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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 96


Page 96 of 510

How long can fiber reinforced polymer sustain concrete structures? Scientists answer

A 13-year-long study finds that fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) coatings can sustain concrete structures for extended periods. The study tested FRP and glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) systems under various environmental conditions, revealing significant impact on bond behavior.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalComposites Part B Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Nanoscale lattices flow from 3D printer

Rice materials scientists develop a method to print arbitrary 3D shapes, creating micro-scale electronic, mechanical and photonic devices. The process involves two-photon polymerization and doping with rare earth salts for photoluminescent properties.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 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.

Concordia researchers develop a new model to assess for flood hazards

A new methodology creates a watershed-scale flood model based on LiDAR data, providing precise elevation readings and riverbed depth information. The system can predict flood conditions and provide warnings to area residents, making it applicable to large rivers and smaller streams.

SourceConcordia University·JournalHydrological Processes·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 14, 2021

German scientists develop multimodal fiber probe for in vivo tissue diagnostics

A team of scientists from Germany develops a novel all-fiber based endoscopic set-up for multimodal non-linear endoscopy, allowing for the reliable assessment of tissue and successful surgery. The probe enables label-free tissue diagnostics, including tumor margin detection, and has the potential to improve patient care and reduce costs.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateOct 14, 2021

Breastfeeding linked to lower risk of type 1 diabetes

Research by Karolinska Institutet suggests that longer breastfeeding and later introduction to gluten may reduce the risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The study analyzed 5,935 articles and found a significant protective effect against the disease.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 14, 2021

Artificial intelligence helps to find new natural substances

A team of bioinformaticians at Friedrich Schiller University Jena developed a method to identify small active substance molecules using machine-learning methods. They successfully identified 11 new, previously unknown bile acids in mice using this approach.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeNews article·DateOct 14, 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.

Snakes diversified explosively after the dinosaurs were wiped out

A study found that snakes rapidly diversified their diets following the K-Pg mass extinction event, incorporating birds, fish, and small mammals into their diet. This diversification was triggered by ecological opportunities presented by the extinction, with some lineages experiencing further bursts of adaptive evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 14, 2021

How your firm's Tweets affect its value—both temporarily and permanently

Researchers found that tweets with negative valence and consumer orientation generate permanent price impacts, while those with positive valence and competitor orientation increase temporary price impacts. Firms can design social media content to improve firm value by incorporating attributes such as valence and subject matter.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateOct 14, 2021

$2.6 million grant to help establish online clinical engineering program

The University of Missouri is developing an online certificate program for clinical engineers through a $2.6 million grant from the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. The program aims to increase the number of trained and qualified clinical engineers in the workforce, particularly in rural communities.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateOct 14, 2021

Study finds singing and imagining improvised music elicits flow-like brain states

Researchers at Georgia State University found that singing and imagining improvised music elicits the same flow-like brain states as when musicians are actually performing. The study used fMRI data to identify how a musician's brain reconfigures connectivity depending on the degree of creativity required during jazz performances.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 14, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Filling the gaps: connecting genes to diseases through proteins

A new study identified thousands of protein connections to various human diseases, suggesting a common origin in the genome. This approach linked genetic variations to specific proteins, providing insights into disease mechanisms and potential treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

Pesticide linked to chronic kidney disease

A University of Queensland study found that people exposed to higher amounts of the insecticide Malathion have a 25% higher risk of kidney dysfunction. Chronic kidney disease is a permanent condition characterized by loss of renal function and is often associated with age, hypertension, and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 14, 2021

Incidence estimation from SARS-CoV-2 genomes

Researchers developed a computational method to estimate new infection rates from genomic sequences, revealing decreased case detection in Europe during summer 2020 due to relaxed testing criteria. The study also highlights the effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 spread.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 14, 2021

Vitamin D supplement may enhance dairy cows’ immune health

Researchers found that vitamin D supplementation with calcidiol increased the expression of genes related to cell adhesion and migration, pathogen recognition, and pathogen killing in dairy cows. This suggests a possible link between vitamin D and enhanced immune function, particularly during early lactation.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Study discovers unique brain signature of intimate partner aggression

Researchers at VCU used fMRI to examine brain activity of couples experiencing intimate partner aggression, finding a unique brain signature in the medial prefrontal cortex. The study also found that blunted activity in this region predicted real-world acts of intimate partner violence.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalBiological Psychology·DateOct 14, 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.

Statins linked to reduced risk of death from COVID-19 in major population study

A large population study found that statin treatment was associated with a slightly lower risk of dying from COVID-19. The results suggest a moderate prophylactic effect on mortality, supporting the continued use of statins for conditions like cardiovascular disease and high blood lipids.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 14, 2021

Gene regulation: Silencing factor for endogenous retroviruses identified

Researchers at LMU have identified a new silencing factor for ERV genes, enabling the formation of condensed chromatin structures that inhibit activation. This discovery sheds light on the role of histone variants in regulating gene expression and may have implications for treating autoimmune diseases and cancers.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 14, 2021

Freezing fruit flies for future function

Scientists from the University of Tsukuba have developed a new technique to preserve Drosophila primordial germ cells, which can be used to produce new offspring. The cryopreserved PGCs were found to be effective after up to 400 days of long-term storage.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCommunications Biology·DateOct 13, 2021

Welcoming composite inks into the fold

A new composite ink composed of ceramic particles in polymer acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) has been developed to make foldable electronics easier and cheaper to manufacture. The ink enables the creation of flexible, large-area dielectric substrates suitable for millimeter-wave devices, including 5G antennas.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 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.

OSU study: After two hours, sunscreen that includes zinc oxide loses effectiveness, becomes toxic

A new OSU study reveals that sunscreen containing zinc oxide loses its effectiveness and becomes toxic after just two hours of exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The research used zebrafish to test the toxicity of photodegradation products, finding significant increases in defects in the fish.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPhotochemical & Photobiological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 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.

Increases in extreme humid-heat disproportionately affect populated regions

A new study by Washington State University scientists finds that people living in areas with humid-heat extremes are bearing the brunt of the impact. The researchers identify a greater increase in population exposure to humid-heat as compared to dry-heat, emphasizing the importance of understanding humidity changes in a warming world.

SourceWashington State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2021

Immune system keeps the intestinal flora in balance

A team of scientists has found that IgA antibodies, a natural defense substance in the human body, can limit the fitness of benign bacteria in the intestine. This discovery helps maintain a delicate balance between the human organism and the intestinal flora.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 70% percent of surveyed healthcare workers in Ghana and Kenya met criteria for stress and burnout, which are associated with low job satisfaction

A study found that nearly 70% of surveyed healthcare workers in Ghana and Kenya experienced stress and burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers suggest that perceived preparedness plays a crucial role in mitigating these negative effects on job satisfaction.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateOct 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.

Smoke from nuclear war would devastate ozone layer, alter climate

A new study finds that massive columns of smoke from a nuclear war would destroy much of the ozone layer over a 15-year period, with peak ozone loss averaging about 75% worldwide. This would lead to devastating effects on human health and food supplies, as well as terrestrial ecosystems.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2021

'Broken heart' syndrome is on the rise in women

A recent study by the Smidt Heart Institute found that middle-aged and older women are being diagnosed with 'broken heart' syndrome more frequently—up to 10 times more often—than younger women or men of any age. The incidence has been rising steadily since before the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting a possible link between stressors, brai...

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Telehealth addiction treatment rose rapidly during pandemic; but potential benefits still unclear

New research highlights the potential of telehealth to increase patient engagement through improved access and convenience. However, studies found limited evidence that telehealth results in better retention or outcomes compared to in-person treatment. Researchers emphasize the need for more empirical work to confirm its benefits.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalPsychiatric Services·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 13, 2021

Stress on mothers can influence biology of future generations

Biologists found that a mother roundworm's response to heat stress affects not only her offspring but also their children. The researchers discovered a protein called HSF1 that collaborates with mechanisms to establish stress memory in eggs, which are then passed on through conception.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2021

A crystal ball into our solar system’s future

Researchers detected giant gas planet with Jupiter-like orbit around white dwarf star, confirming planets can exist beyond star death; study suggests Jupiter and Saturn may survive Sun's red giant phase.

SourceW. M. Keck Observatory·JournalNature·DateOct 13, 2021

Storing data as mixtures of fluorescent dyes (video)

Researchers have developed a novel data storage method using mixtures of fluorescent dyes, which can store binary information at high density with fast read/write speeds. The technique encodes sequences of 0s and 1s into dye molecules, allowing for the storage of digital information for thousands of years or longer.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateOct 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.

World-first clinical trial demonstrates focused ultrasound can deliver antibody therapy to breast cancer metastases in the brain

Researchers at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre have successfully delivered antibody therapy to breast cancer metastases in the brain using focused ultrasound. The treatment, which temporarily opens the blood-brain barrier, has shown promising results with tumor size reductions of up to 21% in patients.

SourceFocused Ultrasound Foundation·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 13, 2021

Pandemic-related grief may hamper bond between mothers and babies

A recent study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that pandemic-related grief and depressive symptoms are associated with lower levels of mother-infant bonding. Higher self-efficacy and social support were also linked to better bonding outcomes, while anxiety symptoms were not a significant factor.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalPediatric Research·TypeSurvey·DateOct 13, 2021

Did Venus ever have oceans?

A team of astrophysicists led by Martin Turbet from UNIGE and NCCR PlanetS found that Venus's climate conditions prevented the formation of oceans. The study suggests that the Earth could have suffered a similar fate if it had been closer to the Sun or had weaker radiation in its youth.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateOct 13, 2021

Metamaterial eENZ can control correlations of light

A team at Tampere University has created a metamaterial eENZ mirror that can control the correlation properties of light, switching between high and low correlation states. By manipulating polarization, they achieve near-perfect coherence switching.

SourceTampere University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 13, 2021

Formula milk trials are not reliable, warn experts

A comprehensive review of formula milk trials found that only 17% were conducted independently of formula companies, and most had a high risk of bias due to selective reporting. The researchers call for substantial changes in the conduct and reporting of formula trials to protect participants from harm.

SourceBMJ Group·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 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.

Penn researchers to study the impact of environmental and economic interventions on reducing health disparities in Black Philadelphia neighborhoods with nearly $10 million grant

The study will assess the impact of environmental and economic interventions on health and well-being in predominantly Black neighborhoods. Researchers will enroll 720 adults, half receiving the proposed interventions, and evaluate their overall health and wellbeing, as well as violent crime rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateOct 13, 2021

Quick test for potential probiotic in seawater may reveal health of corals

Researchers developed a quick test to identify beneficial bacteria species known to benefit coral, allowing for non-invasive assessment of coral health. The method enables rapid detection of specific bacterial species in seawater and coral samples, suggesting that the bacteria may be concentrated in coral.

SourceOsaka Prefecture University·JournalMarine Biotechnology·TypeNews article·DateOct 13, 2021

Crafting a “sponge” for adsorbing and desorbing gas molecules

A team of scientists has created a novel material composed of catenane molecules, which can adsorb and desorb gas molecules like carbon dioxide. The soft crystal exhibits unique properties, including porosity and deformability, making it suitable for applications such as capturing CO2 molecules.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2021

How long does a neutron live?

Physicists have made the most precise measurement yet of a neutron's lifetime, revealing that it lives 14.629 minutes with an uncertainty of 0.005 minutes. This result brings scientists closer to understanding why two previous methods disagree and could provide evidence for new physics.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 13, 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.

Lack of power grids sealed fate for early electric cars

A recent study from Lund University reveals that inadequate infrastructure hindered the adoption of electric cars in the early 20th century. Electric cars were cheaper to drive and emitted less CO2 than gasoline cars, but access to local electrical infrastructure was a major factor in their popularity.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Energy·DateOct 13, 2021

Quarks and antiquarks at high momentum shake the foundations of visible matter

Two independent studies illuminate unexpected substructures in fundamental components of all matter. One study presents new evidence on the EMC effect by tagging spectator neutrons, offering direct insight into its origin. Meanwhile, a team from Fermilab found evidence that antimatter asymmetry plays a crucial role in nucleon properties.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateOct 13, 2021

Fewer frogs died by vehicles in the outset of the pandemic, study finds

A new study led by a University of Maine graduate student found that 50% fewer frogs died from vehicle collisions in spring 2020 compared to previous years. This decline was part of a broader reduction in animal road fatalities during the pandemic, similar to findings in other studies worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalConservation Science and Practice·DateOct 13, 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.

Ultrasound can enable faster, more sustainable battery recycling

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology developed an ultrasound-assisted extraction method for valuable metals from electric car batteries, reducing extraction time by 50% and increasing metal ion recovery. The new process uses gentler acids and eliminates the need for harsh chemicals.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2021

Hurricane Michael damage wins 2021 DesignSafe Dataset Award

The StEER Network's post-event reconnaissance helped assess building damage from Hurricane Michael, revealing widespread wind- and surge-induced damage. The dataset has been used to develop data-driven fragilities, train machine learning applications, and inform policy and practice improvements for coastal communities.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateOct 13, 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.

The calculated costs of setting up labs to monitor antimicrobial resistance in resource-limited settings may be prohibitive without financial support

The cost of establishing laboratories to track antimicrobial resistance in Southeast Asian hospitals is substantial, making it challenging for many countries to implement such programs. Financial support is crucial to overcome these costs and provide effective antimicrobial resistance monitoring.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateOct 13, 2021

Cognitive study shows lack of bilingual education adversely affects English language learners' writing skills

A University of Kansas study examined three key cognitive functions in teaching writing to Hispanic English learners, revealing word retrieval skills, verbal language skills, and working memory are crucial for success. The research highlights the negative effects of a lack of bilingual education on these students' writing abilities.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2021