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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 266


Page 266 of 510

For early amphibians, a new lifestyle meant a new spine

Early amphibians that adapted to terrestrial life had shorter, more curved intercentra, while aquatic species maintained morphologies similar to their ancestors' land-dwelling counterparts. The study's findings contradict earlier notions of what spinal morphologies enabled successful movement on land.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 9, 2021

Developing the novel joint technique for copper alloy

Researchers at National Institutes of Natural Sciences have developed an Advanced Multi-Step Brazing (AMSB) technique to jointly fabricate components made of oxide dispersion strengthened copper alloy. The new technique enables the creation of a heat removal component with excellent heat removal performance, surpassing existing records.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNuclear Fusion·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.

X-ray Scanner Spots Cancers and Analyzes Drugs in Minutes

Duke University engineers developed a prototype X-ray scanner that can reveal molecular composition of objects, revolutionizing cancer surgery, pathology, drug inspection, and geology. The technology can accurately diagnose cancerous tissues and analyze pharmaceuticals in real-time.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 9, 2021

Nintendo® wii may help improve balance in children with cerebral palsy

Research suggests that Nintendo Wii therapy can significantly improve balance in children with cerebral palsy, even when combined with conventional physical therapy. The analysis found medium to large effects of the therapy on functional balance and dynamic balance, respectively.

SourceWiley·JournalDevelopmental Medicine & Child Neurology·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.

Disparities in treatment persist for people with headache

Research shows that Native Americans and Alaska Natives have the highest prevalence of migraine and headache disorders, while Black men receive the least care. The article proposes solutions to address these disparities through clinical strategies, professional training, and research initiatives.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 9, 2021

Study examines COVID-19 among patients receiving home dialysis

A new study examines COVID-19 among patients receiving home dialysis, finding that these patients are equally vulnerable to infection as in-center dialysis patients. The study also highlights the devastating mortality rate among home dialysis patients, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and public health precautions.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·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.

Solving mystery of the four-headed echidna penis

Scientists from University of Melbourne and University of Queensland have explained echidna's reproductive enigma, detailing testes that never descend or scrotum. The short-beaked echidna has a remarkable penis with four heads, which are functional in alternating erections.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalSexual Development·DateJun 9, 2021

Meiosis: Mind the gap

Cells introduce hundreds of DNA DSBs to facilitate genetic recombination, but researchers found that approximately 20% of breaks correspond to closely positioned pairs of DSBs, which can initiate recombination at chromosome gaps

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature·DateJun 9, 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.

Study: Hope for critically endangered gorillas in eastern DRC

A new study led by WCS has updated the global population estimate for Critically Endangered Grauer's gorillas to 6,800 individuals from a previous estimate of 3,800. The findings provide hope for the conservation of this subspecies in eastern DRC.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateJun 9, 2021

New analysis examines survival of older patients who undergo heart transplantation

A new analysis found that post-heart transplant survival among older patients is on par with younger recipients. The study included 37,135 patients and showed a significant improvement in mortality rates after adjusting for other factors, suggesting that advanced age should not be a contraindication for heart transplantation.

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

Acoustical evolution increases battle between predator, prey

Researchers discover moths have evolved acoustic metamaterials on their wings to absorb ultrasound, outsmarting bats. This adaptation decreases echo return and enhances insect survival, with scales tuned to different frequencies forming a broadband absorption array.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·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.

Study examines care received by patients with knee osteoarthritis

A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that only a minority of patients with knee osteoarthritis used non-surgical care such as physical therapy and knee injections. The study suggests that surgery may be more commonly substituted for conservative care in regions with high rates of knee replacements.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateJun 9, 2021

Smokers needed angioplasty and stenting a decade before non-smokers

A new statewide study in Michigan found that smokers needed their blocked arteries fixed nearly a decade earlier than non-smokers, with patients with obesity undergoing procedures four years earlier than non-obese patients. The study suggests that preventing smoking and obesity could delay the onset of heart disease.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPLOS ONE·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.

'PrivacyMic': For a smart speaker that doesn't eavesdrop

Researchers have created a system called PrivacyMic that uses ultrasonic sound frequencies to identify household and office activities, with greater than 95% accuracy. This technology enables smart home systems to recognize services needed without recording audible speech.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateJun 9, 2021

Measuring sound diversity of quietness

Researchers develop Composite Urban Quietness Index to measure sound diversity of quietness, aiming to provide a new understanding of comfortable quiet. The study reveals that high-intensity sound and silent acoustic environments can cause stress, highlighting the need for quantifiable characteristics of quietness.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateJun 9, 2021

Lower and safer doses of laughing gas relieve treatment-resistant depression in phase 2 trial

A phase 2 trial found that a single one-hour treatment with nitrous oxide can relieve symptoms of treatment-resistant depression for several weeks. The study showed significant improvements in depression symptoms, with a four-fold lower risk of adverse effects at lower concentrations.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·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.

Breakthrough study shows defining traits are forged the moment we're born

A breakthrough study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry shows that individual brain networks develop within the first month of life, predicting unique infant temperament traits. Researchers found greater connectivity between frontal and parietal regions linked to improved behavioral regulation in infants.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateJun 9, 2021

How catalysts age

Scientists at the Paul Scherrer Institute have developed a new experimental method to investigate the ageing process of vanadium phosphorus oxides (VPO) catalysts. The method allows for precise measurement of chemical properties in three dimensions, revealing changes in the material's structure and chemistry over time.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 9, 2021

Study finds COVID-19 vaccines safe for IBD patients

Research found that COVID-19 vaccines are safe for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), who experience chronic digestive symptoms. Most side effects were mild and short-lived, with gastrointestinal issues being the most common. IBD patients on biologic therapies reported even fewer side effects due to the modulating effect o...

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·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.

Better-fitting face masks greatly improve COVID-19 protection

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that poorly fitting face masks can double the infection risk to wearers and others, while custom-fitted masks greatly reduce this risk. The study used CT scans to measure gaps between faces and masks, revealing substantial leaks around the nose that compromise mask effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 9, 2021

Over 500 new FRBs detected in single year due to CHIME telescope

The CHIME/FRB catalogue reveals significant differences between repeater and non-repeater FRBs, with repeaters emitting more focused radio frequencies and bursting repeatedly. The discovery provides clues about the properties of FRBs and potentially offers an independent measurement of matter distribution in the Universe.

SourceMcGill University·DateJun 9, 2021

UTA pioneers quantum physics training for high school teachers

UTA is launching a nationwide quantum education initiative for secondary teachers, capitalizing on familiar content areas in existing curricula. The three-year program will provide stipends, resources, and equipment for classrooms and student STEM camps.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateJun 9, 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.

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.

Immune responses after COVID-19 vaccination in kidney transplant and dialysis patients

A new study reveals that COVID-19 vaccination leads to strong T cell responses against the virus in all patients on dialysis, and nearly 58% of kidney transplant recipients. However, low antibody responses were observed in kidney transplant recipients, raising concerns about their protection from COVID-19.

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

Major study of diabetes trends shows Americans' blood sugar control is getting worse

A nationwide study found that blood sugar control among US adults with diabetes declined significantly between 2007-2010 and 2015-2018. The proportion of adults achieving glycemic control dropped from 57.4% to 50.5%, while blood pressure control decreased, but cholesterol control levels remained stable.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 9, 2021

Māori connections to Antarctica may go as far back as 7th century, new study shows

A new study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand suggests that indigenous Māori people may have set eyes on Antarctic waters and possibly the continent as early as the 7th century. The research uncovers a deep-rooted connection between Māori people and Antarctica, which continues to this day.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of New Zealand·DateJun 9, 2021

The impact of double-cropping

Double-cropping in Brazil's Centre-West region contributed significantly to the country's grain boom, increasing from 19% to 33% between 2003 and 2016. The practice allowed for increased corn production without expanding cropland, offsetting around 76.7 million hectares of arable land.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Food·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.

'Transportation is a form of freedom': How to make it more equitable

A new study by University of Michigan researchers highlights common barriers to improving equitable access to transportation, including data collection and information on needs. Practitioners cited need for better communication between disciplines and structures in place to advocate for equity-minded funding allocations.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateJun 9, 2021

Endangered blue whales recorded off southwest coast of India

A study by researchers at the University of Washington has confirmed the presence of endangered blue whales in Indian waters, specifically off the southwest coast of India. The findings suggest that these whales are likely resident to the northern Indian Ocean and visit Lakshadweep seasonally.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalMarine Mammal Science·DateJun 9, 2021

Socially engaged older women more likely to be emotionally abused or mistreated

A new analysis of national data found that socially engaged older women had a 76% higher odds of experiencing emotional abuse or mistreatment. Researchers suggest that social activities can connect people with valuable community support but also lead to unintended consequences.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·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.

Health benefits of low protein-high carbohydrate diets depend on carb type

A low-protein diet with mostly resistant starch produces the healthiest outcomes, while a 50:50 glucose-fructose mixture leads to obesity and poor metabolic health. This study builds on previous findings that low protein-high carbohydrate diets in mice result in long lifespan and cardiometabolic health.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJun 9, 2021

How the amphibians got their vertebrae

A study found that ancient amphibians' spine stiffness varied with habitat, with more aquatic species having more rigid backbones. The researchers collected measurements on over 40 species of temnospondyls, providing valuable information on early vertebrate adaptations to water-to-land transitions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 9, 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.

Using a mineral 'sponge' to catch uranium

Researchers successfully reduced uranium, vanadium, and molybdenum levels in groundwater by more than ten-thousandfold using a 'sponge-like' mineral called calcium apatite. The technology has been shown to be effective and long-lasting without negative side effects.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateJun 9, 2021

Birth weight is associated with osteoporosis risk later in life

Research from the UK Biobank and the Genetic Factors for Osteoporosis consortium found that heavier birth weight is associated with a higher risk of bone fracture and osteoporosis. The study suggests that genes affecting birth weight may also influence an individual's risk of developing osteoporosis as they age.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJun 9, 2021

More 'fairness' needed in conservation

Researchers found that local stakeholders consider fairness in distribution of money from marine protected areas according to who holds rights over the area, rather than equality or costs incurred. This challenges common assumptions in conservation literature and practice, emphasizing the importance of explicit identification of local ...

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalEnvironmental Science & Policy·DateJun 9, 2021

Predisposition to addiction may be genetic

A Rutgers study suggests that individuals with high sensation-seeking traits may be more susceptible to drug addiction due to a genetic predisposition. High-sensation-seeking rats showed stronger motivation for cocaine, making them more prone to developing addictive behavior.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNeuropharmacology·DateJun 9, 2021