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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 81


Page 81 of 510

Study reveals a gene crucial to sperm cell production

The study reveals that the Cdc42 gene is essential for proper alignment and function of Sertoli cells, which support sperm cell development. Disruptions in this gene can lead to reduced testicular function and infertility. Researchers hope to develop non-invasive diagnostic tests to identify specific causes of male infertility.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 26, 2021

Alzheimer’s disease may cause vicious circle between brain network and immune cell dysfunctions

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes discovered that non-convulsive epileptic activity drives chronic brain inflammation in Alzheimer's models, which can be reversed by eliminating protein tau or using the anti-epileptic drug levetiracetam. This link between brain networks and immune cells may hold promising treatments for Alzheimer's di...

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournaliScience·DateOct 26, 2021

Children with autism twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts, according to new research from Kennedy Krieger

A new study by Kennedy Krieger Institute found that children with autism spectrum disorder are twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts during routine medical screenings. The study highlights the importance of implementing suicide risk screenings for all children, especially those with neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourcePROFILES, Inc.·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateOct 26, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Discovery of a new species of fish thanks to sounds

Researchers have identified a new species of damselfish, Dascyllus emamo, based on distinct sounds emitted during mating and territorial defense in different populations. The discovery was confirmed through genetic analysis, revealing significant differences between the sound-producing populations.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2021

What causes disease outbreaks?

A study by the University of Georgia's Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases identified contaminated water as the most common driver of large-scale zoonotic disease outbreaks. The researchers analyzed over 4,400 outbreaks and found that unusual weather patterns and changes in vector abundance were also significant contributors.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateOct 26, 2021

Fermented soybeans suppress asthma-induced airway inflammation

A new study published in Nutrients found that consuming fermented soy product ImmuBalance reduces eosinophilic-related inflammation in the bronchi of asthma model mice. The researchers also discovered a suppression of proteins that induce eosinophilic inflammation, suggesting beneficial effects for allergic asthma.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalNutrients·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 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.

Fossil rivers of the Sahara tell of the threat of warming

A UNIGE-led team studied fossil rivers to reconstruct the Sahara's rainfall rates that led to a major migration of people away from the Nile valley 10,000 years ago. The research found a sharp increase in intense rainfall events, forcing riverine populations to migrate to central Egypt.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·TypeNews article·DateOct 26, 2021

Grant funds study of free-living nitrogen fixers in organic systems

Researchers will test inexpensive techniques to increase asymbiotic nitrogen fixation, aiming to reduce reliance on expensive certified organic fertilizers. The project aims to provide evidence for a cheap, effective, and sustainable form of nitrogen for organically managed crops.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateOct 26, 2021

Warmer water, less nutrition

Researchers found that warmer seawater temperatures decreased the nutritional content of giant kelp, a vital food source for many marine species. This decline could lead to population declines among consumers of kelp, including fish, invertebrates, and shorebirds, with far-reaching effects on entire ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalOikos·DateOct 26, 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.

The young plant’s pantry does more than just feed it

A UNIGE team discovered that the endosperm's role extends beyond nutrition to influence seedling development, including cuticle formation. In its absence, seedlings fail to develop normally, highlighting the tissue's crucial protective function.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeNews article·DateOct 26, 2021

D-dimer test still helpful to rule out pulmonary embolisms in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Researchers found that a screening blood test for major blood clots in the lungs is still useful for ruling out pulmonary embolism in COVID patients, with low D-dimer levels indicating no clot presence. The test can help avoid more expensive and invasive diagnostic tests, reducing patient safety risks.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2021

Transplants for alcohol-related liver inflammation surge during pandemic

During the pandemic, registrations for alcoholic hepatitis and deceased donor liver transplants increased by over 50%, associated with rising alcohol sales. Alcoholic hepatitis can lead to permanent scarring and long-term damage if left untreated, highlighting the need for public health interventions around excessive alcohol consumption.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 26, 2021

Magnetic material 3D-printed from nonmagnetic powder

Researchers at Skoltech and their colleagues have successfully created a magnetic material by 3D printing a gradient alloy from nonmagnetic powders. The resulting alloy exhibits ferromagnetic properties, opening up potential applications in machine engineering, such as electrical motors.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Materials Processing Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 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.

New research finds air pollution reduces sperm counts through brain inflammation

Researchers at University of Maryland School of Medicine discovered that air pollution causes inflammation in the brain, leading to reduced sperm counts in mice. The findings suggest it may be possible to develop treatments for various medical conditions caused by air pollution.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Chemists at St Petersburg University discover a compound with a laser-induced ‘switching’ of biological activity

Scientists at St Petersburg University have developed a new organic compound that can 'switch' its biological activity on demand under exposure to light, increasing precision and safety in affecting human body cells. The phosphonate can be used in various medical spheres, including ophthalmology and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalNew Journal of Chemistry·DateOct 25, 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.

Clinically significant cataract linked to increased risk of vascular death

A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that individuals with clinically significant cataracts have a higher risk of dying from strokes and heart attacks. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 participants and found that the risk of death was 36% higher for those who had undergone cataract surgery.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2021

New study helps those with depression pick antidepressant based on health history

A new study published in EClinical Medicine found that a person's existing medical conditions can significantly impact which antidepressant works best for them. The data-driven website allows patients to share their medical history and receive personalized recommendations for antidepressants.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 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.

3 teens with COVID-19 developed sudden severe psychiatric symptoms. Why?

A new study found that COVID-19 can trigger severe psychiatric symptoms in adolescents, with anti-neural antibodies playing a potential role. Two patients with mild/asymptomatic COVID developed suicidal thoughts and paranoid fears, while another patient without prior psychiatric history recovered fully after treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateOct 25, 2021

Identification of genes that cause resistance to treatment of the pathogenic fungus Candida

Researchers have identified eight genes in the Candida glabrata fungus that confer resistance to various drugs. The study allows for genetic testing to diagnose potential drug resistance, guiding treatment choices. The findings also highlight cross-resistance phenomena, where exposure to one drug can lead to resistance to another.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 25, 2021

Urinary biomarkers predict severe kidney injury in patients hospitalized with COVID-19

Researchers found that certain urinary biomarkers, including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1, were associated with increased risk of severe acute kidney injury or death in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. These biomarkers may help identify patients at high risk for adverse kidney outcomes.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateOct 25, 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.

‘Smart bandage’ may help solve a major problem when treating chronic wounds

A new 'smart bandage' has been developed to track wound moisture levels wirelessly, enabling doctors to monitor wounds without removing the bandage. The technology could help improve wound healing rates by detecting optimal moisture levels, reducing the risk of disruption to the healing process.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Long COVID can negatively impact physical and cognitive function, employment, and quality of life for at least one year

A new study found that Long COVID can cause symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and cognitive impairment lasting over a year. The study also showed that more than 60% of patients experienced some level of cognitive impairment, with significant impacts on employment and quality of life.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation·DateOct 25, 2021

Shortened course of radiation therapy offers similar long-term side effects following prostate removal surgery

A recent clinical trial found that a shortened course of radiation therapy after prostate removal surgery does not increase long-term side effects or lower quality of life compared to conventional treatment. Patients who underwent hypofractionated, post-operative radiation therapy experienced comparable genitourinary and gastrointestin...

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateOct 25, 2021
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.

Publication of 500-year-old manuscript exposes medieval beliefs and religious cults

A 500-year-old English illuminated manuscript provides fresh insights into Catholic beliefs in England before the Reformation. The metre-long prayer roll contains religious verse and illustrations, including symbols of Christ's crucifixion, which were connected to a famous pilgrimage site.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the British Archaeological Association·TypeContent analysis·DateOct 25, 2021

Mason researchers conducting collaborative research on worker-AI teaming to enable ADHd workforce participation in the construction industry of the future

Researchers are developing an AI-informed training teammate to promote active, cooperative learning and demonstrate feasibility of human-AI teaming technology for ADHD workers in the construction industry. The system will assess, adapt, and respond to worker behavior, predicting potential incidents and preventing injuries.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateOct 25, 2021

Men, women ride the same emotional roller coaster

Researchers found little-to-no differences in emotional fluctuations between men and women, contradicting long-held assumptions about hormonal influences on emotion. The study's findings have implications for research participation and understanding of emotional variability.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateOct 25, 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.

New project helps people who are blind safeguard private visual content

A new project aims to empower people who are blind to independently review and protect their personal visual content from accidental privacy leaks. Researchers have developed novel computer vision algorithms that can detect sensitive information in images and videos, allowing users to blur or remove private content before sharing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois School of Information Sciences·DateOct 25, 2021

Study explores how climate change may affect rain in U.S. Corn Belt

A new Penn State study explores how climate change affects rain in the U.S. Corn Belt, finding that air humidity plays a crucial role. The research suggests that high near-surface humidity is most important for convective precipitation or rain, contrary to previous expectations that soil moisture would be the key factor.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateOct 25, 2021

Assessing the potential of major earthquakes near NEOM

Researchers using satellite geodesy and InSAR imagery found the Arabian side of the Dead Sea Transform fault has been moving steadily northwards at around five millimeters per year. The studies suggest that large earthquakes may be less frequent near the southern end of the Gulf, but more investigations are needed for a resilient city.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalGeophysical Journal International·TypeSurvey·DateOct 25, 2021

Topological valley Hall edge solitons in photonics

Researchers discovered a novel topological edge soliton that inherits topological protection from its linear counterpart, enabling robust and localized light beams. This breakthrough is achieved through nonlinear photorefractive lattices harnessing the valley Hall effect, without requiring an external magnetic field.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 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.

Clues from the ancient past can help predict abrupt climate change

Researchers used ancient climate reconstructions to improve understanding of climate system thresholds and predict abrupt changes. By applying paleoclimate information to Earth System models, they demonstrated improved accuracy in simulating past abrupt climate events.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2021

Urban areas across the US are undercounting greenhouse gas emissions

A new study reveals that methane emissions from US cities are 2-10 times higher than recent estimates, with Boston's emissions being six times higher due to pipeline and end-use emitters. The research found that seasonal consumption-based emissions account for 56% of total natural gas emissions in Boston.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2021

Artificial intelligence sheds light on how the brain processes language

A new study reveals that high-performing AI next-word prediction models resemble the function of language-processing centers in the human brain. The models' activity patterns closely match those seen in the brain during language tasks, suggesting a potential connection between AI and human language processing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2021

Rural areas, hit hard by COVID-19, lack access to new treatment trials

A new study reveals that rural Americans face significant challenges in accessing COVID-19 treatment trials, with many living more than an hour away from the nearest trial site. Native Americans and Alaska Natives are particularly affected, with over 50% living more than 60 minutes from a trial site.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 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.

Effect of guaranteed financial incentives on COVID-19 vaccination

A pilot program in North Carolina found that offering incentive cash cards to adults who receive or drive someone to receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine significantly increases vaccination rates. The study suggests that guaranteed financial incentives can be an effective strategy to promote COVID-19 vaccination.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 25, 2021

Addition of genotypic resistance testing did not improve virologic response in patients with HIV virologic failure sub-Saharan Africa

A randomized controlled trial found that adding genotypic resistance testing to routine care didn't improve virologic suppression among HIV patients with first-line antiretroviral therapy failure in public-sector clinics in Uganda and South Africa. The findings highlight the need for effective interventions for persons with virologic f...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2021

Researchers identify conformers of ethyl peroxy radicals

A research group has identified conformers of ethyl peroxy radicals using vacuum ultraviolet photochemistry, providing important data for online detection of peroxy radicals and their isomers. The results show that the gauche conformer has a favorable Franck-Condon factor in ionization transitions.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateOct 25, 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.

Urgent changes needed to global guidelines designed to stop surgical infection

A new study revealed that global guidance for preventing Surgical Site Infections (SSI) is not effective and needs revision. The FALCON trial found no superiority of interventions like alcoholic chlorhexidine skin preparation and triclosan coated sutures over lower-cost alternatives.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2021

A big leap forward in using iron catalysts for pharmaceuticals

University of Rochester researchers have developed a novel three-component cross-coupling reaction using iron catalysts, which could potentially bring iron to the front of the class. The reaction enables faster and less expensive synthesis of previously difficult-to-make drug-like compounds in a single step.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Scientists reveal genetic secrets of stress-tolerant mangrove trees

Mangroves have evolved a remarkable resistance to stress in harsh ocean environments. Researchers decoded the genome of Bruguiera gymnorhiza and found that it regulates genes to cope with stress, using adaptive epigenetic changes to survive.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 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.

Shadow loss: Young adults cope with missing out during pandemic

A new study reveals that young adults experienced significant losses during the pandemic, including missed social events and inability to say goodbye in person. Researchers collected stories from college students who reflected on their earliest and most significant losses regarding COVID-19.

SourceWashington State University·JournalDeath Studies·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2021

A tiny molecule with a big impact

Researchers uncover nitric oxide's dual effects on pathogens: direct destruction and prevention of excessive immune response. This discovery could lead to new treatments for infections and inflammatory diseases.

SourceOtto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 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.