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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 240


Page 240 of 510

Plant Protector: How plants strengthen their light-harvesting membranes against environmental stress

A study by an international consortium reveals the structure and mechanism of a protein that builds and maintains photosynthetic membranes in plants. The research provides new opportunities for engineering plants to be more resistant to extreme environmental conditions, helping to sustain human food supply and combat climate change.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalCell·DateJun 24, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Better mental health supports for nurses needed, study finds

A new study found that nurses experienced high rates of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those working in long-term care. The survey of over 10,000 Canadian nurses revealed a significant decline in their well-being, with six out of 10 reporting anxiety in April.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·DateJun 24, 2021

Research news tip sheet: Story ideas from Johns Hopkins Medicine

A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers suggests that playing virtual reality games during a venipuncture procedure can reduce pain and anxiety in pediatric patients. However, the study also found that VR gameplay added an average of 4-6 minutes to the procedure time due to technical issues.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalHospital Pediatrics·DateJun 24, 2021

Burnout is a widespread reality in today's NHS

Burnout is a significant issue in today's NHS, with 44% of staff reporting work-related stress. Improving staff health and wellbeing is crucial for the moral, social, and economic priority it represents.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·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.

UCLA study reveals how immune cells can be trained to fight infections

Researchers have discovered a key molecular mechanism underlying immune cell training, which determines whether cells respond aggressively to threats. By understanding this process, doctors may be able to 'hack' the immune system to strengthen it and prevent autoimmunity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateJun 24, 2021

Some good news for those with migraines

A new study from the University of Toronto found that 63% of Canadians with migraines experience almost daily happiness and high levels of social and psychological well-being. Those who had a confidant or used spiritual coping mechanisms were more likely to be in excellent mental health.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAnnals Of Headache Medicine Journal·DateJun 24, 2021

Study suggests scientists may need to rethink which genes control aging

Researchers found that only about 30% of genes associated with aging control the body's internal clock, while the rest reflect the response to bacteria. Antibiotics extended fly lives by up to six days and altered gene activity in many hallmark aging genes.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournaliScience·DateJun 24, 2021

Outcomes for COVID-19 patients 1 year after loss of smell

Researchers evaluated COVID-19 patients with loss of smell one year post-diagnosis, finding persistent cognitive and emotional impairments. Long-term follow-up studies like this one are crucial for understanding the lasting effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 24, 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.

People with fibromyalgia are substituting CBD for opioids to manage pain

A new study found that over 70% of people with fibromyalgia who use CBD substitute it for opioids or other pain medications, reporting improved symptom relief. CBD is being used as a harm reduction strategy due to its non-intoxicating properties and lower potential for abuse.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Pain·DateJun 24, 2021

Searching for the cell of origin of childhood brain cancer

A study coordinated by the University of Trento identified the cell of origin of medulloblastoma, a common and aggressive childhood brain cancer. The researchers used organoids, three-dimensional models of tumor tissue, to understand the genetic mechanisms responsible for this type of brain cancer.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 24, 2021

Kiwi disease study finds closely related bacterial strains display different behaviors

A recent study found that genes involved in bacterial signaling play a crucial role in the virulence of Psa3, a highly aggressive biovar of the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding the diversity of virulence strategies among closely related bacterial strains.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJun 24, 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.

New microscopy method reveals single childhood cancer cells in unprecedented detail

Scientists at Princess Máxima Center developed a new imaging technique to study millions of cells in 3D tissue, revealing hundreds of features from each individual cell. The technique helps analyze molecular profiles and cell shape, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment for children's cancers.

SourcePrincess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 24, 2021

Mixed cultures for a greater yield

A study published in Nature Plants found that mixed cultures of crops can produce higher yields than monocultures due to the biodiversity effect. This approach involves sowing multiple species or varieties alongside each other, resulting in increased plant productivity and effective natural pest control without pesticides.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Plants·DateJun 24, 2021

How neurons get past 'no'

A new study reveals that inhibitory neurons increase signal transmission by targeting the weakest-responding neurons in the brain, enabling flexible information transfer. This discovery could help understand and treat disorders such as anxiety and attention deficit disorders.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 24, 2021

Structural biologists granted Wellcome Trust Investigator Awards

Researchers John Schwabe and Daniel Panne have been awarded £3.89 million to investigate gene regulation, with a focus on histone deacetylase complexes and DNA folding. The study aims to understand how genes are regulated and its potential in treating diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateJun 24, 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.

COVID-19 origins still a mystery

A recent study using computer modelling found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus binds more tightly to human cells than any other tested animal species, including bats and pangolins. The results suggest that the virus may have adapted to become an effective human pathogen through convergent evolution or genetic recombination.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 24, 2021

Common plant fiber gel doubled rate of tumor eradication

Researchers developed a new dietary fiber formulation that modulates the gut microbiome, improving potency of immunotherapies against cancer. The inulin gel doubled the rate of tumor eradication in rodents with colon carcinoma and melanoma, expanding beneficial microbes in the gastrointestinal tract.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 24, 2021

Smooth muscle overexpression of PGC1α attenuates atherosclerosis in rabbits

This study highlights PGC1α's role in maintaining vascular smooth muscle cells' contractile phenotype and reducing atherosclerotic plaque formation. Overexpression of PGC1α attenuates high cholesterol diet-induced atherosclerosis in rabbits, showing its therapeutic potential for cardiovascular diseases.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalCirculation Research·DateJun 24, 2021

Starting the day off with chocolate could have unexpected benefits

Researchers discovered that consuming concentrated chocolate in the morning can aid in burning fat and decreasing blood sugar levels. The study also found that eating chocolate at different times of day can influence hunger, appetite, microbiota composition, sleep, and metabolism.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 24, 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.

New findings unveil a missing piece of human prehistory

A joint research team led by Prof. FU Qiaomei has sequenced the ancient genomes of 31 individuals from southern East Asia, unveiling a missing piece of human prehistory. The study reveals three genetically distinct ancestries in southern East Asia and Southeast Asia: Fujian ancestry, Hòabìnhian ancestry, and Guangxi ancestry.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell·DateJun 24, 2021

Embryologists reveal a secret of a worm with regeneration super abilities

Biologists at St Petersburg University studied mechanisms of regeneration of marine animals and found that suppression of FGF protein activity disrupts the ability of Alitta virens to restore lost body segments. Similar proteins are found in humans, suggesting potential therapeutic approaches for regenerative medicine.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalGenes·DateJun 24, 2021

Mini-brains reveal cause of rare syndromes

A recent study reveals that different brain syndromes are caused by damage to the HUWE1 gene, leading to intellectual disabilities. The research, led by Professor Barbara van Loon, used mini-brains created from stem cells to demonstrate the common cause of these disorders.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateJun 24, 2021

Preventing the break-in of the toxoplasmosis parasite

Researchers have identified the structure and functions of RON13, a kinase essential for the invasive mechanism of Toxoplasma gondii in humans. The parasite's ability to infect cells is hindered without RON13, providing a potential target for new therapies.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·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.

Cosmic dawn occurred 250 to 350 million years after Big Bang

A new study suggests that cosmic dawn, when stars formed for the first time, occurred between 250 and 350 million years after the beginning of the universe. The study used data from the Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes to estimate the age of distant galaxies.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 24, 2021

New findings on body axis formation

Researchers at Heidelberg University discovered an enzyme that breaks down Wnt proteins, shaping body axis development in the freshwater polyp Hydra. This discovery may play a role in human diseases such as cancer.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalBMC Biology·DateJun 24, 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 low Omega-3 index is just as strong a predictor of early death as smoking

A new study found that a low Omega-3 Index is associated with increased risk of early death, comparable to the risk of smoking. The research used data from the Framingham Heart Study and suggested that biomarkers integrating lifestyle choices could help identify individuals at risk and inform treatment approaches.

SourceWright On Marketing & Communications·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 24, 2021

A 'tasty' protein may lead to new ways to treat metabolic and immune diseases

Researchers at Van Andel Institute have published high-resolution images of TRPM5, a taste-sensing molecule that may serve as targets for new medications to control blood sugar in diabetes. The findings also reveal potential applications for low-calorie alternative sweeteners that mimic sugar.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJun 24, 2021

Study highlights racial inequity in health care access, quality

A recent study found that states with higher levels of systemic racism have pronounced racial disparities in healthcare access and quality, benefiting white people more than Black people. The researchers also discovered that Black individuals who experienced provider racism reported lower quality of care.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 24, 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.

Spreading of infections = need for collaboration between biology and physics

The spread of infections requires collaboration between biology and physics to understand superspreaders, who account for 80% of transmission. Researchers develop computer models considering family context, work context, and random contexts, highlighting the importance of time in modeling disease behavior.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 2021

Decoding humans' survival from coronaviruses

An international team analysed genomes of over 2,500 humans from 26 populations to understand human adaptation to historical coronavirus outbreaks. They found signs of adaptation in 42 different human genes encoding viral interacting proteins (VIPs), which primarily active in the lungs and interact with coronaviruses.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 24, 2021

Coronavirus crisis and social citizenship in India

A new project funded by the German Research Foundation is analyzing the coronavirus crisis in India to understand its effects on social policy, regional variations, and local experiences of access to social entitlements. The project aims to capture the dynamism of social perceptions during this period.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·DateJun 24, 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.

Researchers solve a puzzle to design larger proteins

A team of researchers identified the design principles for creating large ideal proteins, paving the way for designing proteins with new biochemical functions. They found that while designed proteins are structurally ideal, they lack functional sites due to internal energetic frustration.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 24, 2021

Higher doses of neutralizing antibody could protect humans against HIV

Researchers argue that a broader application of neutralizing antibodies could be key to developing an effective HIV vaccine and treatment strategy. The study's findings suggest that higher serum titers of infused therapeutic antibody may provide broad protection against various HIV strains.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 24, 2021

Leopard gecko skin tumors traced to cancer gene

A genetic analysis of leopard geckos has identified a cancer gene linked to skin tumors, shedding light on the animals' unique coloration patterns. The study, published in PLOS Genetics, suggests that the geckos' bright colors may be caused by an error in the gene, leading to overproduction of white skin cells and reflective crystals.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalPLOS Genetics·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.

Scientists explain the behaviour of the optical emission of blazars

Researchers have found that the polarisation plane of visible light in blazars sometimes rotates, coinciding with repeated gamma ray bursts. The study also described the structure of the inner part of the jets, revealing a fast spine surrounded by a slower sheath with ring condensations.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 24, 2021

Ubiquitination primes cell for recovery from heat stress

Researchers have identified distinct ubiquitination patterns that underlie cell recovery following different environmental stressors. For heat stress, ubiquitination primes cells to dismantle stress granules and reinitiate normal cellular activities after stress has been removed.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 24, 2021

Early findings of Alzheimer's study in diverse populations now available to researchers

The research data provides insights into the biology of Alzheimer's disease among Mexican Americans, highlighting lower levels of beta amyloid protein and earlier onset of cognitive loss compared to non-Latino whites. This comprehensive study is a first-of-its-kind examination of health disparities and diagnostic opportunities for unde...

SourceUniversity of North Texas Health Science Center·DateJun 24, 2021

COVID-19 monoclonal antibody therapy can reduce hospitalizations, healthcare system stress

A study by USF Health and Tampa General Hospital found that early administration of monoclonal antibodies to high-risk patients can significantly reduce COVID-19-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations. The treatment reduced hospitalization rates by 40.5% compared to controls, with no deaths reported in the treated group.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateJun 24, 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.

A hidden driver of food insecurity and environmental crisis that we cannot ignore

A study finds that cropland redistribution to marginal lands undermines environmental sustainability, increasing wind erosion, irrigation water consumption, fertilizer use, and decreasing natural habitats. The study suggests restricting land reclamation and boosting crop yields for both food security and environmental benefits.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJun 24, 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.

Ultralight material withstands supersonic microparticle impacts

Researchers have developed an ultralight material made from nanometer-scale carbon struts that provide toughness and mechanical robustness. The material withstood microparticle impacts at supersonic speeds without tearing, outperforming other impact-resistant materials of comparable weight.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 24, 2021

Making citizen science inclusive will require more than rebranding

Researchers argue that boosting equity, diversity, and inclusion in citizen science demands more than just rebranding. They recommend 'centering in the margins' by focusing on underserved areas and overcoming economic barriers to participation. This approach seeks to create a more inclusive and responsive system of knowledge production.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·DateJun 24, 2021

A new type of Homo unknown to science

A new type of Homo has been identified in Israel, with features that challenge the prevailing hypothesis on Neanderthal origins. The discovery suggests that at least some Neanderthals' ancestors came from the Levant, and that two types of Homo groups lived side by side for over 100,000 years.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalScience·DateJun 24, 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.