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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 26


Page 26 of 510

Which personality traits can be improved without personal motivation? Research says 'it depends'

Research by Southern Methodist University professor Nathan Hudson found that conscientiousness can be improved through tasks, even if participants are not motivated. However, emotional stability requires active participation and investment to change. The study suggests that schools and companies can use interventions to improve employe...

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 7, 2021

Using genomics to match treatments improved outcomes for certain patients with metastatic breast cancer

The study used multigene sequencing to identify genomic alterations in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Patients with genomic alterations ranked as ESCAT I/II saw improved progression-free survival with targeted therapies matched to their genomic changes, while those without these alterations did not benefit from the treatment.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 7, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Early warning signals could help monitor disease outbreaks

Researchers developed a novel sequential analysis method to detect EWSs in daily COVID-19 case data across 24 countries, finding warnings were regularly detectable prior to exponential cases changes. The reliability of these signals depended on the time between successive waves and mathematical likelihood of critical transition.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBiology Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 7, 2021

New project to help scientists mitigate risks of environmental pollutants

A new project led by University of Illinois researchers will develop machine learning models to predict the reactivity of thousands of organic contaminants in engineered and natural environments. This will help scientists better model pollutant fate and transport, leading to more accurate contaminant risk assessments.

SourceUniversity of Illinois School of Information Sciences·DateDec 7, 2021

Efficient coding: How the brain optimizes allocation of resources

A study published in eLife found that rats exhibit efficient coding processes for visual stimuli, similar to those observed in humans. This suggests a universal principle in vision, where the brain adapts to its environment by specializing in the recognition of informative signals, thereby conserving computational resources and energy.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 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.

Which factors determine whether a person decides to get vaccinated?

A survey of 9 European countries and the US found significant differences in vaccine skepticism, with Russia having the lowest percentage at 62% and the UK the highest at 93.9%. Factors such as media use, mental health, and government communication played a role in shaping attitudes towards vaccination.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateDec 7, 2021

Novel chemical design makes hard crystals stretchy

Researchers have designed porous, carbon-based crystals that can stretch to more than twice their length, making them suitable for nanofiltration and pollutant removal. By adding 'soft joints' into the crystal's scaffold, they can be disrupted by specific chemicals, causing the crystal to expand and contract rapidly.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalChem·DateDec 7, 2021

Scientists discover triboionization in discontinuous atmospheric pressure inlet for miniature ion trap mass spectrometer

Researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics discovered triboionization in a discontinuous atmospheric pressure interface, enabling analytes to be detected without an extra ionization source. By adjusting the pinch valve frequency, signal intensity was improved by nearly 20 times.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 7, 2021

Smart transformable nanoparticles promise advances in tumor diagnoses, treatment

Researchers have developed smart transformable nanoparticles that can alter their size and shape in response to physiological conditions, improving particle circulation, biodistribution, and targeted therapy for cancer theranostics. These particles promise enhanced tumor diagnoses and treatment by adapting to the physiology of tumors.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 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.

In breast cancer, the best defense is a strong offense

Researchers discovered that pregnancy triggers the activation of Natural Killer T (NKT) cells to prevent breast cancer. After pregnancy, breast epithelial cells produce a specific protein called CD1d, which attracts NKT cells to monitor and eliminate potential cancer cells.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 7, 2021

Early COVID-19 can be mistaken as vaccine side-effects, warn researchers

Researchers analyzed data from 362,770 UK users to find that traditional machine learning models struggled to distinguish between COVID-19 symptoms and post-vaccination side effects. Unless tested, there was no way to tell if symptoms were due to early COVID-19 or vaccine side-effects.

SourceKing's College London·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateDec 7, 2021

SRC-2 is at the center of survival adaptations to food shortages

A recent study published in Cell Reports reveals that SRC-2 is essential for coordinating biological responses to food scarcity, including modifying metabolism and behaviors to ensure survival. Additionally, SRC-2 is also involved in weight gain when food is abundant, leading to obesity.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 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.

Better understanding impact of shame on HIV patients can help improve healthcare, study argues

A recent study published in lambda nordica suggests that recognizing the psychological, social, and physical effects of shame on HIV patients is crucial for enhancing their medical treatment. The research argues that healthcare workers should be more aware of how shame contributes to poor health outcomes, particularly in individuals wi...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·Journallambda nordica·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2021

Hybrid strategy captures a larger picture of wild mandrills

Researchers at Kyoto University used a hybrid strategy to study wild mandrill movement patterns, combining direct tracking with camera trap data. The findings show that mandrill groups change their travel speed during the day and exhibit flexible dietary and ranging behaviors influenced by seasonality.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 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.

Guidelines may promote over-diagnosis of cow’s milk allergy in infants

A University of Bristol-led study found that three-quarters of infants experience two or more symptoms associated with cow's milk allergy, yet the condition only affects one in 100. These symptoms are often common and normal in healthy infants, suggesting guidelines may unintentionally medicalize normal infant symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2021

Unique look at the self-destruction of a star is presented in 3D

Researchers have captured a 1,000-year-old supernova in 3D images, revealing unprecedented details about the elements ejected during a star's explosion. The study provides a three-dimensional map of these elements, shedding light on the conditions at the time of the explosion and the importance of asymmetries in supernovae.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 7, 2021

Gas bubbles in rock pores – a nursery for life on Early Earth

Researchers at LMU and MPI-CBG demonstrate that gas bubbles within heated rock pores can facilitate the growth and division of membraneless coacervate microdroplets, potentially driving the evolution of life on Early Earth. The study suggests that these conditions could have led to the emergence of protocells, which are precursors to m...

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 7, 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.

UTAComNav program selected to assist veteran and military spouse businesses

The UTAComNav Program will provide veteran and military spouse businesses with entrepreneurship education, small business technical assistance, loan preparation, and access to capital. Ashten Simmons, a military spouse, will lead the program, aiming to reach underserved veteran entrepreneur communities and provide tailored support.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateDec 7, 2021

How do phytohormones regulate nitrate transport in apple?

Research found that ABA inhibits nitrate transport from roots to shoots in apple by reducing the transcription of MdNRT1.5. The transcription factor MdABI5 mediates this process. Overexpression of MdABI5 inhibited ABA-mediated nitrate transport.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateDec 7, 2021

LSU Health New Orleans study finds dramatic drop in opioid rx after state legislation enacted

A LSU Health New Orleans study reports a nearly 70% decrease in morphine milligram equivalent (MME) per discharge opioid prescriptions for patients who underwent common lower extremity surgical procedures. The study also found a significant decline in new opioid prescriptions, from 50% in 2013 to 19.3% in 2018.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 7, 2021

Anthrax arms race helped Europeans evolve against disease

Humans developed natural genetic resistance to anthrax by having a diet of more ruminants and experiencing agricultural practices, leading to fewer anthrax receptors. European populations showed an even greater reduction in anthrax receptor expression compared to other human populations.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 7, 2021

Microfountain pen draws minute patterns for live cells, circuits

A flexible and easy-to-use micropen setup is capable of directly writing on surfaces to a microprecise level. The device allows for the printing of microarrays, lines, curves, and other structures in real-time using biomaterial or conductive ink.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 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.

Urbanization improves out-group trust

Research conducted in rural and urban Chinese villages found that residents of Jincheng gave more tokens to strangers than those from Liangang, suggesting increased trust in out-group members. Effective governance was also linked to higher levels of out-group trust, contradicting concerns about urbanization eroding community bonds.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Economic Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2021

Tourist selfies risk passing deadly viruses onto Critically Endangered orangutans

A team of researchers found that tourists in Indonesia's Gunung Leuser National Park were breaking rules to maintain a 10-meter distance from orangutans, exposing them to human diseases. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and compliance with safety guidelines among visitors.

SourceOxford Brookes University·JournalFolia Primatologica·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 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.

NSF grant supports study of cells’ early decisions

Researchers will investigate how cells collect and interpret signals to make differentiation decisions, using live cell imaging and mathematical frameworks. The goal is to reveal the mechanisms behind cells' earliest decisions and improve stem cell fate prediction.

SourceRice University·DateDec 7, 2021

Research reveals serious threat to dairy industry and human life from parasite

A collaborative research study found Cryptosporidium prevalence to be 20-25% across Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, posing a serious threat to dairy cattle and human life. The parasite is concerning due to its ability to become infectious in chlorine, increasing the risk of infection through traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalMicroorganisms·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2021

Impact of obesity and metabolic disorders on severity of COVID-19 and vaccine-breakthrough infections

A study found that obesity is associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospital admission or death. Additionally, accelerated immunosenescence may be a key mechanism explaining the relationship between obesity and T2DM in severe COVID-19. Vaccination effectiveness may also be impacted by metabolic disorders.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalNature Reviews Endocrinology·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 7, 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.

Face masks help jurors tell lies from truth

Researchers from University of Portsmouth and John Jay College of Criminal Justice found that face masks do not hamper a jury's decision making. Instead, they improve the ability to differentiate between truth and lies by reducing non-verbal behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 7, 2021

Digital pill system tracks HIV prevention pill adherence with 98 percent accuracy

A digital pill system has been found to be a feasible and accurate intervention for tracking HIV prevention pill adherence, with 98% accuracy. The system uses radiofrequency transmitters and wearable reader devices to track pill ingestion, providing a novel solution for individuals with low compliance.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes & Human Retrovirology·DateDec 7, 2021

Ferocious fungus

Scientists at the University of Utah studied the defense mechanism of Armillaria ostoyae, a parasitic fungus that infects and kills over 600 types of woody plants. They found that the fungus's outer layer has a strong protective role, containing calcium to protect itself from chemicals and insects.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2021

Development of a transparent and flexible ultra-thin memory device

Researchers created a transparent and flexible ultra-thin memory device using zero-dimensional quantum dots sandwiched between hexagonal boron nitride structures. The device retains above 80% transparency and memory function even when bent, making it a promising next-generation memory candidate.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalComposites Part B Engineering·DateDec 7, 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.

Racial trends in prescription opioid use reflect disparities, undertreatment

A new study by NYU School of Global Public Health found racial disparities in opioid prescribing, with Blacks and Hispanics less likely to be prescribed opioids in the late 1990s. By the mid 2000s, prescription opioid use among Blacks matched that of whites, despite the focus on white populations during the opioid crisis.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 7, 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.

A new drug target for kidney disease

A new study led by Prof. Motoko Yanagita found that the suppression of two molecules, CD153 and CD30, expressed on immune cells mitigates the progression of kidney disease in aged kidneys. This discovery identifies a promising therapeutic target for kidney treatment in the elderly.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2021

Severe COVID could reduce male fertility

A recent study suggests that severe COVID-19 may cause long-term damage to the testes, leading to reduced sperm count and quality. The virus's interaction with testicular cells and potential effects on fertility are being explored through an experimental framework.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Reviews Urology·DateDec 7, 2021

Miniature llama antibodies could help fight SARS-CoV-2 variants

Researchers have discovered miniature antibodies derived from llamas that can neutralize SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, including Delta and Omicron. The nanobodies' small size allows them to access hard-to-reach spots on the virus, making them a potential treatment against future variants.

SourceRockefeller University·JournaleLife·DateDec 7, 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.

Saving patients an unnecessary procedure

A new web-based application can predict which epilepsy patients will not benefit from stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG), a costly and invasive procedure. The '5-SENSE' score reliably identifies patients who will not have a focal seizure onset zone, allowing clinicians to avoid unnecessary procedures.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 6, 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.

Discovering new drugs with Darwin

Chemists at UNIGE have developed a new method to rapidly generate millions of molecule combinations using DNA-pairing processes, finding the best match for target proteins within two weeks. This technique uses evolutionary forces to amplify the best combinations and generates diversity.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

Seeing and hearing: how they interplay in the brain

A recent study published in iScience found that congenitally blind individuals and normal sighted people are equally good at discriminating between sounds. However, those who lost sight later in life had more difficulties with tasks requiring detailed auditory processing, suggesting an adaptation to the new condition.

SourceIMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

Turbo boost for materials research: Researchers train AI to predict new compounds

A new machine learning-based algorithm can predict stable material compounds much faster than traditional methods, opening up new avenues for research and discovery. The researchers identified several thousand potential new compounds using the computer, offering a promising breakthrough in materials science.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 6, 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.

Stress makes life’s clock tick faster. Chilling out slows it down

A new study found that chronic stress accelerates biological age, as measured by an 'epigenetic clock.' However, individuals with stronger emotion regulation and self-control were more resilient to the negative effects of stress on aging. This suggests that managing psychological health can help extend a healthy lifespan.

SourceYale University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateDec 6, 2021