Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for December 23, 2021


Is energy the key to Alzheimer’s disease?

A team of researchers found a connection between energy production and Alzheimer's disease in zebrafish with mutated genes. They discovered that Alzheimer's disease affects the use of oxygen within cells to produce energy, leading to severe deficiency in brain function.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·TypeObservational study·DateDec 23, 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.

A new “epitope” for universal influenza vaccines

Researchers identify a previously overlooked site on the HA protein, known as the 'anchor epitope', which can neutralize a wide range of influenza strains. This discovery has significant implications for the development of universal influenza vaccines and antibody therapies.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 2021

Disarming a blood-clotting protein prevents gum disease in mice

Researchers found that fibrin buildup triggers an overactive immune response, damaging gums and underlying bone. Suppressing abnormal fibrin activity could hold promise for preventing or treating periodontal disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2021

Immune memory less durable after severe COVID-19, study suggests

A new study found that infection-fighting B cells retain better memory of the coronavirus spike protein in patients who recover from less-severe cases of COVID-19 than those recovering from severe cases. This hints at subtle differences in the quality of immune response based on COVID-19 severity.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 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.

The Lancet: Phase 3 trial reports one dose of Ad5-nCoV COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, including against severe disease

A phase 3 trial has shown that one dose of the Ad5-nCoV COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective against severe disease, with an efficacy rate of 91.7% at 28 days post-vaccination. The vaccine has also been found to be safe, with no serious vaccine-related adverse events or deaths reported among trial participants.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 23, 2021

Strains -- not species -- of gut microbes hold key to health and disease

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the human gut microbiome by focusing on bacterial strains rather than species. By using a new computational method, scientists can analyze the strains of bacteria present in a microbiome sample more quickly and affordably.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 23, 2021

"Heavy" hydrogen stabilizes drugs

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a new method to introduce heavy hydrogen isotopes into drugs, potentially making them more effective. The technique involves the use of epoxides and a titanium-based catalyst, allowing for precise control over the placement of deuterium atoms.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 23, 2021

‘Pop-up’ electronic sensors could detect when individual heart cells misbehave

Scientists have created a new tool that monitors the electrical activity inside individual heart cells using tiny 'pop-up' sensors. The device directly measures signal movement and speed within single heart cells and between multiple cells, offering potential breakthroughs in diagnosing arrhythmia and cardiac fibrosis.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2021

HIV infection: Better understanding the reservoir of virus in the body

Researchers create new method to genetically analyze resting CD4+ T cells, allowing targeted modifications and insights into HIV interaction. This enables the investigation of cellular factors playing a role in infection and the development of new therapeutic approaches for eliminating HIV from the body.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 23, 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.

UTEP team finds evidence of COVID-19 in Texas deer

A UTEP research team found SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in over a third of Texas deer blood samples, indicating widespread infection among white-tailed deer. The study suggests that deer should not be neglected as a possible source of human infection.

SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalVector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases·DateDec 23, 2021

Cochlear implant in deaf children with autism can improve language skills and social engagement

A study by Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that cochlear implantation can improve language skills and social engagement in deaf children with autism spectrum disorder. The study reported improved outcomes in 86% of children, including enhanced communication and interaction with families.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalOtology & Neurotology·DateDec 23, 2021

Say hello to a record-setting isotope

Researchers at Michigan State University's National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory have created the world's lightest version of magnesium, a highly unstable isotope that can help scientists better understand how atoms are made. This breakthrough is part of a larger effort to refine theories and models that explain the formation o...

SourceMichigan State University Facility for Rare Isotope Beams·DateDec 23, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers use electron microscope to turn nanotube into tiny transistor

Researchers from Australia, China, Japan and Russia successfully created a tiny transistor 25,000 times smaller than a human hair using an electron microscope. The innovation demonstrates the ability to control the electronic properties of individual carbon nanotubes, opening up new possibilities for the development of tiny transistors.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2021

How do children learn to trust an adult’s non-verbal cues?

Kids consider track record of accuracy and degree of access to knowledge when judging a communicator's trustworthiness. Children who received accurate non-verbal cues in the familiarization phase followed them in the test phase 83% of the time.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalCognitive Development·DateDec 23, 2021

Racial, ethnic disparities in hospitalization deaths during pandemic

A study by Harvard Medical School found significant racial and ethnic disparities in hospitalization outcomes during the pandemic. The research revealed that Black, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander patients were more likely to experience severe illness and death compared to White patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateDec 23, 2021

A “big push” to lift people out of poverty

A field experiment in India found that a one-time capital boost improves the condition of the very poor even a decade later. The study, led by MIT researchers, showed positive effects on consumption, food security, income, and health for seven years after the start of the program and remained intact after 10 years.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateDec 23, 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.

Controlled burning of natural environments could help offset our carbon emissions

A new study finds that controlled burning can stabilize or increase soil carbon, offering a method to maximize carbon storage. By manipulating fires, ecosystems can store huge amounts of carbon when the frequency and intensity are just right. This approach may help maintain natural ecosystem processes.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 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.

Strange DNA structures may drive cancer development

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered a link between TET enzyme deficiency and the formation of unusual DNA structures, such as G-quadruplexes and R-loops, which contribute to genomic instability. The study suggests that regulating these structures may be key to controlling cancer development.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2021

First “variant of concern” evolved to evade immune system

Researchers found that the Alpha variant produces a protein to stifle infected cells' immune signals, allowing it to evade detection and accelerate transmission. Similar mutations exist in Omicron, suggesting potential strategies for developing drugs to help the immune system fight SARS-CoV-2.

SourceQuantitative Biosciences Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 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.

COVID-19 infection detected in deer in 6 Ohio locations

Researchers have found COVID-19 infection in white-tailed deer in six northeast Ohio locations, suggesting the virus may be spreading among wildlife. The study's findings indicate that infected deer can potentially harbor new strains of SARS-CoV-2, complicating human mitigation and control plans.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 2021

Templating approach stabilizes ‘ideal’ material for alternative solar cells

Scientists from University of Cambridge created a new method to stabilize the perovskite material for solar cells, resulting in improved performance and stability. The approach uses an organic molecule as a 'template' to guide the material into its desired phase, achieving a near-perfect bandgap without compromising cost.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateDec 23, 2021

Using magnets to toggle nanolasers leads to better photonics

A magnetic field can be used to switch nanolasers on and off, leading to unprecedented robustness in signal processing. The new control mechanism may prove useful in a range of devices that make use of optical signals, particularly in topological photonics.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 23, 2021

Association of imprisonment with mortality by race

A study of nearly 8,000 people found incarceration to be linked to a higher mortality rate among Black individuals, whereas non-Black participants did not experience this association. The research suggests that racial disparities may play a role in the relationship between imprisonment and mortality.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 23, 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.

Visual displays in space station culture

Researchers analyzed thousands of space station photographs to discover that Russian cosmonauts use walls to display religious icons and Soviet heroes, reflecting national identity and cultural heritage. This study has practical applications for long-duration space missions, where understanding human identity and society is crucial.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 23, 2021

Improving medication treatment leads to dramatic gains in emergency department care for opioid use disorder

A program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine increased buprenorphine treatment rates in emergency departments by sixfold, from 3% to 23%, and sustained the changes. The program used behavioral design tactics and automated connections to peer recovery specialists to overcome barriers to treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 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.

Children’s books solidify gender stereotypes in young minds

A study found that children's books often feature gendered language, with female protagonists associated with affection and school, while male protagonists are linked to professions and tools. This can lead to children learning about their own gender biases before others.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPsychological Science·TypeObservational study·DateDec 23, 2021

Examining recent developments in quantum chromodynamics

A new collection of papers investigates recent advancements in quantum chromodynamics, highlighting the challenges posed by divergent perturbation expansions and renormalon behavior. Experts tackle these problems from diverse angles, aiming to improve precision QCD for future accelerator facilities.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Special Topics·DateDec 23, 2021

First peer-reviewed study on excess mortality in India during the COVID-19 pandemic published in Lancet Infectious Diseases

The study found that excess deaths occurred at a rate of 5.2 per 1000 residents, representing a 41% increase over typical mortality levels. Excess mortality was substantially higher in older age groups and communities with lower socioeconomic status during the second wave.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateDec 23, 2021

Engineering next generation solar powered batteries

Researchers have developed a compact solar-powered battery that can be directly recharged with solar energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The battery uses a heterostructure electrode made from molybdenum disulphide and oxide, which enhances surface area for efficient absorption of solar energy.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalSmall·DateDec 23, 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.

*Free* COVID-19 vaccine breakthroughs and boosters

Recent studies have shown that booster doses can restore vaccination effectiveness to over 90% in protecting against SARS-CoV-2 variants. However, continued research highlights the importance of nonpharmaceutical interventions such as mask-wearing and social distancing in reducing COVID-19 cases and limiting variant emergence.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 23, 2021

Serious cognitive impairment declines 23% among older American women over a decade

A new study found a 23% decline in serious cognitive impairment among older American women between 2008 and 2017, with men experiencing a 13% decline. The decline was attributed to generational differences in educational attainment, which continues to have long-term benefits on later-life cognitive functioning.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 23, 2021

A high-fiber diet may improve the response of melanoma patients to immunotherapy

A high-fiber diet has been shown to improve the response of melanoma patients to immunotherapy by influencing the gut microbiome. Patients who consumed at least 20 grams of dietary fiber per day lived longer without their cancer progressing, compared to those who consumed less fiber.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 23, 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.

Green is in the air

Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, investigated the fate of volatile biogenic compounds in the atmosphere. They found that plant stress releases chemicals, such as Green Leaf Volatiles (GLVs), which can form secondary organic aerosols and impact air quality.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2021

What makes an mRNA vaccine so effective against severe COVID-19?

A new study reveals that mRNA vaccines activate a type of helper cell called T follicular helper cells, which assist in creating powerful antibodies and drive the development of immune memory. This strong response helps prevent severe disease and death, even against highly mutated variants like omicron.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateDec 23, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Dominant Alpha variant evolved to evade our innate immune system

The SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant adapted to avoid triggering the innate immune response by increasing expression of antagonism proteins, which disable the body's first line of defense. This allows the virus to replicate under the radar in early stages of infection, significantly increasing its chances of infecting a person.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2021

Brain stimulation may facilitate rehabilitation of children with arthrogryposis

Researchers found that brain activity in children with arthrogryposis is different from healthy controls, with increased motor neuron activity and less precise movements. Non-invasive brain stimulation may be a possible rehabilitation strategy to help them start movements.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFrontiers in Pediatrics·DateDec 23, 2021

Can we unlearn pain? Helping make sense of chronic pain

A mixed-methods survey found that pain science education helped people recover from chronic pain by understanding it was not tissue damage and that stress and emotion could heighten perceptions. The study also identified seven learning objectives to help teenagers better understand pain, including reframing perceptions of pain as an 'o...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalPain·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 23, 2021

Study reveals a greater diversity of Iberian spiders previously unknown

A new study using DNA barcoding methodology has revealed a significant increase in genetic diversity among Iberian spider populations. This discovery highlights the importance of protecting these species due to their high endemic level and reduced distribution, making them more vulnerable to extinction.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalInsect Conservation and Diversity·TypeObservational study·DateDec 23, 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.

New fossil reveals early and rapid evolution of giant Mesozoic ichthyosaurs

Researchers have found exceptionally large ichthyosaur fossils, suggesting that these ocean giants evolved rapidly over just 1% of their 150-million-year history. The discovery hints at the presence of Triassic marine food webs capable of supporting massive creatures despite the Permian extinction

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 23, 2021

Blueprint reveals how plants build a sugar transport lane

Researchers have identified a tiny region at the root tip responsible for orchestrating vascular tissue growth. The study provides detailed insights into how plants construct phloem cells, the tissue that transports sugars, revealing key mechanisms involved in plant function and development.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2021

New study adds more evidence for Omicron immune evasion

A new study finds that the Omicron variant can evade immunity from previous infections and vaccines, with antibodies from double-vaccinated individuals showing reduced neutralizing activity. The study suggests the need for new vaccines and treatments to combat evolving variants.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 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.

Storybooks could be an early source of gender stereotypes for children

Research found that popular children's books contain words associated with masculinity and femininity, contributing to children's gender knowledge. The study identified a range of books with varying levels of gender bias, including some with female main characters and others with male-dominated themes.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 23, 2021

Earth's first giant

A newly discovered species of giant ichthyosaur, the earliest known, has been found in Nevada, shedding new light on the rapid growth of marine reptiles. The discovery, dated to 246 million years ago, is significant as it provides insights into the evolution of whales and dolphins.

SourceNatural History Museum of Los Angeles County·JournalScience·DateDec 23, 2021

SARS-CoV-2 goes ‘underground’ to spread from cell to cell

A new study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 limits viral particle release and instead spreads through cell-to-cell transmission, enabling efficient infection without the need for antibodies. This stealthy transmission method makes it challenging for the host immune system to target and neutralize the virus.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2021

Climate and soil determine the distribution of plant traits

Researchers identified global factors explaining plant diversity in form and function, influenced by climate and soil properties. Characteristics such as size, structure, and life span were shown to be determined by these factors.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 23, 2021

Wildlife cameras show how foxes, racoons, stone martens and domestic cats get along in Berlin before and during Covid 19 lockdowns

A study using wildlife cameras in Berlin gardens found that foxes, raccoons, and martens avoided domestic cats, while cats exerted dominance over local wildlife. Lockdowns allowed scientists to observe interactions between these species in urban environments, shedding light on their rules and behaviors.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 23, 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.

Newly developed injectable, adhesive surgical gel to prevent scar tissue

Researchers developed an injectable, adhesive surgical gel that prevents postoperative adhesions and improves wound healing. The gel, dubbed HAD, was tested in rats and rabbits with promising results, showing a significant reduction in inflammation and mortality rates.

SourceGuangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 23, 2021

High-fiber diet associated with improved progression-free survival and response to immunotherapy in melanoma patients

Patients with sufficient fiber intake had improved progression-free survival and response to immunotherapy in melanoma. A high-fiber diet was associated with slower tumor growth and increased CD4+ T cells in pre-clinical models, supporting the potential benefits of dietary interventions on cancer treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalScience·DateDec 23, 2021

University of Nebraska in forefront of global on-farm research movement

The University of Nebraska is at the forefront of a global on-farm research movement, where producers actively contribute to agronomic understanding. This approach has shown significant benefits, including improved soybean production and nitrogen management, resulting in increased yields and reduced costs.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Food·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 23, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Incarceration associated with increased mortality rates among Black individuals

A new study led by Boston Medical Center researchers shows that Black individuals who were incarcerated have a statistically significant 65% increase in mortality rates compared to non-Hispanic non-Black individuals. This finding highlights the long-term impacts of incarceration on health, particularly among marginalized communities.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 23, 2021