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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 87


Page 87 of 510

Scientists uncover a gene involved in sexual conflict in fruit flies

Researchers have identified a gene called Nup54 that plays a crucial role in regulating female reproductive behaviors in fruit flies. This discovery provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sexual conflict and its impact on evolution.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBMC Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Scientists design nanoparticles that communicate with cancer cells

Researchers have developed nanoparticles that can communicate with and slow the development of cancer cells. The nanoparticles aggregate in cancer cells, reducing metabolic activity and growth, and are activated by MMP-9 enzyme secreted by cancer cells.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Towards precision medicine for dialysis patients

A research team from the University of Zurich has identified a common genetic variant in the AQP1 gene that affects treatment efficacy and patient survival on peritoneal dialysis. Patients carrying this variant have a higher risk of death, but researchers found a way to circumvent the problem using colloid osmotic agents.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

New NLP model improves stock market predictions

A new NLP model developed by researchers at Harbin Institute of Technology achieves higher AUC scores than existing models. The Heterogeneous Graph-Based Sequential Multi-Grained Information Aggregation Framework (HGM-GIF) uses a combination of word-level, event-level, and sentence-level information to improve stock market predictions.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalAI Open·DateOct 20, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Patient-specific plates may help heal collarbone fractures

A new study suggests that patient-specific plates can provide superior performance in terms of anatomical fit and fracture stability. Custom-made plates designed through computer modeling have shown potential in improving healing outcomes for clavicle fractures.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateOct 20, 2021

Citizen-scientist study fuels launch of first interactive US county map of ticks carrying diseases

A new interactive US county map shows that ticks carrying disease-causing bacteria have been found in 116 counties not previously identified by the CDC. Lyme disease was detected in 293 counties, while tick-borne relapsing fever and anaplasmosis were found in 80 and 128 counties respectively.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalmSphere·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 2021

Albert Einstein College of Medicine receives $4 million NIH grant to support diabetes prevention and management research

The NY-CDTR promotes collaboration and research on effective strategies for improving diabetes prevention, care, and self-management, with a focus on health equity. The center will expand its efforts to address diabetes health disparities experienced by Latinx individuals through community partnerships and national initiatives.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateOct 20, 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.

Deep learning for reticular opacity on chest radiographs with interstitial lung disease

A deep learning algorithm from VUNO improved radiologists' sensitivity for detecting reticular opacity on chest radiographs in patients with mild to severe interstitial lung disease. The algorithm accuracy reached 98.5% and improved interobserver agreement, suggesting its potential for screening suspected ILD patients.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2021

Long-term study of elephant seal reproduction shows population’s resilience

A new study reveals that a female elephant seal's age and experience are more important than ocean conditions in determining the condition of her pup at weaning. Higher population densities lead to smaller pups, but older females outperform younger ones.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2021

Has 2014 policy change affected racial disparities in pediatric kidney transplantation?

A new study found that racial and ethnic disparities in pediatric kidney transplantation decreased significantly after the implementation of the Kidney Allocation System in 2014. The study showed no racial disparities in waitlist time until transplantation before or after the policy change, but disparities remained for time on dialysis...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 20, 2021

A rapid mechanism for muscle self-repair independent of stem cells

Researchers have identified a rapid mechanism for muscle repair that relies on the rearrangement of muscle fibre nuclei and does not involve stem cells. This process allows for efficient protection against minor lesions, paving the way for a deeper understanding of muscle biology, physiology, and disease.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalScience·DateOct 20, 2021

Researchers make hardened wooden knives that slice through steak

Researchers have developed hardened wooden knives that are 23 times harder and nearly three times sharper than stainless-steel dinner table knives. The material can be used to produce wooden nails as sharp as conventional steel nails and has potential applications in hardwood flooring and other wood products.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 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.

Pediatricians and public health officials should present a united front against controversial state masking bans for schools

Pediatricians and public health officials should present a united front against controversial state masking bans for schools, as these policies contradict evidence-based recommendations. The Delta variant overwhelmed pediatric emergency rooms and hospitals, highlighting the need for effective mitigation strategies.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 20, 2021

Research finds prescription drug misuse among college students most common during weekdays

A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that college students misuse prescription drugs more often during the week and when they are alone at home. The study, which surveyed 297 students, suggests that there may be different motivating factors underlying prescription drug misuse compared to other substances.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 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.

Overdose deaths involving cocaine or meth tripled in shadow of opioid crisis

Overdose deaths involving cocaine or methamphetamine increased triply in the shadow of the opioid epidemic. Most fatal overdoses (70%) involved multiple substances, with most being opioids and stimulants. The study highlights disparities in overdose risk from stimulants among Black veterans and rural residents.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAddiction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 2021

Two beams are better than one

Researchers have made a breakthrough in Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) by sending two laser beams together, reducing distortion caused by atmospheric turbulence. This innovation promises to improve wireless communication speeds and security for applications such as high-speed internet, airplanes, drones, and satellites.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

How Bali could teach the world to manage its limited resources

Researchers applied a physics method to Balinese rice irrigation practices, finding that a balance between water stress and pest stress is crucial for equilibrium. The traditional method, which involves synchronized flooding, can help maintain social harmony and prevent chaos in water schedules.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 20, 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.

Unmasking the magic of superconductivity in twisted graphene

Researchers discovered a resemblance between magic graphene's superconductivity and high-temperature superconductors, shedding light on the mysterious ceramic compounds. The study provides evidence for unconventional superconductivity in magic bilayer graphene.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

100-million-year-old crab trapped in amber helps fill in evolutionary gap

A 100-million-year-old crab fossil discovered in amber is helping scientists understand the evolution of non-marine crabs. The fossil, named Cretapsara athanata, provides crucial evidence that these crustaceans colonized land around 125 million years ago, bridging a long-standing gap in the fossil record.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2021

Researchers observe enhanced bulk photovoltaic effect in 2D ferroelectric material

A research team at USTC achieved measurable control over the magnitude of BPVE under applied electric field, incident light field, and temperature conditions. The findings suggest that ultrathin 2D ferroelectrics hold potential for developing high-efficiency third-generation solar cells beyond the SQ limit.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 20, 2021

Is environmentalism in our genes?

A study published in BioScience found that genetic factors contribute to concern for nature and pro-environmental behavior, with moderate heritability (30-40%) reported. The researchers also observed high genetic correlations between these traits, suggesting a partially shared genetic basis.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeSurvey·DateOct 20, 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.

Traffic study finds a public health ‘silver lining’ amidst the pandemic

A new study by University of Miami researchers observed immediate reductions in both alcohol-related crashes and DUI arrests following the March 2020 lockdown. The analysis showed a staggering reduction of over 800 fewer DUI arrests and almost 150 fewer alcohol-related motor-vehicle crashes.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalDeviant Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 2021

New galaxy images reveal a fitful start to the Universe

A team of astronomers used Hubble and Gran Telescopio Canarias data to study faint galaxies, revealing a 'fitful' start to the Universe. The first stars likely formed in bursts, followed by long periods of inactivity.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Two vaccine doses boost antibody levels in the airways after COVID-19

A new study from Karolinska Institutet finds that two vaccine doses increase antibody levels in the airways after COVID-19, while a second dose after recovery also boosts levels. The results highlight the importance of completing vaccination with a second dose to achieve optimal immune responses and reduce transmission.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 20, 2021

Timing of US school desegregation, late-life cognition in Black Adults

A study of 699 Black participants found that transitioning to an integrated school between grades 1-6 was associated with improved cognitive aging outcomes. Those who attended integrated schools had statistically significant advantages in executive function and semantic memory compared to those who only attended segregated schools.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 20, 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.

Cleveland Clinic study of deep brain stimulation for post-stroke rehabilitation shows upper extremity functional improvement

A first-in-human study at Cleveland Clinic found that targeting the dentate nucleus with deep brain stimulation was safe and feasible for promoting post-stroke rehabilitation, enabling significant functional improvement in upper extremity hemiparesis. The study's adaptive design allowed for extended treatment duration if patients conti...

SourceCleveland Clinic·DateOct 20, 2021

The disappearance of women researchers in times of pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, women researchers faced increased domestic duties and homeschooling, leading to a drastic drop in scientific production. The study found a 20% decrease in women first authors, 12% decrease in last authors, and 20% decrease in corresponding authors compared to pre-pandemic data.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe BMJ·TypeNews article·DateOct 20, 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.

Computer model aims to aid with planning during epidemics

Researchers created EpiPolicy software system to model epidemics, maximizing public health protections while minimizing economic and social costs. The model uses Monte Carlo and reinforcement learning techniques to design intervention strategies automatically, taking into account risk and uncertainty.

SourceNew York University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 20, 2021

Potential immunization strategy to protect against future coronavirus outbreaks

Researchers at Osaka University developed a vaccine that offers cross-protection against SARS coronaviruses by targeting the conserved core region of the spike protein receptor-binding domain. This approach has the potential to protect against future outbreaks, including those caused by novel viruses.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 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.

Weight-loss drugs, revisited

About 42% of U.S. adults are considered clinically obese due to increased risk of health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. New weight-loss drugs like Wegovy (semaglutide) show promise in safely aiding weight loss, but long-term side effects and sustainability remain concerns.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 20, 2021

National study aims to document relationship between language and cognition in childhood language disorders

Researchers aim to understand language development in children with developmental language disorder (DLD) and Fragile X syndrome by examining grammar skills and executive functions. The study will gather data on a two-year developmental window, providing comprehensive insights for families and potential improvements in communication.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateOct 20, 2021

Crop diversity is needed today for tomorrow’s food security and nutrition

A global review found that 80% of crop diversity loss is due to economic, agricultural, technological, climatic, and political changes. Conservation efforts can mitigate losses by strengthening ex-situ repositories and duplicating unique collections.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 20, 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.

Zapping untreated water gets rid of more waterborne viruses

Researchers found that a coagulation method using electricity effectively removes and inactivates nonenveloped viruses from untreated water. The process involves the use of iron electrodes to produce hydroxyl radicals, which aggregate with viruses, making them easier to remove.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeNews article·DateOct 20, 2021

Quantum material to boost terahertz frequencies

A new study elucidates the fundamental response of topological insulators to terahertz radiation, revealing rapid energy transfer between electrons and crystal lattice. The results hold promise for faster mobile data communication and high-sensitivity detector systems.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·Journalnpj Quantum Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 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.

Fusarium wilt of cotton more aggressive and diverse than previously understood

A recent study has revealed that Fusarium wilt of cotton is more aggressive and diverse than previously understood, affecting Pima and Upland varieties. The researchers identified a population shift towards FOV4, a fourth race of the fungus, which has overcome some resistance in commercial Pima varieties.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Treatment enhances anti-leukemia effect of bone marrow transplant, reduces recurrence, study finds

Researchers found that adding interferon to bone marrow transplant significantly reduced leukemia relapse among high-risk patients, improving outcomes. The study suggests a potential new strategy for treating advanced acute myeloid leukemia, with further research needed to confirm the findings.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBlood Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Europeans in the Americas 1000 years ago

A team of scientists discovered that Europeans were present in the Americas in 1021 AD, marking the earliest known point of Atlantic crossing. This date also signifies humanity's circumnavigation of the planet.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Plugging into ocean waves with a flexible, seaweed-like generator (video)

Researchers have developed a flexible triboelectric nanogenerator that mimics the movement of seaweed to efficiently convert surface and underwater waves into electricity. The device has been shown to generate power even at low water pressures, making it suitable for powering marine sensors in coastal zones.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 20, 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.

How an enriched environment fires up our synapses

A postgenomic study reveals that an enriched environment stimulates sensory perceptions by regulating synapses and altering lipid metabolism. The researchers found 178 proteins and 20 lipids to be significantly regulated depending on the environmental condition.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 20, 2021

How political partisanship governed in-person schooling during pandemic

A study from Michigan State University found that partisan politics played a significant role in local decisions about in-person schooling during the pandemic. In heavily Democratic counties, schools were nearly three times more likely to open fully remote, while Republican counties were nearly 1.8 times more likely to offer in-person ...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEducational Researcher·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 2021

'Considerable' risk of skull deformity in infants conceived by in vitro fertilization

A recent study suggests that infants conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be at a higher risk of developing craniosynostosis, a type of skull deformity. The four percent prevalence rate among IVF-conceived infants is considerably higher than the estimated one case per 1,800 to 2,200 births. Further studies are needed to c...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Craniofacial Surgery·DateOct 20, 2021

Glial cells crucial to maintaining healthy gut immunity

Researchers found that glial cells are activated by interferon gamma in response to pathogen invasion, releasing signals to attract immune cells to fight infection. In the absence of disease or injury, blocked activation led to tissue inflammation, highlighting their role in maintaining healthy intestinal tissue.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Students who felt that their university let them down during the COVID-19 pandemic ("institutional betrayal") were more likely to experience trauma symptoms

A study published in PLOS ONE found that students who felt their university failed them during the pandemic were more likely to experience trauma symptoms. The authors analyzed data from a large group of undergraduate students and discovered a significant association between institutional betrayal and trauma symptoms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 20, 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.

Genetic trigger for type-1 diabetes may be in lung

Researchers found that genes in the lung are associated with the largest impact on type-1 diabetes risk, potentially linking respiratory viral infections to disease onset. The study suggests a new target for drug development and could lead to a vaccine to prevent the condition.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 2021