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Science News Archive August 2021


Page 1 of 38

New findings on the field of perinatal brain injury

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg generated a comprehensive transcriptional atlas of neonatal mouse meningeal leukocytes, showing that these cells play a crucial role in brain development and pathology. The study also identified novel immune cell subtypes involved in brain injury and provided new insights into the interaction...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalGenes & Development·TypeObservational study·DateAug 31, 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.

Ferroelectrics everywhere?

Researchers have identified a new family of ferroelectric materials, including magnesium-substituted zinc oxide, that can be used for low-energy digital storage. These materials have the potential to revolutionize information and energy storage, offering improved performance and reduced power consumption.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateAug 31, 2021

Fall-prevention program can help reduce harmful in-home falls by nearly 40%

A community-based fall-prevention program helped reduce in-home falls among older adults by nearly 40%, resulting in cost savings of $1,613 per person. The program provided personalized plans to address fall risks and made simple home modifications such as grab bars and slip-resistant surfaces.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 31, 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.

Sandia uncovers hidden factors that affect solar farms during severe weather

A study published by Sandia National Laboratories reveals that older solar farms are more susceptible to extreme weather events, while snowstorms have the highest impact on electricity production. Machine learning analysis also found that low sunlight levels due to cloud cover and geographical features of the farm are significant factors.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalApplied Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 31, 2021

New artificial intelligence tech set to transform heart imaging

A new AI technology enhances magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images to capture scar tissue in the heart, eliminating the need for contrast injections. The approach, called Virtual Native Enhancement (VNE), produces higher-quality images and better captures evidence of scar without contrast.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalCirculation·DateAug 31, 2021

Researchers discover way to switch on and speed up tendon healing

A team of researchers at CÚRAM has developed an implantable stimulator device that combines with body power to speed up treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. The device, powered by walking, controls tendon cell function and repair through electrical stimulation.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

Getting your head in the game

A PSU study found that reattaching to work in the morning enhances managers' positive moods and work focus, leading to better day-level outcomes. Successfully reconnecting with work also enables transformational leadership behaviors crucial for employee engagement.

SourcePortland State University·JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateAug 31, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study shows evidence of beer drinking 9,000 years ago in Southern China

A new study reveals evidence of beer drinking 9,000 years ago in southern China, with ancient pots found at a burial site containing residues consistent with beer fermentation. The discovery suggests that ritualized drinking played a significant role in forging social relationships and cooperation among ancient communities.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 31, 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.

Helping families exposed to intimate partner violence

Researchers create strengths-based intervention to enhance daily interactions between caregivers and children exposed to IPV. The Mediational Intervention for Sensitizing Caregivers (MISC) project aims to reduce long-lasting effects of trauma on families.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateAug 31, 2021

Mapping the brain circuitry of spirituality

A new study has identified the periaqueductal gray as a critical hub for changes in spiritual identification, surprising researchers who previously thought it was associated with higher brain regions. The discovery could have significant implications for understanding spirituality's role in managing physical and emotional pain.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 31, 2021

Biomarkers found for COVID-19 condition in children

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has identified potential biomarkers for COVID-19 condition in children, known as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). The researchers hope that these biomarkers can help predict the severity of the disease and inform treatment decisions.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 31, 2021

New study sheds light on lives of people with Parkinson’s and their carers

A new European survey sheds light on the lives of people with Parkinson's disease and their carers, revealing a wide range of non-motor symptoms affecting quality of life. The study highlights the importance of individualized management and improved clinical practice in addressing the unique challenges faced by patients and caregivers.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Parkinson’s Disease·TypeCase study·DateAug 31, 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.

Dartmouth Engineering receives $1.25M from NASA to study space ice

The Dartmouth Engineering team will conduct research on planetary science relating to icy planets' geophysics and astrobiology, aiming to understand the nature of these worlds and their habitability. The project will provide valuable tools for interpreting measurements taken by future missions.

SourceThayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth·DateAug 31, 2021

Novel algorithm improves ‘consensus’ performance in multi-agent systems

Researchers have developed a novel algorithm that improves the speed at which nodes converge on agreement regarding a single data value needed during computation. The technique is based on designing an optimized network topology that reduces communication costs while allowing for adjustable convergence rates.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateAug 31, 2021

Keeping gonorrhea at bay

Researchers have identified a unique sequence essential for efficient multidrug efflux function of the MtrD protein in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a key mechanism for antimicrobial resistance. This discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotic treatments.

SourceFlinders University·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 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.

Pandemic restrictions enabled unique bird study

A study by Per Henningsson of Lund University found that birds adapt their speed to navigate through narrow gaps, slowing down as they approach the smallest opening. However, this adaptation comes with a significant energy cost, requiring extra energy to fly at sub-optimal speeds and increasing wing beats.

SourceLund University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

A skin crawling treatment for acne?

A team of scientists at McGill University has invented a smart device for personalized skin care inspired by the male diving beetle. The device collects and monitors body fluids while sticking to the skin's surface, paving the way for more accurate diagnostics and treatment for skin diseases like acne.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

Goldilocks was right! No one-size-fits-all when it comes to kids’ health

Researchers developed a customisable time tool, the Goldilocks Day calculator, to help parents allocate hours and activities for optimal health outcomes. The tool considers physical health, cognitive abilities, and mental wellbeing, allowing parents to adjust daily schedules based on their child's needs.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 31, 2021

Machine learning algorithm revolutionizes how scientists study behavior

A new unsupervised machine learning algorithm, B-SOiD, developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers makes studying animal behavior more accurate and efficient. The algorithm identifies patterns in an animal's body position to discover behaviors, removing human error and bias.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

Understanding a nanomuscle

Researchers at Kanazawa University have made significant progress in understanding the constriction mechanism of dynamin, a protein involved in endocytosis. By combining experiments and simulations, they found that the nanomuscle's motion resembles a ratchet motor, generating enough force to cut off vesicles from cell membranes.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 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.

Study finds telemedicine appointments reduce risk of further illness

A new study by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that telemedicine appointments combined with in-person visits significantly reduced the risk of further illness for children with medically complex cases. The study assessed 422 patients and found that those who received both telemedicine and c...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeObservational study·DateAug 31, 2021

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among patients in two urban emergency departments

A study of over 1,000 patients in Philadelphia's emergency departments found that vaccine hesitancy is common among this population, driven by concerns about safety and research. The authors suggest that EDs can play a valuable role in addressing vaccine hesitancy through targeted education and outreach efforts.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateAug 31, 2021

Quantum networks in our future

Researchers propose a time-sensitive network control plane as a key component of quantum networks, enabling real-time control and low costs. Industry applications include cybersecurity through quantum key distribution, but standardization and certification are needed.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAVS Quantum Science·DateAug 31, 2021

Genomic data reveals new insights into human embryonic development​

Researchers at KAIST used whole-genome sequencing to track human embryonic development from fertilized egg to fully grown adult. The study identified key characteristics of the developmental process, including mutation rates and unequal cell contribution.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 31, 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.

Chemotherapy plus immunotherapy before surgery is beneficial for invasive bladder cancer outcomes

A new study reports that chemotherapy plus immunotherapy before surgical removal reduces tumor invasiveness in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. In the phase II clinical trial, nearly 25% of bladder cancers were found to be invasive, and surgery often had limited success due to microscopic cancer cell spread.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 31, 2021

The people’s waterways

Public monitoring of China's water quality reveals significant improvements, particularly among heavily industrialized areas. However, local governments' misaligned incentives hinder effective implementation of pollution standards.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2021

Do distressed, help-seeking couples improve on their own? Not much, study says

A recent study examined the dynamics of distressed couples who sought online help for their relationship but had to wait six months before starting an intervention program. The researchers found that while some couples did experience improvements in satisfaction and support, overall levels of distress remained elevated. In contrast, ot...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFamily Process·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 31, 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.

Minimum wage hike boosts customer experience

A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that a minimum wage hike improves consumer perceptions of service quality, particularly in independently owned restaurants. The study analyzed online reviews before and after the wage increase and discovered a decrease in negative discussions about worker courtesy and friendliness.

SourceCornell University·JournalMarketing Science·DateAug 31, 2021

Fighting brain cancer at its root

Researchers at McGill University identified proteins that drive cancer stem cells in brain tumours. Targeting the protein galectin1 may provide a more effective treatment for glioblastoma when combined with radiation therapy. The study found significant improvement in tumour response to radiation therapy, resulting in expanded lifespan.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

A Lunar-based Soft X-ray Imager (LSXI) for the Earth’s magnetosphere

The LSXI will use a lunar platform to continuously observe the global images of the Earth's magnetosphere, providing unprecedented observational coverage and innovations in magnetospheric physics research. The instrument combines space-based and ground-based detection results to predict and mitigate space weather disasters.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateAug 31, 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.

Veterans with PTSD may benefit from manualized Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT)--The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry-Embargoed to 1:00 PM EDT(US) Tues., Aug 31, 2021

A recent study found that manualized Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT-PTSD) is safe, feasible, and clinically viable for treating veterans with PTSD. The therapy resulted in marked reductions in both clinician-rated and self-reported symptoms of PTSD and depression.

SourceMan O’War Project·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 31, 2021

Regulators for extracellular vesicle production

Researchers from Kanazawa University have identified 4 potential regulators for extracellular vesicle (EV) production, including 1 inhibitor and 3 activators. The inhibitors and activators were screened using a high-throughput method to detect EVs with high sensitivity and versatility.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 31, 2021

Do you hate seeing people fidget? New UBC research says you’re not alone

Research finds approximately one-third of the population experience sensitivities when seeing others fidget, leading to emotional and social impacts. Individuals with misokinesia report difficulty in social situations, work environments, and learning spaces, with impacts increasing with age.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 31, 2021

Cancer treatment with built-in light

Researchers have developed a new photodynamic tumor therapy that works for deep tumors, eliminating the need for external irradiation. The 'intelligent' drug consists of four components linked into a single molecule that brings its own light source and switches it on in acidic tumorous tissue.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 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.

Personalized cancer treatment tested on artificial cancer

A research team has developed a cell printing technology to produce 3D cancer spheroids with varying diameters and blood vessels. This enables the reproduction of cancer metastasis properties, paving the way for personalized cancer treatments.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalSmall Methods·DateAug 31, 2021

Predicting climate anomalies: a real challenge

The World Climate Research Programme has made efforts to improve climate prediction, but many problems remain, including predicting extreme weather events. The Center for Climate System Prediction Research (CCSP) aims to tackle these challenges through research on ENSO, extended-range weather forecasting, and interannual-to-decadal cli...

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateAug 31, 2021

New GSA Bulletin articles published ahead of print in August

Researchers studied high-resolution U-Pb dating of a calcite vein in the Dead Sea transform system, revealing strain fluctuations over 7 Ma. In another study, Eocene metamorphism was recorded in mafic dike swarms within the Tethyan Himalaya, southern Tibet, indicating no need for extra heat.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateAug 31, 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.

Exploring quantum correlations of classical light source for image transmission

Researchers investigate using classical thermal light sources for quantum applications, including teleportation and novel imaging. A new protocol is proposed to exploit the non-entangled yet non-classical state of two-photon OAM for high-dimensional image transmission.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateAug 31, 2021

Russian physicists mix classical light with half a photon on a qubit

A Russian-U.K. research team has proposed a theoretical description for the new effect of quantum wave mixing involving classical and nonclassical states of microwave radiation. The study builds on earlier experiments on artificial atoms, which serve as qubits for quantum computers and probes fundamental laws of nature.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalPhysical Review A·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 31, 2021

Artificial intelligence used to predict how much water irrigators will use in each rate period

Researchers at the University of Córdoba developed an AI model that predicts how much water irrigators will use during different rate periods, optimizing energy usage. The CANGENFIS model combines AI techniques like fuzzy logic and artificial neural networks to model irrigator behavior and predict water distribution by rate period.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalAgricultural Water Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 31, 2021

We’re breathing PFAS: Study finds harmful forever chemicals in indoor air

A new study has detected high levels of PFAS chemicals in indoor air, particularly in carpets and other products treated with the forever chemicals. The research suggests that children may be exposed to these harmful substances through inhalation, highlighting the need for reduced use of PFAS in products.

SourceGreen Science Policy Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateAug 31, 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.

This rainbow-making tech could help autonomous vehicles read signs

Researchers have discovered a new material that can produce beautiful optical phenomena, including concentric rainbows. The technology has potential applications in aiding autonomous vehicles in recognizing traffic signs, particularly in real-world conditions.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalApplied Materials Today·DateAug 31, 2021

Imaginary numbers protect AI from very real threats

Using complex-valued layers can improve performance against adversarial attacks without sacrificing efficiency. This technique, combined with gradient regularization, allows neural networks to resist small perturbations and maintain accuracy.

SourceDuke University·DateAug 31, 2021