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Science News Archive December 2021


Page 28 of 33

The tipping point for legislative polarization

A new model identifies a symptom of dangerously high levels of polarization: a group's inability to unite in the face of external threats. Researchers found that extreme polarization can lead to a tipping point, where even a shock fails to reverse the self-reinforcing dynamics of division.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study reveals how bacterial pathogen adapts to nutritional stress

Researchers at Illinois provided insight into the signal transduction mechanism utilized by Staphylococcus aureus's TCS ArlRS in response to host-imposed manganese and glucose starvation. The study found that histidine kinase ArlS is necessary for activation of response regulator ArlR under both manganese and glucose-limited conditions.

Researchers crack mangrove puzzle

A study by VUB researcher Ari Ximenes uncovered factors that prevent mangroves from spreading in South America. Longshore drift and chilling temperatures are major factors hindering the southward expansion of mangrove species.

The sunshine vitamin that ‘D’elivers on cardio health

A new study from the University of South Australia found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and higher blood pressure. Increasing vitamin D levels in deficient individuals may prevent up to 4.4% of all CVD cases, according to the research.

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.

Fellowship supports physicist’s study of planets outside solar system

Fatima Bagheri, a doctoral student in physics at the University of Texas at Arlington, has received a $200,000 National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship. She plans to investigate exoplanets' magnetic fields and their potential ability to support life, building on her previous research on geomagnetic storms.

CRISPRing the microbiome is just around the corner

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a new CRISPR editing technology that enables simultaneous editing of genes in multiple cell types and species within a microbial community. This approach, called community editing, has the potential to track edited microbes and understand their functions within complex ecosystems.

Study: Cataract surgery linked with lessened dementia risk

Researchers found that subjects who underwent cataract surgery had a nearly 30% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not. The results persisted for at least a decade after surgery and were associated with lower risk of Alzheimer disease dementia specifically.

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.

European governments struggled to manage pandemic well, finds 3-country study

An analysis of Germany, Sweden, and the UK's handling of the COVID-19 crisis found that a lack of transparency around policy decisions, mixed messaging, and increased questioning of government legitimacy fueled public distrust. The study suggests that crisis preparedness and resilience framing should encompass governance structures tha...

Tigers end their days in high-pressure cookers

A study by University of Copenhagen researchers reveals that thousands of tigers are bred on farms and used to produce illegal traditional medicines. Buyers in Vietnam prefer wild tigers' bones over farmed ones due to perceived potency, while also seeking high tiger bone content.

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.

Evidence emerges for dark-matter free galaxies

Researchers have found no dark matter in the ultra-diffuse dwarf galaxy AGC 114905, which can be explained by normal matter. The discovery confirms previous measurements and raises questions about the existence of dark matter in galaxies.

Particulate peril

A recent study published in Toxicological Sciences suggests that exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to premature aging, dementia, depression, and psychosis. Researchers found that tiny particles from woodsmoke can travel thousands of miles and reach the brain, causing age-related changes in brain tissue.

US adults’ blood pressure levels increased during the COVID-19 pandemic

A recent study found that US adults experienced higher blood pressure levels during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased sedentary behavior, poor eating habits, and stress. The American Heart Association emphasizes the need for regular exercise, a healthy diet, and monitoring blood pressure to manage cardiovascular risk factors.

Journal series assesses state of health equity in cardiovascular care

The new nine-part focus seminar series aims to address racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare through proven strategies such as team-based care and positive partnerships. The researchers emphasize the importance of social determinants of health and social justice approaches to improve health equity in cardiology.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Medicare spending on drugs with accelerated approval

Between 2015 and 2019, Medicare spending on drugs with an accelerated approval indication more than doubled, reaching $9.1 billion in 2019, primarily driven by Part B drugs. The study's findings highlight the growing concern of rapidly increasing costs associated with these medications.

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.

Stress may be driving inequities in alcohol problems for Black individuals

A new study by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine highlights the link between stress and alcohol craving among Black individuals. The research found that higher stress levels are associated with stronger alcohol cravings for Black participants, but not white participants, suggesting a process of drinking to cope with stress.

New vaccine ingredient shows promise

A new particulate saponin/TLR agonist vaccine adjuvant has been shown to alter lymph flow and modulate adaptive immunity. This study demonstrates the potential of this ingredient as a more effective vaccine booster.

Air bubbles sound climate change's impact on glaciers #ASA181

Researchers investigate glacial ice melting that releases acoustically distinct pressurized underwater bubbles, providing a potential tool for monitoring climate change's impact on glaciers. The team's experiments will permit the long-term monitoring of ice loss and its link to water temperature.

The role of messenger RNA in DNA repair

A study by University of Seville researchers reveals that messenger RNA modifying factors play a crucial role in the repair of DNA breaks. The discovery could lead to better understanding of rare diseases and cancer. Messenger RNA editing facilitates the removal of trapped RNA molecules, allowing for proper DNA repair.

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 health of homeless people improves with socialisation

A new study from the University of the Basque Country found that social interaction and contact with family members have a significant positive impact on homeless people's perception of their health. Conversely, longer periods of homelessness and reduced social connections are associated with poorer health perceptions.

Chronic disease through the lens of COVID-19

A study by the CDC found a strong association between obesity and diabetes, both of which are widespread in the U.S., and severe COVID-19 disease. In South Carolina, chronic diseases disproportionately affect Black communities, increasing their risk of developing severe COVID-19.

Whether people inform themselves or remain ignorant is due to three factors

A new study by UCL researchers found that people's motivation to seek information falls into three categories: expected utility, emotional impact, and frequency of thought. Those who prioritize these factors tend to seek information more, with better mental health reported by those seeking info on frequently thought-about topics.

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.

New vaccine ingredient shows promise

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and MIT have discovered a new adjuvant called SMNP, which combines saponin and TLR agonist to boost the protective power of vaccines. The study found that SMNP triggers a strong immune response in mice, promoting lymphatic drainage and activating multiple parts of the immune system.

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.

Elevated heart rate linked to increased risk of dementia

A study at Karolinska Institutet found that individuals with a resting heart rate of 80 beats per minute or higher had a 55% higher risk of dementia. The association remained significant after adjusting for other cardiovascular diseases, suggesting a potential link between elevated heart rate and cognitive decline.

Researchers realize ultra-high precision search for exotic interactions

Researchers realized ultra-high precision search for exotic spin- and velocity-dependent interactions beyond the standard model, amplifying magnetic field signals. They used a quantum spin-based amplifier to study new physics theories, proposing a new class of bosons-nucleus coupling constraint.

NYITCOM research finds nasal problem plagued long-nosed crocodile relatives

A new study published in the journal Anatomical Record reveals that gharial species, native to India, suffer from nasal septal deviation, a condition common among humans. The researchers found that this deviated septum affects the breathing rate and may lead to high shearing stresses along the nasal walls.

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.

Wrangling an octopus-like viral replication machine

Researchers have successfully determined the structure of the Lassa viral polymerase, a key component in viral replication, using cryo-electron microscopy. This breakthrough provides crucial insights into how to design drugs that can stop the infection, offering hope for developing an effective antiviral.

How you speak up at work can affect whether you’re picked for a team

Research from Iowa State University found that using a supportive voice in the workplace signals approachability and trustworthiness, fostering strong interpersonal relationships and effective teamwork. This 'supportive voice' is more critical for team formation than previously thought, and can help employees move into leadership roles.

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.

How can music, dance and art help improve air pollution?

Researchers used creative methods to explore perceptions of air pollution with local communities in Nairobi's informal settlements. They found contrasting definitions of air pollution and differing views on who was responsible for solutions.

Cancer registry improves understanding of rare ovarian tumor

Researchers at Hokkaido University analyzed hundreds of women with ovarian granulosa cell tumors to improve understanding of the disease progression and response to therapy. They found that early-stage tumors rarely spread beyond the ovaries, and fertility-sparing surgery may be considered for younger patients.

Understanding mouthfeel of food using physics

A team of researchers used CARS microscopy to analyze the fat arrangement in foie gras and duck pâté. They found that foie gras had a harder, more brittle texture due to its irregularly shaped fat network. The study provides new insights into the relationship between microstructure and food texture.

Immune system-stimulating nanoparticle could lead to more powerful vaccines

Researchers have designed a new nanoparticle adjuvant that significantly improves antibody production following vaccination against HIV, diphtheria, and influenza. The adjuvant speeds up lymph flow to lymph nodes, helps antigens reach B cells before breaking down, and activates inflammatory cytokines for a stronger response.

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.

Can seven questions determine how wise you are?

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine developed a shortened 7-item version of the SD-WISE-28 to assess wisdom. The Jeste-Thomas Wisdom Index has high validity and positive correlations with resilience, happiness, and mental well-being.

Optimized method to detect high-dimensional entanglement

Researchers develop novel detection method to identify high-dimensional entanglement states, overcoming challenges faced by traditional methods. The study proposes a protocol to automatically search for optimal certification methods, enabling the creation of high-dimensional quantum information processing systems.

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.