Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2021 - Page 31


Page 31 of 38

C-Crete Technologies’ deep learning methods cast wide net for discovery of novel hybrid organic-inorganic materials

Researchers at C-Crete Technologies have developed a method that utilizes deep learning to quickly predict and design novel hybrid organic-inorganic materials, offering improved materials design for various industries. By feeding quantum mechanics calculations to layered machine learning based on artificial neural networks, they can un...

SourceC-Crete Technologies·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 5, 2021

Battery boost found by mimicking the wonders of bamboo

Researchers at Queensland University of Technology developed a bioinspired membrane that mimics the structure of bamboo's natural membrane, enabling faster ion transport and improved volumetric energy storage. The membrane outperformed other materials commonly used for electrodes in batteries.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Family values outweigh politics in US Latinos’ climate beliefs

A new study led by Adam Pearson and Jonathon Schuldt found that family values are a stronger predictor of climate opinions and policy support among US Latinos than political views. Familism, or cultural values representing commitment to the family, was the most important predictor, even more so than politics.

SourceCornell University·JournalClimatic Change·DateAug 5, 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.

Link discovered between male infertility and self-eating

Researchers from Osaka University found a link between excessive autophagy and reduced sperm production, suggesting a potential mechanism for male infertility. The study suggests that Rubicon regulates autophagic degradation of GATA4, promoting Sertoli cell function.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

New PIDS-IDSA guideline on bone infections in children addresses key diagnostic and treatment questions

The new guideline recommends invasive diagnostic tests but acknowledges their potential infeasibility, instead focusing on clinical improvement to transition to oral therapy. It provides thoughtfully reasoned recommendations based on current evidence to help clinicians identify and manage bone infections.

SourcePediatric Infectious Diseases Society·JournalJournal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 5, 2021

Long-term monitoring shows protected areas safeguard bird populations and support federal and state mandates

A new study by Point Blue Conservation Science found that protected areas in central coastal California effectively safeguard bird populations from decline. The research analyzed population trends of 14 bird species and found that 9 had better population trends within protected areas compared to average trends outside.

SourceAmerican Ornithological Society Publications Office·JournalOrnithological Applications·DateAug 5, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Secrets to getting shortlisted for a job in the modern world

QUT researchers identified external recognition and professional development as crucial strategies for getting shortlisted. Applicants with earned professional recognition or awards were four times more likely to be shortlisted than those without such recognition.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournalism·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 5, 2021

Wearable technology can help in at-home assessment of myoclonic jerks

A new study developed a wearable technology-based method to assess myoclonus symptoms in the home environment. The method, which measures electrical neuromuscular function and movement, correlates well with assessments performed by experienced physicians.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalClinical Neurophysiology·DateAug 5, 2021

Need to change careers? This AI tool can help

Researchers developed an AI-powered tool to identify and recommend jobs based on underlying skill sets, increasing the chances of success in job transitions. The system can also respond to changes in job demand and provide precise skills needed to transition to a new occupation.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 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.

Battle-hardened fund managers produce higher returns during times of recession

Research by City University London's Business School reveals that fund managers who start their careers in difficult economic conditions perform better over the long-term. They exhibit better market timing and tilt their investments towards defensive industries during tough times.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalJournal of Corporate Finance·DateAug 5, 2021

Fitness apps keep us moving

Flinders University researchers found that more than half of Australians reported a decline in physical activity during the COVID-19 lockdown, but fitness apps were used by over half of respondents. The study highlights the importance of social support, self-efficacy, and motivation in using physical activity apps to maintain engagement.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021

Cytotoxic drugs can increase cancer cell resistance

Research has found that cancer cells develop resistance to platinum-based cytotoxic drugs by altering their communication with the surrounding extracellular matrix. This change allows the cancer cells to withstand the damage caused by the treatment and survive the chemotherapeutic attack.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Now how did that get up there?

Researchers discovered three phases of growth that explain how cetaceans shift their nasal passage from a parallel to an angled orientation. This finding provides insight into the developmental process and could inform our understanding of cetacean evolution.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Anatomy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 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.

Helping India’s smallholder farmers

A University of Delaware study found that diversifying nutritional strategies is key to improving diets for India's smallholder farmers. The researchers suggest individual-level and community-level approaches, such as growing diverse crops or sharing produce at local markets.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2021

Counting pandemic behavior to inform public health decisions

Researchers developed a new method to analyze video segments from live streams and estimate the prevalence of mask wearing. The protocol was successfully learned in under an hour and found reliable estimates of mask-compliance, with the potential to provide useful results for decision-makers within 48 hours.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 5, 2021

The science is in: Craft beer is unique

Research using mass spectrometry proteomics identified distinct proteins in craft beers compared to mass-produced brews. The study found that single-brewery analysis revealed significant differences between beer styles, suggesting the use of unique yeast strains or brewing processes.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021

An action agenda for Africa’s electricity sector

The article outlines five complementary actions to increase electrification rates and secure long-term access to affordable energy in Africa. Key findings include the need for an independent champion to transform the sector, international partnerships, and investment in clean energy.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalScience·DateAug 5, 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.

Food or sex? Fruit flies give insight into decision-making

A new study by University of Birmingham researchers reveals that fruit flies' brains trigger specific neuronal impulses when faced with the choice between feeding and mating. The team found that, when starved, mating is consistently overridden by hunger, but once fed, males turn their attention to courtship.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeNews article·DateAug 5, 2021

New mothers’ sleep loss linked to accelerated aging

A new study by UCLA researchers found that women who slept less than seven hours a night during the first six months after giving birth had shorter telomeres and were three to seven years older biologically. The study suggests that sleep loss can have long-lasting effects on physical health, increasing the risk of age-related diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalSleep Health·DateAug 5, 2021

Novel Alzheimer’s disease amyloid β polymorph now revealed!

Researchers have successfully characterized a new form of toxic Aβ42 fibrils in Alzheimer's disease using sensitivity-enhanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The study paves the way for novel therapeutic strategies targeting these aggregates that drive AD progression.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

No signs of brain injury post-acute COVID-19

A recent study from University of Gothenburg found that all participants achieved normalization of CNS injury biomarkers, regardless of previous disease severity or persistent neurological symptoms. This suggests that post-COVID-19 neurological sequelae are not due to active brain injury, contradicting previous findings.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 5, 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.

Researchers propose carbon debt system to combat global warming

A team of researchers proposes a carbon debt system to encourage enterprises to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The approach aims to provide immediate economic incentives for businesses to transition to negative carbon balance by treating carbon emissions as financial debt.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalNature·DateAug 5, 2021

The future of medicine is nearer thanks to researchers’ invention

A new process for making RNA has been developed by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, yielding purer and more abundant RNA at a fraction of the cost. This breakthrough removes the largest stumbling block on the path to next-generation RNA therapeutic drugs.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 5, 2021

Scientists reverse a key hallmark of motor neurone disease in the laboratory

Researchers at The Francis Crick Institute successfully reversed a key hallmark of motor neurone disease by blocking the activity of an enzyme called VCP. This breakthrough, published in Brain Communications, suggests that the abnormal accumulation of proteins involved in RNA regulation might be a factor contributing to the disease.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalBrain Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 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.

Lab-grown beating heart cells identify potential drug to prevent COVID-19-related heart damage

A team of scientists at the University of Cambridge has developed a lab-grown model of heart cells that mimic the behavior of real heart cells and are vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The researchers showed that an experimental peptide drug, DX600, can prevent the virus from entering the heart cells and reduce levels of infection.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Headaches are vastly undertreated among racial and socioeconomic groups

A recent review article reveals significant disparities in diagnosing and treating headaches among different racial and socioeconomic groups. The study found that African American men receive the least care for headache diseases, despite being affected at the same rate as other groups.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNeurology·DateAug 5, 2021

Sticky toes unlock life in the trees

Researchers found that lizards with sticky toepads prevail in the arboreal environment, accessing new resources unavailable to padless lizards. This evolutionary advantage enables them to stay in trees and rarely leave, whereas padless species often transition to ground life.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalSystematic Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 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.

Corn’s genetic diversity on display in new genome study

The study assembles 26 different genetic lines of corn, providing a comprehensive understanding of the crop's genetic mechanisms. This new reference data will help scientists identify genes likely to lead to improved crop performance.

SourceIowa State University·JournalScience·DateAug 5, 2021

NUS researchers link neurodegenerative disease protein to defective cholesterol metabolism

Researchers from NUS have discovered that brain cells rely on the TDP-43 protein to maintain the myelin sheath, which is crucial for neuron insulation. The study suggests that restoring cholesterol levels through drug intervention could be a novel therapeutic approach for diseases associated with TDP-43.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 5, 2021

Far out: Why political parties go to extremes

A recent study modelled social, economic, and personal factors influencing voters and parties to identify four key levers that tip the balance towards political extremes. Social contagion and macro-economic factors such as employment and economic growth play a significant role in driving polarization.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 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.

Effective "host sanctions" make fig wasp cheating rare

Researchers found that host sanctions prevent fig wasp cheating by promoting the loss of specialized morphologies and behaviors crucial for pollination. Effective sanctions enforce cooperation in fig-wasp mutualism.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2021

Solving solar puzzle could help save Earth from planet-wide blackouts

Scientists have solved a long-standing mystery about the Sun's internal magnetic field, which could help predict space weather and prevent devastating geomagnetic storms. The new study provides a strong theoretical framework to improve understanding of the Sun's electromagnetic behavior.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2021

Heat-related symptoms affected one-quarter of Americans during summer of 2020

A new study found that one-quarter of Americans suffered from heat-related symptoms in 2020, with women, low-income households, and non-white populations most vulnerable. The research also revealed that the pandemic exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, making it harder for people to access cooling centers and medical care.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeSurvey·DateAug 5, 2021

Data scientists go to the mat to learn about microbial networks

Researchers at Rice University are developing novel computational approaches to track environmental microbiome dynamics over time, across species and after perturbations. The team will use biofilm-based 'species abundance networks' on scaffolds to observe how they form their own genome-exchange networks.

SourceRice University·DateAug 5, 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.

Herbal medicines demonstrate potency against bartonella, a disease-causing pathogen, according to new lab study

A new lab study finds that three herbal medicines - Chinese skullcap, Cryptolepis, and Japanese knotweed - have high activity against bartonella henselae and Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria causing Lyme disease. The findings suggest these herbs may be effective in treating tick-borne infections, including babesiosis.

SourceTellMed Strategies·JournalInfectious Microbes & Diseases·DateAug 5, 2021

How squirrels learn to leap and land without falling

Wild squirrels learn to leap and land without falling by weighing branch bendiness against distance between branches. They use trial-and-error learning to adjust their movements in split-second timing, enabling agile navigation through tree canopies.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 5, 2021

USTC designs near-infrared-active lattice-matched morphological photoanodes

Researchers from USTC create NIR-active lattice-matched morphological photoanodes with high efficiency and wide light absorption. The new design reduces carrier-trapping defects and enhances ultrafast charge transfer, paving the way for efficient NIR-based PEC devices.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 5, 2021

When provided personalized health resources, patients often share with others

Researchers discovered that almost half of patients who received personalized information about community resources shared them with at least one other person. Individuals in poorer health were more likely to report sharing the information, and those who visited or used a resource on their list were also more likely to share it.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of the Association for Information Science and Technology·DateAug 5, 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.

New study sheds light on the mysterious dimming of Betelgeuse

A new study published in Nature Communications sheds light on the nature of Betelgeuse's mysterious dimming, which was observed from October 2019 to March 2020. The research team found that a temperature drop of 170 K could explain the dimming, suggesting the presence of a large dark star-spot on Betelgeuse's surface.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 5, 2021

Neural network detects protein-peptide binding sites to kick-start peptide drug discovery

Researchers have developed a neural network model called BiteNetPp to detect protein-peptide binding sites, enabling the design of peptide-based drugs. The model consistently outperforms existing methods and can analyze a single protein structure in under a second, making it suitable for large-scale studies.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2021

Astonishing diversity: Semiconductor nanoparticles form numerous structures

Researchers have observed the self-organisation of lead sulphide nanoparticles in real time, revealing a surprising diversity of structures. The team used X-ray scattering to study how the particles assembled into ordered superlattices, finding that the final structure depends on factors such as solvent type and ligand density.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 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.

Heart Age Test a ‘wake up call’ for those at risk

A new study by Staffordshire University found that users of the Heart Age Test (HAT) were more likely to make healthy lifestyle changes. The test aims to provide early warning signs of cardiovascular disease, encouraging users to reduce their heart age through diet and exercise.

SourceStaffordshire University·TypeSurvey·DateAug 5, 2021

Two PrEP medications are now available. Equally safe/effective. The biggest difference? The price tag.

A new study found that only 7% of patients who switched from Truvada to Descovy had a documented clinical reason for doing so, highlighting the need for cost-effective PrEP options. The significant price difference between the two medications may be a major barrier to broad and equitable PrEP use in the US.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateAug 5, 2021

Brain-inspired highly scalable neuromorphic hardware presented​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a brain-inspired highly scalable neuromorphic hardware by co-integrating single transistor neurons and synapses. This innovation dramatically reduces hardware cost and accelerates the commercialization of neuromorphic hardware, enabling its application in mobile and IoT devices.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 5, 2021

Slow slips offer insights into earthquakes

Slow slips, or silent earthquakes, are fractures of the Earth's crust that propagate slowly without producing seismic waves. The new database sheds light on the mechanisms behind these events and their potential to trigger regular earthquakes.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 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.

Ovarian cancer: Potential therapeutic target identified

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have identified DOT1L as a potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer. Inhibitors of the DOT1L enzyme showed promise in reducing tumor growth and improving survival rates by stimulating pro-tumorigenic metabolic pathways and blocking apoptosis.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

The secret history of corn is revealed in its genome

A new collection of corn genomes provides a detailed understanding of the genetic diversity and adaptability of corn plants. Researchers have mapped the first corn genome in 2009 and filled in gaps since, revealing how the corn genome was shuffled over time.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 5, 2021

Positive Aerin Medical AERWAY study results published showing effectiveness of VivAer® for nasal obstruction patients with nasal valve collapse

The AERWAY study published in the Journal of Otolaryngology and Rhinology found significant symptom improvements in patients treated with VivAer for nasal airway obstruction due to nasal valve collapse. The non-invasive treatment modality remodels tissue in the nasal valve, providing long-term relief from nasal congestion.

SourceAerin Medical·JournalJournal of Otolaryngology and Rhinology·DateAug 5, 2021

Robotic scanner automates diagnostic imaging in the eye

Researchers at Duke University developed a robotic imaging tool that can automatically detect and scan patients' eyes for eye diseases, producing clear images in under 50 seconds. The system uses optical coherence tomography and is designed to be safe and accessible for optometrist offices, primary-care clinics, and emergency departments.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 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.