Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2021 - Page 36


Page 36 of 38

What’s killing coral reefs in Florida is also killing them in Belize

A study published in Marine Pollution Bulletin reveals that nitrogen enrichment from land-based sources is a primary mechanism driving coral death in the Belize Barrier Reef. The research found that N:P ratios have doubled over four decades, causing massive decline in hard coral cover.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 3, 2021

Cancer treatments didn’t falter in Australia during 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns

A big data study from UNSW Sydney found that Australian cancer patients kept up their pharmaceutical treatments during last year's COVID-19 lockdowns. The researchers attribute the good news to relatively low rates of COVID-19 infections in Australia, which minimally impacted cancer treatment patterns.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 3, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

High-dose gait training with robotic exoskeleton may improve function after acute stroke

Researchers found that high-dose gait training using a robotic exoskeleton can restore functional ambulation in individuals with moderate to severe hemiplegia caused by stroke. The study showed improvements in walking distance, speed, balance, and endurance, with no complications or falls reported.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2021

NSF grant kicks off Center for Adapting Flaws into Features

The Center for Adapting Flaws into Features will explore chemical defects to optimize material properties, with a focus on creating better catalysts and electronics. The team aims to develop new approaches towards transformative technologies by leveraging advanced microscopy, spectroscopy, and data science.

SourceRice University·DateAug 3, 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.

More variants TLR7 gene found in young healthy men with severe Covid-19

Researchers found two new TLR7 gene variants in young, healthy men with severe Covid-19, highlighting the importance of genetic screenings for early intervention. These variants were associated with impaired immune response and increased risk of serious illness, emphasizing the need for preventive vaccination strategies.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeCase study·DateAug 3, 2021

Near-atomic look at three ways to thwart SARS-CoV-2 variants

Scientists have identified three mechanisms by which nanobodies disarm the virus, blocking it from infecting cells. The near-atomic-level structural analysis provides valuable insights for developing future vaccines and therapeutics against a wide variety of coronaviruses.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 3, 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.

Nanotech device can detect risk for serious complication during pregnancy

A new blood test using a nanotech device can detect the risk of placenta accreta spectrum disorder, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur during pregnancy. The test was found to be 79% accurate in confirming its presence and 93% accurate in ruling it out.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2021

Polymeric nanomicelles improve internalization of lipid metabolism modulators in brain cells

Researchers have developed poly-ion complex (PIC) nanomicelles loaded with CPT1A inhibitors to deliver drugs into brain cells, reducing fatty acid oxidation and improving treatment for glioblastoma. The delivery system successfully increased cellular concentration of the cargo and biological activity.

SourceInnovation Center of NanoMedicine·JournalBiomaterials Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2021

Novel therapy shows promise for lung cancer patients with rare EGFR mutation

A new therapy, amivantamab, has demonstrated a 40% overall response rate in patients with non-small cell lung cancer and the rare EGFR Ex20Ins mutation. The median duration of response was 11.1 months, offering a potential cure for previously untreatable cases.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 3, 2021

Indigenous fire stewardship promotes global biodiversity

A new study by researchers at the University of Waterloo found that Indigenous fire stewardship increases biodiversity and ecosystem heterogeneity across all major terrestrial biomes. Cultural burning reduces risks of interface fires and has important cultural practices for resource management, community protection, and cultural purposes.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 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.

Barriers to voting in elections linked to increased odds of being uninsured

A study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that voting restrictions are associated with an increased risk of being uninsured. The study analyzed data from 242,727 adults in the US and found that those who face barriers to voting are also less likely to have health insurance.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·DateAug 3, 2021

Trains in the brain -- Scientists uncover switching system used in information processing and memory

Researchers discovered a dynamic system in the brain that allows for multiple functions within a single neural circuit, enabling efficient information processing and memory recall. The study found that specific activity patterns, known as dentate spikes, play a crucial role in switching between these functions.

SourceNew York University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2021

'Virtual nature' experiences reduce stress in prisons

Exposure to nature imagery or sounds decreases physiological signs of stress in incarcerated individuals and sparks interest in learning about natural habitats. Virtual nature experiences also boost curiosity and eagerness to learn about science and the natural world.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEcopsychology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2021

Understanding the emergence of the global warming signal

The paper reveals that less than one-third of annual SAT variations are contributed by the warming trend, highlighting its significance over tropical regions. Local ecosystems may be disproportionately affected in these areas, warranting increased attention.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateAug 3, 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.

New report: State of the science on western wildfires, forests and climate change

A synthesis of scientific literature provides a unified resource for managing western forests and addressing the impacts of climate change on wildfires. The report recommends approaches such as thinning dense forests, prescribed burning, and revitalizing Indigenous fire stewardship practices to make landscapes more resilient.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEcological Applications·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 3, 2021

Researchers use AI to unlock the secrets of ancient texts

A team at University of Notre Dame is using AI to transcribe ancient texts with high accuracy, improving capabilities of deep learning transcription. This project has significant implications for the digital humanities and historical archival research.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalIEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence·DateAug 3, 2021

Dental mitigation strategies to reduce aerosolization of SARS-CoV-2

Researchers developed a 'phantom head' model to measure aerosol dispersal in dental procedures and determined the efficacy of HSCAHs, rubber dam, and high-volume aspiration in reducing bioaerosol levels. The study suggests that these mitigation strategies can greatly attenuate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 dispersion.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateAug 3, 2021

Breath test to determine correct treatment for epilepsy

Researchers at the University of Basel developed a breath test to measure treatment success in epilepsy patients. The test provides immediate results without requiring a blood sample, allowing doctors to adjust medication quickly and precisely tailored to individual patients' needs.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 3, 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.

Learning foreign languages can affect the processing of music in the brain

A study found that learning foreign languages can enhance the processing of musically relevant sounds, particularly pitch processing, in Chinese elementary school pupils. The research suggests a close link between musical and linguistic brain functions in developing brains.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalCerebral Cortex·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2021

The music of silence: Imagining a song triggers similar brain activity to moments of mid-music silence

Researchers used EEGs to measure brain activity while musicians listened to or imagined Bach piano melodies, finding consistent patterns of neural activity during silent intervals. The study suggests that the brain reacts to both notes and silences of music, engaging in a continuous attempt to predict upcoming musical events.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2021

New study details enzyme that allows coronavirus to resist antiviral medications

A recent study published in Science has detailed the structure of a critical enzyme, ExoN, that allows the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 to resist nucleoside antiviral treatments. Understanding this enzyme's structure may lead to the development of new methods for deactivating it and improving existing treatments for COVID-19 patients.

SourceIowa State University·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 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.

New method to detect impact of sea level rise

Researchers developed a simple and fast method to analyze sulfur isotopes, enabling the detection of seawater intrusion into freshwater systems. This method can help investigate chemical changes in environments affected by sea level rise.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalTalanta·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2021

Synthetic hinge could hold key to revolutionary 'smart' insulin therapy

A synthetic hinge concept developed by Indiana University School of Medicine Professor Michael A. Weiss and his team could lead to a breakthrough in 'smart' insulin therapy. The invention exploits a natural mechanism that allows the insulin to adjust its activity based on blood glucose levels, which could transform diabetes care.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 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.

FSU researchers find oxygen spike coincided with ancient global extinction

Researchers found a sudden increase in ocean oxygen levels at the start of the Permian period's largest extinction event, marking a geologically rapid shift. This rapid fluctuation had a more significant impact than gradual decreases, highlighting its importance for modern-day life adapted to high oxygen levels.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 2, 2021

Imagined music and silence trigger similar brain activity

Researchers used EEG to measure brain activity while musicians listened to or imagined Bach piano melodies. Brain activity during imagined music had the opposite polarity of actual listening, indicating prediction-driven responses. The study found that the brain continues to respond to music even when none is playing.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateAug 2, 2021

New material offers ecofriendly solution to converting waste heat into energy

Researchers have developed a high-performing thermoelectric material that converts heat to electricity with record-high efficiency, making it suitable for widespread industrial applications. The purified tin selenide in polycrystalline form overcomes earlier oxidation problems, enabling the production of low-cost and efficient devices.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2021

Women are under-cited and men are over-cited in communication

A new study found that men are over-cited and women are under-cited in Communication journals, with papers authored by men showing a 14% overcitation rate compared to papers authored by women, who are under-cited by 20%. The researchers propose tools to help academics evaluate their citation practices and promote gender equality.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAnnals of the International Communication Association·DateAug 2, 2021

New model shows how cities can safely lift COVID-19 restrictions

A new model developed by NYU Tandon School of Engineering researchers provides a data-centric approach to reopening towns and can serve as a blueprint for areas with low vaccine rates. The model shows that increasing access to social gatherings and public transportation at a certain rate supports a safe, rapid reopening.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Theory and Simulations·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 2, 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.

Hunting for TB's most vulnerable genes

Scientists at Rockefeller University have discovered that essential gene targets in TB bacteria can be ranked by their degree of vulnerability to antibiotics. The study found that ideal targets are highly susceptible to inhibition, while invulnerable genes can withstand nearly total inhibition. This research provides new insights into ...

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateAug 2, 2021

Study across 87 countries shows simple intervention helps build emotional resilience during COVID-19

Researchers found that reappraisal strategies consistently reduced negative emotions and increased positive emotions among participants from 87 countries. The study's findings demonstrate the viability of creating scalable, low-cost interventions to build resilience during the pandemic and beyond.

SourceHarvard Kennedy School·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2021

Poor wellbeing at work in healthcare also affects patient satisfaction

A study by University of Jyväskylä researchers found that increased job demands in healthcare lead to employee exhaustion and lower customer satisfaction. The study also discovered that work community's shared experience of increased job planning demands contributes to greater exhaustion and lower customer satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateAug 2, 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.

Preoperative screening urinalysis is widely used—but usually unnecessary, study finds

A new study by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that preoperative urinalysis screening for asymptomatic patients undergoing surgery has little or no benefit. However, the test may lead to unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and exposure to potential harms, including Clostridium difficile infection.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2021

New Geology articles published online ahead of print in July

Researchers investigate how alluvial rivers shape the sedimentary record, revealing a range of channel patterns and paleocurrent directions. Additionally, studies examine the efficient release of bromine during super-eruptions and shed light on the complex geology of northern Iberia's crustal roots.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateAug 2, 2021

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers identify approach for potential nontypeable haemophilus influenzae vaccine

Researchers identified two proteins, HMW1 and HMW2, that stimulate protective immunity against diverse NTHi strains. Immunization with these proteins provides protection against bacterial colonization by other strains, highlighting the vaccine potential for a nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae vaccine.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 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.

Story tips: Sensing oil leaks, 3D prints in space, more fuel from ethanol, Arctic modeling boost, making isotopes faster and nano-enabled microscopy

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are advancing various technologies to minimize oil leaks, enable 3D printing in space, and increase fuel efficiency from ethanol. They have developed a quantum sensing system to detect pipeline leaks more quickly, built a thermal protection shield for a capsule launched into space, and creat...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 2, 2021

Seeing better by looking away

Researchers at University of Bonn found that fixing objects slightly away from the center of cone density improves overall vision. The observed image shift is due to the varying resolution across the human retina, with sharper areas in the fovea and less sharp areas in the periphery.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 2, 2021

New study points to toxic potential of hydroxychloroquine in mammalian cells

A new study published in DNA Repair shows that hydroxychloroquine exhibits DNA-damaging and mutagenic effects at a clinically achievable dose. The findings suggest the possibility of additional side effects, particularly in patient populations, and emphasize the need for careful risk assessment and informed consent.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalDNA Repair·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2021

Rethinking remdesivir

Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine modified remdesivir to create an oral version that can be taken earlier in COVID-19 diagnoses. The revised drug proved effective and safe in cell and animal studies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateAug 2, 2021

Exercise improves health through changes on DNA

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that exercise can alter the structure of our DNA, specifically the enhancers that regulate gene expression. This epigenetic rewiring may be responsible for the beneficial effects of physical activity on human health.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalMolecular Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 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.

Is right-wing authoritarianism a cognitive conservatism?

A new study published in the Social Bulletin of Psychology found that right-wing authoritarianism is more closely tied to how people acquire positive attitudes than changing them. The researchers suggest that individuals with RWA tend to be more sensitive to negative information, leading them to stick to positive information and avoid ...

SourceThe Polish Association of Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological Bulletin·DateAug 2, 2021

Researchers uncover a way to harness the power of immunotherapy for advanced prostate cancer

Researchers have found a way to harness the power of immunotherapy for advanced prostate cancer by targeting a protein called PIKfyve. Blocking PIKfyve with the inhibitor ESK981 has been shown to increase tumor death and recruit immune T cells, offering new hope for patients with this challenging form of cancer.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2021

Gene sequencing tools pinpoint origins of Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak

A new study published in Cell Reports Medicine reveals the origins of a 2012 Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The analysis, conducted by an international team, used high-throughput sequencing to identify multiple virus 'spillover' events that contributed to the outbreak. This research highlights th...

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 2, 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.

International project provides definitive data on how key cancer drugs work

Researchers analyzed patient specimens and clinical trial data from thousands of patients to assess the importance of immune cell molecules called Fc gamma receptors (FCGRs) in the therapeutic efficacy of two antibody drugs. High levels of FCGR2B on tumor cells were found to prevent rituximab efficacy, while obinutuzumab was not impact...

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBlood Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2021