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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 267


Page 267 of 510

Common mechanism found for diverse brain disorders: Study

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center identified a common mechanism underlying a spectrum of brain disorders caused by variations in the SLC6A1 gene. Boosting transporter function via genetic or pharmacological means may be beneficial in treating these disorders.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalBrain·DateJun 9, 2021

Low doses of "laughing gas" could be fast, effective treatment for severe depression

A new study found that a one-hour inhalation session with 25% nitrous oxide gas improved depression symptoms for over two weeks, with fewer adverse side effects compared to higher concentrations. The effects were nearly as effective as 50% nitrous oxide at rapidly relieving symptoms of treatment-resistant depression.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 9, 2021

Artificial light harming clownfish

A recent study by the University of Melbourne revealed that young clownfish living closest to shore are dying faster due to exposure to artificial lighting. The research team found that nearshore juvenile clownfish grew 44% more slowly under artificial light than those in natural conditions.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·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.

Targeted therapy pralsetinib safely effectively treats lung and thyroid cancers with RET alterations

Researchers found that pralsetinib achieved an overall response rate of 70% and complete response rate of 11% in patients with no prior systemic treatment for advanced RET fusion-positive NSCLC. In the thyroid arm, the ORR was 71% in patients with treatment-naïve RET-mutant medullary thyroid cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJun 9, 2021

Speech droplets drive transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Researchers found that intermediate-sized respiratory droplets emitted while speaking can carry significant amounts of virus and remain suspended in air for minutes. These 'speech droplets' pose a considerable risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, particularly in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateJun 9, 2021

Food for thought: Eating soft foods may alter the brain's control of chewing

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that a diet of soft or regular food affects muscle control and electrical activity of the jaw when stimulated, influencing the regulation of chewing. This study suggests that increasing chewing difficulty may alter brain control, with potential benefits for monitoring and improvi...

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalScientific Reports·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.

Not just a phase for RNAS

Researchers uncover how an RNA named NORAD drives a protein to form liquid droplets that tightly regulate its activity. This phenomenon, known as phase separation, protects against disease by preventing chromosomal abnormalities and promoting cellular homeostasis.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJun 9, 2021

Localized the gene for blue plum skin

Researchers from CRAG and IRTA identify the MYB10 genes responsible for anthocyanin production in Japanese plums, leading to a highly efficient tool for early selection of colored fruits. This breakthrough has significant implications for breeding programs, reducing time and resources needed to develop new varieties with desirable traits.

SourceCentre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG)·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·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.

Brain alterations detected in obese children

Research reveals brain changes in obese children, similar to those seen in OCD and Prader-Willi syndrome, causing obsession with food and anxiety. The study suggests a multidisciplinary approach is needed for treatment.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJun 9, 2021

Origin of fairy circles: Euphorbia hypothesis disproved

Scientists from the University of Göttingen and the Gobabeb Namib Research Institute investigated the long-term results of an experiment from 1979. They found that poisonous substances from Euphorbia damarana leaves did not induce fairy circles, contradicting Theron's original hypothesis.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalBMC Ecology and Evolution·DateJun 9, 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.

SNAPSHOT USA: First-ever nationwide mammal survey published

The first-ever nationwide mammal survey in the US has been published, utilizing 1,509 motion-activated camera traps from 110 sites across all 50 states. The data reveals that urban areas tend to have higher overall mammal detections, with three top sites being urban locations.

SourceNorth Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences·JournalEcology·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.

Researchers link ancient wooden structure to water ritual

Researchers at Cornell University used dendrochronology and radiocarbon dating to determine the Noceto Vasca Votiva's construction dates, confirming a supernatural water ritual. The structure, built around 1444 B.C., shares similarities with other monumental builds during major societal changes.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 9, 2021

New defense against superbugs

Researchers at Flinders University have discovered that fish oil fatty acids can render bacteria more susceptible to antibiotics. This discovery is vital in combating the rise of superbugs with unprecedented levels of antibiotic resistance.

SourceFlinders University·JournalmBio·DateJun 9, 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.

Study reveals changes in cigarette smoking during the COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers found that the fear of catching COVID-19 led many smokers to cut down or quit, while stress caused others to increase their smoking. The study analyzed survey responses from 694 current and former daily smokers, revealing a complex relationship between perceived risk and smoking behavior.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 8, 2021

Drinking alcohol is linked to reduced chances of pregnancy

A study published in Human Reproduction found that women who drink alcohol are less likely to conceive, with heavy drinking associated with a 61% reduced odds of becoming pregnant. Moderate drinking during the luteal phase also linked to lower conception rates, highlighting the importance of avoiding alcohol for those trying to conceive.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJun 8, 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.

Tracking RNA through space and time

Researchers developed a technique to spatially track RNA molecules within cells, revealing ten times more genes with localized RNA than previously known. These genes are hard-wired into the fertilized egg cell, dictating cell differentiation and potentially influencing diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2021

Projected acidification of the Great Barrier Reef could be offset by ten years

New research suggests that artificial ocean alkalinization can offset ten years of projected acidification in the Great Barrier Reef. The study used a high-resolution model to simulate the impact of alkalinity injection on the reef's acidity, finding that it could sequester 35,000 tons of carbon per year and alleviate the effects of oc...

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 8, 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.

Drone improves odor management in water treatment plants

A new system using a drone with an electronic nose detects odor concentration in WWTPs, providing maps for targeted control actions. The technology represents a significant advance in odor management, surpassing previous methods that only tested single-odor chemical sources in controlled scenarios.

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalRemote Sensing·DateJun 8, 2021

Senolytics reduce COVID-19 symptoms in preclinical studies

Researchers discovered that senolytic drugs significantly reduced inflammation, illness, and mortality from COVID infection in older mice. Treating infected mice with senolytics before or after infection led to a decrease in senescent cells, inflammation, and mortality, resulting in improved survival rates similar to younger mice.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalScience·DateJun 8, 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.

Study identifies major barriers to financing a sustainable ocean economy

A new report identifies four major barriers to financing a sustainable ocean economy, including weak enabling environment and insufficient public-private investment. Governments, financial institutions, and other players can make financial gains with sustainable ocean investments.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2021

Transformation toughening of ceramics made crystal clear

Zirconia ceramics exhibit improved toughness due to phase changes, but real-time observation of these changes is challenging. Researchers employ time-resolved X-ray diffraction to visualize transformation toughening during dynamic fracture.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 8, 2021

Patient characteristics, subsequent health care use of SARS-CoV-2 testing initiation in safety-net health system

Researchers identified disparities in SARS-CoV-2 testing initiation by sociodemographic characteristics, including race and language, within a safety-net health system. Black, Native American, and non-English-speaking patients were more likely to receive testing through emergency departments rather than telehealth visits compared to wh...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 8, 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.

Voice acting unlocks speech production, therapy knowledge

Research by Colette Feehan suggests that voice actors' unique vocalizations can help speech pathologists better understand the muscles involved in creating words and sounds. This knowledge could lead to alternative pronunciations for individuals with speech difficulties, such as those with lost muscle tone due to a stroke or cancer.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateJun 8, 2021

Consumers spent less on candy and desserts when shopping online

A new study found that online shoppers spent more per transaction and purchased more items than in-store shoppers, but reduced spending on certain unhealthy foods like candy and desserts. Researchers suggest this may be due to online marketing strategies being less effective for impulse-sensitive purchases.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJun 8, 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.

Outstanding education scholarship

Roberta Golinkoff, a renowned University of Delaware professor, has been elected to the National Academy of Education for her groundbreaking contributions to language development and playful learning. Her research focuses on how children learn and grow, with a particular emphasis on the importance of play in early childhood education.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateJun 8, 2021

Noisy homes during pandemic drive future design choices

A survey found that residents in noisy environments were more satisfied with their housing after pandemic restrictions began. Stress and anxiety increased with noise annoyance levels during the pandemic. Future designs may prioritize indoor noise considerations.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateJun 8, 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.

New population of blue whales discovered with help of bomb detectors

A team of researchers from the University of New South Wales has discovered a new population of pygmy blue whales in the Indian Ocean, using data from underwater bomb detectors. The finding, published recently, confirms the existence of this smallest subspecies of blue whales, which can reach up to 24 meters long.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 8, 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.