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Science News Archive August 2021 - Page 14


Page 14 of 38

Efficient buildings could save thousands of lives in US every year

A new study suggests that improved building energy efficiency can prevent up to 5,100 yearly premature deaths and up to 2,900 lives in the US. The 'optimistic' scenario envisions a 50% increase in appliance efficiency and 60-90% increase in building shell efficiency by 2050.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 2021

Perovskite solar cells: Interfacial loss mechanisms revealed

Researchers at HZB developed a method to quantify charge extraction at buried interfaces in perovskite solar cells. Time-resolved surface photovoltage technique facilitates design of ideal charge-selective contacts and improves efficiency.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJoule·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 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.

Can isometric resistance training safely reduce high blood pressure?

A new study reveals isometric resistance training (IRT) as a safe and effective method for reducing high blood pressure. IRT, which involves contracting muscles without changing length, can lower office blood pressure by almost as much as blood pressure-lowering medications.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalHypertension Research·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 20, 2021

Novel resilient state estimation method for process control in cyber-physical systems

Researchers developed a novel resilient state estimation (RSE) method for cyber-physical systems that can withstand malicious attacks and external disturbances. This allows the system to maintain its functionality even when faced with faults or attacks, making it crucial for the design of control systems.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Automatic Control·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 20, 2021

Photo posts reveal huge interest for real coastal nature

A study analyzing over 120 million social media posts reveals that tourists focus more on nature in marine protected areas than neighboring coastal zones. The research found that these areas provide more cultural ecosystem services than adjacent coastal areas.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalOne Earth·DateAug 20, 2021

UT Southwestern pioneers PULSAR-integrated radiotherapy with immunotherapy for improved tumor control

Researchers have developed a new adaptive radiotherapy strategy called PULSAR, which combines radiation and immunotherapy to improve tumor control. The approach uses artificial intelligence to personalize treatment plans, allowing oncologists to replan cancer treatment in under 30 minutes.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics·DateAug 20, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

CVD genetic testing in children presents unique challenges, needs individualized approach

The American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the importance of pre-test and post-test counseling for families with children undergoing CVD genetic testing. The statement emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address family concerns and provide appropriate follow-up care.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation Genomic and Precision Medicine·DateAug 20, 2021

How well did the EU respond to the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic? Experts now give their verdict

A review of expert opinions reveals mixed results for the EU's COVID-19 response, with successes including coordinated vaccine procurement but shortcomings including inconsistent national responses. Experts emphasize the need for strengthened local surveillance systems and improved EU leadership to prevent similar crises.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateAug 20, 2021

Fighting resistances: Concepts for new antibiotics

The urgent demand for new antimicrobial agents is threatened by a lack of investment in research. Scientists propose concepts for sustainably bridging the gap between pure research and industrial implementation to create new, effective antibiotics.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalNature Reviews Chemistry·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 20, 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.

Here comes the Sun: Planetary scientists find evidence of solar-driven change on the Moon

Researchers from Northern Arizona University found that solar radiation can produce iron nanoparticles on the Moon's surface, a process previously thought to be less significant. This discovery has important implications for future space missions and the study of the Moon's surface evolution.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 2021

Using artificial intelligence for early detection and treatment of illnesses: TU Dresden researchers develop an implantable AI system

Researchers at TU Dresden have developed an implantable AI platform that can classify healthy and pathological patterns in biological signals, such as heartbeats, with high accuracy. The system uses a biocompatible AI chip based on polymer-based fiber networks and has been shown to detect diseases without medical supervision.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateAug 20, 2021

Symptoms, like pain and fatigue, often cluster in newly diagnosed MS, study finds

A recent Michigan Medicine study found that people newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis experience a myriad of significant symptoms that often cluster together. Nearly two-thirds of MS patients reported fatigue, half experienced pain in the first year after diagnosis. The research team collected questionnaires from MS patients at si...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMultiple Sclerosis Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 2021

Physical exercise modulates iron in Alzheimer’s disease

A recent study found that regular physical exercise modulates iron homeostasis in both the brain and skeletal muscle of mice with Alzheimer's disease. The results suggest that IL-6 is a key modulator of hepcidin in exercise-induced brain iron modulation, which may help explain why exercise is beneficial for AD prevention or treatment.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 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.

Rare Cambrian fossils from Utah reveal unexpected anatomical complexity in early comb jellies

Researchers describe two new species of fossil ctenophores from Utah with preserved nervous systems and up to 24 comb rows. These findings suggest that Cambrian ctenophores had more complex nervous systems than living species, with specific nerve tracks along the body and a ring around the mouth.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournaliScience·DateAug 20, 2021

Girdin one’s loins

A team of researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine discovered that GIV/Girdin plays a critical role in sperm motility, survival, and fertilization success. The protein regulates capacitation and acrosome reaction processes, essential for successful fertilization.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 2021

Immigration policies and how private prisons are shaping them

Researchers found that private prison companies tend to donate to lawmakers who cosponsor punitive immigration legislation. This fuels a cycle of increased deportations and immigrant detention, with the private prison industry profiting from it. The study highlights the financial payoffs for politicians who support such policies.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalBusiness and Politics·DateAug 20, 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.

Study: Evolution now accepted by majority of Americans

A new study reveals that public acceptance of evolution in the US has surpassed the halfway mark, with education and civic science literacy identified as key factors leading to its adoption. The study found a decline in religious fundamentalism's impact on rejecting evolution, with approximately 30% of Americans still holding fundament...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPublic Understanding of Science·DateAug 20, 2021

SUTD researchers develop liquid metal antenna that can conform to soft biological tissues

SUTD researchers developed a liquid metal antenna that can conform to soft biological tissues, addressing the mechanical mismatch at the tissue-device interface. The antenna demonstrated high wireless powering efficiency and stability under extreme deformations, making it suitable for implantable devices in hard-to-reach lesions.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 20, 2021

Integrative approach by NUS biologists increases accuracy of mosquito vector surveillance

A team of researchers from NUS developed an integrative approach to boost accuracy in mosquito surveillance by including larvae and species identification using mini-barcodes. This approach improves overall diversity estimates by 38% compared to adult-only data, contributing to baseline knowledge on potential vectors in Singapore.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateAug 20, 2021

National 2D materials research center wins NSF funding

The Center for Atomically Thin Multifunctional Coatings (ATOMIC) has received Phase II funding to expand its research and development of advanced 2D coatings. With the addition of Boise State University, ATOMIC aims to advance technology to more applied solutions and collaborate with industry partners on high-reward projects.

SourcePenn State·DateAug 20, 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.

Under the northern lights: Mesospheric ozone layer depletion explained

Researchers found that electron precipitation from northern lights causes local ozone layer depletions in the mesosphere, potentially impacting climate. The study provides insight into this phenomenon, known as pulsating aurorae, and highlights its significance for global climate change.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateAug 20, 2021

Houston Methodist studies identify risk severity & long-term effects of COVID-19

A recent study published in PLoS One found that young adult patients with COVID-19 are at risk of severe disease and readmission, especially those with comorbidities. The study also identified over 50 lingering symptoms, including fatigue, headache, and loss of smell, which can last weeks to months after initial recovery.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 20, 2021

Cooperative control brings ‘smart shipping’ closer to port

Drones are not the only vehicles at the forefront of automating deliveries; researchers have developed a control strategy for ships and partnered tugs to navigate environmental disturbances. The multi-layer, multi-agent control scheme increases efficiency in the shipping process while reducing human error.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateAug 20, 2021

Moffitt researchers develop model to predict non-small cell lung cancer patient outcomes to immunotherapy

Researchers have developed a prediction model that uses radiomic features from pre-treatment CT scans combined with clinical data to identify patients who are not likely to respond to immunotherapy. The model divides patients into four risk groups, including those with very high and low risks of death following immunotherapy.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJNCI Cancer Spectrum·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 20, 2021

Small but powerful: A tiny molecule with massive anti-cancer potential

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified a microRNA molecule that can silence specific cancer-promoting genes, overcoming resistance to certain drugs. The study found that the miRNA target multiple genes and pathways simultaneously, making its impact potent.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalMolecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids·DateAug 20, 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.

Study proposes new ways to estimate climate change impacts on agriculture

Researchers propose new statistical approaches to estimate climate change impacts on US agriculture, focusing on county-level analysis. They suggest that current grouping methods can lead to inaccurate results and recommend using C-Lasso, causal forest algorithm, and geographically weighted regressions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalClimatic Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 2021

How schools of ‘microswimmers’ can increase their cargo capacity

Researchers discovered that groups of microscopic, self-propelled droplets can transport more material through narrow channels using collective hydrodynamic entrainment. The effect is stronger in confined spaces due to focused flows and front-back symmetry.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 20, 2021

NEJM: Anticoagulants help moderately ill COVID-19 patients

A study involving 2,200 patients found that therapeutic-dose anticoagulation improved survival rates among moderately ill COVID-19 patients. The treatment reduced the likelihood of needing cardiovascular respiratory organ support by 27% and increased chances of survival without such support by 4%.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 20, 2021

UC Davis C-STEM Center receives $2.4M grant to introduce African American girls to engineering and robotics

The UC Davis Center for Integrated Computing and STEM Education has received a $2.4 million grant to establish an initiative introducing Black/African American girls to engineering and robotics. The Ujima Girls in Robotics Leadership Project offers a free, hands-on program teaching girls middle and high school engineering and leadership.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateAug 20, 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.

It’s elementary: Visualizing molecular motion of substituted 9-phosphaanthracene

Scientists have successfully visualized the molecular motion of a highly unstable compound, 10-mesityl-1,8-bis(trifluoromethyl)-9-phosphaanthracene, using novel spectroscopic techniques. The study revealed unprecedented molecular motions and structure information, shedding light on its radical reactivity and potential applications.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2021

New fossils show what the ancestral brains of arthropods looked like

Rare fossils from the Cambrian period confirm the presence of an ancestral frontal domain in arthropods, which gives rise to crucial neural centers involved in decision-making and memory. The discovery also sheds new light on the evolutionary origin of visual systems in arthropods.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 20, 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.

Seeing both the forest and the trees: Trans-scale scope shows big picture of tiny targets

Scientists from Osaka University create optical imaging system that can capture over a million cells in a single image, enabling simultaneous observation of centimeter-scale dynamics with micrometer resolution. This technology, termed 'trans-scale scope,' may accelerate research in fields such as neuroscience, oncology, and immunology.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 20, 2021

New imaging tool visualizes cell functions in a microphysiological system

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new analytical method that utilizes scanning probe microscopy to visualize cell functions in microphysiological systems. The tool provides spatial information about cell functions rapidly, overcoming limitations of traditional electrochemical sensors.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateAug 20, 2021

Can a heartburn drug help doctors treat COVID-19?

Researchers found that famotidine improves COVID-19 survival odds and reduces disease severity when used with aspirin. The study, involving over 22,000 patients, suggests famotidine may have a beneficial 'off-target effect' in treating the disease.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature·DateAug 20, 2021

Restoring hormone levels in a neutered dog leads to health improvements

A case study reports success in restoring hormone balance to a castrated dog, improving mobility, reducing anxiety, and alleviating various health issues. The treatment involved testosterone and GnRH agonist therapy, resulting in significant health improvements.

SourceParsemus Foundation·JournalTopics in Companion Animal Medicine·TypeCase study·DateAug 20, 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.

One-half of patients with low-risk prostate cancer switch from active surveillance to active treatment

A population-based study found that nearly half of men with low-risk prostate cancer transitioned from active surveillance to definitive treatment within five years after diagnosis. The study, published in The Journal of Urology, analyzed data from 8,541 men and identified factors associated with the likelihood of transition, including...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateAug 20, 2021

UVA research group opens a path toward quantum computing in real-world conditions

A UVA research group has developed a scalable quantum computing platform using photonic devices, reducing the number of devices needed to achieve quantum speed. The team created a quantum source in an optical microresonator on a chip, generating 40 qumodes and verifying the generation of multiplexed quantum modes.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 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.

New approach identifies T cells in Covid-19 patients

A new approach has identified T cells in Covid-19 patients, revealing their appearance, number, and activity level against SARS-CoV-2. The study distinguishes between active and dormant T cells, enabling a better understanding of the immune response to the virus.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 19, 2021

A new era for biology: Opportunities and challenges of macrogenetics

The article reviews macrogenetics, a field that uses big data to identify global drivers of genetic diversity and answer fundamental biodiversity questions. Macrogeneticists aim to inform sustainable policies by analyzing large-scale patterns, settling long-standing debates among scientists.

SourceThe Morton Arboretum·JournalNature Reviews Genetics·DateAug 19, 2021

Reducing the side effects of chemotherapy in breast cancer: DSS1 lights a safer way

Researchers identified DSS1 as a critical protein in breast cancer progression and found that depleting it makes cancer cells more responsive to lower doses of anti-cancer drugs. This technique may reduce drug-induced side effects in breast cancer patients, providing a safer treatment option.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalLaboratory Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021

Home-grown semiconductors for faster, smaller electronics

Researchers create transistors with an ultra-thin metal gate grown as part of the semiconductor crystal, eliminating oxidation scattering. This design improves device performance in high-frequency applications, quantum computing, and qubit applications.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 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.

Unpacking the body’s interferon response to COVID-19

A new study by Ivan Zanoni at Boston Children's Hospital reveals a complex picture of interferon production in mild versus severe COVID-19. The researchers found that different types of interferons have opposite roles in the upper and lower respiratory tract, and that specific interferons determine disease severity.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021

UMD-led study could offer hope to Pompe disease patients

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a new method to improve enzyme replacement therapy for Pompe disease, which could reduce treatment costs and frequency. The method involves attaching a ligand to the enzyme, increasing its efficiency in delivering it to cells where it is needed.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021

Partition function zeros are ‘shortcut’ to thermodynamic calculations on quantum computers

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new method to calculate thermodynamic properties using partition function zeros on quantum computers. By calculating the zeros of the partition function, they can determine free energy, entropy, and other properties without necessitating huge numbers of quantum computations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 19, 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.

‘Core@Shell’ catalyst that controls chemical reactions with light

Researchers at POSTECH developed a 'core@shell' nanocrystal technology that harnesses interfacial synergy for efficient catalysis. The innovative approach produces high-energy conversion rates and enables remote operation of catalysts, opening doors to various applications in sustainable energy and biotechnology.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 19, 2021

Study of tyrannosaur braincases shows more variation than previously thought

Researchers used CT scans to digitally reconstruct the brain, inner ear, and surrounding bones of two well-preserved Daspletosaurus specimens, finding more variation in braincase structure than expected. The study suggests that these variations may provide insights into the sensory biology and life of the dinosaur.

SourceCanadian Museum of Nature·JournalCanadian Journal of Earth Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2021

Transformative transportation survey methods

Researchers at Portland State University developed new survey methods to address the limitations of current household activity surveys. The study found that existing methods lack social, cultural, and linguistic applicability for marginalized groups, leading to inaccurate data. By improving data collection efforts, transportation profe...

SourcePortland State University·JournalTransportation Research·DateAug 19, 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.