia prefer reading fiction more than non-fiction, with over half expressing high enjoyment for story books. The findings have significant implications for literacy agendas and teacher strategies to promote reading enjoyment among all students.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalInternational Journal of Inclusive Education·DateJul 6, 2021

Personalized medicine for cats with heart disease

Researchers at UC Davis discovered that a cat's DNA influences its response to clopidogrel, a common medication for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats. Nearly 20% of cats showed resistance to the therapy, highlighting the need for personalized medicine.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 6, 2021

Cast no better than brace for broken ankles

A clinical trial found that casts are not more effective than removable braces for treating broken ankles, with patients reporting similar levels of pain and functionality. The choice between the two should be down to cost and patient preference.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 6, 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.

Engineered cells successfully treat cardiovascular and pulmonary disease

Scientists at UCSF have shown that gene-edited cellular therapeutics can effectively treat major diseases such as peripheral artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heart failure. The study used specially engineered induced pluripotent stem cells called HIP cells to evade the immune system.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2021

New nanotech will enable a 'healthy' electric current production inside the human body

Researchers at Tel-Aviv University developed a new biological material that generates electric currents and voltage through mechanical force, enabling the creation of implantable devices without batteries. The material, similar to collagen, is non-toxic and piezoelectric, with potential applications in medicine and energy harvesting.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2021

Lipidomics research provides clues for drug resistance in schizophrenia

Researchers have found 22 lipids linked to lower symptom improvement in people with schizophrenia during treatment. The study's findings suggest a complex interplay between metabolic abnormalities and psychiatric health, highlighting the potential of lipidomics as a promising field for new discoveries.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalBiomolecules·DateJul 6, 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.

What to do with food waste? Well, that depends

A new study finds that the decline of US landfills and state bans on organic waste disposal have created a need for alternative pathways for food waste. Researchers evaluated five options, including anaerobic digestion, composting, incineration, and hydrothermal liquefaction.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateJul 6, 2021

Scientists synthesize 3D graphene films with high-energy E-beam

Researchers have successfully synthesized macroscopic thick three-dimensional porous graphene films using high-energy electron beams. The resulting material exhibits excellent electrochemical storage capacity and photothermal performance, making it suitable for applications in supercapacitors and solar photothermal anti-icing.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalCarbon·DateJul 6, 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.

Machine learning cracks the oxidation states of crystal structures

Researchers have developed a machine-learning algorithm to categorize metal-organic frameworks by oxidation state, providing a solution to the long-standing problem in chemistry. The collective knowledge of the chemistry community was used to train the model, which captured the errors and inconsistencies in existing methods.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 6, 2021

Health safety net for undocumented kids works, study finds

A California program expanding public health programs to undocumented immigrant children greatly reduced disparities in coverage rates. The rate of uninsured non-citizens dropped by 34% after implementation of Health for All Kids in May 2016.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 6, 2021

Keeping bacteria under lock and key

Scientists at the University of Delaware have made progress on a biological containment strategy using synthetic auxotrophy, keeping a strain of E. coli stable for 100 days. The research also shows promise for treating diseases and cleaning up the environment safely.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 6, 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.

New characterisation strategy proves promising in high-purity metal separation

Researchers developed a new strategy to characterize polymeric transition metal species in acidic solutions, using ESI-TOF-MS. This method visualized transformation evolutions of vanadium, chromium, tungsten, and molybdenum species, guiding reaction conditions for high-purity metal separation.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGreen Chemical Engineering·DateJul 6, 2021

"All the lonely people": The impact of loneliness in old age on life and health expectancy

A study by Duke-NUS Medical School finds that lonely older adults can expect to live a shorter life than their peers, forfeiting potential years of good health. In Singapore, where collectivistic culture and rapidly ageing population make loneliness more detrimental, loneliness among seniors has become a social and public health concern.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 6, 2021

Comparing spending on common generic drugs by Medicare vs Costco members

A study compares Medicare's payment for common generic prescriptions in Part D to prices available at Costco, finding significant savings for patients without insurance. The research found that patients paying out-of-pocket at Costco spent an average of $10 less per month on common generic drugs compared to Medicare beneficiaries.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 6, 2021