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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 239


Page 239 of 510

NUST MISIS scientists create unique alloy for air, rail transports

Researchers developed a unique alloy with improved durability, made possible by casting and annealing regimes producing thermally stable nanoparticles. The new alloy offers high-strength, heat-resistance, and could replace expensive copper conductors in aircraft and rail transport.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalMaterials Letters·DateJun 25, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Emissions cause delay in rainfall

Human activities contribute to a four-day delay in seasonal rainfall, threatening crop production and exacerbating heatwaves. The delayed onset of monsoon rainfall also jeopardizes the livelihoods of large populations in regions like India.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 25, 2021

How brain cells compensate for damage from a stroke

Researchers found that undamaged neurons do not change their function after a stroke, contradicting the 're-mapping' hypothesis. Surround-responsive cells, which react to neighboring whiskers, also failed to take over damaged neurons' functions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 25, 2021

Throwing an 'axion bomb' into a black hole challenges fundamental law of physics

A research team from Imperial College London proposes a way that singularities could violate the law of conservation of charge by introducing axions, hypothetical particles that may explain dark matter. They show that temporary singularities in black holes could destroy electric charge, challenging a fundamental law of physics.

SourceImperial College London·JournalAnnalen der Physik·DateJun 25, 2021

Age-related hearing impairment, physical functioning in older adults

Researchers found that age-related hearing impairment is associated with poorer physical functioning and reduced walking endurance in older adults. The study suggests that addressing hearing loss could be crucial in preserving physical function and quality of life in older individuals.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 25, 2021

Muscle's smallest building blocks disappear after stroke

Researchers at Northwestern University and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have discovered that muscles lose sarcomeres -- their smallest building blocks -- after a stroke. This loss results in shorter muscle fibers and tighter muscles, making it harder for patients to regain function.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 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.

Elephants solve problems with personality

Researchers found that elephants' personality traits, such as aggressiveness and activity, were important predictors of problem-solving success. However, the personality traits measured did not significantly predict learning ability. The study used a comprehensive approach to assess elephant personalities and solve novel problems.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalJournal of Comparative Psychology·DateJun 25, 2021

Study finds structural changes in the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha and Beta variants

A new study reveals structural changes in the Alpha and Beta SARS-CoV-2 variants, suggesting reduced effectiveness of current vaccines against the Beta variant. The research found that mutations in the Beta variant change the shape of the spike surface, making it less bind to neutralizing antibodies.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 2021

Can a calculator predict your risk of dementia?

A new online calculator can predict an individual's risk of dementia in the next five years by assessing factors such as age, physical activity, diet, and stress. The tool, developed by Canadian researchers, aims to empower individuals to modify their lifestyle and reduce their risk.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJun 25, 2021

Edible Cholera vaccine made of powdered rice proves safe in phase 1 human trials

The MucoRice-CTB vaccine, a new edible cholera vaccine made from genetically modified rice, has shown no obvious side effects and a good immune response in its Phase 1 human trial. The vaccine stimulates the mucosal immune system through the gut to induce antigen-specific antibodies, producing IgG and IgA responses.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·DateJun 25, 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.

Performance-enhancing substance use: A link to criminal offending

A new study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that both anabolic steroid and legal performance-enhancing substance use are longitudinally associated with criminal offending among U.S. adults, particularly during young and middle adulthood. The study highlights the need for research on performance-enhancing substances to un...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJun 25, 2021

A direct look at OLED films leads to some pretty exciton findings

Scientists from the University of Tsukuba directly observed electron dynamics in organic film OLEDs, revealing a previously unknown feature of exciton decay. The study's findings may contribute to the development of more efficient OLED-based products.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJun 25, 2021

Scientists discover key player in brain development, cell communication

Researchers led by Katie Baldwin found that the loss of hepaCAM disrupts astrocyte territories and gap junction coupling, leading to impaired communication between brain cells. This study has implications for understanding MLC and other neurodegenerative disorders, and may lead to therapeutic breakthroughs.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNeuron·DateJun 25, 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.

Pitt faculty, students capture top awards at 2021 CALPHAD Global Conference

University of Pittsburgh researchers received prestigious awards for their work on phase diagrams, thermodynamic properties, and uncertainty quantification in alloy powder production. Assistant Professor Wei Xiong won the inaugural CALPHAD Young Leader Award, while graduate student Xin Wang received the Best Poster Award.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateJun 25, 2021

Makowski, Pierre publish findings on obesity and response to cancer therapy

Researchers at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center have found that obesity in mice models led to accelerated tumor growth, but anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade successfully blocked this progression. The study suggests that obese patients with breast cancer may respond better to immunotherapies like checkpoint inhibitors.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Health Science Center·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 25, 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.

Babies can see things that adults cannot

Infants younger than 7 months can perceive faces even when they are followed by a mask image, but this ability disappears in older infants. The study found that visual backward masking occurs due to interference with feedback processing, which develops in the second half of the first year of life.

SourceChuo University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2021

Horizon 2020: EU funding for developing animal-free methods

The Horizon 2020 projects RISK-HUNT3R and TOX-Free aim to develop animal-free strategies and tools for chemical risk assessment, combining in vitro and computational approaches. The projects will improve the accuracy and efficiency of safety assessments, enabling the development of sustainable alternatives.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·DateJun 25, 2021

Lighting the LAMP to reveal mystery of lysosomes

A new study using expanded genetic code technologies uncovers the structural aspect of how one protein functions in lysosomes for intracellular clearance. The research reveals that the homophilic interaction between LAMP2 molecules is crucial for their function on the lysosome membrane.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalAutophagy·DateJun 25, 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.

Hydrofracking environmental problems not that different from conventional drilling

A new machine learning technique has been developed to assess water quality data and detect groundwater samples impacted by oil and gas production. The study concludes that hydrofracking does not necessarily incur more environmental problems than conventional drilling, although further research is needed to confirm this finding.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalWater Research·DateJun 25, 2021

Differences in human, mouse brain cells have important implications for disease research

A UCLA-led study comparing human and mouse astrocytes found that mouse cells are more resilient to oxidative stress, a key mechanism behind many neurological disorders. The findings have important implications for basic and translational research into conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral scl...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 25, 2021

Market exit: Divestment or redeployment?

A new study published in the Strategic Management Journal found that business relatedness has a significant effect on market exit, with greater potential for resource redeployment leading to faster exits. The research analyzed 3,082 retail chains across 106 countries and suggests that internal redeployment is a key driver of market exit.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateJun 25, 2021

Unbroken: New soft electronics don't break, even when punctured

Researchers at Virginia Tech created soft electronics that can sustain damage without losing electrical conductivity. The materials are stretchy, recyclable, and reusable, making them ideal for emerging technologies like wearables and soft robotics.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalCommunications Materials·DateJun 25, 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.

Inflatable, shape-changing spinal implants could help treat severe pain

Researchers have created an ultra-thin, inflatable device that can be used to treat severe forms of pain, covering a large section of the spinal cord with electrical currents. The device could be an effective treatment for leg and back pain, as well as paralysis or Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 25, 2021

Scientists discover how dengue vaccine fails to protect against disease

Researchers identified unique antibody responses that correlate with protection against dengue fever, highlighting the need for vaccines targeting specific serotypes. The study provides crucial information for developing effective dengue vaccines.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 25, 2021

When pandemic hit, some people wanted more sexual activity

A new study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that some people, particularly older men with erectile dysfunction, were having more sex during the pandemic. Sales of daily-use erectile dysfunction drugs skyrocketed after March 2020, indicating an increase in spontaneous sexual activity.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateJun 25, 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.

Hard-working enzyme keeps immune cells in line

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that TET enzymes play a crucial role in keeping immune cells on a healthy track, suggesting potential new avenues for controlling cardiovascular disease. The study also identified the minor but important role of TDG enzyme in immune cell demethylation.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalGenome Biology·DateJun 25, 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.

Controversies and consensus in thyroid cancer care

The joint statement aims to address current controversies and evolving concepts in thyroid cancer care. Key findings include the use of molecular theranostics for refining management recommendations and indicators of response to RAI therapy. The statement was led by Seza Gulec, MD, and published in the peer-reviewed journal Thyroid.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThyroid·DateJun 25, 2021

AI breakthrough in premature baby care

Researchers created a hybrid neural network called NAIMS that accurately predicts premature baby mortality risk using demographics and vital signs. The technique has shown strong performance in predicting an infant's risk of mortality within 3, 7, or 14 days, with potential to analyze responsiveness to treatment.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalComputers in Biology and Medicine·DateJun 25, 2021

Structural biology reveals new opportunities to combat tuberculosis

The study of Mycobacterium tuberculosis's ESX-5 secretion system reveals a complex molecular machinery that enables the bacterium to infect human cells. The structure of this system provides potential drug targets and new insights into vaccine development.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 25, 2021

Seven students selected for national research program

Seven PhD students at DGIST have been chosen for a two-year research project funded by Korea's National Research Foundation. They will focus on developing new materials and nano-structural designs to overcome existing solar cell limitations.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·DateJun 25, 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.

Small-scale engineering could bring big progress in medical care

Researchers have developed a method to control the degradation of messenger RNA, which could lead to more efficient biotechnological functions and improved medical outcomes. This breakthrough has potential applications in vaccine development, genome engineering, and therapeutic treatments.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 25, 2021

Streptococcus pneumoniae sticks to dying lung cells, worsening secondary infection following flu

Researchers have identified a novel virulence trait of Streptococcus pneumoniae that increases the severity of S. pneumoniae superinfection following flu. The surface protein PspA, previously known to have several other virulence mechanisms, now functions as an adhesin to dying lung epithelial cells. This finding provides further expla...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 24, 2021

Recycling next-generation solar panels fosters green planet

A new recycling strategy for perovskite solar panels has been developed, which could reduce the carbon footprint of these panels by up to 72.6%. The recycling process could also lower the primary energy consumption of perovskite solar cells.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJun 24, 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.

Quantum simulation: Measurement of entanglement made easier

Researchers have developed a more efficient method for measuring entanglement in quantum simulators, allowing for new insights into the structure of the quantum state. The new protocol uses insights from quantum field theory to perform tomography with significantly fewer measurements.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 24, 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.

Research team discovers Arctic dinosaur nursery

A research team from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Florida State University has found evidence that nearly all types of Arctic dinosaurs reproduced in the region and likely remained there year-round. The discovery contradicts previous hypotheses that the animals migrated to lower latitudes for the winter, suggesting they were ...

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 24, 2021

Gastrulation research reveals novel details about embryonic development

Researchers from Helmholtz Zentrum München have discovered a novel mechanism driving the formation of the endoderm germ layer during gastrulation. This finding has significant implications for understanding congenital diseases and potential targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJun 24, 2021

Russian forests are crucial to global climate mitigation

New study confirms Russian forests have accumulated 40% more biomass than reported, with potential for 47% higher carbon sequestration. Close collaboration between science and policy is critical for adaptive forest management.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 24, 2021

Ethane proxies for methane in oil and gas emissions

A recent study using ethane proxies has found that oil and gas wells contribute significantly to greenhouse warming, exceeding EPA estimates by 48-76%. The researchers tracked ethane and methane emissions across the US over three seasons, providing new insights into fossil fuel sources.

SourcePenn State·DateJun 24, 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.

When did the first COVID-19 case arise?

A new study suggests that the first COVID-19 case arose in China between early October and mid-November 2019, with November 17 being the most likely date of origin. The analysis reveals a more rapid spread than previously confirmed cases imply, with the disease spreading globally by January 2020.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 24, 2021