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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 265


Page 265 of 510

Heart transplants: Age is no barrier to successful surgery

A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that heart transplant surgery has a similar mortality rate for adults aged 18-69 and 70+, with only minor differences in stroke risk and donor hearts. Advanced age alone should not prevent people from being considered as candidates for heart transplants.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 9, 2021

Brain connections mean some people lack visual imagery

Research reveals people with hyperphantasia have a stronger connection between the visual network and the prefrontal cortices, linked to decision-making and attention. This contrasts with aphantasics, who have lower ability to recognize faces and perform autobiographical memory tasks

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCerebral Cortex Communications·DateJun 9, 2021

GEM simplifies the internal structure of protons and their collisions

The new Gluon Exchange Model (GEM) describes protons as complex systems with virtual quark-antiquark pairs, challenging the concept of stable diquarks. GEM predicts the disintegration of diquarks in certain collisions, offering a new perspective on proton interactions.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysics Letters B·DateJun 9, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A new bacteria, made in Belgium (and UCLouvain)

Researchers discovered a new bacterium, Dysosmobacter welbionis, present in 70% of the population, which produces butyrate and has anti-inflammatory effects. The bacteria was found to increase mitochondrial activity, lowering sugar levels and weight in mice, suggesting potential for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalGut·DateJun 9, 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.

Panama expands the limits of the Coiba protected area

Panama has expanded its Coiba protected area, covering 98,228.25 square kilometers, to achieve the 30x30 Initiative's goal of protecting 30% of the world's marine surface nine years early. The expansion protects unique underwater mountain ranges and migratory marine species.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·DateJun 9, 2021

Researchers realize unconventional coherent control of solid-state spin qubits

Researchers have developed an unconventional method for controlling solid-state spin qubits using anti-Strokes (AS) excitation, which reduces the energy requirement compared to conventional Strokes excitation. This breakthrough enables improved quantum information processing and high-sensitivity quantum sensing capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 2021

New treatment demonstrated for people with vaccine clots

Scientists at McMaster University have developed a new treatment approach for people suffering from VITT, combining anti-clotting drugs with high doses of intravenous immunoglobulin. The treatment's effectiveness was shown in three Canadian patients who received the AstraZeneca vaccine and developed VITT.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 9, 2021

Language extinction triggers loss of unique medicinal knowledge

Researchers found that 75% of medicinal plant services are linguistically-unique and known to one language, highlighting the critical role of indigenous languages in preserving medicinal knowledge. The study suggests that language loss will be even more critical to medicinal knowledge extinction than biodiversity loss.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 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.

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.

Breast cancer risk in African-Americans tied to genetic variations

Researchers found two gene variants associated with an increased risk of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) in African American women. The ANKLE1 gene variant is protective against TNBC, but a version found in African Americans may be oncogenic. A mutation in the Duffy gene also increases TNBC risk in African American women.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 9, 2021

Soil microbes metabolize the same polyphenols found in chocolate, wine

Researchers at Colorado State University discovered that soil microbes can metabolize polyphenols, a breakthrough that could change how we view carbon cycling. The study showed that polyphenols are not just inaccessible to soil microbes, but are actually food sources for them in oxygen-free conditions.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 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.

Machine learning speeds up simulations in material science

Researchers from KIT and universities in Göttingen and Toronto develop machine learning methods to simulate material behavior, achieving high accuracy and speed. Hybrid methods combining machine learning and molecular mechanics are also suggested to accelerate simulations of large biomolecules.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 9, 2021

Emergency care for heart attacks and strokes rebounds

A Kaiser Permanente study found that hospitalization rates for heart attacks remained stable during subsequent COVID-19 surges, contrary to initial declines during the pandemic's onset. The research suggests effective public health campaigns encouraged people to seek care, resulting in a rebound of hospitalizations.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA·DateJun 9, 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.

Impact of Pandemic on Chile's Pension System Threatens Viability, Highlights Vulnerability to Political Risk

The COVID-19 pandemic has threatened Chile's defined contribution pension system, undermining its financial foundation and exposing it to political risk. The government's response to the crisis, including emergency withdrawals from pension fund savings accounts, has set a dangerous precedent for using retirement funds for basic needs.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalInternational Social Security Review·DateJun 9, 2021

Assessing feasibility concerns in climate mitigation scenarios

Researchers develop a framework to identify and evaluate feasibility concerns in climate mitigation scenarios, highlighting institutional constraints and socio-cultural limitations. The study applies the framework to IPCC scenarios, revealing that many assume fast decarbonization rates in regions with low mitigation capacity.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 9, 2021

Study of hyperhomocysteinemia in rats elucidates tracks to treating migraine

Research reveals a strong link between hyperhomocysteinemia and migraine with aura in rats, showing elevated HCY levels increase susceptibility to cortical spreading depression. The study suggests timely correction of high homocysteine levels may be beneficial for treating migraine-related symptoms.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalBehavioural Brain Research·DateJun 9, 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.

How to beat the heat: Memory mechanism allows plants to adapt to heat stress

Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology discovered that plants can gain heat tolerance through an epigenetic memory mechanism involving JUMONJI proteins. This mechanism allows plants to adapt to future heat stress by 'remembering' how to deal with heat shock genes.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 2021

Curtin study finds aspirin takes the headache out of restoration

A Curtin study reveals that aspirin, a naturally occurring compound found in willow trees, can improve the survival of grass species important for ecological restoration and sustainable pasture. Low concentrations of salicylic acid applied to seeds can boost plant growth and resistance to stress.

SourceCurtin University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 9, 2021

Identifying the main culprit of the COVID-19 disaster

Research finds periodic oscillations in COVID-19 cases attributed to seasonal modulations and reporting bias. Mass gatherings are identified as the main cause of the COVID-19 disaster, while non-pharmacological interventions remain essential for controlling the epidemic.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJun 9, 2021

New study underscores the role of race and poverty in COVID-19

A new analysis by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that COVID-19 disproportionately affected people of color, low-income populations, and those with certain socioeconomic characteristics. The study, based on data from 394,536 patients, highlights the role of structural factors in the pandemic's spread.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 9, 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.

Liquid water on exomoons of free-floating planets

Researchers have calculated that exomoons orbiting free-floating planets could harbor sufficient water to make life possible and sustain it. The study found that the presence of cosmic radiation and tidal forces could keep water in a liquid state, making these systems promising for the detection of life beyond Earth.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalInternational Journal of Astrobiology·DateJun 9, 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.

Key to Cleaner Combustion? Look to the Stars

Researchers at Berkeley Lab, University of Hawaii, and Florida International University found a new way for free radicals to react, leading to the formation of benzene rings. This discovery could help create more efficient gas engines and reduce air pollution.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 9, 2021

An atomic look at lithium-rich batteries

A team of scientists has observed direct atomic evidence of the anionic redox mechanism in lithium-rich cathodes, which could lead to breakthroughs in battery technology. The discovery provides conclusive evidence for this mechanism, nearly doubling the energy storage capacity compared to conventional cathodes.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalNature·DateJun 9, 2021

Creating a needle-free COVID-19 vaccine

Intranasal COVID-19 vaccines aim to provide both mucosal and systemic immunity, potentially offsetting global vaccination disparities. Despite challenges in studying the mucosal immune system, scientists are working to develop nasal doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 9, 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.

Researchers take quantum encryption out of the lab

A field trial demonstrates a stable and efficient quantum key distribution (QKD) system that can generate quantum-secure cryptographic keys at sustained rates over a standard telecommunications infrastructure. The system, developed by researchers in Italy, is designed to be easy-to-operate and integrate into existing optical networks.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateJun 9, 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.

Rice fish model of a rare metabolic disorder

Scientists have developed a Japanese rice fish model to study congenital disorders of glycosylation, including ALG2-CDG. The model replicates symptoms such as neuronal problems and retinitis pigmentosa, and demonstrates that supplying fully-functional Alg2 can prevent defects.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·DateJun 9, 2021

Corals' natural 'sunscreen' may help them weather climate change

Researchers studied blue rice corals, which produce a natural sunscreen pigment that may help them recover from bleaching and thrive in warmer oceans. This discovery sheds light on how some coral species can better withstand climate change and ocean warming.

SourceSmithsonian National Zoological Park·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 9, 2021

A new approach will help save X-ray studies from failing results

Scientists developed a method to predict and eliminate X-ray glitches in single-crystal optics, increasing the efficiency of refractive optics. The approach is based on accurate simulation and prediction of glitches, allowing researchers to tune their work at modern X-ray sources.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalCrystals·DateJun 9, 2021

Improving heart health may reduce the severity of COVID-19 disease

A study published in European Heart Journal found that patients with cardiovascular risk factors are more likely to experience severe outcomes from COVID-19. The research highlights the potential benefits of promoting heart health as a strategy to improve COVID-19 outcomes.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Quality of Care and Clinical Outcomes·DateJun 9, 2021

As novel sights become familiar, different brain rhythms, neurons take over

A new study by researchers at MIT's Picower Institute advances understanding of how a mammalian brain enables visual recognition memory. As novel patterns become familiar, the transition is marked by stark changes in the visual cortex, including a shift from gamma rhythms to lower frequency beta rhythms.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalJNeurosci·DateJun 9, 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.

Warmer temperatures lessen COVID-19 spread, but control measures still needed

New research from Imperial College London found that warmer temperatures and higher population density contribute to SARS-CoV-2 transmission. However, policy interventions such as lockdowns and social distancing remain the most important drivers of disease spread, even in seasonal variations.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2021

Climate models can predict decadal rainfall variations on Tibetan plateau

Researchers have found that summer rainfall on the Tibetan Plateau is highly predictable on multiyear timescales using large ensemble predictions. The study reveals a substantial underestimation of the predictable signal in state-of-the-art decadal prediction models.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 9, 2021

New research a 'step change' for diabetes patients

Researchers at Staffordshire University have developed a novel, low-cost method to detect foot ulcer risk without electronic sensors. This new technique uses 3D-printed structures to identify areas with high pressure, enabling clinicians to prescribe custom footwear or insoles.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 9, 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.

Australian researchers create quantum microscope that can see the impossible

University of Queensland researchers have created a quantum microscope that can see biological structures impossible to detect with traditional light-based microscopes. The device uses quantum entanglement to provide 35% improved clarity without destroying cells, enabling minute biological structure observation.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature·DateJun 9, 2021

Cholesterol metabolite induces production of cancer-promoting vesicles

Researchers discovered that a byproduct of cholesterol metabolism, 27-hydroxycholesterol, induces the production of extracellular vesicles that promote breast tumor growth and metastasis. The study found that these vesicles carry signaling molecules that spur estrogen-responsive cancer cells to proliferate and grow.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEndocrinology·DateJun 9, 2021

Machines can help wine grape industry survive labor shortage

A new review by UC Davis researchers provides guidelines for growers to utilize machines in pruning, canopy management, and harvesting. Machines can save up to 80% of labor costs per acre and improve grape quality, particularly when used for mechanical canopy management.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateJun 9, 2021

A link between childhood stress and early molars

University of Pennsylvania researchers discovered a correlation between childhood stress and earlier molar eruption, with lower-income children experiencing an earlier onset. The study used a novel rating system to measure tooth development, showing that adverse childhood experiences also predict earlier molar eruption.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 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.

Ceramics provide insights into medieval Islamic cuisine

A study of organic residues on ceramic pottery from rural and urban Sicily during the 9th to 12th century AD reveals a diverse range of vegetables, fruits, beeswax, and animal food products. The findings are consistent with Arabic literature's colorful dishes and highlight regional differences in cuisine preferences and ceramics use.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 9, 2021