Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2021 - Page 308


Page 308 of 510

Tests of bitumen pave way to rational approaches in road building

Researchers at Kazan Federal University developed a new method to produce non-oxidized bitumen from heavy oil, reducing production costs and increasing efficiency in road building. The innovative approach uses a specially packed oxidizing column to increase contact surface between feedstock and compressed air.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 13, 2021

New cellular atlas maps out healthy and cancerous breast tissue

Researchers created an RNA atlas detailing the diverse cells in healthy and cancerous breast tissue, revealing changes that occur during cancer development. The study provides a high-resolution view of breast tissue cell types and will be an important resource for breast cancer research.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMay 13, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Depression and anxiety more common in heart failure than cancer patients

A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that nearly one in four heart failure patients experience depression or anxiety, compared to 23% of breast cancer patients, 22% of prostate cancer patients, and 15% of digestive organ cancer patients. Heart failure patients are also at a higher risk of developing ...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMay 13, 2021

Snakes alive? We're totally fine with them -- just not at our house

A recent study by Arizona State University and a local removal company found that snake removals were more common in wealthier neighborhoods, but residents in these areas also reported a greater appreciation for snakes' role in the ecosystem. The research used data from over 2,000 snake removals between 2018-2019, highlighting the comp...

SourceArizona State University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·DateMay 13, 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.

Eating more fruit and vegetables linked to less stress - study

A study of over 8,600 Australians found that those who ate at least 470g of fruit and veg daily had 10% lower stress levels. The research suggests diet plays a key role in mental wellbeing and highlights the benefits of a healthy diet in reducing stress.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalClinical Nutrition·DateMay 13, 2021

Novel nanotech improves cystic fibrosis antibiotic by 100,000-fold

Researchers have developed a novel nanotechnology that can improve the effectiveness of the CF antibiotic Tobramycin, increasing its efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections. The technology has shown to eradicate infections in as little as two doses, providing new hope for people living with cystic fibrosis.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalSmall·DateMay 13, 2021

Triple-negative breast cancer more deadly for African American women

A new study finds that non-Hispanic African American women with triple-negative breast cancer have a 28% increased risk of death compared to their white counterparts. The disparity is attributed to lower rates of surgery and chemotherapy, as well as differences in tumor biology and socioeconomic factors.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMay 13, 2021

Life may have become cellular by using unusual molecules

Simple chemical compounds, like hydroxy acids, spontaneously link together to form structures reminiscent of modern cells when dried from solution. These structures may have helped scaffold the emergence of biological cellularity.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateMay 13, 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.

The Achilles heel of the coronavirus

A team of researchers from ETH Zurich has identified the crucial step in viral protein synthesis that makes coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2 vulnerable to inhibition. They found that targeting this process with chemical compounds could lead to effective antiviral drugs, offering new hope for treating COVID-19 and other coronaviruses.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateMay 13, 2021

Making AI algorithms show their work

Researchers developed a new method to test AI algorithms' decision-making processes by presenting them with carefully designed synthetic data. The technique, called Global Importance Analysis, revealed that AI models consider more factors beyond just sequence length, such as RNA folding and motif proximity.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 13, 2021

Virtual reality warps your sense of time

Researchers found that playing games in virtual reality creates a 'time compression' effect, where players perceive less time passing than they think. This was observed among participants who played the game first in virtual reality, and could have implications for both benefits and harms of VR technology.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalTiming & Time Perception·DateMay 13, 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.

New evidence for electron's dual nature found in a quantum spin liquid

Experimental results provide hard evidence for spin-charge separation in electrons, a long-theorized concept by Philip Anderson. The study confirms the presence of spinons, which are thought to be composed of two particles: one bearing negative charge and another containing spin.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 13, 2021

Study: Drivers with shift work sleep disorder 3x more likely to be in crash

Researchers at the University of Missouri found that drivers with shift work sleep disorder are three times more likely to be involved in a vehicle accident than those without the condition. The study analyzed real-world driving data and found that shift work sleep disorder increased the risk of traffic crashes by nearly 300%.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalSafety Science·DateMay 13, 2021

Screening for ovarian cancer did not reduce deaths

A large-scale trial of annual screening for ovarian cancer found that neither method reduced deaths from the disease, contradicting expectations. Early detection strategies detected cancers earlier, but this did not translate into saving lives.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 13, 2021

IOP Publishing hosts inaugural Environmental Research conference

The conference brings together diverse voices, experts in environmental science, engineers, and policy influencers to discuss key aspects of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The event features live-streamed presentations, panel discussions, poster sessions, and interactive networking opportunities.

SourceIOP Publishing·DateMay 13, 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.

Mixing massive stars

A team of astronomers has measured internal mixing within an ensemble of massive stars using observations of stellar oscillations. The results show that the mixing is diverse, unrelated to star mass or age, and influenced by internal rotation. This study provides new insights into the evolution and structure of massive stars.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMay 13, 2021

Freeform imaging systems: Fermat's principle unlocks 'first time right' design

Researchers at Brussels Photonics develop a deterministic design method for freeform imaging systems using differential equations derived from Fermat's principle. The method generates 'first time right' initial designs that enable rigorous evaluation in solution space, reducing the need for trial-and-error approaches.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 13, 2021

Force-sensing PIEZO proteins are at work in plants, too

Research led by Scripps Research and HHMI finds PIEZO proteins essential for plant roots' growth and mechanotransduction in Arabidopsis thaliana. This ancient evolutionary origin may lead to new strategies for improving crop yields.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2021

NK cells with bispecific antibody show activity against lymphoma cells

A new preclinical study from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that cord blood-derived NK cells combined with AFM13 displayed potent anti-tumor activity against CD30+ lymphoma cells. The therapy showed improved tumor control and survival in animal models with minimal side effects.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMay 13, 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.

Congestion pricing could shrink car size

Researchers studied a Seattle-area sample over six years, finding that more congested commutes led to bigger car purchases perceived as safer. Congestion pricing could reduce mid- to full-size SUVs' market share by 8% and save lives and billions in fuel efficiency costs.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Econometrics·DateMay 13, 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.

Advertising on popular made-for-kids online channels

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open analyzed advertisements on popular made-for-kids YouTube channels and found that age-inappropriate content is prevalent. The researchers also examined the frequency of such ads, highlighting concerns about children's exposure to mature material.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 13, 2021

Fossilized tracks show earliest known evidence of mammals at the seashore

A study published in Scientific Reports reveals fossilized tracks from the brown bear-sized Coryphodon, showing that large-bodied mammals regularly used marine environments after non-avian dinosaurs went extinct. The discovery is significant as it provides evidence of early mammal behavior and evolution.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 13, 2021

Scientists launch 'next generation' human brain imaging lab

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a wearable headset that measures brain activity in real-time, allowing for the study of social interactions, humans of all ages and sizes, and people in motion. The optically pumped magnetometry technology enables movement-tolerant brain imaging simultaneously with two research volunteers.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateMay 13, 2021

Teaching a computer program to track cells

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes create an artificial intelligence system that can follow hundreds of cells in a petri dish, revealing key findings on cell behavior and leadership patterns. The AI approach provides a comprehensive view of how cells cooperate and form complex organs, with potential applications for therapeutic purposes.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMay 13, 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.

CDEX listens to the sound of cosmology from a laboratory deep underground

The China Dark matter Experiment (CDEX) has presented new limits for the couplings of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) in the non-relativistic effective field theory approach, improving over current bounds in the low mass region. CDEX's analysis also extended the limit on WIMP-pion coupling to the mχ< 6 GeV/c2 region.

SourceScience China Press·DateMay 13, 2021

Antarctic ice sheet retreat could trigger chain reaction

A new study suggests that the Antarctic ice sheet was more unstable in the past than previously thought, with fluctuations in its area causing significant changes in deep-sea temperatures. This can lead to a chain reaction of climate change, accelerating further ice loss and increasing rainfall on Antarctica.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 13, 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.

Carbon emissions from dams considerably underestimated so far

Researchers found that dams release significantly more carbon dioxide than previously thought, with areas drying out releasing considerably more carbon. The study used satellite imagery and found that 15% of dam reservoirs were not completely filled, leading to increased carbon emissions.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 13, 2021

Epigenetic changes drive the fate of a B cell

Researchers found epigenetic modifications driven by DNMT3A protein determine B cell fate, with implications for understanding diseases linked to B cells' dysregulation. Chronic lymphomic leukemia (CLL) risk arises when these modifications are lost.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2021

Urban traffic noise causes song learning deficits in birds

Young zebra finches exposed to traffic noise developed songs with lower accuracy and were delayed in their vocal development. Chronic stress due to noise also suppressed the birds' immune function, leading to potential long-term health issues.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 13, 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.

Immunocompromised pediatric patients showed T-cell activity and humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2

A new study found that immunocompromised pediatric patients showed significant T-cell activity and humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2. The research suggests that vaccination may still be beneficial for this population, particularly those with antibody deficiency disorders. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Immunology·DateMay 13, 2021

Songbird neurons for advanced cognition mirror the physiology of mammalian counterparts

Researchers identified genetically marked neurons in a zebra finch's forebrain, revealing a landscape of physiology and network roles that mirror those in mammals. This breakthrough advances insight into the fundamental operation of complex brain circuits, suggesting ancient cell types retained features over millions of years.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 13, 2021

Johns Hopkins develops device for fast gonorrhea diagnosis

A portable, inexpensive testing platform, called PROMPT, can diagnose gonorrhea in under 15 minutes and determine its antibiotic resistance. The device has been shown to be 97% accurate in detecting the most common strain of gonorrhea and 100% accurate in determining its response to ciprofloxacin.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 12, 2021

Researchers discovered a gut microbiota profile that can predict mortality

A large population-level study analyzed stool samples from over 7,000 Finnish adults and found that certain bacterial strains in the gut microbiota were associated with increased mortality risk. The study's machine learning algorithm identified specific microbial species linked to a shorter lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 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.

Xerocrassa montserratensis, an endemic and threatened snail in Catalonia

The study of Xerocrassa montserratensis reveals new insights into the conservation of this endemic and threatened species. The researchers identified genetic groups in different areas where sub-species had been described, providing a better understanding of the species' population structure.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 12, 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.

Who is affected by brain pressure disorder the most?

A study found that Black and Hispanic women are more likely to develop idiopathic intracranial hypertension, a condition characterized by increased pressure in the fluid surrounding the brain. Obesity is the primary risk factor for the condition, which can cause chronic headaches, vision problems, and permanent vision loss.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMay 12, 2021

What does your voice say about you?

An international research team found a lower pitched voice is associated with individuals who are more dominant, extrovert, and higher in sociosexuality, regardless of gender. The study used objective digital measures to analyze the pitch of over 2,000 participants' voices.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateMay 12, 2021

Residential coal use in China results in many premature deaths, models indicate

A new study found that indoor air pollution from residential coal burning in China causes a disproportionate number of premature deaths from exposure to tiny PM2.5 pollutants. Residential coal use accounted for 34% of premature deaths associated with PM2.5, despite contributing only 2.9% of total energy use.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 12, 2021

Preliminary data suggests mixing COVID-19 vaccine increases reactogenicity

Research from the Com-COV study shows that mixing COVID-19 vaccine doses can lead to more frequent mild-moderate symptoms, but adverse reactions are short-lived and no safety concerns were found. The study's findings suggest that mixed schedules could result in increased work absences after vaccination.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 12, 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.

'Opioid treatment deserts' abound, study finds

A new study has identified opioid treatment deserts in Ohio, where distances to recovery services exceed a mile or 30 minutes by public transit. These areas pose significant barriers to care, with shorter travel times found for white adults compared to Black adults.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 12, 2021

New algorithm to ensure more accuracy in studying the interior of the Earth

Geophysicists at St. Petersburg State University have developed an algorithm to combine electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and radiomagnetotelluric (RMT) methods for more accurate subsurface imaging. The joint inversion of CSRMT and ERT data provides a closer match to borehole data, improving the accuracy of geophysical exploration.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalJournal of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics·DateMay 12, 2021