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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 236


Page 236 of 510

Weird warbler reveals genetics of its mismatched colors

Researchers study rare warbler hybrid with mismatched color patterns to disentangle genetic drivers of traits usually inherited together. The team identifies new location in genome linked to black face mask and confirms previously identified region for black throat patch.

SourcePenn State·JournalEcology·DateJun 28, 2021

Comparing expert and model technology cost forecasts

Researchers compared observed global energy technology costs for 2019 with technology cost forecasts generated by models and forecasts by human experts. Models accurately forecasted observed costs for 2019 more often than experts, but all methods underestimated cost reductions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 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.

Love: How the feeling of power determines happy relationships

A study by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg found that relationship quality is associated with the subjective feeling of power, rather than a balanced distribution of positional power. Couples where both partners reported high personal power were more satisfied with their relationships.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateJun 28, 2021

Two studies by CU Cancer Center researchers explore link between inflammation and leukemia

Two studies by CU Cancer Center researchers found that chronic inflammation can serve as a key factor in the development of leukemia. Chronic inflammation reduces the fitness of normal cells, hindering their ability to reproduce and creating space for cancer-causing mutations to proliferate. The findings support the theory of adaptive ...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 28, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

First-ever transient pacemaker harmlessly dissolves in body

Researchers at Northwestern and George Washington universities developed a wireless, battery-free pacemaker that disappears after use. The device wirelessly harvests energy from an external antenna, eliminating the need for bulky batteries and rigid hardware.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 28, 2021

Evidence-based patient-psychotherapist matching improves mental health care

A randomized clinical trial found that patients matched with therapists who have a strong track record of treating their primary concerns experienced greater reductions in general impairment. This 'match effect' was more pronounced for patients with severe problems and those from traditionally underserved populations.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateJun 28, 2021

CHEOPS unexpectedly detects a unique exoplanet

The CHEOPS satellite unexpectedly detected a third planet passing in front of its star, revealing details about a strange planet without a known equivalent. The exoplanet, Nu2 Lupi d, has a radius 2.5 times that of Earth and orbits its star with an orbital period of over 107 days.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJun 28, 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.

New approach todrug design yields highly promising bladder cancer drug candidate

A new approach to molecular drug design has yielded a highly promising bladder cancer treatment candidate that induces rapid shedding of tumour cells and results in significant tumour size reduction. The treatment shows potent effects on patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, demonstrating safety without side effects.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2021

RAMBO speeds searches on huge DNA databases

RAMBO, a new method, cuts indexing times for large DNA databases from weeks to hours and search times from hours to seconds. The researchers used a data structure that has a significantly faster query time than state-of-the-art genome indexing methods.

SourceRice University·DateJun 28, 2021

COVID-19 patients recover faster with metabolic activator treatment, study shows

Researchers found that metabolic activators reduced recovery time for mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients by 3.5 days. The treatment also improved liver health and decreased inflammatory markers. This study builds on phase two clinical data and demonstrates the potential benefits of metabolic activator therapy in COVID-19 patients.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJun 28, 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.

Danger caused by subdomains

Researchers at TU Wien discovered a security vulnerability in subdomains, allowing hackers to access sensitive data and compromise websites. The study found 1,520 vulnerable subdomains on 887 of the world's most visited sites, including CNN and Harvard University.

SourceVienna University of Technology·DateJun 28, 2021

New tools for pandemic prevention research: DNA sequencing from water and leech

Scientists have developed new methods to retrieve mammalian viruses from water and leech samples, providing a novel approach to pandemic prevention research. The techniques used environmental DNA and invertebrate-derived DNA, allowing for the identification of known and novel viruses in wildlife reservoirs.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateJun 28, 2021

A template for fast synthesis of nanographenes

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a new synthesis method for nanographenes, using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as templates. This approach enables the creation of multiple nanographenes with varying characteristics, addressing the challenge of identifying relationship between structure and properties.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2021

Hinnov coordinates new multi-university collaboration

A new three-year project funded by the Heising-Simons Foundation is integrating science from paleoclimatology, geophysics, and astronomy to study the evolution of the Solar System and Earth-Moon dynamics. The CycloAstro Project will also investigate the Earth's paleoclimate system and improve cyclostratigraphy and astrochronology.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateJun 28, 2021

COVID-19's socio-economic fallout threatens global coffee industry

A Rutgers University-led study warns that COVID-19's socio-economic disruptions will drive the coffee industry into another severe production crisis. The researchers conclude that managing coffee leaf rust outbreaks requires a blend of scientific and social solutions to safeguard farmers' livelihoods.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 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.

Old oil fields may be less prone to induced earthquakes

Researchers found that geologic formations in northern Delaware Basin, with previous hydrocarbon production, have lower pore pressures and no earthquakes. In contrast, southern basin has higher initial pressures and earthquakes. Targeting these sites for carbon sequestration could limit earthquake risk.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJun 28, 2021

Defect and interface engineering for e-NRR under ambient conditions

The review discusses defect and interface engineering for e-NRR electrocatalysts, emphasizing active sites and intrinsic mechanisms. It highlights the potential strategies to develop more advanced NRR electrocatalysts, promoting the creation of more efficient catalysts for electrochemical nitrogen reduction.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of Energy Chemistry·DateJun 28, 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.

Unique exoplanet photobombs CHEOPS study of nearby star system

Astronomers using the CHEOPS space telescope have detected a unique exoplanet, Nu2 Lupi d, which is 9 times the size of Earth and has masses between those of Earth and Neptune. The discovery reveals that the planet has a mild stellar radiation environment, making it an ideal target for studying its composition.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJun 28, 2021

Optimizing wind farm size

A simulation study found that wind farms generate little power beyond a certain size, causing interference with neighboring installations. Optimizing arrangement and placement of turbines can increase power density up to a site-specific point.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 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.

Mangrove forest study has takeaways for coastal communities

A new study found that mangrove forests in Florida suffered unparalleled dieback after Hurricane Irma due to human-made obstacles and changes in natural topography. The research team identified potential explanations, including restricted water flow between areas, which can lead to extreme conditions and degradation of wetland vegetation.

SourceEast Carolina University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2021

Face masks that can diagnose COVID-19

Researchers have developed wearable biosensors that can be integrated into standard face masks to detect SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens. The technology, called wFDCF, involves synthetic biology reactions embedded in fabrics, providing rapid detection with accuracy comparable to PCR tests.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 28, 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.

GluN3A knockout mouse: Alternative model for Alzheimer's neurodegeneration

Researchers have developed a new mouse model that mimics Alzheimer's neurodegeneration without relying on the pathogenic proteins amyloid or Tau. The GluN3A knockout mouse model highlights the role of calcium and neuronal hyperactivity in driving neurodegeneration, providing potential leads for new treatments and preventive strategies.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateJun 28, 2021

New face mask prototype can detect COVID-19 infection

A novel face mask detects Covid-19 in 90 minutes via embedded sensors, offering a new way to monitor healthcare workers' exposure. The technology also enables wearable biosensors for first responders and military personnel.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 28, 2021

Infants' responses and intuitive physics

A study of 65 infants reveals stable individual differences in their responses to impossible events, which predict explanation-based curiosity at 3 years of age. The research suggests that detecting prediction errors in infancy may be a crucial aspect of later cognitive development.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 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.

Researchers develop a new technique to treat middle ear infections

Researchers have designed a miniaturized device using microplasma technology to treat middle ear infections. The treatment is effective in inactivating bacteria and may offer an alternative to antibiotics, which are often ineffective or lead to antibiotic resistance.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·DateJun 28, 2021

Boring to study slow earthquakes

Researchers have collected high-pressure data from deep-sea boreholes in a subduction zone, revealing pressures up to 5 megapascals greater than typical hydrostatic pressures. This discovery sheds light on the origins of slow earthquakes and their potential role in triggering larger earthquakes.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·DateJun 28, 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.

Case reports thrombocytopenia with thrombosis following COVID-19 mRNA vaccine

A single case report describes a 65-year-old man who developed thrombocytopenia with thrombosis following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination, highlighting the need for increased awareness and vigilance. The authors conclude that while rare events may occur, the benefits of vaccination should not be dissuaded.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 28, 2021

Researcher receives NIH director's award to help end HIV global epidemic

A researcher at Albert Einstein College of Medicine has received an NIH director's award to use genetic epidemiology tools to prevent HIV infection among people who inject drugs. The study aims to identify key players in hepatitis C transmission networks, which can also help curb the spread of HIV.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateJun 28, 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.

Are we missing other earths?

Astronomers using Gemini Observatory and WIYN 3.5-meter Telescope found 73 binary star systems among TESS exoplanet hosts, which could be hiding Earth-sized planets. The team discovered that small planets are harder to detect in binary systems due to glare from the companion star.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·DateJun 28, 2021

Mason researchers designing tools to counter disinformation

Researchers at George Mason University are developing an interactive and predictive tool to detect early indicators of malice that lead to policy-failure events. The goal is to empower local government agencies with proactive counter-narrative communication to limit the spread of disinformation narratives.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateJun 28, 2021

Preliminary results of clinical trial for Crigler-Najjar syndrome

A European gene therapy trial for Crigler-Najjar syndrome has demonstrated the first therapeutic effects of the treatment, allowing patients to stop phototherapy. The trial's preliminary results are encouraging, suggesting that gene therapy could become an alternative treatment for this severe liver disease.

SourceAFM-Téléthon·DateJun 28, 2021

Post-pandemic rehabilitation

A Russian study forecasts that economic growth will be driven by improved efficiency in the mining complex (EMC) and capital formation. The EMC is expected to play a key role in driving growth, particularly through increased investment in natural resource extraction and export activities.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalVoprosy Ekonomiki·DateJun 28, 2021

Connective tissue protein fights bacterial infection

A new study reveals that the connective tissue protein lumican promotes immune responses against bacterial infections while restraining overactive immune responses in sepsis. Lumican interacts with toll-like receptors on immune cells, stabilizing their interactions to increase activity and production of TNF-alpha.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 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.

Sunflower peptide as 'template' for potential analgesic

A naturally occurring peptide in sunflower seeds has been identified as a potential drug for treating abdominal pain or inflammation. The peptide selectively activates pain transmission pathways without causing opioid side effects, reducing the risk of dependency and overdose.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJun 28, 2021

New, third type of supernova observed

Astronomers have confirmed the existence of a new type of supernova, electron capture supernova, through observations of SN 2018zd. The discovery confirms a prediction made four decades ago and provides new insights into the life and death of stars.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJun 28, 2021

Keck backs Rice bid to 'build a brain'

Researchers aim to understand neural pathways in Hydra vulgaris, a tiny animal with simple circuits, to create designer neural circuits. The goal is to program behaviors from scratch and develop self-healing 'biorobots' for various applications.

SourceRice University·DateJun 28, 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.

Gene discovery may hold key to better therapies for OCD

Researchers have linked specific genes to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using genome-wide analysis, pointing toward novel avenues for treatment. The study identified a strong correlation between OCD and rare mutations in genes such as SLITRK5.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 28, 2021

A new type of supernova illuminates an old mystery

A worldwide team of scientists has found evidence for a new type of stellar explosion - electron-capture supernovae. The discovery sheds new light on the thousand-year mystery of the supernova from A.D. 1054.

SourceLas Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJun 28, 2021