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Science News Archive August 2021 - Page 15


Page 15 of 38

Study supports widespread use of better masks to curb COVID-19 indoors

A new study by University of Waterloo researchers highlights the importance of using better face masks and proper ventilation to mitigate COVID-19 transmission indoors. The study found that higher-quality masks can filter up to 50% of exhaled aerosol droplets, while even modest ventilation rates are effective in reducing risk.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateAug 19, 2021

HKUST researchers develop technology to extend the horizon of wide-bandgap semiconductor gallium nitride electronics

Researchers from HKUST have developed a new approach to integrate complementary logic circuits into wide-bandgap semiconductor gallium nitride (GaN) electronics. This innovation enables the creation of more efficient and compact power supplies for emerging applications such as data centers, autonomous driving, and electric vehicles.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Electronics·TypeObservational 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.

Geologists dig into Grand Canyon’s mysterious gap in time

A new study led by the University of Colorado Boulder has shed new light on the Great Unconformity, a mysterious gap in the Grand Canyon's rock record that covers hundreds of millions of years. The research suggests that a series of small faulting events may have caused rocks and sediment to wash away, creating the missing window of time.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2021

White clover’s toxic tricks traced to its hybridization

Research at Washington University in St. Louis reveals that white clover's chemical defense against insect pests comes from both of its parental species, not just one as previously thought. The plant's ecological success can be attributed to this cyanogenesis process.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 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.

FSU researchers refine estimate of amount of carbon in Earth’s outer core

Researchers from FSU and Rice University have estimated that the outer core contains between 5.5 and 36.8 × 10^24 grams of carbon, a massive amount considering its size. This refinement provides better constraints on the composition of the Earth's core and sheds light on the planet's carbon inventory.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateAug 19, 2021

Researchers help track the growth of ginseng forest farming in Pennsylvania

Researchers found that many collectors are planting seeds in forests to conserve wild populations, but also using commercially acquired seeds from online purchases, threatening the plant's gene pool. The study aims to better understand ginseng forest farming and promote conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.

SourcePenn State·JournalEconomic Botany·DateAug 19, 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.

Rice, Baylor win defense grant to advance metastasis study

Researchers at Rice and Baylor are expanding their efforts to halt bone cancer metastasis using a molecule targeting osteoporosis and HER2 protein. Their goal is to improve drug concentration at tumor sites, inhibit secondary metastasis, and explore the therapeutic effect mechanism.

SourceRice University·DateAug 19, 2021

Understanding enzyme evolution paves the way for green chemistry

Researchers at the University of Bristol used molecular computer simulations to understand how laboratory evolution transforms inefficient designer biocatalysts into highly active enzymes. They found that evolution 'tunes' the flexibility of the whole protein, allowing it to accelerate chemical reactions.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 19, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Deep learning tool for sarcopenia on CT: L1 versus L3 vertebral level

A deep learning tool for sarcopenia assessment on CT scans shows similar utility in predicting hip fractures and death at both L1 and L3 vertebral levels. Muscle attenuation measurements performed better than muscle area assessments, likely due to the inclusion of intramuscular fat.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2021

Unconventional oil and gas development can lead to lightly salted surface waters

A recent study found small but detectable increases in salt concentrations in surrounding surface waters near unconventional oil and gas development sites. The research, which analyzed data from over 46,000 wells and 60,000 surface water samples, suggests that the contamination occurs several months after well installation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 19, 2021

Well-balanced ambipolar DPP-based copolymers for organic circuits

Researchers designed a novel copolymer with well-balanced ambipolar properties, exhibiting high gain and stability in organic digital and analog circuits. This breakthrough enables the exploration of organic circuits and other related electronic devices.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateAug 19, 2021

A new dataset could aid climate justice research

A new dataset combines demographic and financial information to identify communities at risk of climate-related gentrification. The Socio-Economic Physical Housing Eviction Risk (SEPHER) dataset provides insights into the impact of climate hazards on vulnerable populations, including increased evictions and rising housing costs.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalEnvironmental Justice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 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.

Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors: Next big thing in blood flow measurement

Researchers developed a novel detector system using superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors to measure cerebral blood flow. The SNSPD-DCS system showed significant improvement in signal-to-noise ratio compared to conventional SPAD-based DCS, allowing for clearer detection of arterial pulses.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021

Dynamic photosynthesis model simulates 10-20 percent yield increase

Researchers developed a dynamic photosynthesis model that simulated a 10-20% yield increase by improving crop leaves' ability to adjust to fluctuating light. The model identified two proteins essential for the adjustment, which could lead to significant productivity gains.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateAug 19, 2021

No need for discontinuation of Adalimumab before surgery

A four-year multicentre study by Ruhr-University Bochum's Department of Dermatosurgery found that adalimumab can be used both before and after surgery for moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa. The study involved 200 patients and showed the drug to be effective and safe in this context.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateAug 19, 2021

Remote sensing and machine learning reveal Archaic shell rings

A team of researchers used remote sensing data and deep machine learning to identify hundreds of new shell ring sites in the southeastern US. The study provides a better understanding of how people lived in the area and offers a way to locate undiscovered shell rings.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateAug 19, 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.

Targeted COVID-19 vaccine outreach to marginalized populations

Researchers identified and contacted patients with cancer who could benefit from targeted nonelectronic communication regarding COVID-19 immunization. The study used an analytics-based approach to reach marginalized populations, highlighting the importance of targeted outreach in increasing vaccine uptake.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 19, 2021

Acute emotional stress, with chronic anxiety disorder, leading to development of life-threatening cardiovascular disease

A new study published in Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications found that acute emotional stress combined with chronic anxiety disorder can cause malignant ventricular tachycardia, cardiogenic shock, and even death. The study highlights the importance of psychological management to improve patient outcomes.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateAug 19, 2021

Study: Heat death risk intervention tailoring should not stop at city level

Researchers analyze impact of risk factors on heat-related mortality at different spatial scales, finding age, education, and socioeconomic status are key contributors. A localized approach is needed to address specific conditions at the city, region, and neighborhood levels.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 2021

A parent’s genes can influence a child’s educational success, inherited or not

A new study led by UCL researchers confirms that genetic inheritance has a significant impact on educational outcomes. However, the study also reveals that parent genes that aren't directly inherited can shape parents' education levels and subsequently influence their children's learning environment, affecting their academic success.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe American Journal of Human Genetics·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 19, 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.

Study suggests hydraulic fracturing can impact surface water quality

A recent study by researchers at the University of Chicago found that hydraulic fracturing is associated with small increases in salt concentrations in surface waters across several shales and many watersheds. The largest impacts occurred during the early phases of production, generating large amounts of flowback and produced water.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateAug 19, 2021

Humans ditched swivelling hips for shorter stride than chimps

Research reveals that humans take shorter strides than chimpanzees due to reduced pelvic rotation, extending their stride by only 5.4 times compared to the mini wiggles performed when walking. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that humans have evolved the longest possible stride for efficiency.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021

Patients helping researchers to advance treatments for prostate cancer

Monash University researchers have established a vast collection of living prostate cancer tumors from patients, enabling the testing of new treatments and advancing patient care. The PDX collection comprises 59 tumors collected from 30 patients between 2012-2020, providing a unique resource for scientists and pharmaceutical companies.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021

New insights on mechanism that could help treat muscle-related diseases

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered the molecular changes triggered by converting skin cells into immature muscle cells. The findings may lead to generating patient-matched muscle cells for treating muscle injuries and conditions like muscular dystrophy.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalGenes & Development·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 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.

Study of East Africans illuminates new genetic factors underlying human faces

A new study has identified 20 genetic regions linked to face shape in East Africans, highlighting the importance of diverse populations in understanding human facial features. The findings also reveal that shared genetic factors contribute to similarities across populations, while population-specific variants drive differences.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021

Accessing high-spins in an artificial atom

Osaka University researchers demonstrate the readout of spin-polarized multielectron states composed of three or four electrons on a semiconductor quantum dot. This breakthrough may lead to quantum computers utilizing high-spin states, enabling faster and higher-capacity processing.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 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.

Cloud shadows cue mini-migrations

A new study reveals zooplankton exhibit high-frequency 'mini-migrations' due to cloud shadows, affecting their energy expenditure and carbon transport. The daily process of swimming up and down in response to subtle changes in light intensity may have significant implications for Earth's carbon cycle.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2021

Immune response to COVID-19 may be proportional to illness severity, duration

A Rutgers study found that people with severe or prolonged COVID-19 have higher antibody levels against the virus. The study of 831 participants showed that immune responses vary by symptom severity, with those having persistent symptoms producing more antibodies.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2021

HKUST researchers develop a photo-rechargeable lead-free perovskite lithium-ion battery that generates energy and stores battery on a single device

A team of HKUST researchers has developed a low-cost, lightweight, and non-toxic battery that can harness solar energy and store it in a single device. The battery uses a lead-free perovskite material that absorbs light to generate charges, offering a promising solution for sustainable energy storage.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 19, 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.

Study: half of pediatric opioid prescriptions are “high risk”

A national study suggests that half of pediatric opioid prescriptions are considered high-risk, increasing the risk of overdose and addiction. A small group of prescribers in the top 5% account for half of these high-risk prescriptions, particularly dentists or surgeons who practice mainly in the South.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 19, 2021

These two types of abuse are often taken less seriously

A Lund University study finds that people often take psychological abuse less seriously, with physical violence being perceived as more severe. The research suggests communication difficulties and preconceived notions based on gender contribute to these disparities.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 19, 2021

Baby bats babble like human infants

Researchers found that bat pups mimic human infant babbling patterns, including reduplication and rhythmic sequences, and engage in daily vocal practice behaviour for up to 7 weeks. The study provides insights into the evolutionary origins of human language, highlighting parallels between mammalian vocal learning.

SourceMuseum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institut für Evolutions-und Biodiversitätsforschung·JournalScience·DateAug 19, 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.

Online product displays can shape your buying behavior

Research by UC San Diego professor Uma R. Karmarkar found that display items from the same category as the target product enhance purchase chances, while mismatched products decrease them. This study used eye-tracking technology to examine how different types of displays influenced visual attention.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2021

Implementation of primary PCI in the management of STEMI in Egypt

A study in Egypt identified significant barriers to primary PCI implementation in STEMI management, including prehospital and emergency department delays. The findings highlight the need for improvement in STEMI networks, training of interventional cardiologists, and hospital policies to enhance patient care.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateAug 19, 2021

The dream artificial photosynthesis technology ventures from the laboratory

Korean researchers have developed a nanometer-sized branch-shaped tungsten-silver catalyst that can acquire carbon monoxide in high yields from the electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion system. The catalyst exhibited a high sunlight-to-compound conversion efficiency of 12.1% when combined with commercialized silicon solar cells.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·DateAug 19, 2021

Comet atlas may have been a blast from the past

Astronomers discovered that comet ATLAS shares the same orbital track as an ancient comet from 1844, suggesting it's a sibling from a parent comet. The comet disintegrated while farther from the Sun than Earth, defying conventional wisdom about comets.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateAug 19, 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.

Discrimination, abuse and harassment in emergency medicine residency training

A survey study found that emergency medicine residents experience high rates of workplace mistreatment, including suicidal thoughts, and identify common sources of mistreatment as supervisors, colleagues, and patients. The study highlights the need for improved workplace culture and support systems to address these issues.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 19, 2021

Rattlesnake rattles trick human ears

Researchers discover rattlesnakes' high-frequency rattle fools humans into thinking they're closer than they are, allowing for a 'distance safety margin'. The study suggests snakes evolved this smart signal to avoid being stepped on by large mammals.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2021

CRISPR screening tool identifies new drug target for leukemia

A CRISPR screening tool identified ZMYND8, an epigenetic regulatory protein, as a potential new therapeutic target for acute myeloid leukemia. Inhibiting ZMYND8 has been shown to leave cancer cells with smaller tumors and better survival in mouse models.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 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.

Latinos' beliefs about social status may affect their cardiovascular health, study finds

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that Hispanic and Latino adults who perceive themselves as having higher social status are more likely to have ideal markers of cardiovascular health. The study suggests that subjective markers of social status may have stronger effects on the cardiovascular h...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 19, 2021

Scientists harness human protein to deliver molecular medicines to cells

Researchers have developed a new way to deliver molecular therapies to cells using a programmable system called SEND, which harnesses natural proteins in the body to encapsulate and deliver different RNA cargoes. This could lead to safer and more targeted delivery of gene editing and other molecular therapeutics.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateAug 19, 2021

Nanopores: the how and the why (and hopefully the where)

Researchers studied electrical conduction through membranes during Controlled Breakdown, a technique to fabricate single nanopores. They found that redox reactions occur at the membrane-electrolyte interface, allowing localization of pore formation using metal microelectrodes.

SourceInstituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa ITQB NOVA·JournalSmall Science·DateAug 19, 2021

Adoptive transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes may be less effective in patients with pretreated metastatic melanoma

Patients with relapsed metastatic melanoma who received prior anti-PD-1 therapies had a lower response rate to adoptive cell transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (ACT-TIL). ACT-TIL was less effective in these patients compared to those who had never received anti-PD-1 therapy. The study found that the objective response rate and ...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateAug 19, 2021