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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 291


Page 291 of 510

Fat around the heart linked to increased risk of heart failure

Researchers found that excess pericardial fat increases the risk of heart failure, even after adjusting for established risk factors. High pericardial fat volume was associated with a double increase in risk for women and a 50% increase for men, according to the study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 24, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Games, computing, and the mind: How search algorithms reflect game playing

Scientists at JAIST explored the connection between game-playing search tree algorithms and human decision-making, proposing two indicators - PPN and SCN - to analyze potential future states. These findings have applications in AI, optimization problems, and entertainment analysis.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Access·DateMay 24, 2021

Using waste heat to power an environmentally sustainable future

Dr Martin White's research proposes a two-phase expansion system that can generate up to 28% more power than conventional single-phase systems. The study aims to enhance the performance of Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems for waste heat recovery, reducing environmental footprint in industries such as iron and steel, food, and drink.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalApplied Thermal Engineering·DateMay 24, 2021

New fishing tech may pose risks to fisheries, says study co-authored by UMass researcher

A new study co-authored by UMass researcher Andy Danylchuk warns that advances in recreational fishing technology can have significant impacts on fish ecosystems. The study emphasizes the need for resource management agencies to share their experiences and for scientists to intensively study the effects of technological innovations.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalReviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries·DateMay 24, 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.

Endangered wallaby population bounces back after ferals fenced out

Researchers successfully implemented a headstarting method to protect juvenile bridled nailtail wallabies from feral cats, resulting in an 89% survival rate. The technique involves fencing off areas to raise young animals until they are large enough to be released back into the wild, demonstrating its effectiveness as a cost-effective ...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 24, 2021

'Champagne' technology to capture carbon dioxide via the oceans

The SeaCURE method utilizes natural processes and renewable energy to remove CO2 from seawater, allowing the ocean to absorb more CO2. The process involves making seawater temporarily acidic to 'bubble out' CO2, then delivering a concentrated stream for utilisation and storage.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateMay 24, 2021

The brain learns faces fastest in person

A new study found that the brain's neural representation of a familiar face strengthens faster when viewing someone in person. The type of exposure affected how much the signal changed, with in-person interactions strengthening it the most.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateMay 24, 2021

Dental crowding: Ancient baleen whales had a mouthful

A new study on the 25 million-year-old fossil skull of Aetiocetus weltoni reveals that it had both teeth and baleen in adulthood. The discovery provides evidence of a major shift in feeding behavior from raptorial carnivory to filter-feeding, and sheds light on the evolution of modern baleen whales.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateMay 24, 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.

Implantable piezoelectric polymer improves controlled release of drugs

Researchers at UC Riverside developed an implantable drug delivery system using piezoelectric nanofibers that can release therapeutic molecules on demand. The system offers robust control over release rate and precision in administering drug molecules, making it suitable for treating chronic diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·DateMay 24, 2021

Oncotarget: Urine protein biomarkers of bladder cancer

Researchers found that urine protein biomarkers IL-1α, IL-1ra, and IL-8 can distinguish bladder cancer from controls with high accuracy. These markers also show promise in discriminating between different stages of the disease.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateMay 24, 2021

Weight-loss maintainers sit less than weight-stable people with obesity

A recent study found that successful weight losers sit significantly less during the week and weekends compared to those who are weight stable. Weight loss maintainers expended more calories per week in physical activity, suggesting that moving more may be key to long-term weight maintenance.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateMay 24, 2021

Telomere length, a longevity measure, may be determined early in life

A new study reveals that telomeres shorten rapidly during early childhood, setting the stage for lifelong health outcomes. Researchers found that a mother's telomere length is predictive of her child's telomere length through pre-adolescence.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateMay 24, 2021

How school board meetings could attract more diverse audiences and boost public trust

A study by Brown University found that school boards can increase civic engagement and public trust by incorporating two-way conversations with citizens. This approach, particularly among people of color and low-income households, can lead to increased attendance at meetings and a more inclusive representation of constituents.

SourceBrown University·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateMay 24, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

To unpack colonial influence on ecology, researchers propose five strategies

The researchers proposed five strategies to address colonial legacies in ecology: decolonizing the mind, understanding history, increasing access to information, recognizing diverse expertise, and establishing inclusive teams. These strategies aim to challenge biases and promote a more ethical approach to ecological research.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 24, 2021

Health impacts of heat and ozone across zip codes

A study analyzing California data from 2004-2013 reveals that heat events and ozone have substantial spatial variation in their impact on respiratory hospitalizations, with stronger joint effects in lower-income areas. The results suggest establishing local temperature and ozone thresholds to protect population health.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2021

Diabetes vaccine gives promising results in a genetic subgroup

A clinical study found that injecting a protein GAD into lymph nodes can be effective in preserving insulin production in individuals with the HLA-DR3-DQ2 variant. This subgroup accounts for around half of patients with type 1 diabetes, who may benefit from a potential new treatment to slow or stop the immune system's attack.

SourceLinköping University·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMay 24, 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.

Impact of school nutrition policies in California varies by children's ethnicity

A new study found that California school nutrition policies had varying impacts on childhood obesity among children of different ethnicities. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was higher among PI, FI, and AIAN children compared to White students. After implementing the policies, the overweight/obesity rates decreased for almost all ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 24, 2021

Rubisco proton production can enhance CO2 acquisition

Researchers have found that Rubisco proton production can enhance CO2 acquisition, allowing plants to fix more carbon dioxide and produce more sugar. This discovery could lead to improved crop yields and increased food security.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2021

Origin of domesticated watermelons

Genetic resequencing reveals Sudanese Kordofan melon as closest relative to domesticated watermelon, potentially a precursor. Pulp bitterness and sweetness likely altered over time through artificial selection.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2021

Surge in nitrogen has turned sargassum into the world's largest harmful algal bloom

A study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that increased nitrogen availability is transforming Sargassum into a toxic 'dead zone' with catastrophic impacts on coastal ecosystems and human health. The research, published in Nature Communications, suggests that global nutrient pollution is driving harmful algal blooms.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 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.

How "paralyzed" immune cells can be reactivated against brain tumors

Scientists discover a way to reactivate paralyzed immune cells against IDH-mutant gliomas, leading to improved vaccine effectiveness. The researchers identified the molecular mechanism behind the 'immune paralysis' caused by cancer-promoting metabolic products and found a substance that deactivates a key immune system regulatory molecule.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature Cancer·DateMay 24, 2021

New insight into when CAR T is effective against childhood leukaemia

Researchers discovered a sub-set of CAR T-cells called 'stem cell memory T-cells' that play a key role in destroying cancer and maintaining immune surveillance. These cells are critical to the long-term success of CAR T-cell therapy, which could improve treatment outcomes for patients with high-risk relapse.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateMay 24, 2021

Effectiveness of tocilizumab in patients hospitalized with COVID-19

A randomized clinical trial examined the association between tocilizumab treatment and C-reactive protein levels in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The study found a positive correlation between tocilizumab treatment and improved survival rates for patients with high C-reactive protein levels.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 24, 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.

Researchers first synthesize conjoined bismacrocycle with all phenylene units

Scientists have successfully synthesized the first conjoined bismacrocycle with all phenylene units, a complex material that has potential in photoelectric and supramolecular applications. The molecule's unique structure allows it to form a peanut-shaped host-guest complex with fullerene derivatives.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 24, 2021

Posts to Reddit forum "SuicideWatch" spike in the early hours of Monday morning

A new study from King's College London found that users of the Reddit forum 'SuicideWatch' post at their highest between 02:00 and 05:00 on Mondays, a trend that closely follows earlier studies on suicide timing patterns. The researchers believe this data can be used to target at-risk populations with greater levels of support.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateMay 24, 2021

Gene editing suppresses fertility in Aedes aegypti

Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 to create sterile male mosquitoes that suppress female fertility in Ae. aegypti. This reduction in female fertility can help combat disease spread by increasing the presence of sterile males in wild populations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 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.

New insights on animals in the African past

Researchers have developed new peptide markers to identify African bovid species, enabling more accurate analysis of ancient animal remains. The discovery sheds light on subsistence strategies and paleoenvironments in Iron Age Zambia.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 24, 2021

Specialized inhibitory cluster gates plasticity in fear learning

Scientists have identified a unique subset of inhibitory cells in the amygdala known as apITC, which modulates plasticity in fear learning. The apITC connects to various regions, including thalamic processing centers and sensory areas, to regulate fear-related responses.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalCell Reports·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.

New use of imaging technique could allow early detection of aortic aneurysms

An international team used Raman microspectroscopy and imaging to identify signatures in the elastic and collagen fibers of the aorta that indicate the presence of an aneurysm. The study found biomarkers for thoracic aortic aneurysms, which could enable early detection and potentially save lives.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateMay 24, 2021

How do clownfish earn their stripes?

Researchers discovered that clownfish develop white stripes faster in giant carpet anemone hosts due to higher levels of thyroid hormones and increased duox gene activity. Thyroid hormone levels correlate with duox expression, leading to faster bar formation in giant carpet anemone clownfish.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2021

36 dwarf galaxies had simultaneous 'baby boom' of new stars

A team of scientists discovered that three dozen dwarf galaxies simultaneously accelerated their star birth rates, defying expectations. The galaxies, separated by up to 13 million light-years, had a synchronized decrease in stellar birth rate 6 billion years ago and an increase 3 billion years ago.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateMay 24, 2021

Upslope advance of forest fires

High-elevation fires in the western US have advanced upslope by 252 meters since 1984, fueled by climate change and increased lightning strikes. This expansion threatens previously wet areas and exacerbates fire risks in dry regions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2021

How clownfish gain their stripes

Clownfish develop white stripes during metamorphosis, with varying rates of formation depending on the sea anemone host. Thyroid hormone influences white bar development, with higher concentrations leading to more bars and earlier development.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 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.

Study: Diet to lower blood pressure also improved other factors in cardiac health

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that a diet proven to lower elevated blood pressure, known as the DASH diet, reduces inflammation and heart injury. The findings also showed that a low-sodium diet can improve cardiovascular risk factors in a relatively short time period.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 24, 2021

Cancer treatments may accelerate cellular aging

New research suggests that anti-cancer therapies can hasten cellular aging, leading to increased inflammation and fatigue in patients with head and neck cancer. Epigenetic changes associated with these treatments may contribute to age-related conditions.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMay 24, 2021

Study finds women with osteoporosis and low bone density are at increased risk of hearing loss

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital analyzed data from nearly 144,000 women and found a 40% higher risk of moderate or worse hearing loss in those with osteoporosis or low bone density. Bisphosphonates did not alter this risk, suggesting that other factors may contribute to the development of age-related hearing loss.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·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.

New optimization approach helps design lighter carbon fiber composite materials

A new design method for optimizing fiber orientation and thickness simultaneously reduces the weight of carbon fiber reinforced plastics by more than 5% while maintaining its strength. The approach, developed by researchers at Tokyo University of Science, enables higher load transfer efficiency compared to traditional methods.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalComposite Structures·DateMay 24, 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.

A community health worker intervention reduces hospital readmissions

A community health worker intervention has been shown to reduce hospital readmissions among patients discharged to short-term rehabilitation. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, found a 32.3% reduction in readmissions for this population compared to those discharged home.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 24, 2021

The birth of a subnanometer-sized soccer ball

Researchers successfully captured a video image of the bottom-up synthesis of fullerene C60, an allotrope resembling a soccer ball. The process was observed using single-molecule atomic resolution real-time electron microscopy (SMART-EM), revealing a kinetically and thermodynamically controlled cyclodehydrogenation reaction.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 24, 2021

Babies with seizures may be overmedicated

A new multicenter study found that continuing antiseizure medication after neonatal seizures stopped did not prevent epilepsy or developmental delays in babies. This contradicts standard practice of extending treatment for months, and highlights the need to reassess standard care for newborns with seizures.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMay 24, 2021

Milky Way not unusual, astronomers find

The discovery of UGC 10738 reveals that galaxies with similar structures and properties are likely common. The galaxy's thick disc consists mainly of ancient stars, while its thin disc stars are more recent and contain more metal.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·DateMay 24, 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.

Virus infection cycle revealed in dynamic detail

Researchers have developed a pioneering plant-based technology to study the virus maturation process, revealing large structural rearrangements that enable chemical reactions necessary for infection. The study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of an essential part of a virus infection cycle.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMay 24, 2021