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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 226


Page 226 of 510

Diabetes care, glycemic control during pandemic in US

The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial effect on diabetes care in the US, with a decrease in health services received by patients with type 2 diabetes. This decrease was particularly pronounced among low-income individuals, highlighting the need for targeted support and resources.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 6, 2021

Enzyme from fungi shows molecules which way to turn

Rice University scientists have isolated a biocatalyst that controls the chirality of compounds, enabling more accurate drug synthesis. The discovery could lead to improved pharmaceutical production by providing a new tool for controlling stereochemistry.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 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.

High risk of divorce after TBI? Not necessarily, study suggests

A recent study published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation found that two-thirds of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) remain married to their spouse 10 years after the injury. The study analyzed data from 1,423 patients and found that marital stability was higher for those who were older, female, and had no problema...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateJul 6, 2021

Autistic children can benefit from attention training - new study

A new study published in Autism Research found that attention training in autistic children aged 8-14 led to notable improvements in math, reading, writing, and overall attention. The researchers developed a computer programme called CPAT, which showed significant results in both immediate and long-term assessments.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalAutism Research·DateJul 6, 2021

From eyebrow beans to 'lost' rice: community seedbanks are protecting China's crops

China's community seedbanks are conserving agricultural biodiversity by protecting crop varieties, improving farmer livelihoods, and increasing food security. These seedbanks also promote climate resilience through their focus on local environmental conditions.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·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.

Kepler telescope glimpses population of free-floating planets

The Kepler Space Telescope has discovered four new planets that are consistent with Earth-sized masses and may be free-floating in space. These findings suggest the existence of a population of free-floating planets, which could have been ejected from host stars by gravitational forces.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 6, 2021

Sexual reproduction without mating

Scientists identify edible wild mushroom with complex reproductive structure, challenging traditional understanding of fungal reproduction. The study reveals a new type of reproduction that recombines genetic information without a mate, potentially increasing ecological fitness and adapting to previously unsuitable habitats.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Fungi·DateJul 6, 2021

More and more older people suffer a traumatic brain injury due to falls

A recent study of over 3,500 participants found that traumatic brain injuries are increasing in the over-65 age group, with falls as the most common cause. The study highlights the need for prevention measures, such as training programs for safe walking and redesigning homes to remove tripping hazards.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBMJ Open·DateJul 6, 2021

Communication: A key tool for citizen participation in science

Researchers found that strategic public selection and training are key to successful citizen science projects. The study highlights the importance of reproducibility and integration of essential elements such as participant contribution and assessment.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·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.

Lab analysis finds near-meat and meat not nutritionally equivalent

A Duke University research team used metabolomics to compare the nutritional content of plant-based meat alternatives and grass-fed beef, finding large differences despite comparable nutrition facts labels. The study highlights the need for consumers to understand that these products are not nutritionally interchangeable.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 6, 2021

Muscles retain positional memory from fetal life

Researchers at Kumamoto University discovered that muscles and satellite cells retain positional memory from fetal life, based on the expression pattern of the homeobox (Hox) gene cluster. This finding is expected to provide insights into the pathogenesis of muscle diseases and develop regenerative medicine.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 6, 2021

Context in science reporting affects beliefs about, and support for, science

A new study led by a University at Buffalo researcher shows that the way news media talk about science focuses too much attention on individuals, leading to inaccurate perceptions of scientific accuracy and reliability. The study suggests that contextualizing failure stories within the scientific process can help ameliorate harm to sci...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPublic Understanding of Science·DateJul 6, 2021

Light pollution has complex effects on animal vision

Research from University of Exeter found that light pollution impacts moths' ability to see flower colours, while birds' vision is improved by artificial lighting. The study highlights the need for a nuanced approach to lighting, especially for nocturnal species like moths.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2021

Missing bile ducts offer clues to mechanism of liver injury

Scientists have discovered a new mechanism by which the liver adapts to injury by decreasing bile synthesis and shunting it to the bloodstream. This adaptation may explain why some patients with liver injury develop symptoms later than others, and could lead to new treatments for these patients.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCell Reports·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 study uncovers how a series of sleep loss impacts mental and physical wellbeing

A new study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that just three nights of sleep loss can cause significant deterioration in mental and physical health. After a day or two, symptoms peak, and the body becomes relatively adapted to repeated sleep loss, but this changes on the sixth night when physical symptoms reach their wo...

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateJul 6, 2021

Nano-scale borate bioactive glass: Next generation material for skin-healing

Researchers developed a nano-scale borate bioactive glass (Nano-HCA@BG) with enhanced biological performance, reducing toxicity and improving biocompatibility. The material accelerates wound cell migration and collagen synthesis, promoting faster healing.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateJul 6, 2021

Software tool breathes life into post-COVID office airflow

The new indoor module for Eddy3D software helps designers and architects maximize fresh air flow and minimize stagnant areas. By simulating airflow and identifying virus diffusion patterns, the tool reduces the risk of airborne pathogens in post-COVID offices.

SourceCornell University·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.

Counting sheep and still awake? Mindfulness therapy may help bring on the zzz's

A study published in Psychological Medicine found that mindfulness-based therapy (MBTI) was more effective than a sleep hygiene program in reducing insomnia symptoms and improving sleep quality. MBTI participants took less time to fall asleep and spent less time awake during the night compared to those in the sleep hygiene program.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJul 6, 2021

Freshwater methamphetamine pollution turns brown trout into addicts

A study by Pavel Horký and colleagues has discovered that low levels of methamphetamine in freshwater rivers can elicit addiction in wild brown trout. The fish exhibited withdrawal symptoms when switched to clean water, suggesting addiction was present. Methamphetamine contamination in waterways poses a significant threat to aquatic life.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 6, 2021

Vertical greenery can act as a stress buffer, NTU Singapore study finds

A study published in Landscape and Urban Planning found that viewing buildings with green plants reduced stress levels and improved positive emotions in participants. The research suggests that incorporating vertical greenery into urban design can have a significant impact on mental health, guiding greening efforts in cities.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateJul 6, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

High-throughput metabolic profiling of single cells

Researchers have developed a novel method for generating metabolic profiles of individual cells, enabling the analysis of over 100 metabolites and lipids from thousands of cells per hour. The method, called SpaceM, uses a combination of fluorescence microscopy and mass spectrometry to analyze single-cell metabolism.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 6, 2021

Innovation massively expands view into workings of single cells

Researchers have devised a way to multiply the accessible details of gene activity in individual cells, allowing for better understanding of cancer development and brain function. The new method delivers about a ten-fold improvement in DNA recovery from single cells and reduces sequencing costs by one third.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 6, 2021

The twinkle and the brain

Researchers at IST Austria find that ketamine and 60-hertz light flickering can remove the perineuronal net, a structure responsible for stabilizing brain connections. This could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating post-traumatic stress disorder and amblyopia.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 6, 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.

Researchers discover way to improve immune response

A team of researchers has identified a mechanism explaining how Tpex cells can maintain their function for long periods, potentially improving the success rate of immunotherapy. The discovery was made by identifying increased amounts of an immunosuppressive molecule, which reduces activity of mTOR and dampens the immune response.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalImmunity·DateJul 6, 2021

Epsilon variant mutations contribute to COVID immune evasion

The Epsilon variant's unique mutations in the spike protein reduce antibody neutralization, making it harder for vaccines and past infections to fight. The study reveals an unprecedented mechanism behind this loss of immunity, shedding light on a new strategy for immune evasion.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·DateJul 6, 2021

Synthetic biology circuits can respond within seconds

MIT researchers develop a methodology for designing protein interactions that occur at a fast timescale, allowing circuits to respond within seconds. This approach has potential applications in creating environmental sensors and diagnostics.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 6, 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.

Climate and wing coloration in dragonflies

Male dragonflies have evolved larger melanin wing patches in cooler climates to cope with warmer temperatures. Climate change may lead to even smaller patches in the future, according to research published in PNAS.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

Infusion centers associated with substantially better outcomes than the ER for patients with acute pain events and sickle cell disease

A prospective cohort study found that treatment at an infusion center is associated with substantially better outcomes than treatment in the emergency department for patients with sickle cell disease. Patients treated in ICs received parenteral pain medication faster and were more likely to have their pain reassessed within 30 minutes.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 5, 2021

Hunting and hidden deaths led to 30% reduction in WI wolf population

A new study estimates that Wisconsin's wolf population declined between 27-33% between April 2020 and April 2021, with a majority of additional deaths attributed to cryptic poaching. The researchers estimate the current wolf population is between 695-751, which may represent the maximum due to optimistic assumptions about growth.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPeerJ·DateJul 5, 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.

Detection of covid-19 via automatic cough analysis

A team of researchers has developed an AI system that can detect COVID-19 through automatic cough analysis. The system uses spectrogram features and demonstrates improved accuracy when incorporating gender information, which is found to be a significant factor in distinguishing between male and female coughs.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·DateJul 5, 2021

Being clean and hygienic need not impair childhood immunity

Researchers at UCL and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine argue that modern society's emphasis on cleanliness does not impede childhood immunity. Instead, they suggest exposing children to beneficial microorganisms through maternal contact, family members, and natural environments is crucial for immune system development.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 5, 2021

Structuring the cerebral neocortex

The neocortex's layered structure is critical for healthy brain function. A team from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin identified two key processes that direct this organization, involving the regulatory protein Zeb2.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 5, 2021

Researchers use multivalent gold nanoparticles to develop efficient molecular probe

A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology has developed a new approach to identifying and tagging specific proteins. They used multivalent gold nanoparticles as a scaffold to attach carbohydrate ligands and electrophiles, which allowed them to highly efficiently and selectively label carbohydrate-binding...

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 5, 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.

Asymptomatic adults may be reservoirs of Streptococcus pneumoniae

A study by ITQB NOVA researchers found that asymptomatic adults in Portugal can carry pneumococci for several months, with a median duration of almost two months. This suggests that some adults may act as reservoirs of the bacterium, potentially impacting herd immunity.

SourceInstituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa ITQB NOVA·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJul 5, 2021

Face off for best ID checkers

A new face identification ability test, GFMT2, has been developed to identify high-performing facial recognition individuals known as super-recognisers. This test will help prevent false identity matches made by facial recognition software and improve recruitment for roles such as visa processors and passport issuers.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalBehavior Research Methods·DateJul 5, 2021

Seismic observation of subglacial water flow dynamics

Researchers used seismic sensors to study subglacial water flow on the Argentière glacier. The study revealed a complex drainage system with multiple cavities producing high water pressure, accelerating glacier movement.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

Dolphin species that live together, do not necessarily compete for food

A new study published in Environmental Research found that various dolphin species can coexist without competing for food, even though they hunt at the same depth. The researchers used stable nitrogen isotopes to determine the trophic level of each species, revealing surprising differences in their diets.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJul 5, 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.

Seabird colony creates 'halo' of depleted fish stocks

A seabird colony on Ascension Island creates a 'halo' of depleted fish stocks, with reduced flying fish numbers detected up to 90 miles from the island. The study provides rare evidence for Ashmole's halo, a pattern of prey depletion first proposed 60 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

More filling? Tastes great? How flies, and maybe people, choose their food

Researchers discovered how flies choose their food based on neural activity and hunger levels, with findings that may apply to human food choices too. Hungry fruit flies prefer sweet, nutritious food over lower-calorie options when hungry, but adapt their preferences when presented with novel foods.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 5, 2021

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A retrospective cohort study found that COVID-19 surges in hardest-hit US hospitals doubled mortality rates. Researchers also discovered that nearly a third of persons with mild to moderate COVID-19 experience lingering symptoms months after infection.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 5, 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.

Male dragonflies lose their 'bling' in hotter climates

A study found that male dragonflies evolve less wing pigmentation in regions with hotter climates to regulate body temperature. This adaptation helps them survive but may also make it harder for them to attract mates.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

New insights into the assembly of photosynthetic membranes

Researchers have elucidated the structure of VIPP1, a protein essential for thylakoid membrane assembly and stability. The study's findings will facilitate biotechnological efforts to enhance plant resistance to environmental stresses.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCell·DateJul 5, 2021

How can 'shark dandruff' contribute to coral reef conservation?

Smithsonian scientists discovered shark denticles on fossil- and modern coral reefs, revealing changing shark roles over 7000 years. Shark populations declined due to human hunting and habitat loss, impacting ecosystem balance.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

Family planning and women's well-being

A family planning program in Bangladesh from 1977 to 2012 showed significant differences in lifetime contraceptive behavior and fertility among women. Women who participated in the program experienced increased body mass index compared to non-participants, particularly those born between 1950 and 1961.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 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.

NIH grant will help streamline chemical synthesis

Julian West's lab receives a five-year, $1.8 million NIH grant to simplify the synthesis of organic chemicals, enabling new hydrogen atom transfer modules and 'mutase-like' catalysis. This will accelerate the development of new drugs and compounds with improved properties.

SourceRice University·DateJul 5, 2021