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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 227


Page 227 of 510

Human exploitation of Caribbean shark communities

A study analyzed fossil dermal denticles from ancient coral reefs and modern reefs to estimate Caribbean shark abundance before and after human settlement. The results show a significant decline in shark populations, with fast-swimming species facing the greatest losses.

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

Amperometric biosensors used to control diclofenac content in food

Researchers developed amperometric biosensors to determine diclofenac levels in food, improving detection limits and accuracy. The study found that diclofenac inhibits tyrosinase enzyme activity, enabling its detection in milk and other dairy products.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Analytical Chemistry·DateJul 5, 2021

Innovative method for producing complex molecules

A team of FAU researchers has developed an innovative process for producing asymmetrical hexaarylbenzene (HAB) molecules with six different aromatic rings. The four-step domino reaction allows for the efficient synthesis of large quantities of these complex molecules without toxic metals.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalAngewandte Chemie·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.

MasSpec Pen shows promise in pancreatic cancer surgery

The MasSpec Pen technology has been shown to accurately identify healthy and cancerous tissue in pancreatic cancer surgeries, giving patients the greatest chance of survival. The device is over 100 times faster than current gold standard diagnostic methods.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

Study finds genes role in immune response of Florida corals to rapidly spreading disease

A new study by University of Miami researchers documents how coral genes respond to stony coral tissue loss disease, a rapidly spreading disease killing corals in Florida and the Caribbean. The study found that a network of genes important for cell death, immunity, and tissue rearrangement are triggered in response to the disease.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJul 5, 2021

Comprehensive genetic study of cleft lip and palate

A comprehensive genetic study led by the University of Bonn has identified 45 new regions in the human genome associated with an increased risk of cleft lip and palate. These regions are linked to variations in DNA sequences that regulate gene activity, disrupting normal facial development.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalHuman Genetics and Genomics Advances·DateJul 5, 2021

Potential of faba beans, rich in protein, has been unlocked

Researchers have identified the gene responsible for faba bean's production of vicine and convicine, two compounds that cause favism in susceptible individuals. The team has also found a specific mutation within this gene that reduces synthesis, leading to low vicine and convicine content in certain varieties.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Plants·DateJul 5, 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.

Oncotarget: General anesthesia for pancreatic cancer surgery

A prospective study analyzing plasma metabolomics during general anesthesia in patients with pancreatic malignancy reveals perioperative tryptophan depletion and increased taurine synthesis. This finding has implications for personalized perioperative management and may identify therapeutic windows for immunotherapy or chemotherapy.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateJul 5, 2021

Integrate disciplines to conserve biodiversity

The article emphasizes the importance of integrating different disciplines and stakeholders in conservation efforts. Key findings include the need for increased funding and expert guidance for transdisciplinary research, as well as the benefits of such approaches, including improved data quality and innovation.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalBasic and Applied Ecology·DateJul 5, 2021

Belowground microbial solutions to aboveground plant problems

Researchers found that the presence of beneficial bacteria in plant roots promotes growth under low light conditions, but reduces defense against leaf pathogens. The study suggests a complex interplay between plant growth and defense responses mediated by root microbiota.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalNature Plants·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.

Ultra-strong squeezing of light demonstrated for ultrafast optical signal processing

Photonic researchers successfully demonstrated a temporal compression system that can squeeze light in time by 11 times, allowing more data to be transmitted in a given time duration. This technology also enables the spectral compression of light, which could facilitate higher spectral densities and faster optical communications networks.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·DateJul 5, 2021

Global BECCS potential is largely constrained by sustainable irrigation

Research found that unsustainable irrigation can increase global BECCS potential by 60-71%, but sustainably constrained irrigation only boosts it by 5-6%. The study suggests a reexamination of the role of BECCS in achieving climate goals due to its environmental impacts.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 5, 2021

Temperature cues for bird migration

Research reveals that Asian houbara birds use internal temperature cues to fine-tune their migration departure times, adapting to annual temperature variability without genetic changes. Temperature cues are more consistently used than other environmental factors like daylight length or wind velocity.

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

COVID gets quantum treatment for drug discovery

Researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory used Stampede2 to refine the screening of potential drug molecules targeting COVID-19's spike protein. The method, developed by Stephan Irle and Van Quan Vuong, uses quantum mechanics-based ranking refinement and binding analysis to identify top candidates for further testing.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·DateJul 5, 2021

Modelling COVID-19 cases in Africa

African countries can better interpret complex data with a new data-driven framework, tracking and predicting country-level case incidence. The framework considers factors like testing capacity, social policy, landlocked status, temperature, and humidity.

SourceLancaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Toba supereruption and global climate

A study suggests that the Toba supereruption led to regional variations in climate impacts, with cooling predictions ranging from 4°C to 10°C in the Northern Hemisphere. Early human populations in these regions thrived despite the eruption's severity, according to independent archaeological evidence.

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

New report aims to improve VR use in healthcare education

The report argues for greater standardization of immersive technologies in healthcare training and education. It recommends developing a set of principles and guidelines for the use of immersive technology in medical treatment to make training more accessible and effective.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalBMJ Simulation and Technology Enhanced Learning·DateJul 5, 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.

Electrokinetic proton transport in triple conducting oxides as key descriptor for highly efficient protonic ceramic fuel cells

Researchers developed a new method to quantify proton kinetic properties of triple conducting oxides (TCOs), revealing two orders of magnitude higher proton tracer diffusion coefficient. This led to improved electrochemical performance for protonic ceramic fuel cells, with recorded values exceeding previous benchmarks.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJul 5, 2021

Next-generation sequencing uncovers what's stressing bumblebees

Scientists used next-generation sequencing to study bumblebee health, finding evidence of pesticide exposure, including neonicotinoids, as well as pathogens. The technology allowed for quick detection of diseases and stressors, shedding light on the decline of bumblebee populations.

SourceYork University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJul 5, 2021

New advice on arthritis drugs

Researchers found that combining anti-rheumatic drugs can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Two specific combinations - tumour necrosis factor inhibitors and hydroxychloroquine - showed promise in preserving endothelial function.

SourceFlinders University·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·DateJul 5, 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.

New method to identify dirt on criminals can lead to prosecution

Scientists have developed a new method to identify the movements of criminals by analyzing soil and dust found on equipment, clothing, and cars. This technique uses geochemical analysis to match soil remnants to regional samples, allowing police to pinpoint crime scenes. The method has been tested in a trial with promising results.

SourceGoldschmidt Conference·DateJul 5, 2021

Gulf Coast ready to develop carbon storage hub

The Gulf Coast region is well-positioned to develop a carbon storage economy, thanks to its unique geology and high concentration of industry. The study highlights the region's potential for capturing and storing CO2, which can help reduce emissions in the near term.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateJul 5, 2021

Psychedelic spurs growth of neural connections lost in depression

A recent study by Yale researchers found that psilocybin increases the density of dendritic spines, aiding information transmission between neurons and potentially treating depression. Mice subjected to stress showed behavioral improvements after receiving psilocybin, suggesting a possible therapeutic effect.

SourceYale University·JournalNeuron·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.

A new understanding of patterns in fluid flow

An international team has discovered a persistent pattern formation dynamics in viscous fingering, a phenomenon relevant to oil recovery and spreading of groundwater. The study's findings show that the pattern is different from classical radial and rectilinear forms.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateJul 5, 2021

Seabird foraging and flying fish depletion

Researchers discovered that seabirds' reliance on flying fish as prey leads to reduced fish populations over 150 km from breeding colonies. This depletion effect is worsened by fisheries, posing a threat to seabirds' survival.

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

Study shows laboratory developed protein spikes consistent with COVID-19 virus

A new international study found that laboratory-developed protein spikes consistent with COVID-19 virus are highly similar, providing reassurance for vaccine design and antibody testing. The study used glycan coatings to mimic the infectious virus and showed consistent results across five laboratories worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBiochemistry·DateJul 5, 2021

Researchers collaborate with First Nations to conserve cultural cedar trees

A collaborative project between Simon Fraser University and local First Nations aims to conserve iconic western redcedar trees suitable for traditional carving and ceremonial purposes. Researchers found that these trees are generally rare, with nearly extinct forms being targeted by industrial logging.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalJournal of Ethnobiology·DateJul 5, 2021

Sculpted by starlight: A meteorite witness to the solar system's birth

Researchers have determined that a massive star, rather than the young sun, was responsible for the split in oxygen isotopes found in the sun and other planets. The study, led by Lionel Vacher, used an unusual meteorite named Acfer 094 to gain insight into the solar system's past.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateJul 5, 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.

How fish got their spines

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have identified genetic pathways controlling fin spine development, showing how spines arise during embryonic development and evolve independently in different fish lineages. This study provides insights into the evolution of fin spines, which offer a strong evolutionary advantage to fish.

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

European settlers and mortality of Indigenous people

A study analyzing age-at-death records of 33,715 Indigenous people in central California between 3050 BCE and 1870 CE found that Spanish settlers contributed to severe demographic collapse. The research suggests extreme social disruption caused by the presence of Europeans led to increased mortality rates among both males and females.

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

Could genetics hold the key to preventing SIDS?

A genetic biobank containing DNA from 25 babies who died from SIDS in South Australia could help identify genetic causes and prevent future deaths. The biobank will enable researchers to test babies at birth for risk factors and closely monitor those identified, potentially saving hundreds of baby lives.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·DateJul 4, 2021

Study of T cells from COVID-19 convalescents guides vaccine strategies?

Most COVID-19 patients develop and maintain T cell memory for over 10 months, suggesting effective long-term immunity. The study provides new insights into vaccine development by revealing the self-renewal capacity and multipotency of memory T cells.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 4, 2021

Observation, simulation, and AI join forces to reveal a clear universe

A team of Japanese astronomers developed a new AI technique to remove noise in astronomical data. They applied this tool to actual data from Japan's Subaru Telescope and found consistent results with currently accepted models of the Universe. This powerful new tool will analyze big data from current and planned astronomy surveys.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 4, 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.

Lower exposure to UVB light may increase colorectal cancer risk

A study using data from 186 countries found a significant correlation between lower UVB exposure and higher rates of colorectal cancer across all age groups. Lower UVB exposure may reduce levels of vitamin D, which has been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJul 4, 2021

Researchers on a mission to fight deadly childhood cancer

Australian researchers aim to improve risk classification and identify therapeutic drugs for neuroblastoma, the deadliest solid tumour in children under five. They will use patient data and genetically engineered stem cells to model the disease process and predict patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·DateJul 3, 2021

The City of David and the sharks' teeth mystery

A team of researchers found an unexpected collection of fossilized shark teeth, dated to around 80 million years ago, in a 2,900-year-old site in the City of David in Jerusalem. The teeth were likely transported from a distant location and assembled by collectors, possibly during the Iron Age period.

SourceGoldschmidt Conference·DateJul 3, 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.

Stress-free path to stress-free metallic films paves the way for next-gen circuitry

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a method to create thin films of tungsten with minimal stresses using high power impulse magnetron scattering. This breakthrough technology enables efficient deposition of metallic films without heat treatment, opening up new possibilities for the electronics industry.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJul 3, 2021

Lottery-based incentives do not increase COVID-19 vaccination rates

A study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that Ohio's Vax-a-Million lottery-based incentive system did not increase COVID-19 vaccinations. The study suggests that state-based lotteries are of limited value in increasing vaccine uptake, and recommends targeting underlying reasons for vaccine hesitancy instead.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateJul 2, 2021

Air pollution during pregnancy may affect growth of newborn babies

A recent study by the University of the Basque Country found a direct relationship between exposure to fine particles and the level of thyroxine in newborns. The research analyzed data from the INMA project and revealed that exposure during early pregnancy has a significant impact on thyroid hormone balance.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJul 2, 2021

Oncotarget: Loss of CPAP in oral cancer

The loss of expression of a microtubule/tubulin binding protein, centrosomal protein 4.1-associated protein, causes increased EGFR levels and signaling in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. Depletion of CPAP enhances tumorigenicity, while EGFR depletion attenuates EMT features.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateJul 2, 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.

Global network transforming tropical forest research

A global network of over 2,500 scientists is exploring climate change's impact on forests and biodiversity. ForestPlots.net provides a unique platform for long-term monitoring and analysis, discovering how tropical forests help control carbon emissions.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJul 2, 2021

Scientists publish a how-to guide for creating mouse-human chimeric embryos

Researchers at University at Buffalo have published a detailed protocol for generating mouse-human chimeric embryos, enabling more accurate models of human development and disease. The method has the potential to revolutionize biomedical research and potentially lead to the generation of human organs for transplantation.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Protocols·DateJul 2, 2021

More than half of wheelchair users with spinal cord injury needed repairs in past 6 months

A study of 533 wheelchair users found that over 50% needed repairs within the past six months, resulting in significant financial cost and personal consequences. The research aimed to identify trends regarding which users or wheelchairs are more likely to need repair and how to reduce these negative consequences.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateJul 2, 2021

Waste hop stem in the beer industry upcycled into cellulose nanofibers

A Japanese research team has developed a technique to extract cellulose nanofibers from hop stems, reducing agricultural waste in the beer industry. The researchers used a simplified process that eliminates lignin and hemicellulose removal, yielding CNFs with a median width of about 2 nanometers.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalACS Agricultural Science & Technology·DateJul 2, 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.