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Science News for August 13, 2021


Researchers develop new way to study neurodegenerative diseases

Rutgers researchers have developed a novel technique to quantify protein droplets involved in neurodegenerative diseases. The technique measures the surface tension and viscosity of protein droplets, allowing for improved understanding of disease mechanisms and potential drug treatments.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBiophysical Reports·DateAug 13, 2021

Russian researchers present ultra-precise brain imaging tool

A team from the Russian Quantum Center developed a novel solid-state supersensitive room-temperature magnetometer capable of registering weak electrical sources in the brain. The device successfully detected alpha rhythm, a sinusoidal electric current in the back of the brain, and showed higher sensitivity than existing systems.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

‘Missing jigsaw piece’: engineers make critical advance in quantum computer design

Quantum engineers at the University of New South Wales have discovered a new technique to control millions of spin qubits, a critical step towards building a practical quantum computer. This breakthrough uses a novel component called a dielectric resonator to focus microwave power and deliver uniform magnetic fields across the chip.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Uncovering trends and gaps in Hispanic population health research

Researchers analyzed over 100 datasets to identify changes in Hispanic population health research from 1960 to 2019. They found an increase in studies including adult populations and measures of ethnic and racial identity, but noted gaps in data on children and youth, gender identity, and immigration status.

SourceTexas A&M University·TypeNews article·DateAug 13, 2021

Back to the land: Research helps farmers sequester soil carbon

Research by Wuletawu Abera and his team has shown that vegetation cover combined with earthworks like retaining walls or trenches can help increase the amount of carbon stored in the soil. The studies focused on the Ethiopian highlands, where land degradation has led to erosion and loss of soil organic matter.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateAug 13, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Men, Conservative Party supporters and Brexit-backers more likely to support the use of nuclear weapons, study shows

A recent study published in the European Journal of International Security found that men and supporters of the Conservative Party are more likely to support the use of nuclear weapons. The study analyzed data from the new UK Security Survey and found that those who voted to leave the EU and endorsed superior military power worldwide w...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEuropean Journal of International Security·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 13, 2021

COVID-19-related insurance coverage changes, access to care disparities

A survey study found significant disparities in insurance coverage and access to health care among low-income families and people of color across four Southern states during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study revealed increased challenges in accessing medical care due to limited insurance coverage and other factors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateAug 13, 2021

Three-layered control of mRNA tails

A new study reveals that multiple pathways regulate poly(A) tail lengths in yeast, involving poly(A) binding proteins and a self-regulating pathway. This discovery sheds light on the complex control of mRNA tails and their impact on protein production.

SourceAarhus University·JournalGenes & Development·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

Why boiling droplets can race across hot oily surfaces

Researchers at MIT have quantified the phenomenon for the first time, finding that boiling droplets on hot oily surfaces move rapidly due to a thin oil cloak coating the outside of each water droplet. This cloak acts as a kind of balloon skin, holding vapor bubbles in place and imparting momentum.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 13, 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.

Corals survive the heat with bacterial help

Researchers found that a probiotic cocktail of beneficial bacteria increases coral survival after a bleaching event. The approach could be administered in advance to help corals recover from high sea temperatures. Probiotic treatment improved coral response and recovery, boosting survival from 60% to 100%.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

Just 10% of kids with ADHD outgrow it, study finds

A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that most children diagnosed with ADHD don't outgrow the disorder. In fact, researchers followed a group of 558 children with ADHD for 16 years and found that only 10% completely outgrew it.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateAug 13, 2021

‘Likes’ and ‘shares’ teach people to express more outrage online

A new Yale University study reveals that social media platforms like Twitter amplify expressions of moral outrage over time, encouraging users to express more outrage with increased likes and shares. This finding has significant implications for leaders and policymakers who use these platforms.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 13, 2021

Polymer enables tougher recyclable thermoplastics

Cornell researchers created a chemically recyclable thermoplastic by synthesizing long polymer chains using a special catalyst. The resulting material, poly(1,3-dioxolane) or PDXL, has high tensile strength and can be easily depolymerized back to its monomer state, making it suitable for large-scale applications like packaging products.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateAug 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.

Genetic program protects neurons from degeneration

Researchers at the University of Bonn identified a genetic program in fruit flies that controls neuron development and protection. The program, which involves the WNK gene, has similar functions in humans and may hold the key to understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNeuron·DateAug 13, 2021

Navigating the corn maze: FSU researchers develop technique to map out ‘light switches’ of maize genome

Researchers at Florida State University have developed a technique called MOA-seq to map DNA sequences in maize, allowing them to identify regulatory switches that control gene expression. This knowledge could lead to healthier plants, higher nutrient content, and better growth resistance, ultimately improving crop yields.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 13, 2021

Scientists develop a new instrument to measure atmospheric ammonia

A new instrument measures atmospheric ammonia with high sensitivity and fast response, allowing for accurate quantification of NH3 emissions from agricultural ecosystems. The open-path design overcomes challenges faced by close-path instruments, enabling long-term and automated measurements.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAgricultural and Forest Meteorology·DateAug 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.

Scientists take step to improve crops’ photosynthesis, yields

Researchers at Cornell University have made a significant breakthrough in improving crop yields by enhancing photosynthesis. By removing the enzyme carbonic anhydrase from chloroplasts, scientists have found that plants can still undergo photosynthesis without compromising their growth, paving the way for more efficient food production.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2021

Dog coat patterns have ancient origin

A new study by Professor Danika Bannasch and colleagues reveals that five distinct dog coat patterns have an ancient origin, dating back over 2 million years. The research suggests that lighter coat colors would have been advantageous to an extinct canid ancestor in arctic environments during glaciation periods.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

Fels and Fox Chase researchers highlight roles of TET2 and DNMT3A mutations in personalized medicine-guided synthetic lethality against leukemia

Fels and Fox Chase researchers found specific TET2 and DNMT3A mutations in leukemia patients that affect DNA repair pathways. These mutations make leukemia cells sensitive to PARP inhibitors, a type of targeted therapy, while others are resistant. The study aims to develop personalized therapies for patients with these mutations.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 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.

Microbial study reveals extended lifespan of starved bacteria

A study led by Jay T. Lennon found that nearly all bacterial populations persisted for 1,000 days without external food, with some having lifespans exceeding 100,000 years. This suggests that microbes can survive long periods of energy limitation and evolve under such conditions.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

The Lancet Oncology: Excluding race factors during kidney function evaluation may impact treatment of Black cancer patients

An analysis of 15 years of phase 1 clinical trial data found that removing race factors during kidney function evaluation may decrease the proportion of Black patients recommended to receive full doses of anticancer drugs. This could ultimately affect their clinical outcomes. The study used the CKD-EPI equation, which calculates a high...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 13, 2021

Brain cholesterol regulates Alzheimer's plaques, study reveals

Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to show that cholesterol regulates the production of Amyloid Beta (Aβ) in the brain, a key feature of Alzheimer's disease. Cholesterol helps maintain clusters of molecules called lipid rafts, where enzymes cleave Aβ.

SourceScripps Research Institute·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 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.

Getting cell culture research right

A study analyzing 810 papers found that most cell culture experiments neglected environmental conditions, affecting the accuracy of results. The team recommends standard reporting procedures and instruments for better monitoring and control of culture environments.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 13, 2021

Cancer patients use less marijuana than general public

A study by Virginia Commonwealth University found that cancer patients reported lower rates of marijuana use between 2013 and 2018, with only 9% using the substance. Higher pain levels and certain demographics were linked to increased marijuana use in this population.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalCancer·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 13, 2021

UCI researchers find vital enzyme holds key to the fight against cancer and viral infections

A study by UCI researchers reveals two ways APOBEC3A is controlled in response to stress, offering potential therapeutic strategies against cancers and viral infections. The findings could lead to new treatments that prevent DNA mutations caused by the enzyme, reducing disease progression and resistance.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 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.

How consumer orchestration work creates value in the sharing economy

A new study identifies four key challenges faced by sharing economy consumers, including reconciling goals and values, managing risk, and personalizing experiences. Researchers also uncover mechanisms and actions that help consumers navigate these challenges, creating value in the process.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateAug 13, 2021

Durable responses to immunotherapy seen in rare angiosarcoma tumors

Researchers found that four patients with rare angiosarcoma partially or completely responded to treatment with a combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab. Stable disease was maintained by two more patients, with at least one patient experiencing complete tumor disappearance.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 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.

Factors associated with manufacturer drug coupon use

Researchers found that factors like cost and prescription characteristics are associated with increased use of manufacturer's coupons at pharmacies. The study suggests that these factors may influence patients' decisions about using coupons to reduce medication costs.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateAug 13, 2021

DTU researchers tighten grip on quantum computer

The DTU researchers have developed a universal measurement-based optical quantum computer platform, enabling the execution of any arbitrary algorithm. The platform is scalable to thousands of qubits and can be connected directly to a future quantum Internet.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

Crop insurance and unintended consequences

A recent study by North Carolina State University researchers suggests that crop insurance can serve as a disincentive for farmers to adopt climate change mitigation measures. The study found that higher levels of crop insurance participation increase the variability of crop yields due to warmer temperatures, making farming riskier. Po...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEuropean Review of Agricultural Economics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 13, 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.

Metasurfaces control polarized light at will

Researchers at Harvard SEAS have demonstrated a new way to control polarized light using metasurfaces, enabling holographic images with an unlimited number of polarization states and manipulation in virtually infinite directions. This advancement could lead to applications in imaging, microscopes, displays, and astronomy.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 13, 2021

Faster path planning for rubble-roving robots

Researchers at University of Michigan develop faster path planning approach for rubble-roving robots, enabling them to find stable paths in treacherous terrain more efficiently. The new algorithm outperformed traditional methods in success and total time to plan, with an 84% success rate in virtual experiments.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAutonomous Robots·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

Cats prefer to get free meals rather than work for them

A new study from the University of California - Davis found that domestic cats overwhelmingly choose freely available food over food puzzles, contrary to expected contrafreeloading behavior. Cats spent more time at the tray and made more first choices to eat from it than the puzzle, suggesting a preference for easy access to food.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAnimal Cognition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

For trees, carbs are key to surviving insect defoliation

A recent study published in Functional Ecology reveals that trees' carbohydrate reserves are crucial for surviving insect defoliation, with a critical threshold of 1.5% carbohydrates in dried wood. Trees growing along forest edges tend to have more reserves, making them more resilient than interior forest trees.

SourceHarvard University·JournalFunctional Ecology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 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.

New algorithm can help improve cellular materials design

A new algorithm can help engineers predict how cellular materials will react to different loads, conditions, and constraints. The research found that this approach can achieve extreme mechanical properties, including negative Poisson's ratio and elastic modulus.

SourceSwansea University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 13, 2021

Gender, personality influence use of interactive tools online

Researchers found that people's personality, such as extroversion, and gender affect their interaction with websites. Extroverted individuals tend to prefer interactive sites that facilitate communication between users, while men and women have different preferences when it comes to interacting with computers.

SourcePenn State·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateAug 13, 2021