Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 31, 2021


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

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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

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
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.

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
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

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

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
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.

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

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
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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

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
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

Rare earth elements and old mines spell trouble for Western water supplies

A new study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers finds that rare earth elements are contaminating Western streams, driven by climate change. The elements can leach into the water from rocks and soil disturbed by historic mines, posing a risk to fish and other aquatic life.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 31, 2021

Researchers from Tel Aviv University prove for the first time that silent mutations can predict the development of cancer cells

Silent mutations, which don't change protein sequences, hold diagnostic value in predicting cancer types and patient survival. The study analyzed over 10,000 cancer genomes and found that combining information from silent and non-silent mutations improved classification and prognostication up to 17% and 5%, respectively.

SourceTel-Aviv University·Journalnpj Genomic Medicine·DateAug 31, 2021

Paint the town

A team of scientists from Osaka University developed a machine learning method for classifying the type of building and its primary façade color using deep learning models applied to street-level images. This work may assist in fostering neighborhood cohesion and support urban renewal by providing tailored street-view datasets.

SourceOsaka University·JournalISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information·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.

Anchoring single atoms

Researchers from Vienna University of Technology have developed a new method to anchor single atoms on surfaces, paving the way for single-atom catalysis. The technique uses silicon atoms as anchors for single metal atoms, which can be used to accelerate chemical reactions.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

The right mixture of salts to get life started

Researchers have found a combination of basaltic rocks and natural heat flows that creates an optimal balance of magnesium and sodium ions, necessary for RNA's catalytic activity. This discovery sheds light on the origin of life, suggesting that RNA molecules played a crucial role in early biological processes.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 31, 2021

Genetic background can increase Hispanics' risk for omega-3 deficiency

A study by researchers at the University of Virginia Health System has linked American Indigenous ancestry to an increased risk of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency among Hispanic Americans. The genetic variation associated with this deficiency can be used to identify patients at risk and provide personalized nutritional guidance.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 31, 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.

Raining microbes? New study finds rain-borne bacteria colonize plants

Scientists found that rain-borne microbes can successfully colonize plants' aboveground microbial communities, protecting them from stressors. The study suggests that rain is a potentially important reservoir for phyllosphere bacteria, which could be used to improve plant health.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

Cancer cells on the wrong path

Researchers from Charité and the German Cancer Consortium studied colorectal cancer cells using single cell sequencing to identify adaptations that render treatment ineffective. The study provides insights into the development process of cancer and suggests ways to improve current treatment approaches.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateAug 31, 2021

A new approach creates an exceptional single-atom catalyst for water splitting

Scientists created a new approach to anchoring individual iridium atoms on the surface of a catalytic particle, increasing its efficiency in splitting water molecules to record levels. This breakthrough could ease the bottleneck for sustainable energy production by enabling more efficient electrolysis.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

PPPL physicist helps confirm a major advance in stellarator performance

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute and PPPL confirm a major advance in stellarator performance, achieving temperatures twice as great as the sun's core. The XICS diagnostic instrument revealed a sharp reduction in neoclassical transport, a type of heat loss that has historically been greater in classical stellarators.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 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.

Danes favor canines over felines

A recent study by the University of Copenhagen found that 20% of Danish families own dogs, while 14% own cats. The study also revealed that dogs hold a special place in their owners' hearts, with over 90% reporting a strong bond with their canine companion.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·TypeSurvey·DateAug 31, 2021

How to produce proteins at the right speed

Researchers at UNIGE deciphered the genetic mechanisms controlling protein synthesis speed, revealing a dynamic observation technique called ribosome profiling. This method showed that regulatory factors modulate translation rate, affecting protein structure and aggregation.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell Reports·TypeNews article·DateAug 31, 2021

Older people with abdominal fat and weak muscles are more likely to develop mobility problems

A Brazilian-UK study found that older individuals with both abdominal fat and muscle weakness experience a significant loss of gait speed over eight years. This decline can lead to difficulty walking and increased risk of falls, impacting independence. Researchers urge health workers to measure abdominal fat and muscle strength to pred...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAge and Ageing·DateAug 31, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

How Hood River watershed can become more resilient to climate change

A new study by Portland State University assesses strategies for the Hood River watershed to adapt to climate change. The researchers found that a combination of water banking, infrastructure improvements, and reflexive feedback mechanisms can achieve overall resilience.

SourcePortland State University·JournalHydrological Sciences Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 31, 2021

Genetics determine hypertension more in women than men

Research reveals that genetics determine hypertension more in women than men, with sex-specific genetic risk traits strongly associated with early-onset hypertension. This finding has important implications for patients and physicians, emphasizing the need for closer monitoring of hypertension risks in women.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalHypertension·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 31, 2021

Innovative, faster and more cost-effective technology identifies drug that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 growth in lab setting

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a new drug discovery technology to screen billions of compounds for potential treatments against viruses. They identified an inhibitor of the viral protein Mpro, which is needed for virus propagation, and demonstrated its potential in preventing SARS-CoV-2 replication.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

Highlighting new innovations in early cancer detection

PLOS Medicine features five studies outlining novel strategies for detecting cancer and identifying minimal residual disease. Researchers discuss innovative approaches, including plasma cell-free DNA sequencing and urine tumor DNA detection, to distinguish between benign and malignant tumors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·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.

Using artificial intelligence to fingerprint suspicious proteins

Researchers developed an AI tool that can quickly and accurately identify suspicious proteins in the body by analyzing their movements. The method, known as diffusional fingerprinting, uses machine learning algorithms to predict protein behavior with over 90% accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2021

Bacteria may hold key for energy storage, biofuels

Researchers have identified a mechanism in Shewanella oneidensis that allows the microbe to take energy into its system for use in its metabolism. The study reveals a pathway for electron uptake that could be used to create efficient, scalable, and cheap methods for storing renewable energy and producing biofuels.

SourceCornell University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 31, 2021

IUCN to boost open access to conservation knowledge

Thanks to a 3-year grant from the Arcadia Fund, IUCN will promote and improve researchers' open access to high-quality conservation knowledge. A lack of access to scientific literature is a major obstacle for roughly half of surveyed conservation experts.

SourceInternational Union for Conservation of Nature·DateAug 31, 2021

High virus count in the lungs drives COVID-19 deaths

A new study suggests that COVID-19 deaths are driven by a buildup of coronavirus in the lungs. Researchers found that people who died from COVID-19 had 10 times more virus in their lower airways than those who survived.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 31, 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.

Using liquid metal to turn motion into electricity – even underwater

North Carolina State University researchers develop a soft and stretchable device that harnesses kinetic energy from movement to generate electricity. The device works in both dry and wet environments, including underwater, with a power density comparable to popular energy harvesting technologies.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

Oxygen-delivering hydrogel accelerates diabetic wound healing

A hydrogel developed by Jianjun Guan at Washington University in St. Louis delivers oxygen to wounds, accelerating healing and reducing inflammation. The treatment shows promise for treating chronic wounds in people with diabetes and other conditions where oxygen levels are low.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

SLAS Discovery’s September special collection “Applications of biophysics in early drug discovery” now available

This special collection highlights the use of biophysical methods in identifying and characterizing molecules in early drug discovery, including graphene bioelectronic sensing technology and mass spectrometry. It also showcases a fully automated acoustic ejection mass spectrometry technology for high-throughput screening.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·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.

Extreme sea levels to become much more common worldwide as Earth warms

A new study predicts extreme sea levels will become 100 times more frequent worldwide, with an annual occurrence by the end of the century. The research, led by Claudia Tebaldi, suggests rising temperatures will have a significant impact on coastal regions, particularly in the tropics and lower latitudes.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 31, 2021

Revealing the hidden structure of quantum entangled states

Researchers at the University of Witwatersrand have developed a new approach to probing high-dimensional quantum states, reducing measurement time from decades to minutes. The method enables faster quantum computing and communication by determining key parameters such as dimensionality and purity of the quantum state.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 31, 2021

New study provides insight into lung scarring diseases without risky biopsy

A new study created a model to show how dysfunction of air sac cells initiates fibrotic cascade in lung diseases like IPF and chILD. The study used patient-specific cells with altered genes to test novel therapeutics, offering hope for developing effective treatments without risky biopsies.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·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.

Breathing humid and salt-enriched air reduces respiratory droplet generation; may contribute to the effectiveness of cotton masks and reduce incidence of and death by COVID-19 near seacoasts

Researchers found that breathing humid air and delivering salt droplets reduced respiratory droplet generation by 50% within 10 minutes. A correlation between elevated airborne salt concentration and reduced COVID-19 incidence and deaths was also observed along US coastlines.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalMolecular Frontiers Journal·DateAug 31, 2021