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Science News for December 6, 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.

Saving patients an unnecessary procedure

A new web-based application can predict which epilepsy patients will not benefit from stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG), a costly and invasive procedure. The '5-SENSE' score reliably identifies patients who will not have a focal seizure onset zone, allowing clinicians to avoid unnecessary procedures.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 6, 2021

Discovering new drugs with Darwin

Chemists at UNIGE have developed a new method to rapidly generate millions of molecule combinations using DNA-pairing processes, finding the best match for target proteins within two weeks. This technique uses evolutionary forces to amplify the best combinations and generates diversity.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 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.

Seeing and hearing: how they interplay in the brain

A recent study published in iScience found that congenitally blind individuals and normal sighted people are equally good at discriminating between sounds. However, those who lost sight later in life had more difficulties with tasks requiring detailed auditory processing, suggesting an adaptation to the new condition.

SourceIMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

Turbo boost for materials research: Researchers train AI to predict new compounds

A new machine learning-based algorithm can predict stable material compounds much faster than traditional methods, opening up new avenues for research and discovery. The researchers identified several thousand potential new compounds using the computer, offering a promising breakthrough in materials science.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 6, 2021

Stress makes life’s clock tick faster. Chilling out slows it down

A new study found that chronic stress accelerates biological age, as measured by an 'epigenetic clock.' However, individuals with stronger emotion regulation and self-control were more resilient to the negative effects of stress on aging. This suggests that managing psychological health can help extend a healthy lifespan.

SourceYale University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateDec 6, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Recent cannabis use linked to extremes of nightly sleep duration

A study of US adults found a link between cannabis use and extremes of nightly sleep duration, with recent users more likely to report short or long sleep. Heavy users were 64% more likely to experience short sleep and 76% more likely to experience long sleep compared to non-users.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalRegional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2021

Male spiders are attracted by a female like planets orbiting a star

Researchers find that male golden orb-weaving spiders use animal magnetism and physical forces to approach females without being detected. By sensing vibrations on the web, males can balance risk and reward to survive, demonstrating complex decision-making capabilities.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 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.

NUS Medicine cardiovascular research team develops anticoagulant drugs with high anticlotting efficacy and minimal bleeding

The NUS Medicine team developed a series of thrombin inhibitors from tick transcriptome-derived sequences, offering potent anticoagulants with reduced bleeding risks. These next-generation anticoagulants hold promise for treating conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and SARS-CoV-2 infections.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

Long-range four-stranded DNA structures found to play a role in rare ageing disease

A special form of four-stranded DNA has been found to interact with the gene that causes Cockayne Syndrome when faulty. G-quadruplexes, which form knot-like structures in DNA, specifically bind to a protein called CSB, affecting its function and potentially leading to premature ageing.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

Differences among parents to vaccinate children against COVID-19

A survey of 1,100 parents found that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy differed by factors such as racial and ethnic background, education level, and previous experience with COVID-19. The study highlights the need for tailored vaccination strategies to address these disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 6, 2021

CEHD researchers receive funding for traineeship for special education personnel: A dynamic coaching outreach program in SPED: General Curriculum (DCOP)

Researchers at George Mason University are refining a dynamic coaching outreach program to improve the preparation of special education personnel. The project, funded by the US Department of Education, aims to enhance university supervisors' coaching skills and prepare inservice teacher candidates for active reflection and mentorship.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateDec 6, 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.

Exploring the effectiveness of telehealth in opioid use disorder

A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing explores the effectiveness of telehealth in treating opioid use disorder (OUD) in low-barrier clinic settings. The research highlights how telehealth can facilitate treatment for many patients, but also notes digital divide limitations and clinician comfort issues.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalHarm Reduction Journal·DateDec 6, 2021

Diagnosis from the sky: Catching insect infestations within forests before it’s too late

Researchers at the Global Environmental Remote Sensing Laboratory are working on improving remote sensing technology to detect subtle changes in forest ecosystems. They have developed a method called PIDS, which can adapt to specific user-targeted specific change detection, and paired it with Landsat data to monitor forest health and c...

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 6, 2021

Sodium-based material yields stable alternative to lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new sodium-based battery material that overcomes the dendrite problem in earlier sodium batteries. The new material recharges as quickly as a traditional lithium-ion battery and has a higher energy capacity than existing sodium-ion batteries.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 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.

People unknowingly group themselves together online, fueling political polarization across the US

Researchers found that when people react to news, they unknowingly group themselves into polarized networks, missing out on diverse news sources. This can lead to ideologically homogenous social connections and contribute to the high rates of American political divisiveness.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 6, 2021

Targeted nanomedicine reduces vascular lesions, could help prevent stenosis

A new targeted nanomedicine treatment developed at the University of Chicago has shown promise in reducing vascular lesions caused by atherosclerosis. The treatment delivers medicine directly to inflamed cells, targeting the site of inflammation and inhibiting stenosis, the remodeling of vascular tissue that causes it to close off.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 6, 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.

X-ray laser reveals how radiation damage arises

A team of researchers used the X-ray laser European XFEL to study the detailed dynamics of how water molecules break apart when exposed to high-energy radiation. The study reveals that the disintegration process is more complicated than expected, with the oxygen atom not being flung away hard when the molecule breaks up.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalPhysical Review X·DateDec 6, 2021

After breast reconstruction, cardiovascular imaging can be inaccurate

Women with breast implants after mastectomy are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to chemotherapy and radiation. Inaccuracies in cardiac imaging studies, such as echocardiography and nuclear tests, have been reported in some cases.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 6, 2021

Chemoimmunotherapy dramatically improved survival of high-risk neuroblastoma patients

A phase II clinical trial at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found significantly higher survival rates for children with high-risk neuroblastoma treated with chemoimmunotherapy and the humanized monoclonal antibody hu14.18K322A, resulting in a three-year disease-free survival rate of 73.7% and an overall survival rate of 86%.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 6, 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.

‘Divide and conquer’ algorithm offers promising route for big data analysis

Researchers developed a communication-effective, divide and conquer algorithm to address computational challenges in large-scale data analysis. The algorithm combines summary statistics from subsystems using confidence distributions, balancing statistical accuracy and computational efficiency.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalFundamental Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 6, 2021

Pandemic stress affects black adults more than their white peers

A recent study found that Black adults experience more pronounced mental health challenges than white adults in response to COVID-19 pandemic stresses. Younger Black adults are particularly vulnerable, with increased anxiety and depressive symptoms compared to their older counterparts.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Gerontology·TypeSurvey·DateDec 6, 2021

Common arctic finches are all the same species

Researchers found that three recognized Redpoll species are genetically identical, differing only by a 'supergene' controlling plumage color and morphology. This finding builds on previous research suggesting this might be the case, using greater genetic technological capability to examine the full genome of the birds.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2021

Migratory birds have lighter-colored feathers

Researchers found that migratory bird species tend to be lighter colored than non-migratory species, reducing the risk of overheating during extreme journeys. The study's findings suggest that lighter plumage coloration helps birds absorb less heat and stay cooler in the hot sun.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 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.

Self-administered cognition test predicts early signs of dementia sooner

A new study developed by researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that a simple, self-administered test can identify early signs of dementia sooner than the most commonly used office-based standard cognitive test. The Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination (SAGE test) accurately identified patients with mil...

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalAlzheimer s Research & Therapy·DateDec 6, 2021

Study identifies factor in ‘young blood’ that helps rejuvenate aged mouse muscle

A new study reveals that extracellular vesicles deliver genetic instructions for the longevity protein Klotho to muscle cells, which declines with age. This finding suggests that EVs could be developed into novel therapies for healing damaged muscle tissue and improving functional recovery in older individuals.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

Teaching an old chemical new tricks

Researchers have paired Barton's base, a 1980s catalyst, with click chemistry to accelerate complex molecule generation in biomedical research and drug development. The new ASCC method skips intermediate steps, reducing waste and enhancing 'green credentials',

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 6, 2021

Big gaps in quest to sequence genomes of all animals

Despite making progress, genome sequencing of 1.66 million animal species remains incomplete, with vertebrates accounting for 54% of current sequences. Invertebrates, including insects and spiders, comprise only 34% despite representing 78.5% of all species.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeContent analysis·DateDec 6, 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.

Oops! You did it again; new test predicts if impulsivity is pathological

Researchers developed an emotional stop-signal task to assess negative urgency, a clinical form of impulsivity linked to depression and ADHD. The study found that individuals with poor impulse control reacted faster to disturbing images, indicating potential psychiatric problems.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalBrain and Neuroscience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

Visualizing cell structures in three dimensions in mere minutes

Heidelberg researchers have created a rapid process for 3D imaging of cells using soft X-ray tomography, enabling high-resolution images in just five to ten minutes. This technology provides valuable insights into viral diseases and their impact on infected cells.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalCell Reports Methods·DateDec 6, 2021

Liquid crystals for fast switching devices

Researchers have created a new liquid crystal compound with ultra-short helix pitch and spiral ordering, making it ideal for fast-switching devices. The material's thermally and chemically stable structure allows for easy customization of pitch lengths.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalSoft Matter·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

Persistent gender bias found in scientific research and related course materials: A long-term linguistic analysis

Two studies published in Language reveal persistent gender bias in both peer-reviewed journal articles and course materials used in linguistics. Linguistics textbooks exhibit male-gendered protagonists more often, while research articles show stereotypes about men and women, with non-binary identities absent.

SourceLinguistic Society of America·JournalLanguage·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 6, 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.

Researchers examine neurotoxin from a black widow

Scientists have uncovered the structure of a Black Widow neurotoxin using cryo-electron microscopy, which could lead to the development of an antidote and new pesticides. The findings are a major breakthrough in understanding the molecular mechanism of the toxin.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2021

A novel protein therapy for efficient skin wound healing

Researchers at A*STAR's Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology have discovered a novel protein therapy using Agrin to promote wound healing and repair. The study found that timely induction or exogenous supplementation of Agrin accelerates the healing process, preserving the mechanical architecture of injured skin layers.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2021

How daily stress during COVID-19 affected parents’ discipline

A study of 323 parents found that daily stress levels, especially in the afternoon and evening, led to increased use of corporal punishment and psychological aggression. The researchers suggest that parents' stress levels in the moment may play a greater role in their discipline practices than overall stress levels.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Family Violence·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 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.

Boosting the body’s response to infections with a bio-inspired peptide

Researchers at USC developed a new peptide that stimulates the host's immune response to fight bacterial infections, offering an alternative to antibiotics. The peptide, MTD12813, is highly effective in clearing infections and modulates inflammation, reducing the risk of complications.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

Viewing artists as community problem-solvers increases support for public funding for artists, study shows

A new study found that people who see artists as collaborators in their local communities are more likely to support public funding for artists. The researchers also discovered that individuals with liberal views, blacks, Hispanics, and those with a college education are more supportive of public funding.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·TypeSurvey·DateDec 6, 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.

Burrowing critters increase risk of levee failure

A new study estimates that burrowing animals like badgers and porcupines can weaken levees to the point of collapse, causing localized flooding. Dens at higher elevations in a levee are more dangerous than those near the bottom, with potential for catastrophic failure.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalWater Resources Research·DateDec 6, 2021

Strong professional development networks benefit autistic students

Researchers from Drexel University's Autism Institute found that professional development providers with larger, more supportive networks perform better as coaches for teachers of autistic students. They also discovered that coaching support is more important than financial support for performance outcomes.

SourceDrexel University·JournalSocial Sciences·DateDec 6, 2021

New type of earthquake discovered

Researchers have documented a new type of slow earthquake in British Columbia, Canada, triggered by hydraulic fracturing. The events exhibit unique features suggesting they rupture more slowly than conventional earthquakes, challenging the current understanding of induced earthquakes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 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.

Powerful new tool makes coral reef monitoring faster, easier, cheaper

Researchers have developed a powerful new tool that can determine the diversity of hard corals on a reef by analyzing DNA in seawater samples. This method is faster, easier, and less expensive than traditional visual identification, allowing for more accurate coral reef conservation and restoration.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

Association between cataract removal, development of dementia

A study of 3,000 adults with cataracts found that those who underwent cataract removal had a lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who didn't. The findings suggest a potential protective effect of cataract surgery on cognitive health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 6, 2021

New marker for better assessing the severity of Covid-19

Researchers at LMU have found a new marker in the blood of Covid-19 patients that correlates with disease severity. Phosphatidylserine levels can potentially trigger inflammatory processes and coagulation disorders, enabling better diagnostics and predicting severe cases.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateDec 6, 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.

Chemotherapy fails for some blood cancer patients because of crucial gene mutations, finds study by NTU Singapore and Singapore General Hospital

A recent study by NTU Singapore and Singapore General Hospital found that mutations in the DDX3X gene are responsible for chemotherapy resistance in some blood cancer patients. The study also discovered that STAT inhibitors can effectively kill lymphoma cells with DDX3X mutations, providing hope for new treatment options.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalMolecular Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

Spaceflight wreaks havoc on liver metabolism

A study found that spaceflight alters liver gene expression and reduces antioxidant capacity in mice, leading to increased oxidative stress. However, exposure to artificial gravity can mitigate some of these effects, suggesting potential for dietary supplementation to offset changes during spaceflight.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 6, 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.

Terrain, weather can predict wild pig movements

Wild pigs establish home ranges along preferred habitats of bottomland hardwood swamps and are influenced by air temperature and weather conditions. Researchers at UGA's Savannah River Ecology Lab tracked 49 wild pigs with radio collars to shed light on pig movements, which can inform management decisions.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPest Management Science·DateDec 6, 2021

Acclaimed nutritionist receives top honor

Katherine Tucker, a renowned nutritionist, has been awarded the top honor at UMass Lowell for her exceptional teaching, research, and service to the university. She will deliver the annual Distinguished University Professor Lecture and continue to lead her research team in establishing long-term interventions for diverse populations.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·DateDec 6, 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.

1 in 10 cardiology trainee doctors in UK say they have been bullied

A survey of UK cardiology trainees reveals that bullying is a pervasive problem, with 1 in 10 reporting being subjected to abusive behavior. Women and those who qualified outside the UK are disproportionately affected, highlighting a need for targeted measures to address workplace bullying in medicine.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalHeart·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2021

Scientists find first in human evidence of how memories form

Researchers have identified 103 memory-sensitive neurons in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, which increase their activity when memory encoding is successful. These findings may lead to new deep brain-stimulation therapies for brain diseases and injuries.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNeuroImage·DateDec 6, 2021

Red Sea bioregions show changing blooms

Researchers analyzed satellite data over two decades to understand how climate change impacts Red Sea marine ecosystem. Phytoplankton blooms show unique annual cycles, with four specific bioregions in the region experiencing different seasonal patterns.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Oceans·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 6, 2021

“Disappointing” results reveal potential neural repair approach ineffective

A team of researchers at Fudan University has found that the protein NeuroD1 does not induce microglia-to-neuron conversion as previously thought. Instead, it causes microglial cell death. The study suggests that this finding may be due to experimental artifacts and highlights the need for stringent evidence in scientific research.

SourceFudan University·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 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.

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.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 6, 2021

Smoke screen: Analysis of saliva from long-term cannabis smokers identifies disruptions in the healthy oral microbiome that may lead to brain disorders

A study found that long-term cannabis smokers have increased levels of Actinomyces meyeri in their saliva, which correlates with the length of cannabis use. This bacterium was shown to decrease activity and increase beta-amyloid production in mice, suggesting a link between oral microbiome disruption and brain health.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

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.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

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.

SourceVrije Universiteit Brussel·JournalEstuarine Coastal and Shelf Science·DateDec 6, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 6, 2021

Recently developed novel Li-conducting polymeric materials enabling superior lithium (Li) metal anodes

Researchers developed a novel lithium-containing crosslinked polymeric material, LiGL, which exhibits exceptional protection effects on lithium metal anodes. The material achieves superior cycling stability, even after over 20,000 Li-stripping/plating cycles without failures.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateDec 6, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2021

Sharrief awarded $3.1 million NIH grant to test whether telehealth improves racial disparities in outcomes for stroke survivors

A $3.1 million NIH grant will fund a trial testing multidisciplinary telehealth intervention to reduce racial disparities in blood pressure control and stroke recurrence among adult stroke survivors. The study aims to identify social determinants of health that impact outcomes and explore ways to address them.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateDec 6, 2021

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...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal for Nature Conservation·DateDec 6, 2021

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.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2021

Ecological knowledge of local populations allows better control of Amazonian wildlife

A recent study published in Methods in Ecology and Evolution found that local environmental knowledge is a valuable tool for conservation in the Amazon, comparable to other scientific methods. Local ecological knowledge proved to be more accurate than 10 years of conventional scientific monitoring for animal abundance in the Amazon.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeSurvey·DateDec 6, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalToxicological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateDec 6, 2021

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.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 6, 2021