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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 45


Page 45 of 510

New study offers broader understanding on plankton life in Gulf of Mexico

A groundbreaking study has documented the simultaneous position, size, and density of 36 different types of planktonic organisms in the Gulf of Mexico. Researchers found that smallest organisms formed the largest patches, with greater patchiness in shallow waters closer to shore than deeper ocean waters.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 19, 2021

New link between diet, intestinal stem cells and disease discovered

A new study reveals that a high-sugar and high-fat diet can disrupt the natural adaptation of the digestive system by accelerating the division and differentiation of intestinal stem cells. This can lead to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and gastrointestinal cancer.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Metabolism·DateNov 19, 2021

Can defects turn inert materials into useful, active ones?

By introducing defects, researchers created chemically active hBN that can hold precious metal atoms, enabling cost-effective catalysts and potential applications in energy storage and sensors. This breakthrough challenges the long-held assumption that inert materials cannot be activated.

SourcePenn State·JournalMaterials Today·DateNov 19, 2021

Scientists key in on brain’s mechanism for singing, learning

Researchers at OHSU have discovered a unique neural cell assembly that enables complex learning in songbirds, similar to those found in the human primary motor cortex. This finding has implications for understanding fine motor control and may lead to new avenues for treating disorders such as ALS.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 19, 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.

Ternary ruthenium complex hydrides can catalyze ammonia synthesis under mild condition

Researchers have developed efficient catalysts for ammonia synthesis under mild conditions using ternary ruthenium complex hydrides. The unique configuration and function mechanism of these complexes enables non-dissociative activation of nitrogen, leading to superior kinetics and favored ammonia production.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 19, 2021

Plant-derived antiviral drug is effective in blocking highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, say scientists

Scientists at the University of Nottingham found a plant-based antiviral treatment to be effective in blocking the highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. The novel natural antiviral drug, thapsigargin, was shown to trigger a broad-spectrum host-centred antiviral innate immune response against all variants of the virus.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalVirulence·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2021

Reading the mind of a worm

Researchers used a machine-learning algorithm to identify differences in how the brain responds to various chemicals, including salt and benzaldehyde. The study provides insight into how brains process information and may help understand sensory processing disorders.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 19, 2021

Breeding plants with genes from one parent

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have discovered a mechanism to eliminate half the genome in plants, making it easier to breed crops with desirable traits like disease resistance. This breakthrough could shorten breeding times by several generations.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 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.

Urbanization not always bad for food and land use diversity

Researchers developed a framework to evaluate urbanization's impact on food and land use biodiversity. Urban areas can provide a range of approaches to increasing food diversity, including peri-urban agriculture and small farms. Strengthening food biodiversity among the urban poor can improve nutrition and security.

SourcePenn State·JournalOne Earth·DateNov 19, 2021

Understanding how pathogenic fungi build their carbohydrate armor

Researchers from Louisiana State University discovered the molecular architecture of fungal cell walls and how they respond to stresses, paving the way for new antifungal compounds. The study's findings reveal the structural role of each major carbohydrate in the cell wall and provide a revised model of fungal cell wall organization.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 19, 2021

Two is better than one: Single-atom dimer electrocatalyst for green hydrogen production

Researchers developed a nickel-cobalt metal dimer on nitrogen-doped carbon that can catalyze electrolysis under both acidic and basic conditions. The new system exhibits comparable overvoltage to commercial Pt-based catalysts and shows significant activity enhancements compared to individual single-atom catalysts.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 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.

Using PET scans to better treat cancer patients

Researchers found that higher lymphoma volume at diagnosis was associated with increased risk of recurrence. This could lead to improved patient outcomes by selecting the most appropriate treatment. The study also explored PET-based measures of initial disease burden, which may help predict patients' risk of recurrence.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPediatric Blood & Cancer·DateNov 19, 2021

Study: COVID tech took a toll on work-from-home moms

A new UNLV research study found that remote work technology exacerbated stress and mental health issues among working mothers with children. The study suggests that asynchronous communication methods like email may be more effective in alleviating stress, while synchronous forms like video chats and texting can hinder multitasking.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalCommunication Reports·TypeSurvey·DateNov 19, 2021

A stealthy way to combat tumors

Researchers identified a subset of dendritic cells that can cloak themselves in tumor proteins and trigger a strong T cell response. Stimulating these dendritic cells may enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy by slowing the growth of melanoma and colon tumors.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalImmunity·DateNov 19, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A genetic change for achieving a long and healthy life​

Researchers at KAIST discovered a single amino acid change in the PTEN protein that improves health status while retaining longevity. The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights the potential for targeting this protein to develop therapies for promoting healthy longevity.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 19, 2021

COVID-19 research released at ASTMH Annual Meeting

Researchers found high rates of SARS-COV-2 infections in Mali but low evidence of severe disease, hospitalization, or deaths. In contrast, COVID-19 patients with high levels of previous malaria infections showed lower risks of severe outcomes in Uganda.

SourceAmerican Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene·DateNov 19, 2021

Climate uncertainty colors flood risk assessment

A new framework assesses flood risk by integrating climate model outputs and hydrologic models to predict uncertainty. The study found that climate uncertainty dominates overall uncertainty, and areas prone to flooding in the future will be mostly the same as current ones.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·DateNov 19, 2021

Suffering from psoriasis? Blame this trio of proteins

A recent study by La Jolla Institute for Immunology has identified a trio of proteins - TWEAK, TNF, and IL-17 - that control inflammation in psoriasis patients. Targeting this protein complex may lead to more effective treatments for the disease.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 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.

Researchers use model of hypothalamus to implicate genes associated with sleep, BMI, puberty, and more

A study led by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers used stem cells to implicate several genes involved in bodily functions associated with the hypothalamus. The findings could help clinicians identify potential causes of dysfunction for traits regulated by the hypothalamus, such as sleep and stress.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2021

Delta-like SARS-CoV-2 variants are most likely to increase pandemic severity

A mathematical model suggests that SARS-CoV-2 Delta-like variants, which combine enhanced transmissibility and partial immune escape, will cause more severe pandemics than variants with either trait alone. Vaccination is predicted to be highly beneficial in these cases, preventing more infections and breakthroughs.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalCell·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 19, 2021

Wearable tech confirms wear-and-tear of work commute

A Dartmouth study uses mobile sensing to predict individual job performance based on commute data, revealing the link between work commute and job quality. The research also shows how data from personal tech devices can help improve employee productivity and satisfaction.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalIEEE Pervasive Computing·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 19, 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.

Rodents could be asymptomatic carriers of SARS-like coronaviruses, study suggests

A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that rodents have a greater diversity and accelerated rate of evolution in the ACE2 receptors used by SARS viruses. This suggests that some rodent species may be asymptomatic carriers of SARS-like coronaviruses, potentially leading to new pathogen transmission to humans.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2021

Tech companies underreport CO2 emissions

A study by Technical University of Munich found that major tech companies significantly underreported CO2 emissions from their value chain, with 50% of emissions omitted in 2019. The researchers developed a method to identify reporting gaps and estimated the omitted emissions at 751 megatons carbon dioxide equivalents.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·TypeCase study·DateNov 18, 2021

Master developmental genes play role in adulthood, according to new study

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered that Hox genes, known to orchestrate early development, continue to be expressed in adult tissues and are required for asexual reproduction in flatworms. The study suggests new roles of these genes in adulthood.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Lifestyle factors increase the risk of metabolic disease in non-obese as well as obese people

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and sedentary behavior significantly increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome in non-obese individuals. Similar risk factors were identified for both obese and lean individuals, highlighting the importance of healthy ...

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateNov 18, 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.

Suicides fall during pandemic

A recent study has found that while US suicide rates fell during the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant socio-economic gap persists, with vulnerable populations disproportionately affected. The researchers highlight the need for further research and social cohesion measures to mitigate pandemic-induced suicide risk in these communities.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Primary Care Companion to The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 18, 2021

Slowing ahead

Researchers warn of a potential long-term economic slowdown in developed democracies, driven by factors such as aging populations, shifts to services, and debt. The team proposes a 'guided civic revival' approach to address this challenge, combining grassroots forces with government participation to promote social solidarity and unity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateNov 18, 2021
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.

Home-based research format may expand access to autism treatment studies

Researchers from UC Davis MIND Institute develop a home-based language testing method using telehealth, allowing Spanish-speaking parents to assess their children's language abilities. The study found the parent-led test to be feasible, reliable, and effective in both English and Spanish-speaking groups.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalFrontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences·DateNov 18, 2021

More than counting steps: Common wearable fitness tracker helps clinicians assess at-home recovery after kids’ surgery

A recent study found that using consumer-grade wearable devices to track a child's heart rate and physical activity after surgery can help clinicians decide if at-home recovery is going as expected. The data from the wearables, coupled with parent reports, aids clinicians' decision-making and potentially prevents unnecessary ED visits.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJournal of Pediatric Surgery·DateNov 18, 2021

New evidence that mass treatment with Ivermectin has halted spread of river blindness in two Nigerian states; Separate study shows drug’s potential to interrupt West Nile Virus transmission in US

Mass treatment with Ivermectin has halted the spread of river blindness in two Nigerian states, Plateau and Nasarawa, marking a major milestone in disease elimination efforts. Separate studies also show the potential for Ivermectin to reduce West Nile Virus transmission by mixing it into bird feed.

SourceAmerican Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateNov 18, 2021

What's new in gastric cancer treatment and research

Gastric cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, with 1.09 million new cases in 2020. Recent research offers hope for improved treatment options, making it a critical area of focus for medical oncologists like Dr. Mohamad Sonbol.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalFrontiers in Oncology·DateNov 18, 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.

The number of SARS-CoV-2 infections among vaccinated people could be overestimated unless appropriate diagnostic tests are used, says ISGlobal study

Research team discovered mRNA vaccines induce antibodies recognizing Spike and N protein fragments, potentially leading to misclassified breakthrough infections. The study suggests using multiple viral antigens for accurate detection of vaccine effectiveness.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalTranslational Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2021

Earthquakes and extreme rainfall lead to a significant increase in the rates of landslides in Nepal

A recent study found that earthquakes and extreme rainfall lead to a significant increase in landslide rates in Nepal during the monsoon season. The research, published in Nature Communications, reveals that landscape damage caused by the April 2015 Gorkha earthquake increased landslide risk by six times.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 18, 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.

Researchers developed a new phonon-based and magneto-tunable monochromatic terahertz source

A team of researchers from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science and University of Science and Technology developed a highly efficient magneto-tunable monochromatic THz generator. The new source utilizes a 2D ferromagnetic Cr2Ge2Te6 crystal, exhibiting advantages such as zero threshold, high quality factor, and radiation efficiency.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvanced Science·DateNov 18, 2021

Resilience of vertebrate animals in rapid decline due to manmade threats, study finds

A new study published in Ecology Letters reveals a global decline in the resilience of vertebrate populations, with accelerating loss of ecological functions and services. The research found that cumulative effects of anthropogenic threats such as climate change, invasive species, habitat loss, and pollution are driving this loss.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEcology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 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.

How do microbes choose from a “menu” of food?

Researchers developed a model showing that microbes with complementary preferences can coexist in communities. The study found that assembled communities consist almost exclusively of microbes that grow the fastest on their top choice nutrient.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2021

New findings on the link between CRISPR gene-editing and mutated cancer cells

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that CRISPR gene-editing causes DNA damage, activating the p53 protein, which can lead to an accumulation of mutated cancer cells. The study identified a network of linked genes with similar mutations and suggests transient inhibition of p53 as a potential strategy to prevent their enrichment.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 18, 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.

Access to COVID-19 vaccines in countries hosting clinical trials

A recent study found that low-, middle-, and high-income countries hosting COVID-19 vaccine trials received proportionately more doses of vaccines. High-income countries were able to fully vaccinate their populations due to the higher dose allocation, raising concerns about unequal access to life-saving vaccines.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 18, 2021

Scientists capture humor’s earliest emergence

Researchers found that humour emerges as early as 1 month, with different types of humour developing at various ages. By 11 months, half the children were producing humour, often within a few hours. The study identified 21 types of humour in young children, shedding light on their cognitive, social, and mental health development.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBehavior Research Methods·TypeSurvey·DateNov 18, 2021

‘Surgery selfies’ could spot serious infections early, study says

A study found that 'surgery selfies' taken by patients and assessed by clinicians can diagnose wound infections early, reducing GP visits and improving access to care. The practice could manage surgical patient care while reducing pressure on the NHS.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 18, 2021

Deaf and hard-of-hearing scientists call for equity, inclusion

A group of deaf and hard-of-hearing scientists argue that providing basic standards of support can increase diversity in fields of science and medicine. The authors propose five pillars to promote inclusion, including peer mentorship, captioning at conferences, and opportunities for leadership roles.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalFrontiers in Education·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 18, 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.

A first biodegradable version of velcro has been created, drawing inspiration from climbing plants, to safeguard the environment

A research team led by Barbara Mazzolai has created a soft, biodegradable, and soluble velcro that mimics the micro-hook structure of leaves on the 'catchweed' plant, enabling devices for environmental monitoring and precision farming. The technology reduces pesticide use and promotes sustainable agriculture practices.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalCommunications Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Copper acetate-facilitated direct growth of wafer-scale high-quality graphene

Researchers developed a method to directly grow high-quality graphene on wafer-scale insulators without transfer, achieving improved electrical performance and carrier mobility. The approach utilizes copper acetate to supply copper clusters, enhancing precursor decomposition and resulting in robust graphene films.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 18, 2021