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Science News Archive August 2021 - Page 10


Page 10 of 38

Survival benefits not seen with addition of metformin to concurrent chemoradiation in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer

In the NRG-LU001 clinical trial, adding metformin to concurrent chemoradiation did not improve one-year progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The study found nearly identical overall survival rates between the two groups.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 24, 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.

Poverty predicts stress levels in teens, research suggests

A study by UC Davis found that teens who have lived in poverty experience higher levels of cortisol, a hormone measuring stress. Boosting families out of poverty may protect them from later health problems, depression, and suicide risk.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2021

Peptide-based biosensor for biochemical express-testing

Researchers from ETU LETI and Institute of Highly Pure Biopreparations proposed a new-generation biochip for multiparametric express-testing using molecular recognition and direct fluorimetry. The device selectively detects cardiac markers without fluorescent labels, reducing background fluorescence to 30%.

SourceSaint Petersburg Electrotechnical University LETI·JournalMicromachines·DateAug 24, 2021

Giant magnetic pulse rounds up spins far and wide

Researchers at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research used extreme magnetic pulses to create large-scale spin patterns, potentially useful for terahertz frequency range electronic devices. The induced spin patterns are robust and stay 'arrested' for up to ten days.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateAug 24, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Unconventional order in a low-dimensional magnet

In a breakthrough study, scientists found an 'unconventional' incommensurate spin-density wave order at the q = 2kF fundamental wavevector in YbAlO3 under finite magnetic fields. This mechanism is similar to Fermi surface nesting observed in metals and leads to multiple coherent scattering of fermions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2021

Individualistic COVID-19 vaccine messages had best effect in US study

A US study published in Journal of Health Communication found that emphasizing individual health risks from COVID-19 leads to higher vaccine acceptance among participants. The researchers also discovered that loss framing was slightly more effective than positive gain framing, suggesting cultural and personal factors may play a role.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Health Communication·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Weight gain isn’t inevitable when you start college

A new study from the University of Georgia found that college students who were physically active before starting university remained so, while those with low motivation to exercise gained significant weight. The researchers recommend teaching children the importance of exercise and healthy eating habits.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateAug 24, 2021

Cellular communication agent

Stabilizing the NO signaling pathway has been achieved through the use of zinc complexes, which can bind to thionitrite and perthionitrite anions. This breakthrough reveals the importance of these intermediates in cellular communication, shedding light on their roles in vasodilation and cell protection.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 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.

Sports-related traumatic spine injuries

The study found that cycling accidents account for 81% of sports-related traumatic spine injuries, followed by skiing and snowboarding accidents. The research highlights the importance of implementing safety measures to prevent these types of injuries.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery Spine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2021

The combination of mask wearing and keeping windows open is best for reducing Covid-19 risk in cars, finds a new study

A new study from the University of Surrey found that keeping car windows open while wearing a mask is best for reducing Covid-19 risk in cars. However, this approach also increases occupants' exposure to toxic air pollution particles. The optimal balance is running air conditioning on ambient mode with windows closed.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEnvironment International·DateAug 24, 2021

Researchers identify a potentially safer approach to opioid drug development

Scientists challenge existing thinking on opioid tolerance and respiratory depression, proposing a new balanced approach to developing safer analgesics. They found that arrestin-3 engagement limits tolerance development but does not exacerbate respiratory depression.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 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 quantum 'stopwatch' can improve imaging technologies

Researchers developed a precise stopwatch to count single photons, enhancing imaging technologies like forest mapping and disease diagnosis. The new time lens technology improves photon timing resolution by orders of magnitude.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalOptica·DateAug 24, 2021

Age-related decline in two sirtuin enzymes alters mitochondrial dynamics, weakens cardiac contractions

A preclinical study found that age-related decline in two sirtuin enzymes alters mitochondrial dynamics, weakening cardiac contractions in response to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Boosting SIRT1/SIRT3 levels may help protect against such injuries, potentially reducing heart attack complications and deaths.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 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.

Believing leisure is wasteful reduces happiness

A new Rutgers-led study finds that people who believe leisure activities are a waste of time tend to enjoy them less. The research suggests that attitudes towards leisure can impact its enjoyment and even mental health.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Baby detector software embedded in digital camera rivals ECG

University of South Australia researchers create a computer vision system to detect premature babies' faces and vital signs from digital cameras, outperforming electrocardiogram machines. The technology has the potential to replace contact-based sensors, reducing skin tearing and infections.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Imaging·TypeCase study·DateAug 24, 2021

Low-cost sensors measure real-time volcanic smog exposure

A team of scientists used low-cost sensor networks to map pollution exposure in real-time during the 2018 Kīlauea Volcano eruption. The study provided highly granular estimates of human exposure to fine particulate matter and sulfur dioxide gas, enabling communities to make informed decisions about their health.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2021

Healthy sugar origin in stingless bee honey revealed

Researchers at the University of Queensland discovered that stingless bees produce a rare, healthy sugar called trehalulose, which is not found in other honey or as a major component in other food. Stingless bees convert sucrose to trehalulose and produce honey rich in trehalulose in their gut.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

In situ extraction and detection of DNA is an im-pore-tant development

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new method for detecting single DNA molecules directly from individual cells, eliminating the need for subsequent steps. The 3D-integrated nanopore allows for efficient delivery of released DNA molecules to the sensing zone, enabling robust detection and analysis.

SourceOsaka University·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 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.

Nurse home visits for low-income expectant mothers show promising results for child development, mortality rates

Researchers found that nurse home visits for low-income mothers resulted in significant reductions in maternal and child mortality, including external causes of death and preventable causes. The study's findings support the benefits of Nurse-Family Partnership programs in improving pregnancy outcomes and child health.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 24, 2021

Albert Einstein College of Medicine and City University of New York researchers receive $14.5 million NIH grant to lead HIV studies in central Africa

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy have been awarded a five-year, $14.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue leading and expand their research on HIV treatment and care in five Central African nations. The effo...

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateAug 24, 2021

Researchers aim to optimize disease prevention in prison populations with rapid testing

Researchers explored optimizing disease control in prisons using rapid tests, identifying the optimal strategy to minimize costs and reduce infection. The study found that switching between full and no testing depends on various parameters, including contagion rates and test sensitivity.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Control and Optimization·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 24, 2021

Green hydrogen: Focus on the catalyst surface

Scientists from KIT have investigated the behavior of iridium oxide catalysts under dynamic conditions using X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The study reveals highly unexpected structural modifications connected to a stabilization of the catalyst at high voltages, contributing to more efficient and sustainable green hydrogen production.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalACS Catalysis·DateAug 24, 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.

Drought and climate change shift tree disease in Sierra Nevada

A study found that climate change and drought are shifting the range of infectious disease in forests suffering from white pine blister rust disease. The disease expanded its range into higher-elevation forests while contracting it in lower elevations, where conditions were too hot and dry.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 24, 2021

Brain refreshing: why the dreaming phase matters

Researchers found increased capillary blood flow in mice brains during REM sleep, indicating a possible role of adenosine A2a receptors in brain refreshing. This unique state may be crucial for waste removal from the brain, which is associated with Alzheimer's disease development.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 24, 2021

Physicists find room-temperature, 2D-to-1D topological transition

Researchers have discovered a room-temperature transition between 1D and 2D electrical conduction states in topological crystals of bismuth and iodine. The material's electronic behavior changes at a transition temperature around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Bird communities threatened by urbanization

Research team investigates urbanization's impact on farmland bird communities in Bangalore, India, finding that urbanization homogenizes bird species, eliminating insect-eating birds essential for pest control. The study highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity to maintain ecosystem resilience and food production systems.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2021

Viruses leave traces for long after infection

Researchers have found that viruses like hepatitis B and C do not always kill infected cells, but instead cause long-term changes. These changes can affect genes related to cell division and metabolism, potentially contributing to increased risk of liver cancer in cured patients.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Overcoming obstacles to promote repair in multiple sclerosis

A new study suggests that existing drugs for multiple sclerosis may not be effective due to toxic blood leaks in the brain. Researchers have identified a promising alternative treatment option that could improve myelin repair, even in the presence of these harmful elements.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalBrain·DateAug 24, 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.

How do wind turbines respond to winds, ground motion during earthquakes?

Researchers explored wind turbine dynamics under simultaneous wind and earthquake excitation, finding a coupling effect between aerodynamic damping and blade stiffness. This knowledge can guide seismic design of wind turbines and inform determination of wind-earthquake combinations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateAug 24, 2021

How adolescents used drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic

Adolescents in the US showed stable overall drug use rates during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, but nicotine and prescription misuse increased, while alcohol use decreased. The study monitored 7,842 adolescents and found heightened stress, depression, and anxiety associated with youth substance abuse.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateAug 24, 2021

New imaging, machine-learning methods speed effort to reduce crops’ need for water

Scientists developed new imaging and machine-learning methods to discover water-use efficiency traits in crops. The approach identified key links between microscopic anatomy and physiological performance, revealing the genetic basis of variation in stomata patterning.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 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.

Possible new antivirals against COVID-19, herpes

Scientists have developed stable peptide mimics called peptoids to treat viruses and prevent infections. Peptoids, such as those tested against SARS-CoV-2 and HSV-1, could one day cure or prevent many kinds of infections, including COVID-19.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 24, 2021

COVID-19 is most transmissible 2 days before and 3 days after symptoms appear

A new study found that individuals infected with COVID-19 are most contagious two days before and three days after developing symptoms. Asymptomatic primary cases were also more likely to transmit the virus to close contacts, but only if they were exposed shortly before or after symptom onset.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2021

Early-warning system for sepsis shown to improve survival rates and cut hospital stays, new study finds

A new study found that an early warning system for sepsis improved patient outcomes by alerting healthcare providers to administer antibiotics sooner. The system, implemented in the emergency department, resulted in increased survival rates and reduced hospital stays for patients with sepsis.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCritical Care Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 24, 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.

The giant jurassic dinosaur Allosaurus was a scavenger, not a predator

New research from Portland State University suggests that Allosaurus, a large carnivorous dinosaur, acquired most of its calories by scavenging on sauropod carcasses. The study's agent-based model and morphological analysis support this hypothesis, challenging 150 years of established thought about Allosaurus' ecological role.

SourcePortland State University·JournalEcological Modelling·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2021

Geneticists map the rhinoceros family tree

Researchers have helped fill gaps in the rhino evolutionary family tree by analyzing genomes of living and extinct species, finding that African and Eurasian lineages separated 16 million years ago and that low genetic diversity is a natural state for rhinoceroses, not a consequence of recent population declines

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2021

Psychological capital may be the antidote for working in a pandemic, WVU study suggests

A new WVU study found that psychological capital, including self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and resiliency, can help employees cope with the stress of working during a pandemic. Workers who used adaptive coping strategies fared better, but those relying on maladaptive behaviors experienced higher levels of stress.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalInternational Journal of Workplace Health Management·DateAug 24, 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.

These robots can move your couch

Student researchers at the University of Cincinnati developed artificial intelligence to train robots to work together to move a couch around obstacles and through a narrow door. The robots successfully completed the task 95% of the time in simulations, with nearly equal success without re-training.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalIntelligent Service Robotics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 24, 2021

Like Venom Coursing Through the Body: Researchers Identify Mechanism Driving COVID-19 Mortality

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has identified an enzyme called secreted phospholipase A2 group IIA as a key mechanism driving COVID-19 severity. The enzyme is found to be associated with increased mortality rates, particularly when its levels are high, and could provide a new therapeutic target for reducing ...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2021

Cosmic rays may be key to understanding galactic dynamics

Recent studies suggest that cosmic rays, originating from supernova remnants and pulsars, have a significant impact on galactic dynamics and star formation. The streaming instability triggered by cosmic rays in the interstellar medium can create plasma waves that heat and scatter gas, influencing the formation of planets and stars.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateAug 24, 2021

Understanding Antarctic ice historic changes could reveal future changes

Researchers used glacial isostatic adjustment modeling to reconstruct the Antarctic Ice Sheet before the Last Glacial Maximum, revealing a thickened ice sheet that depressed the continent and generated high sea levels. The study aims to improve understanding of ice-sheet response to climate changes.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalGeology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 24, 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.

Building a better vaccine for SARS CoV-2

Researchers have identified a potential advantage of weakened SARS-CoV-2 variants as immunogens, sparking interest in their use for live-attenuated vaccines. The variants, which emerge rapidly during cell culture propagation, show resistance to subsequent infection with both the parental strain and emerging variants.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateAug 24, 2021

A novel gene involved in male infertility: ZFP541

A new gene ZFP541 has been discovered by researchers at Kumamoto University to control the completion of meiosis in spermatogenesis. The study found that ZFP541 plays an essential role in regulating meiosis and is expressed in late meiotic prophase, binding to regulatory regions of meiosis-related genes.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021