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Science News Archive August 2021 - Page 26


Page 26 of 38

Food scientists create national atlas for deadly listeria

A new genomic and geological mapping tool helps track listeria found in ingredients, processing facilities and finished products by pinpointing sources of contamination. The nationwide atlas reveals the natural distribution of listeria across the US, aiding in the identification of risk areas.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 11, 2021

Tiny bubbles: Treating asthma with gene silencing nanocapsules

Researchers developed gene silencing nanocapsules to target GATA-3, a component of the immune response leading to allergic asthma attacks. The treatment showed promise in reducing inflammatory damage and presence of eosinophils in an allergic asthma mouse model and human white blood cells.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

UCI study finds targeting mitochondria shows promise in treating obesity

A team of University of California, Irvine scientists discovered a novel pharmacological approach to attenuate mitochondrial dysfunction that drives diet-induced obesity. They found that a small molecule, SH-BC-893, can correct metabolic disease even when mice continue to consume an unhealthy Western diet.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

World-first COVID vaccine booster randomized clinical trial in transplant patients proves third shot is very effective

A world-first clinical trial has shown that a third dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster is highly effective in protecting transplant patients. The study found that 55% of participants developed antibodies against the virus after receiving the third dose, compared to just 18% in those who received a placebo.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 11, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pusan National University scientists report single-step synthesis of solid-state sensors for detecting explosives

Researchers have successfully synthesized AIE-active nanoparticles in a single step, producing fluorescent sensors that can detect nitroaromatic compounds with high sensitivity. The novel solid-state sensors show quenching of fluorescence emission on contact with PA, enabling fast and accurate detection of explosives.

SourcePusan National University·JournalDyes and Pigments·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

‘Sticky questions’ raised by study on coral reefs

A new study on coral reefs in Kiribati found that more polluted and high-traffic waters can handle extreme heat events better than remote reefs. The research raises questions about the effectiveness of marine protected areas in conserving coral reefs.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 11, 2021

New technique identifies proteins in the living brain

A new study developed a successful approach for identifying proteins in different types of neurons in the brain of a living animal. The technique uses a virus to tag neighboring proteins, allowing researchers to analyze the entire proteome inside living neurons.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 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.

When the brain’s GPS goes off the grid

A new study on bats reveals that their brain's GPS system represents three-dimensional space in a unique way, with grid cells packed like spheres rather than circles. The researchers found that this arrangement allows for local order but lacks global symmetry.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2021

Study of coral reefs of Pacific Gilbert Islands could provide sneak preview into effects of climate change-induced heat stress globally

Researchers studied Pacific Gilbert Islands coral reefs, a natural laboratory for climate change-induced heat stress. The study found that coral reefs in the region exhibit resistance and resilience to multiple stressors, but are still recovering after over a decade of environmental pressures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2021

People with stroke who walk 30 minutes per day may have 54% lower risk of death

A new study published in Neurology shows that people who walk at least three to four hours a week after having a stroke may have a 54% lower risk of death. Exercise was found to be most beneficial for younger stroke survivors, with those under 75 years old experiencing an 80% reduced risk of death.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2021

Human Lyme Borreliosis and Puumala hantavirus infection incidence follow rodent abundance variations in Northern Europe

A study found associations between bank vole abundance variations and Lyme Borreliosis and Puumala hantavirus infections in Northern Europe. The abundance of rodents influences the incidence of these diseases, with Puumala hantavirus infection following rodent abundance fluctuations with a couple of months time lag.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 11, 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.

Southwest National Primate Research Center and Texas Biomed receive continued full accreditation from lab animal care association

The Southwest National Primate Research Center and Texas Biomedical Research Institute have received continued full accreditation from the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) for their exceptional animal care. The institution houses over 2,500 nonhuman primates, including pathogen-free rhesus...

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·DateAug 11, 2021

Enabling the next generation of organic solar cells

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered a new way for energy to move in organic materials, allowing for faster conversion of sunlight into electrical power. This fundamental mechanism, called transient exciton delocalization, enables efficient energy transport in organic semiconductors.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Engineers uncover the secrets of fish fins

A team of engineers discovered that the unique design of fish fins, with layered structures made up of stiff and soft materials, enables them to achieve remarkable dexterity and flexibility. This finding could lead to new materials and technologies for robotic applications and aircraft design.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 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.

Sugary drink consumption plunges in Chile after new food law

A new study found that Chile's package of healthy food policies led to significant declines in the purchase of unhealthy foods and drinks. The implementation of mandatory front-of-package warning labels resulted in a 24% reduction in calories, sugar, saturated fat, and sodium purchased per day.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateAug 11, 2021

Tuning gold nanoclusters for targeted gastric cancer therapy

Gold nanoclusters have emerged as a promising material for cancer nanomedicine due to their excellent biocompatibility and efficient renal clearance. The researchers designed multifunctional AuNCs with a therapeutic component and targeting action, demonstrating the potential for targeted gastric cancer therapy.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalACS Nanoscience Au·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 11, 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.

A robotic fish tail and an elegant math ratio could inform the design of next- generation underwater drones

University of Virginia researchers design a simple way to implement a tunable stiffness strategy in robots, enabling efficient swimming at varying speeds. The approach, inspired by the natural adaptability of fish, uses a programmable artificial tendon to adjust tail stiffness in real-time.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Global changes in mesothelioma cases, deaths

Researchers estimated a significant increase in global mesothelioma cases and deaths from 1990 to 2017. The study found that asbestos exposure remains a well-established risk factor for the disease.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 11, 2021

Novel technique seamlessly converts ammonia to green hydrogen

A research team at UNIST has developed a novel technique that converts liquid ammonia into green hydrogen with high purity and efficiency. The method consumes significantly less power than traditional electrolysis of water, making it an attractive alternative for hydrogen production.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateAug 11, 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.

Anatomy of an earthquake series

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that seismicity at the Castor gas reservoir was triggered by pore pressure diffusion and the failure of loaded asperities on a shallow fault. The research identified three phases of the crisis, including a fast backward migration of earthquakes that resulted in the largest tremors.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2021

Study provides suggestions for keeping classroom air fresh

A new MIT study highlights the importance of careful classroom ventilation in reducing the spread of Covid-19 aerosols. Researchers found that certain configurations, such as closed windows and limited upward air movement, can lead to higher concentrations of potentially problematic aerosols.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalBuilding and Environment·DateAug 11, 2021

The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology study examines thin film surface symmetries

Researchers at GIST develop a non-contact, nondestructive approach to characterize crystal structures in thin films, shedding light on surface symmetries in SrRuO3. The technique offers a platform for structural characterization of surfaces and interfaces using optical techniques.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

AI DBT impact on mammography post-breast therapy

A single-center retrospective study found that AI-CAD reduced recall rates and improved accuracy compared to digital mammography (DM) and DBT. The study showed lower recall rates and higher accuracy for DM with AI-CAD, indicating a practical addition to lowering false-positive findings.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2021

With AI, your car can detect potholes

A research team developed an AI-based automatic pothole detection system that detects potholes in real-time using a vision sensor installed on the windshield of a vehicle. The system shows robust detection performance with road images taken under different brightness conditions, improving road safety and efficiency.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalElectronics·DateAug 11, 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.

Machine learning analysis identifies 50 conserved genes in both Drosophila fruit flies and humans strongly associated with neurological aging, suggesting potential for further aging-related studies using fruit flies as a model organism

A machine learning analysis has identified 50 genes strongly associated with neurological aging in both Drosophila fruit flies and humans. The study suggests that fruit flies could be used as a model organism to further investigate aging-related processes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

How Hypoxia Influences Spatial Gene Expression Variations in Pancreatic Cancer

Researchers discovered that hypoxia induces regional variations in gene-expression patterns in pancreatic cancer, with specific subpopulations of cancer cells surviving under hypoxic conditions. These findings suggest a link between hypoxia and aggressive tumor behavior, highlighting the need for targeted treatments.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalCancer Biology and Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Surge in legislation addressing racism as a public health crisis

More than 100 resolutions have been passed naming racism a public health crisis, with less than 1 in 5 explicitly mentioning funding for initiatives. The surge is linked to greater national attention brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and social justice movements.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateAug 11, 2021

Impenetrable optical OTP security platform

A POSTECH research team has developed an encrypted hologram printing platform that works in both natural light and laser light using the metasurface technology. The device can produce a holographic color image retaining specific polarization, setting it apart from previously reported holograms.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 11, 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.

17-year study of children associates poverty with smaller, slower-growing subcortical regions

A 17-year study found that children who experienced poverty in preschool had smaller volumes of certain subcortical brain regions, including the hippocampus and thalamus. The researchers also found that these children showed slower growth in these regions over time, leading to poorer cognitive and behavioral outcomes in adulthood.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2021

P-orbital magnetic topological states on square lattice

A new materials-independent mechanism for magnetic topological states is proposed, resulting in a family of 2D magnetic topological materials with high Chern numbers. The study reveals stable ferromagnetism and high Curie temperatures, sparking further experimental explorations.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 11, 2021

Brain gene expression patterns altered by chronic opioid use

A new study has found that chronic opioid use changes gene expression in the brains of people with opioid use disorder (OUD), suggesting proinflammatory signaling and synaptic remodeling. The affected genes involved in immune response and neuronal connections were also identified, offering new targets for treatment.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 10, 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.

Study of skull birth defect takes it from the top

Researchers created the first detailed cell-by-cell description of how the coronal suture develops, identifying new genes and cell types involved in generating stem cells that grow skull bones. The study aims to advance new interventions for patients with craniosynostosis.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 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.

System trains drones to fly around obstacles at high speeds

Researchers at MIT have created an algorithm that enables drones to navigate complex obstacle courses at high speeds without crashing. The new approach combines simulations with real-world experiments, allowing drones to adapt to challenging aerodynamics and find the fastest routes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe International Journal of Robotics Research·DateAug 10, 2021

Rising seas force dune and beach movement

Researchers measure increased vertical translation of dune toe along Holland coast, finding it outpaces sea level rise. The study's findings suggest other locations may experience similar changes due to global warming, highlighting the need for climate change adaptation measures.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 10, 2021

Epilepsy surgery may improve overall brain health, study finds

Researchers found that epilepsy surgery is associated with improved overall brain health, reducing brain-predicted age by at least seven years in patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy. The study used advanced MRI techniques to inform its findings and suggests earlier surgery may benefit these patients.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNeurology·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 10, 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.

Fire record shows cultural diffusion took off 400,000 years ago

Researchers propose widespread cultural diffusion of fire use and stone tool technology occurred around 400,000 years ago. This finding suggests that hominin populations were exchanging genes and engaging in cultural interactions, contradicting independent invention theories.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2021

Connecting to place, people, and past: How products make us feel grounded

Consumers are seeking products with local origin, traditional designs, and reminders of their childhood and family. Groundedness increases product attractiveness and consumers' willingness to pay. Products providing a sense of groundedness improve self-perceptions related to resilience and feelings of strength and stability.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateAug 10, 2021

Dragonfly mission to Titan announces big science goals

The Dragonfly mission will investigate Titan's surface and atmosphere, searching for chemical biosignatures and exploring the moon's active methane cycle. By analyzing the prebiotic chemistry currently taking place in Titan's atmosphere and on its surface, scientists hope to gain insights into the potential for life on the moon.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·DateAug 10, 2021

Common environmental pollutants damage mucus structure, function

Research reveals that exposure to airborne or waterborne particulate matter can disrupt the body's mucosal system, leading to health conditions such as respiratory and heart diseases. The study highlights the importance of understanding how particles affect mucus structure and function to mitigate negative health outcomes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiophysics Reviews·DateAug 10, 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.

Taking aim at skin bacteria

Researchers at TUM developed an enzyme-based method to selectively target and remove non-target DNA from skin samples, allowing for a more accurate analysis of the skin microbiome. This approach has shown promise in identifying microbial biomarkers for certain dermatological illnesses and may lead to new treatments.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalMicrobiome·DateAug 10, 2021

Mathematical model of thermoplastic composite helps design and certify highly reliable structures

Researchers at Skoltech developed a mathematical model for thermoplastic composite materials, reducing conservatism in strength calculations. The model allows for virtual testing of structures, minimizing manufacturing costs while ensuring safety and quality requirements.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalInternational Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping·DateAug 10, 2021

HKU team paves the way for learning what ancient birds ate

A HKU team has developed a framework to determine the diet of fossil birds, allowing scientists to better understand ancient avian behavior. By combining various techniques, including medicine and materials science, the researchers identified previously unrecognized agreements on the diet of certain species.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalBiological Reviews·DateAug 10, 2021

Breathe easy: New research to improve inhaler effectiveness

Researchers have modelled how drugs are delivered to the respiratory tract via an inhaler to better treat lung diseases. Finer drug particles of around one micron are better able to travel further into the lungs.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 10, 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.