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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 231


Page 231 of 510

Eating disorder behaviors alter reward response in the brain

Researchers found that eating disorder behaviors like binge-eating alter brain reward response and food intake control circuitry, reinforcing these behaviors. The study suggests that behavioral traits contribute to eating disorder maintenance and progression by modulating internal reward responses.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJun 30, 2021

How plants quickly adapt to shifting environmental conditions

Plants can respond to subtle environmental changes on the cellular level, triggering molecular changes in as little as five minutes. The study found that canopy shade leads to the removal of histones at growth-regulating genes through DNA binding of PIF7, activating their expression.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 30, 2021

Non-prescription painkillers linked to increased perinatal health risks

A large study found that pregnant women using over-the-counter painkillers have a higher risk of preterm delivery, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Healthcare guidance for pregnant women regarding non-prescription painkiller use should be reassessed.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJun 30, 2021

Slowing the sugar rush to yield better grapes

Researchers from the University of Adelaide have developed strategies to delay grape ripening and increase flavor potential in Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. By manipulating crop load and irrigation management, they were able to slow down sugar accumulation and improve aroma compounds, colour, and mouthfeel.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 30, 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.

Fairer finance could speed up net zero for Africa by a decade

A study by UCL researchers suggests that levelling up access to finance for poorer countries can accelerate the transition to renewable energy, allowing Africa to reach net-zero emissions approximately 10 years earlier than current projections. This would require policy interventions to lower the weighted average cost of capital (WACC)...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 2021

Frequent COVID-19 testing key to efficient, early detection, study finds

A new study found that frequent COVID-19 testing, especially using polymerase chain reaction tests paired with rapid results reporting, can achieve 98% sensitivity in detecting infection. This approach can be particularly effective in places where vaccination is not yet widespread or when variants are on the rise.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJun 30, 2021

Targeted messaging for return to in-person visits

Researchers found that a single targeted message didn't affect the return to in-person visits within a month, but resulted in a small increase in re-engagement through telemedicine and rescheduling of future visits. The study suggests that alternative communication strategies may be more effective for promoting in-person care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 30, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Streetonomics: using street names to quantify a city's cultural values

A study using street names to quantify cultural indicators found that Vienna honors the most women (54%), followed by London (40%). Paris and New York have lower proportions, with many streets named after people from the 1860s. Street names also reflect professions and professions held by street honorees, such as artists, writers, and ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 30, 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.

Assessment tool helps future pharmacists prepare for work in the community

A University of Arizona study suggests that Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) can effectively assess clinical skills in community pharmacies, providing a valuable learning experience for pharmacy students. The OSCE design was found to accurately reflect the time constraints faced by pharmacists in real-world settings.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalJACCP JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CLINICAL PHARMACY·DateJun 30, 2021

Prehistoric homes would have failed modern air quality tests

Domestic burning of wood and dung fuels in Neolithic homes would have exceeded modern internationally-agreed standards for indoor air quality, exposing inhabitants to unsafe levels of particulates. The study suggests that chronic exposure to PM2.5 could be linked to bone lesions found in the remains of Çatalhöyük's inhabitants.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalEnvironmental Geochemistry and Health·DateJun 30, 2021

NIST laser 'comb' systems now measure all primary greenhouse gases in the air

Researchers at NIST have upgraded their laser frequency-comb instrument to measure three airborne greenhouse gases: nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, plus major air pollutants ozone and carbon monoxide. The new system can identify gas signatures by precisely measuring the amounts of light absorbed at each color in the bro...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJun 30, 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.

SLAS Discovery's July special edition 'Drug discovery targeting COVID-19' now available

A team of researchers developed a high-throughput biochemical assay to assess small molecule impact on SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 14, identifying potential inhibitors from FDA-approved drugs. The study aims to deliver therapeutics for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, targeting its critical methyltransferase activity.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateJun 30, 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.

New markers for coronary microvascular disease identified

Researchers have identified stearic acid and ornithine as indicators of coronary microvascular disease (CMD), a condition that damages blood vessels and causes decreased blood flow to the heart muscle. The study suggests that estrogen may also play a role in CMD development, particularly in postmenopausal women.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalMetabolites·DateJun 30, 2021

Study finds changes in wealth tied to changes in cardiovascular health

A longitudinal study of healthy adults found that upward or downward changes in wealth were associated with respective lower or higher levels of cardiovascular events. Positive wealth changes were linked to a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, while negative wealth mobility was linked to an increased risk.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJun 30, 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.

Feedback activity in the visual cortex is necessary for the perception of objects

The study reveals that feedback to the primary visual cortex (V1) is necessary for segregating figures from the background, a crucial function of our vision. Disrupting this feedback renders objects invisible, highlighting its importance in figure-ground perception.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateJun 30, 2021

Extreme events: Ecosystems offer cost effective protection

A recent study has summarized nearly two decades of research on the efficacy of nature-based solutions in reducing disaster risk. The review found ample evidence that ecosystems can reduce the impacts of hazard events, such as wildfires, flooding, and landslides, in a cost-effective manner.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJun 30, 2021

Buttoned up biomolecules

Researchers have introduced a novel click reaction suitable for living cells and organisms, enabling the labeling of biomolecules without affecting physiological processes. The reaction uses linear, terminal alkynes and N,N-dialkylhydroxylamines to form biocompatible enamine-N-oxides.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 30, 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.

Physicists observationally confirm Hawking's black hole theorem for the first time

Researchers at MIT confirmed Hawking's area theorem for the first time by analyzing GW150914 signal, showing total event horizon area did not decrease after merger. The findings provide evidence that black holes behave as thermal objects and emit radiation over long timescales, a fundamental revelation about these cosmic phenomena.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 30, 2021

Discovery of the role of a key gene in the development of ALS

A mutation in the C9orf72 gene may disrupt communication between motor neurons and muscles in ALS patients, leading to motor disorders, muscle atrophy, and mortality. The study reveals that the loss of function induced by the mutation affects synaptic transmission and protein TDP-43's location within the cell.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJun 30, 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.

'Plugging in' to produce environmentally friendly bioplastics

A new study reveals a cost-effective method to produce biodegradable plastics from corn stubble, grasses, and mesquite, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based plastics. This breakthrough enables the creation of eco-friendly bioplastics that can replace conventional plastics in various industries.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 2021

Thinking in 3D improves mathematical skills

Researchers at the University of Basel found a strong correlation between early spatial skills and mathematical abilities in primary school. The study analyzed data from nearly 600 children and ruled out socio-economic status and language ability as factors affecting math performance.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalLearning and Instruction·DateJun 30, 2021

Digging into the molecules of fossilized dinosaur eggshells

Scientists studying fossilized dinosaur eggshells from Mexico have identified nine amino acids and evidence of ancient protein structures, providing insights into the early lives of these creatures. The analysis also sheds light on the fossilization processes and the role of minerals in preserving organic compounds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Earth and Space Chemistry·DateJun 30, 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.

Monkeys also learn to communicate

In a behavioral study on common marmosets, researchers found that the infantile development of vocalizations includes an extended flexible phase, without which language development in humans would not be possible. This phase is critical for human language development, influenced by social interactions with parents.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 30, 2021

New microchip sensor measures stress hormones from drop of blood

A Rutgers-led team developed a microchip that can measure cortisol and other stress hormones in real-time from a single drop of blood, providing patients with timely feedback for better treatment. The miniaturized device has the potential to be used for non-invasive cortisol measurement in other fluids.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 30, 2021

Thermal waves observed in semiconductor materials

Thermal waves have been observed in germanium at room temperature, a significant improvement in electronic devices performance. The discovery opens new possibilities for controlling heat through wave-like thermal transport.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 30, 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.

Cats may catch COVID-19 from sleeping on their owner's bed

A study found that cats are more susceptible to COVID-19 than dogs, with 67% of owned cats testing positive for antibodies. Cats that sleep on their owner's bed are particularly at risk, and prolonged contact with owners may increase the chance of infection.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateJun 30, 2021

COVID-19-mRNA vaccine induces good immune response against coronavirus variants

A new Finnish study found that healthcare workers who received two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine had strong antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2, with similar effectiveness against the alpha variant as the original virus. The immune response was weaker against the beta variant, but still provided relatively good protection.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 2021

'There may not be a conflict after all' in expanding universe debate

Astronomer Wendy Freedman's review paper suggests that recent observations are closing the gap between different measurement methods for the Hubble constant. The latest data from red giant stars and cosmic microwave background experiments agree within 1% of each other, indicating no need for fundamental new physics.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateJun 30, 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.

Where are the Foreigners of the First International Age?

A new study investigates human mobility at Alalakh during the Bronze Age, finding most people were born and raised in the region. Genetic data shows ancestry from neighboring regions, with only one individual showing Central Asian origins but local upbringing.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 30, 2021

When and why do politicians use emotive rhetoric in parliamentary speeches?

The study analyzed two million parliamentary speeches in the UK and Ireland, finding that politicians use emotive language more in high-profile debates like PMQs to attract a wider audience. In low-profile debates, emotional rhetoric is less pronounced as politicians mostly address colleagues.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateJun 30, 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.

Are multiple sclerosis drugs used early on in the disease also effective later?

A new study found that high-efficacy multiple sclerosis drugs are more effective in reducing flare-ups and modifying progression compared to low-efficacy drugs. Participants with active secondary progressive MS who received high-efficacy medications experienced 30% fewer relapses and an average of 0.17 relapses per year.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 30, 2021

Lack of exercise while in quarantine had adverse effects on the health of women aged 50-70

A Brazilian study found that a lack of exercise during quarantine increased cholesterol and glycated hemoglobin levels in women aged 50-70, while also reducing muscle strength and aerobic capacity. The findings highlight the importance of promoting physical activity safely during periods of social distancing or isolation.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalExperimental Gerontology·DateJun 30, 2021

Sweat-proof 'smart skin' takes reliable vitals, even during workouts and spicy meals

Researchers at MIT have developed a sweat-proof electronic skin patch that can monitor vital signs like temperature and hydration over long periods of time. The patch's design features artificial sweat ducts and a kirigami-like pattern to prevent sweat accumulation and sensor damage, enabling reliable health tracking.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 30, 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.

Scientists identify 160 new drugs that could be repurposed against COVID-19

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have identified 200 approved drugs that could be effective against COVID-19, including 160 previously unlinked to the infection. The study used computational biology and machine learning to create a comprehensive map of proteins involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 30, 2021

AI and marshmallows: Training human-AI collaboration

Researchers develop AI system that uses cooperative strategies to improve human-AI collaboration in negotiations. The system, called CaSiNo, is trained on a dataset of negotiation dialogues and improves upon traditional menu-driven interfaces. It has real-world applications in business, education, and entrepreneurship.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateJun 30, 2021

Effects of masks on exercise

A crossover trial found that exercising with a mask elevated breathing resistance and reduced peak exercise oxygen uptake, but did not compromise overall fitness. The study suggests that wearing masks during exercise may exert physical limitations on capacity, but the clinical relevance of this finding is uncertain.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 30, 2021

Decoding electron dynamics

Researchers at Huazhong University of Science and Technology developed a scheme to identify and weigh quantum orbits in strong-field tunneling ionization. By introducing a second harmonic frequency, they can alter the photoelectron yield, allowing for accurate identification of quantum orbits. This breakthrough enables attosecond tempo...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJun 30, 2021