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Science News Archive 2021


Page 332 of 510

How behavioral rhythms are fine-tuned in the brain

A team at Kanazawa University found that vasopressin neurons play a critical role in regulating the timing of output from the molecular clock, which governs circadian behaviors. The study used mice with altered GABA signaling to demonstrate the importance of these neurons in maintaining behavioral rhythms.

Stress slows the immune response in sick mice

The study found that stress impairs immune cells' ability to move and fight diseases by inhibiting their movements. This effect is caused by the neurotransmitter noradrenaline, which activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to reduced blood flow, oxygen deprivation, and calcium signaling in leukocytes.

ESMO Breast Cancer Virtual Congress 2021

The 2021 ESMO Breast Cancer Congress presented nearly 200 studies on various aspects of breast cancer, including adjuvant, neoadjuvant, and immunotherapy. The congress also highlighted the importance of personalized follow-up care for breast cancer patients.

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.

New computer model helps brings the sun into the laboratory

Scientists at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have developed a new computer model that accurately predicts the behavior of plasma in the sun's solar corona. This breakthrough could lead to better space weather predictions and improve the understanding of magnetic reconnection, which drives the fusion reactions that power the sun.

Ageing impairs critical final egg maturation stage

Research finds that age-related changes in RNA levels alter gene function in human egg cells, leading to impaired maturation and reduced fertility. The study suggests that age may influence an oocyte's ability to process critical genes, with potential implications for reproductive medicine.

Major advance enables study of genetic mutations in any tissue

Researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute have developed a new method called nanorate sequencing (NanoSeq) that enables accurate study of genetic changes in human tissues. The study challenges the idea that cell division is the main mechanism driving genetic changes and opens up new avenues for research into cancer and ageing.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The diploid genome assemblies in marmoset shows huge variations

The research group has developed a new method to produce diploid genome assemblies in marmosets, revealing huge variations between the two paternal genomes. These findings provide standards for biodiversity genomics and have implications for understanding primate evolution, biology, and diseases.

Show me your playlist and I'll tell you who you are

A study by Tel-Aviv University found that 80-100% of participants could correctly identify each other based on a 3-song playlist, regardless of prior knowledge. This has significant implications for commercial companies' ability to infer user information.

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.

Remeasuring human decisions

Professor Ullsperger and his team aim to understand the neural mechanisms behind cognitive control and decision-making using new methods, including brain stimulation with focused ultrasound. The research may lead to new therapeutic possibilities for psychiatric disorders such as OCD.

In wild soil, predatory bacteria grow faster than their prey

Predatory bacteria grow faster and consume more resources than non-predators in the same soil, according to a study. These active predators play an outsized role in how elements are stored in or released from soil, with some species growing 36% faster and taking up carbon 211% faster.

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.

How a SARS-CoV-2 variant sacrifices tight binding for antibody evasion

Researchers have identified a SARS-CoV-2 variant that sacrifices tight binding to human cells in favor of evading the immune system, which could undermine current COVID-19 vaccines and therapies. The variant, B.1.351, has been found to reduce its binding to ACE2 receptors but decrease its binding to human antibodies.

Researchers find how tiny plastics slip through the environment

Researchers at Washington State University found that tiny plastic particles can move through the environment, evading natural obstacles like sand and organic matter. This study could help develop more efficient filters to remove microplastics from drinking water.

Espresso, latte or decaf? Genetic code drives your desire for coffee

Researchers found that people with high blood pressure are more likely to drink less coffee or choose decaf, highlighting the role of genetics in regulating coffee consumption for cardio health. Genetic tolerance to caffeine is linked to coffee drinking habits, suggesting a protective mechanism.

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.

Epilepsy discovery reveals why some seizures prove deadly

New research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine has identified a sequence of events during seizures that can progress to death. The researchers found that breathing disruption, or apnea, occurs during seizures and that artificially stimulating breathing can prevent sudden death after a seizure.

Soil bacteria evolve with climate change

Researchers at UCI found that soil microbes can evolve in response to climate change, changing genetic diversity in 18 months. This rapid evolution has implications for how soil ecosystems respond to future climate conditions.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

The science of picky shoppers

A new study from Penn State defines what it means to be a picky shopper, exploring the psychological dimensions of this trait. Researchers found that picky shoppers have a small window of acceptance and are more likely to reject free gifts or products based on their idiosyncratic preferences

Examining association between gender-affirming surgeries, mental health outcomes

A recent study published in JAMA Surgery explores the association between gender-affirming surgeries and mental health outcomes. The research suggests that undergoing these procedures can lead to significant improvements in symptoms of depression and anxiety, with participants experiencing reduced stress and improved overall well-being.

Human antibiotic use threatens endangered wild chimpanzees

Research shows that nearly half of fecal samples from wild chimpanzees contain antibiotic-resistant bacteria, highlighting the need for improved hygiene and proper antibiotic use. The study's findings will support the development of interventions to protect both human health and endangered species.

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.

Study finds people of color more likely to participate in cancer clinical trials

A new study from the University of Missouri School of Medicine found that people of color, those with a higher income, and younger individuals are more likely to participate in cancer clinical trials. The analysis of 20,053 respondents showed an average overall clinical trial participation rate of 6.51%, with significant differences in...

Business school research is broken - here's how to fix it

Researchers found that business schools prioritize low-effort metrics, harming the quality of research. To improve, schools should develop better metrics and high commitment environments where faculty contribute to the health of the business school.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Improving the way vets care for animals and people

A University of Arizona researcher found that veterinarians and breeders often hold biases against each other, which can lead to suboptimal animal care. Her study proposes solutions to bridge the divide between pet owners, breeders, and vets, including using nonverbal cues, empathy, and unconditional positive regard in communication.

Student 'DifferenceMakers' honored for inventions

A team of UMass Lowell students won the Rist Campuswide DifferenceMaker award for their invention of TrueFIT, a product that detects and seals leaks in ill-fitting face masks. The team aims to protect people in their everyday lives as well as workers in various industries.

Research news tip sheet: Story ideas from Johns Hopkins Medicine

Researchers found that common over-the-counter antibiotic treatments can slow healing and prevent regeneration of hair follicles after wounding. The study suggests that normal levels of bacteria actually improve healing, challenging the long-held theory that antibiotics promote healthy skin regeneration.

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.

A simple exercise goal protects against unhealthy weight gain

Research shows that physically active individuals who reach 100 PAI points per week have a lower risk of excessive weight gain. The study, which tracked over 85,000 healthy Norwegians for 20 years, found that maintaining at least 100 PAI points per week can help prevent unhealthy weight gain.

Algorithm scours electronic health records to reveal hidden kidney disease

A new algorithm developed by researchers at Columbia University can automatically scan electronic medical records for signs of chronic kidney disease, alerting physicians to patients in the earliest stages. The algorithm performs nearly as well as experienced nephrologists, correctly diagnosing kidney disease in 95% of identified cases.

Seasonal water resource on the Upper Indus

Geographers at Heidelberg University created a full inventory of seasonal aufeis fields in the Upper Indus Basin, discovering over 3,700 fields across 300 square kilometers. These natural reservoirs play an essential role in hydrology and climatology, particularly in irrigation and hydropower generation.

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.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Proposal of new universal nomenclature for oxytocin and vasotocin genes

A new study proposes a universal nomenclature for oxytocin and vasotocin genes, which were previously named differently in various species due to small protein coding differences. The researchers found that both hormones stem from a common ancestral gene and propose a new naming convention based on this evolutionary history.

How acidic are atoms?

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a new microscopy technique that allows for the measurement of atomic acidity on surfaces. This breakthrough enables analysis of catalysts on an atomic scale, which is crucial for improving chemical reactions.

Causes of extreme weather and climate events in China during 2020/21

The study found that sea surface temperature fluctuations in tropical Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans contribute to heavy rainfall events in China. Additionally, the Siberian High pressure system played a significant role in inducing cold surges during the winter of 2020/21.

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.

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.