Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2021 - Page 34


Page 34 of 38

Unraveling the mechanisms that control parental care in birds

Researchers from Chapman University discover that non-reproductive birds' brains mimic changes in female mice post-partum when induced to become parents. This finding opens new avenues for understanding the regulation of parental care across vertebrates.

SourceChapman University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2021

Scientists discovered the rarity of boulders on Mercury

Researchers analyzed images of Mercury's surface and found only 14 boulders, compared to the Moon's 30 times more frequent presence. Factors such as micrometeorite bombardment, thicker regolith, and extreme temperature fluctuations contribute to the rarity of boulders on Mercury.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalIcarus·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 4, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tiny protein ‘squeezes’ cells like balloon animals

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a protein called 'curly' that can bend the cytoskeleton of cells, twisting them into different shapes. This finding opens up new possibilities for engineering cells and understanding how they replicate.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateAug 4, 2021

Increase in extreme precipitation in the northeast caused by Atlantic variability and climate change

A recent study found that greenhouse gases from human activity and warmer North Atlantic Ocean temperatures contributed to the Northeast's increased extreme precipitation since 1996. The research used global climate model simulations and statistical methods to isolate the causes of the increase.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalWeather and Climate Extremes·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 4, 2021

’Til the cows come home

New research reveals Bronze Age farmers in China prioritized cattle for their diets, utilizing byproducts like millet stalks for feed. This approach differs from other regions, where cows were raised closer to human settlements.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2021

Researchers link neurodegenerative disease protein to defective cholesterol metabolism

A recent study discovered that brain cells cannot maintain the myelin sheath in the absence of the TDP-43 protein. Restoring cholesterol levels has been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases associated with TDP-43. The research found that oligodendrocytes, responsible for producing myelin, have def...

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 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.

Study links economic mobility to racial mortality gaps

A recent study by the American Cancer Society found a strong association between economic mobility and racial disparities in mortality in the US. The study suggests that structural racism has persisted with similar magnitude across generations, leading to increased death rates among Black individuals compared to their White counterparts.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCancer Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 2021

Unique device for human physiology research

Researchers at Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University LETI developed a high-precision instrumental method to measure rapid temperature fluctuations of human skin. This allows for non-invasive monitoring of blood flow and assessment of microcirculation disorders.

SourceSaint Petersburg Electrotechnical University LETI·JournalSensors·TypeNews article·DateAug 4, 2021

Fine particulate air pollution associated with higher risk of dementia

Researchers from the University of Washington identified a strong link between fine particulate air pollution and an increased risk of dementia. A 1 microgram per cubic meter difference in PM2.5 pollution was associated with a 16% greater incidence of dementia, highlighting the potential neurodegenerative effects of air pollution.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 2021

Arctic narwhals and beluga whales can be detected and monitored from space, using satellite orbiting 617km high

Researchers successfully detected and monitored Arctic narwhals and beluga whales using satellite orbiting 617km high, a breakthrough in cetacean tracking. This achievement demonstrates the potential of space-based monitoring for conservation efforts, providing valuable insights into these endangered species' habitats and behaviors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 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.

“Where does it hurt?” predicts chronic pain outcomes, study shows

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that analyzing pain distribution can predict chronic pain outcomes. Researchers identified 9 distinct groupings of pain distribution, which varied significantly across subgroups in terms of demographic and medical characteristics, pain intensity, impact, and neuropathic pain quality. The study...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2021

Oncotarget: Prokineticin-1 in colorectal cancer

Prokineticin-1 is a lymphangiogenic factor involved in human colorectal cancer's lymph node metastasis and lymph vessel formation. High PROK1 expression was found to significantly increase the rate of lymph node metastasis.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateAug 4, 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.

Built-in vibration control may help soundproof spaces

Researchers at Ohio State University developed built-in resonators that can be cut into walls or vehicle material to suppress vibrations and reduce noise. The design has potential applications in soundproofing walls and building airplane frames that minimize sound intrusion.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThin-Walled Structures·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2021

137 human genomes from the Middle East fill gaps in human history

A new study generated 137 whole-genome sequences from eight Middle Eastern populations, filling a major gap in international genomic projects. The researchers found 4.8 million previously undiscovered genetic variants, which could hold medical relevance.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 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.

Crawling important step in development of risk perception

A University of Otago study found that crawling experience significantly influences a baby's ability to avoid falling into water. The research, published in Infancy and Developmental Psychobiology, suggests that caregivers should promote crawling opportunities for their infants to develop safe perception and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalInfancy·DateAug 4, 2021

New study shows diabetes is associated with a significant increase in the risk of hospitalisation and mortality caused by infections

A new study found that individuals with diabetes are significantly more likely to be hospitalized and have a greater risk of dying from infections. The research showed that the risk was more pronounced in younger adults with diabetes and black people, with an increased likelihood of both common and rare infections. This association bet...

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateAug 4, 2021

Reducing antibiotic use in primary care may be insufficient alone to curtail antimicrobial resistance

Strategies to reduce antibiotic prescribing in primary care have been found to be insufficient on their own to tackle the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. Despite a modest reduction in antibiotic-resistant infections from E. coli, the study highlights the need for a multi-sectoral approach to address this substantial health ...

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateAug 4, 2021

Scaling the model of care for patients with opioid use disorder

Research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing documents essential components of hospital care models for patients with opioid use disorder. The review found that addiction medicine consult services facilitate connection to post-discharge care and improve outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalSubstance Abuse·DateAug 4, 2021

Low glycaemic diet shows meaningful improvements for people with diabetes

A low glycaemic diet has been shown to produce small but meaningful improvements in blood sugar levels, cholesterol, weight, and other risk factors in people with diabetes. The findings are based on a systematic review of 27 randomised controlled trials involving 1,617 participants with type 1 or 2 diabetes.

SourceBMJ Group·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 4, 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.

NASA model describes nearby star which resembles ours in its youth

A NASA model describes Kappa 1 Ceti, a 30-light-year-away star with similar mass and surface temperature to our young Sun. The study sheds light on what allowed our Sun to foster life on nearby planets, including Earth's atmosphere and the development of biological molecules.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateAug 4, 2021

Artificial pancreas trialled for outpatients with type 2 diabetes for first time

A new artificial pancreas has been successfully trialled in outpatients with type 2 diabetes, showing improved blood sugar control and reduced risk of low blood sugar levels. The device can automate insulin delivery using digital technology, allowing for more effective management of the condition.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 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.

Building blocks: New evidence-based system predicts element combination forming high entropy alloy

Researchers developed a novel evidence-based material recommender system that predicts high entropy alloy formation without data descriptors, overcomes data bias and poor availability. The method recommends an FeMnCoNi alloy as the most probable HEA and successfully synthesizes it, confirming its validity.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNature Computational Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2021

Muscle protein that makes vertebrates more fit linked to limited lifespan

A recent study found that a muscle protein called CaMKII improves strength, endurance, and fitness in young animals, but also contributes to an evolutionary tradeoff: increased susceptibility to age-related diseases. The research suggests that future therapies targeting CaMKII could stave off diseases of old age.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 4, 2021

Illuminating tissue formation

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a multi-component molecule that interacts with collagen, allowing for the visualization of new tissue growth in the body. This breakthrough could have applications in oncology and wound healing, enabling surgeons to more accurately remove tumors and investigate tissue formation.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 4, 2021

Research may lead to new insights on the genetics of height

A recent study published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research has identified genes and gene pathways that influence the genetic regulation of human height. The research examined genome-wide association studies and assessed the expression of these genetic regions in different layers of the growth plate during childhood.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateAug 4, 2021

Researchers reveal quality control mechanism of cell renewal

Researchers discovered a novel centromeric functional protein, Apolo1, which regulates PLK1 kinase activity and ensures accurate chromosome segregation. This discovery provides insights into maintaining genomic stability and stem cell proliferation.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 4, 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.

Religious, spiritual beliefs and end-of-life care preferences

A survey study found that adults who place importance on religious or spiritual beliefs tend to make more advance care planning choices, such as specifying life-sustaining treatments. The study suggests that these beliefs may play a significant role in shaping end-of-life care preferences.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 4, 2021

Graphic warning labels on cigarette packaging changes perceptions

A randomized clinical trial found that graphic warning labels on cigarette packaging changed the perception of US smokers, making them more likely to recognize the negative consequences of tobacco use and consider quitting. However, it did not significantly increase quit attempts or reduce nicotine addiction.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 4, 2021

Manipulating magnetic domain dynamics in ultrathin multi-layered materials

Scientists have demonstrated a new way to control magnetic domain wall motions in thin film materials by combining two magnetic effects. This breakthrough could lead to the development of ultrafast, ultrasmall, and power-efficient devices using spintronics.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2021

New study: Flu shot protects against severe effects of COVID-19

A large retrospective cohort analysis of 74,754 patients found that flu vaccination significantly reduces the risk of stroke, sepsis, and DVT in patients with COVID-19. Patients who received the flu shot were less likely to visit the emergency department and be admitted to ICU.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

FAU team discovers microplastics in Arctic ecosystem

A recent study by a FAU team has discovered microplastics in every single mollusc examined from the Svalbard archipelago, including up to 184 particles of eight different types of plastic. The impact on the Arctic ecosystem is still unknown, but laboratory studies suggest that microplastics can cause inflammation in molluscs.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 4, 2021

CHOP researchers develop coating for endotracheal tubes that releases antimicrobial peptides

Researchers created a polymer coating that releases Lasioglossin-III, an AMP with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, targeting specific infectious bacteria and preventing airway complications. The coating demonstrated significant antibacterial activity and prevented bacterial adherence to the tube.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Laryngoscope·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 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.

Breakthrough in understanding genesis of fibroids

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have made a significant advance in fibroids research by identifying a new mechanism of tumorigenesis. Multiple tumors carried mutations in genes involved in histone trafficking, which affected gene expression levels and led to hereditary predisposition to the disease.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·DateAug 4, 2021

Can AI make democracy fairer?

A team of computer scientists has developed an assembly selection process that balances representation and fairness in citizens' assemblies. By using a machine learning-based algorithm, the researchers ensure that all volunteers have an equal chance of being chosen, regardless of demographic quotas or education level.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateAug 4, 2021

A novel fruit ‘netted-cracking’ (FNC) phenotype was discovered in tomato

Researchers cloned a novel gene, FNC, in tomato and found it causes the fruit to develop a 'netted-cracking' phenotype. The study provides genetic insights into this disorder and offers potential for molecular improvement of cracking-resistant varieties.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2021

New 10-year patient safety analysis highlights areas for improvement in acute medical units

A new study analyzes 377 severe harm and death incidents in acute medical units across England and Wales between 2005-2015. The most common incident types were diagnostic errors, medication-related errors, and failures in monitoring patients. Implementing electronic prescribing systems and checklists can reduce diagnostic errors, while...

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 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.

Statins may improve survival for triple-negative breast cancer patients

A significant association was found between statin use and improved outcomes in women with stage I-III triple-negative breast cancer. Statin use was associated with a 58% relative improvement in breast cancer-specific survival and a 30% relative improvement in overall survival.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer·DateAug 3, 2021

Running quantum software on a classical computer

EPFL professor Giuseppe Carleo and graduate student Matija Medvidović have developed a method to simulate the behavior of variational quantum algorithms on classical computers. This approach uses machine-learning tools to emulate the inner workings of a quantum computer, setting a new benchmark for future development of quantum hardware.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateAug 3, 2021

Fat ‘shield’ protects immune cells—and some cancers—from destruction

A newly discovered fat 'shield' protects natural killer cells from their own deadly biological weapons, but also allows some cancer cells to evade an immune system attack. The shield is made of lipids and reinforces the cell membrane before an attack, preventing the toxic substances from penetrating the membrane.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2021

A machine learning approach for predicting risk of schizophrenia using a blood test

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a machine learning algorithm that analyzes DNA methylation patterns in blood samples to identify individuals with schizophrenia. The study achieved an 80% accuracy rate and identified epigenetic markers that differ between people diagnosed with the condition and those without it.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 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.

How landscapes of fear affect the songbirds in our backyards

A new study published in Ecosphere suggests that fear plays a significant role in underdeveloped nestlings and increased vulnerability among urban songbirds. Urban landscapes can have a profound effect on birds' behavior, causing them to change their behavior to avoid perceived predators, leading to reduced weight and survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEcosphere·DateAug 3, 2021

Researchers developed photoirradiation-based super-resolution gene analysis technology

Researchers developed a technology called Photo-Isolation Chemistry (PIC) to detect genes in very small cell populations and intracellular microstructures. This new method has high potential for applications in various fields, including cancer diagnosis, and requires only minimal cost compared to existing techniques.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2021

Reducing COVID-19 risk during dentist appointments

New research found that using electric drills instead of air-driven drills reduces aerosol spray by 99.98%, creating a safer environment for patients and dental teams. This could lead to a significant increase in treatments carried out, addressing the growing backlog of patients waiting for dental care.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateAug 3, 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.