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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 290


Page 290 of 510

Mental illness among US coal miners

Rates of depression and anxiety were found to be higher among US coal miners compared to the general population. The study also identified a significant risk of posttraumatic stress disorder among current and former coal miners in the United States.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 25, 2021

Physician-patient gender concordance may not matter in interventional practice

A study by Michigan Medicine found that female interventional cardiologists have comparable outcomes to their male counterparts in coronary angioplasties. Despite being significantly under-represented, they demonstrate excellent practitioner skills. The findings suggest benefits for female trainees considering the field.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateMay 25, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Synchrotron X-ray experiment reveals a small nudge with big consequences

Researchers used synchrotron X-ray techniques to study how gypsum dehydrates under pressure, revealing a small nudge that can have big consequences for geological processes. The findings suggest that increased tectonic stress can speed up dehydration and promote earthquakes.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalCommunications Materials·DateMay 25, 2021

Algorithm to compare cells across species

Researchers developed an algorithm to compare cell types in different species, revealing conserved genes and cell type families across evolutionary distances. The mapping method accounts for changes over millions of years, enabling biologists to trace the trajectory of cell types in organisms along the tree of life.

SourceStanford University·DateMay 25, 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.

Narcissism linked to aggression in review of 437 studies

A comprehensive analysis of 437 studies found narcissism is a significant risk factor for aggressive behavior worldwide. Higher levels of narcissism were linked to more aggression, including physical, verbal, and online cyberbullying.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateMay 25, 2021

HPV vaccine shows success in gay, bisexual men

A study by Monash University found a significant reduction in all four HPV genotypes in gay/bisexual men after implementing the school-based HPV vaccination program. The results suggest that male vaccination may lead to a potential reduction in anal cancer among gay and bisexual men in Australia.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMay 25, 2021

OIST and Beyond Next Ventures tie in a new innovation hub

The OIST-BNV Innovation Hub will provide financial investment and tailored business services to deep-tech startups, aiming to create high-tech industry and generate 10-20 new companies in the next few years. Startups can apply via an online portal from June 2021.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·DateMay 25, 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.

Conserving and monitoring genetic diversity will benefit nature and society

The loss of genetic diversity is a pressing crisis that can have devastating consequences for ecosystems and human societies. Monitoring genetic diversity using DNA analysis can help detect vulnerabilities, but technology must be made available globally and data must be accessible to inform conservation efforts.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalBioScience·DateMay 25, 2021

Harnessing next generation sequencing to detect SARS-CoV-2

Researchers developed a method called SARSeq that enables large groups to be tested for SARS-CoV-2 with the same sensitivity as regular PCR tests. The method processes up to 36,000 samples in less than 48 hours and is highly specific and scalable.

SourceIMBA- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 25, 2021

For men, low testosterone means high risk of severe COVID-19

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that low testosterone levels in men are linked to more severe disease. Men with low testosterone had a higher risk of requiring intensive care or dying from COVID-19, while those with higher testosterone levels were less likely to experience severe symptoms.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 25, 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.

Holograms increase solar energy yield

Researchers developed a holographic light collector that captures unused solar energy and increases the amount of solar energy converted by solar panels over the course of a year. The collector directs specific colors of sunlight to solar cells within the panel, resulting in an estimated five percent increase in annual yield.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateMay 25, 2021

Mothers' depression impacts mother-infant relationships

A study published in BJPsych Open found that women with depression during pregnancy or a history of depression had reduced quality of mother-infant interactions. Despite this, all mothers and their babies improved over time, indicating potential for future attunement.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBJPsych Open·DateMay 25, 2021

ED visits for appendicitis, miscarriage fell sharply in first wave of COVID-19 pandemic

Emergency department visits for common conditions like appendicitis and miscarriage dropped significantly during the first wave of COVID-19, but there was no increase in adverse patient outcomes. Researchers found that management strategies remained unchanged, suggesting that patients who required emergency care continued to seek help ...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 25, 2021

Wearable devices show that physical activity may lower atrial fibrillation and stroke risk

A study of nearly 100,000 individuals found that wearing accelerometers showed a significant association between moderate physical activity and reduced risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke. The researchers suggest that wearable devices could be used to promote public health by tracking and encouraging physical activity.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMay 25, 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.

Hurricane Matthew storm surge data wins NHERI DesignSafe Dataset Award 2021

Researchers at the University of North Carolina developed a data assimilation method to improve multi-day forecast accuracy of coastal water levels. The method yielded substantially smaller errors in water level estimates and is now used by NOAA's Extratropical Surge and Tide Operational Forecast System.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateMay 25, 2021

From harmless skin bacteria to dreaded pathogens

A new gene cluster in Staphylococcus epidermidis enables the bacteria to produce structures that allow them to attach to human cells and form a persistent infection. This discovery could lead to better treatments or vaccinations against methicillin-resistant S. aureus.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 25, 2021

'Rejuvenating' the Alzheimer's brain

Researchers from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience have discovered a small molecule that can be used to rejuvenate the brain and counteract memory loss in Alzheimer's disease. The molecule, microRNA-132, regulates adult hippocampal neurogenesis and is required for the neurogenic process in the adult hippocampus.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 25, 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.

The use of couple therapy to reduce pain during intercourse

A new study found that couple cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is more effective than lidocaine in reducing women's fear of pain and improving their sexual experience. The therapy helps break the vicious cycle of fear and avoidance, allowing couples to refocus on pleasurable experiences.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateMay 25, 2021

Conservation success leads to new challenges for endangered mountain gorillas

A recent study found that conservation efforts have led to an increase in mountain gorilla population densities, which may raise their risk of infectious diseases. The research also discovered striking geographic differences in parasite infections across the entire range of the mountain gorilla.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 25, 2021

Serendipitous discovery could lead to treatment for strokes, cardiac arrest

A study at Massachusetts General Hospital has identified an enzyme that protects the brain from oxygen deprivation, leading to new potential therapies for strokes and brain injuries caused by cardiac arrest. The discovery was made serendipitously while researchers investigated techniques for inducing suspended animation.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 25, 2021

Vitamin B6 deficiency enhances the noradrenergic system, leading to behavioral deficits

A study found that Vitamin B6 deficiency is associated with social deficits, cognitive impairment, and hyperactivated noradrenergic systems in mice. Supplementing the brain with Vitamin B6 improved these abnormalities, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for schizophrenia patients with Vitamin B6 deficiency.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMay 25, 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.

UBCO researchers examine how pandemics impact the homeless

A team of UBC Okanagan researchers investigated the impact of pandemics on homeless populations, revealing a mortality rate five to 10 times higher compared to the general population. The study identified six key themes that affect the homeless, including education and outreach, screening and contact tracing, and treatment adherence.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalHealth & Social Care in the Community·DateMay 25, 2021

Study shows how fungi and bacteria can activate genes associated with head and neck cancer

Researchers discovered that metabolites from fungi and bacteria biofilms can modulate gene expression associated with tumor growth and survival. The study found that these microorganisms can endanger homeostasis in normal and neoplastic oral epithelial cells, impairing cell viability and survival.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateMay 25, 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.

Soft X-ray method promises nanocarrier breakthroughs for smart medicine

Researchers have developed a new technique using chemically-sensitive soft X-rays to analyze the internal structure, chemistry and environmental behavior of organic nanocarriers. This non-disruptive method allows for detailed analysis of nanocarrier properties, including their size, water-content and response to changing environments.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 25, 2021

New international research provides tips for entrepreneurs to beat the grind

A new study suggests that engaging in recovery can help entrepreneurs reduce the negative impact of stress and improve well-being outcomes. The study proposes three recovery-intervention categories: Respite, Reappraisal, and Regimen, which recommend taking breaks, reframing thoughts on stress, and adding structure to recovery.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalEntrepreneurship Theory and Practice·DateMay 25, 2021

Machine learning platform identifies activated neurons in real-time

Researchers at Duke University have developed a machine learning platform that can identify activated neurons in videos faster and more accurately than current techniques. The technology enables researchers to watch an animal's brain activity in real-time as they behave, allowing for new insights into how the brain works.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateMay 25, 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.

Tuning the intermediate reaction barriers by a CuPd catalyst for CO2 electroreduction to C2 products

Researchers designed a Cu-Pd bimetallic electrocatalyst that lowers the energy barrier of C2 product generation, resulting in a 50.3% C2 Faradaic efficiency. The catalyst exploits the benefits of both Cu (low energy barrier) and Pd (ultrafast kinetics), addressing CO2 conversion limitations.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateMay 25, 2021

Whale carcasses help answer mysteries of elusive species

Researchers analyzed stable isotope analysis of skin, muscle, and bone tissue to study Sowerby's beaked whale spatial ecology. The results show that the species exhibits both short- and long-term habitat fidelity, with at least two subpopulations in the eastern and western Atlantic.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·DateMay 25, 2021

New study shines light on hazards of Earth's largest volcano

Researchers found that a large earthquake could set off the eruption of Hawaii's Mauna Loa volcano by relieving stress from magma influx, generating additional pressure and buoyancy. The study also identified movements along near-horizontal faults under the flanks as essential features of long-term volcano growth.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 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.

Stanford bioengineer aims to turn nature's virus fighters into powerful drugs

A Stanford bioengineer has developed peptide-like molecules called peptoids that can retain therapeutic properties against viruses, offering a new approach to treating infectious diseases. The peptoids work by disrupting the virus's outer membrane, making them promising antiviral agents.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalPharmaceuticals·DateMay 24, 2021

Experimental broadcast of whitewater river noise drives bats and birds away

Birds and bats avoid habitat swamped with loud whitewater river noise, with overlap between background noise and song frequency predicting bird declines. The study found that increased noise levels lead to decreased bird foraging efficiency and a shift in bat hunting behavior.

SourceCalifornia Polytechnic State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 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.

Regular physical activity linked to better organized preteen brains

A Boston Children's Hospital study using neuroimaging data from nearly 6,000 early adolescents found that regular physical activity was associated with more efficiently organized, flexible, and robust brain networks. Physical activity also partially offset the effects of unhealthy body mass index (BMI) on brain circuitry.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateMay 24, 2021

Helping adults navigate the decision to move back in with parents

A recent study provides valuable insights into how adults can navigate the often awkward experience of moving back in with their parents. Key findings include framing the decision as an investment in the future, clearly defined expectations, contributing to the household, laying out intended timelines, and embodying adult behavior.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEmerging Adulthood·DateMay 24, 2021

Autonomous cortisol secretion associated with 2- to 3-fold increase in mortality risk

A retrospective cohort study found that autonomous cortisol secretion is associated with a 2- to 3-fold increased risk of death and cardiovascular disease in patients with adrenal incidentalomas. Researchers recommend treating known cardiovascular risk factors and incorporating findings into treatment decisions, including surgery.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 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.

Dual impacts of extreme heat, ozone disproportionately hurt poorer areas

A study by UC San Diego scientists reveals that extreme heat and elevated ozone levels have a disproportionate impact on low-income ZIP codes in California. Areas with higher unemployment rates and car traffic are more affected, with increased hospitalizations for respiratory issues.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2021

Sterilizing skeeters

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have created sterile male mosquitoes using CRISPER/Cas9, a technique that could suppress Aedes aegypti populations. The study found that the mutant males produced no sperm but still suppressed female fertility, making them effective in controlling mosquito populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2021

Keeping it rolling

Scientists at Osaka University employ machine learning algorithms to assess the remaining useful life of mechanical rolling bearings, which may lead to industrial cost savings and fewer discarded parts. The new method improves prediction accuracy by about 32%.

SourceOsaka University·JournalIEEE Access·DateMay 24, 2021

Researchers identify facilitators for rehabilitation care for people with spatial neglect

A recent qualitative study identified facilitators for rehabilitation care of individuals with spatial neglect, including the importance of family support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous treatment. Experts also highlighted the need for therapists to engage patients and their families in therapy to improve outcomes.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation·DateMay 24, 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.

Game on: Game-based program boosts physical activity among diabetes patients

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that a game-based program increased physical activity levels among diabetes patients by an average of 503 steps per day. The program used wearable devices and digital scales with personalized goals to encourage competition, collaboration, or support from family members.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 24, 2021