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Science News Archive August 2021 - Page 21


Page 21 of 38
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Local perceptions obscure COVID risk during pandemic

A study finds that local perceptions of COVID-19 risk often don't align with national infection rates, leading to inconsistent public behavior. The research suggests that community-level organizations and high-level institutions need to work together to provide accurate information and support individuals in understanding the risks.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalDecision·TypeSurvey·DateAug 16, 2021

Small protein protects pancreatic cells in model of type 1 diabetes

A new study reveals that the small protein MOTS-c prevents the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic cells in mice with autoimmune diabetes. MOTS-c treatment supports regulatory T-cells and reduces the activation of killer T-cells, effectively preventing disease onset.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 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.

With redesigned ‘brains,’ W88 nuclear warhead reaches milestone

Sandia National Laboratories completed the first production unit of a weapon assembly responsible for key operations of the W88 nuclear warhead. The new arming, fuzing and firing assembly ensures the system works as intended when authorized, with rigorous testing conducted to validate its design.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateAug 16, 2021

Researchers publish new theory of life’s multiple origins

Researchers Chris Kempes and David Krakauer present a new three-layered framework to recognize life's full range of forms. By considering the space of possible materials, constraints, and optimization processes, they argue that life can originate multiple times, taking on diverse forms such as culture, computation, and forests.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalJournal of Molecular Evolution·DateAug 16, 2021

DOE-funded study will explore how magnetic materials could improve the performance of quantum computing circuits

Researchers at University of Illinois and Argonne National Laboratory will explore magnetic materials to reduce noise in quantum computing hardware. The team aims to design non-reciprocal circuitry by harnessing magnetic features, which could lead to a hybrid device for sensing and communication applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateAug 16, 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.

What is the surprise in passing surprise medical billing legislation?

Prices paid to in and out-of-network anesthesiologists decreased after surprise billing legislation was introduced, with California and Florida seeing significant drops. In-network prices also decreased in these states, suggesting a direct impact on provider-payer negotiating dynamics.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 16, 2021

Molecular mechanisms of corona drug candidate Molnupiravir unraveled

Researchers at Max Planck Institute elucidated the molecular mechanism of Molnupiravir, an antiviral agent that reduces Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus transmission. By incorporating RNA-like building blocks into the virus genome, Molnupiravir prevents further replication and transmission.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateAug 16, 2021

Cities are making mammals bigger

A new study finds that urbanization is causing many mammal species to grow bigger, contrary to Bergmann's Rule. The study analyzed over 140,000 measurements of body length and mass from North American mammals collected over 80 years.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 2021

Effective temperatures connect equilibrium and nonequilibrium systems

Researchers at USTC discovered effective temperatures consistent with characteristic temperatures in equilibrium systems, bridging nonequilibrium and equilibrium theories. This finding helps establish accurate recognition of effective temperatures, linking slow-evolving nonequilibrium systems.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 16, 2021

Stem cell therapy restores injured tendons to full health in study on sheep

Researchers used autologous adipose micrografts to treat tendon injuries in sheep, achieving similar diameter and hardness to healthy tendons within two months. The study suggests a safe, reliable, and relatively fast way to promote tendon healing, with potential for human treatment.

SourceAlphaMed Press·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 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.

College drinking declined during pandemic

Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found that first-year college students reported decreased alcohol use and binge drinking during the pandemic. Social factors such as social distancing and reduced social support were associated with these decreases, while stress-related factors played a lesser role for most students.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·TypeSurvey·DateAug 16, 2021

Loss of placental hormone linked to brain and social behavior changes

A new study in mice suggests that preterm birth may alter long-term brain development due to the loss of placental hormone allopregnanolone. Reduced ALLO levels led to changes in brain structure and behavior, including autism-like behaviors, which were prevented with a single injection of ALLO.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021

Having a good listener improves your brain health

A new study shows that having someone available to listen can improve cognitive resilience and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. The study found that individuals with higher listener availability had better cognitive function despite similar physical aging or disease-related changes.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 2021

Pandemic and digitalization set stage for revival of a cast-off idea: personal carbon allowances

A recent study suggests that personal carbon allowances (PCAs) may be a feasible solution to reduce emissions and promote sustainable lifestyles. The researchers propose a market-based approach to provide individuals with incentives and options to link their actions with global carbon reduction goals.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 16, 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.

Woven nanotube fibers turn heat into power

Researchers have developed a new material that can convert heat into energy, with potential applications in textiles and electronics. The woven nanotube fibers show promise as building blocks for fiber and textile electronics, and could also be used to cool sensitive electronics.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021

Pre-pandemic physiological data can predict mental well-being during COVID-19

A Bar-Ilan University study found that individuals with more relaxed heart rate/respiratory function 2-3 years prior to SARS-CoV-2 reported greater mental well-being during the pandemic. Physiological measures such as RSA and SCL were used to assess individuals' mental well-being and regulation of negative emotions.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalPsychophysiology·DateAug 16, 2021

Breaching tipping points would increase economic costs of climate change impacts

Researchers have created a new model that estimates the economic impacts of climate tipping points, such as disintegration of the Greenland Ice Sheet. The study finds that exceeding these tipping points could lead to increased economic costs of climate change impacts by up to 25%.

SourceGrantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 16, 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.

First genetic sequencing of Brazilian pit viper is completed

Researchers completed the first genetic sequencing of a Brazilian snake's genome, revealing that most toxin genes likely arose from existing functions in ancestral species. The study identified markers for comparing toxin genes with non-toxic 'ancestral' genes, shedding light on the evolution of venom production.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 16, 2021

New study: Viral load is not a true indicator of SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk

Researchers found that college students with low viral loads can still transmit the virus, and Ct values are not a reliable predictor of transmissibility. The study suggests that symptomatic individuals tend to have higher viral loads or maintain their viral loads for longer periods.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 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.

Nearby star-forming region yields clues to the formation of our solar system

A new study of the Ophiuchus star-forming complex offers an analog for the formation of our solar system, suggesting that short-lived radioactive elements were enriched through supernovas in a nearby cluster. The research provides new insights into the conditions in which our solar system was born.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2021

Pollinators: First global risk index for species declines and effects on humanity

A new global risk index highlights the alarming decline of pollinators, which are crucial for food production and ecosystem services. The top causes of pollinator loss include habitat destruction, pesticide use, and climate change, with serious consequences for human populations, particularly in the Global South.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 16, 2021

Microplastics hinder the growth of microscopic marine animals

A recent study found that microplastic ingestion by dinoflagellates lowers their growth and abundance, affecting the larger marine animals that feed on them. The impact is significant, with energy transfer up the food chain reduced by as much as 30%.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 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.

Boston University recognized by NIH for enhancing faculty gender diversity

Boston University has received a $50,000 Prize for Enhancing Faculty Gender Diversity from the National Institutes of Health. The institution's three-pronged approach to supporting women STEMM faculty members has substantively improved gender equity, including increased rates of promotion and diversified leadership.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateAug 16, 2021

The Arctic Ocean’s deep past provides clues to its imminent future

A team of scientists from Princeton University found that the Arctic Ocean's nitrogen supply is limited by strong stratification, preventing plankton growth and potentially affecting fish populations. The research used fossilized plankton to study the history of nitrogen sources and supply rates in the western and central Arctic Ocean.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 2021

Scientists realize noiseless photon-echo protocol

Researchers at USTC achieved a significant reduction in noise by 670 times compared to previous strategies, enabling solid quantum memory with high fidelity. The new protocol, NLPE, uses double rephasing to manipulate spontaneous noise emission and separate the signal from the noise.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 16, 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.

Researchers reveal mechanisms of enhanced evaporation flux through nanochannels

Scientists develop a quantitative model to explain ultra-high fluxes in covalent organic frameworks (COFs) films, enhancing water desalination and purification. The work reveals mechanisms of enhanced evaporation through nanochannels, reducing vapor diffusion length and preventing salt crystallization.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 16, 2021

Next generation electronics: Expanding the possibilities with silver nanowires

Researchers from Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation developed a method to fabricate ultrathin gold shells around silver nanowires, improving their stability and effectiveness. The gold-coated nanowires showed superior durability and performance in various tests, outperforming commercial nanowires.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalNano Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021

Herbicide resistance no longer a black box for scientists

Researchers identify gene regions responsible for non-target-site herbicide resistance in waterhemp, a key step towards early detection and management tools. By analyzing the genome of waterhemp, scientists have narrowed down the genetic regions controlling resistance to two areas, paving the way for further studies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPest Management Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 16, 2021

Shifting the dialogue on high-quality carbohydrate foods

A team of six world-renowned experts in carbohydrate research outlines the need for a stronger, evidence-based approach to defining quality CF to support overall health and provide clearer dietary guidance. The QCC-SAC consensus is that existing measures, such as glycemic index, are flawed and unreliable.

SourceThe Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE)·JournalNutrients·DateAug 16, 2021

Tulane scientist leads study on faster charging energy storage

A novel material has been engineered to achieve high power and energy densities, potentially reducing charging times from hours to minutes. This breakthrough could address the need for electrochemical energy storage devices capable of handling high charging rates and high capacity.

SourceTulane University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 16, 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.

Widespread pain linked to heightened dementia and stroke risk

Research finds widespread pain associated with a heightened risk of all types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and stroke. People with widespread pain were 43% more likely to have any type of dementia and 47% more likely to have Alzheimer's disease compared to those without widespread pain.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalRegional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2021

Polymers “click” together using green chemistry

A team of chemists developed a new set of modifiable polymers made from SOF4, allowing for environmentally safe reactions and fast production. This breakthrough enables the generation of a vast library of polymers with distinct properties for applications in drug discovery and material science.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 16, 2021

Humble pond plant duckweed may help researchers to develop better crops

A Rutgers-led study puts duckweed, a tiny freshwater floating plant, as an excellent laboratory model for discovering new strategies for growing hardier and more sustainable crops. The study suggests that duckweed's unique characteristics make it an ideal platform to discover novel strategies for improved plant growth.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateAug 16, 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.

Getting under the skin: Tracing prevalence of skin diseases in type 2 diabetes mellitus

A new study examining the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and skin diseases reveals a strong link between the two conditions. The research, published in Chinese Medical Journal, found that 93.5% of individuals with T2DM had skin problems, including over 47 types of comorbid skin diseases.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 16, 2021

From coral reef to goat ranch: Uncovering the botanical history of the Guadalupe Mountains

Researchers sequenced DNA from plant specimens collected nearly 50 years ago to analyze genetic diversity and its response to climate change. The study found that several species restricted to the Guadalupe Mountains had surprisingly high amounts of genetic diversity, which could help them adapt to changing conditions.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateAug 16, 2021

A simple method opens access to new fluorine-containing heterocycles

Researchers at Ural Federal University developed a simple method to produce fluorine-containing heterocycles, which are promising building blocks for medicinal chemistry and agrochemistry. The new compounds were found to be highly chemically active and selectively entered into various reactions.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalMolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 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.

How the malaria parasite defends itself from fever is unveiled

A new study led by ISGlobal has identified a gene called PfAP2-HS that allows the malaria parasite to defend itself from febrile temperatures and other adverse conditions within the host. The study found that this gene activates a protective response against high temperatures, helping the parasite survive in the host's environment.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 16, 2021

Regular exercise, even in polluted areas, can lower risk of death

A large study of 384,130 adults found that regular exercise lowers the risk of death from natural causes, regardless of air pollution exposure. Habitual exercise and low pollution levels were associated with lower mortality rates, while inactivity and high pollution were linked to higher risks.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 16, 2021

Researchers design dinuclear-site catalysts and reveal the underlying mechanism

Scientists have developed a method to synthesize uniform atomically precise Ni2 sites, a crucial step in designing effective dinuclear-site catalysts. Theoretical calculations suggest that these active intermediates play a key role in facilitating CO2 reduction reactions.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 16, 2021

Existing drug may help improve responses to cellular therapies in advanced leukemias

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified a new mechanism of resistance in advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients to CAR T cell therapy. They found that inhibiting the BET protein with the small molecule inhibitor JQ1 can reinvigorate exhausted T cells and increase their production.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 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.

NIH scientists develop faster COVID-19 test

Researchers at the National Eye Institute developed a new sample preparation method to detect SARS-Cov-2, simplifying purification and potentially reducing test time and cost. The method uses a chelating agent to preserve RNA in samples, allowing for direct detection and increasing sensitivity.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournaliScience·DateAug 16, 2021