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Science News Archive December 2021 - Page 15


Page 15 of 33

Harmful boomerang: PFAS pollution in ocean comes back to land

A study by Stockholm University researchers found that PFAS from the ocean re-emitted into air with crashing waves significantly contribute to PFAS air pollution in coastal areas. The transportation of toxic substances from seawater to marine air via sea spray aerosols poses a significant threat to health and the environment.

SourceStockholm University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Better identification of sesame in food packaging needed to avoid anaphylaxis

A recent study found that over 50% of products containing sesame did not declare it on the label, leading to accidental ingestion and allergic reactions. Clear and specific product labeling is essential for preventing adverse reactions, especially anaphylaxis, in food-allergic individuals.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeSurvey·DateDec 15, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brain study on how to slow down climate change

Researchers at the University of Bern used brain stimulation to demonstrate that mentalizing with future climate change victims encourages sustainable behavior. The study found that stimulating an area of the brain involved in perspective-taking led to more sustainable decisions, suggesting potential benefits for climate communication.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalCortex·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Stronger drought resistance of urban vegetation due to higher temperature, CO2 and reduced O3

A recent study found that urban vegetation has a stronger ability to withstand drought compared to rural areas. The researchers attribute this enhanced drought resistance to increased temperature and CO2 concentration, as well as reduced ozone levels in urban environments.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2021

Normal 6-month outcomes in babies of women with COVID-19 during pregnancy

A study from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that babies born to mothers with COVID-19 during pregnancy exhibited normal growth patterns and developmental milestones at 6 months. The research included 33 Latinx infants and showed no higher rate of developmental referrals than usual.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJournal of Perinatal Medicine·DateDec 15, 2021

MDI Biological Laboratory awarded grant to advance cloud computing in Maine

The MDI Biological Laboratory has been awarded a grant to promote cloud computing among researchers in Maine, aiming to level the playing field by providing access to sophisticated computing resources. The program will provide training on Google Cloud Platform and assist institutions in implementing cloud computing services.

SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·DateDec 15, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Study clarifies nitrogen’s impact on soil carbon sequestration

The study found that nitrogen fertilizer accelerated residue decomposition, producing more carbon dioxide and reducing the incorporation of residues into soil organic matter. This long-term problem can cause microbes to attack stable organic matter, leading to a decline in soil health.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalNitrogen·DateDec 15, 2021

How a fly's brain calculates its position in space

A new study reveals that flies have a set of neurons that signal the direction in which the body is traveling, regardless of the head's direction. The fly brain calculates this signal from basic sensory inputs and uses a world-centered reference frame to determine its position.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateDec 15, 2021

The heat is on: RIPE researchers show ability to future-proof crops for changing climate

Researchers at the University of Illinois and US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service have developed a way to future-proof crops for changing climate conditions. By bypassing a common photosynthetic glitch, crops can withstand heat stress, reducing yield losses estimated at up to 40-50% in regions around the equator.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Soils in old-growth treetops can store more carbon than soils under our feet

Researchers found that active carbon in canopy soil was three times higher compared to mineral soils. The study highlights the potential of old-growth forests as carbon sinks, challenging current models. Canopy soils take long time to form and host unique microbiomes, making them a valuable component of these ecosystems.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateDec 15, 2021

Spot the difference: can AI generate plausible Christmas BMJ titles?

A study by The BMJ found that AI-generated titles were as attractive and entertaining to readers as real titles, with performance enhanced by human input. The AI generated titles were rated as having less scientific or educational merit than the real titles, but this difference became non-significant when humans curated the AI output.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 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.

Repurposed drug shows improved results with combined therapy for triple negative breast cancer

Researchers at Houston Methodist have discovered a new combination therapy that regresses tumor growth of triple negative breast cancer and prevents the cancer from spreading. The response rate using this therapy is about 50%, compared to 25-30% with older drugs, offering new hope for patients with hard-to-treat breast cancers.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 15, 2021

High-speed impacts may have shaped Venus’ history

High-speed impacts could explain why Earth is habitable while Venus is not, according to new research. Large collisions during Venus' early history led to twice as much mantle melting than impact-induced melting on Earth.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateDec 15, 2021

UNM scientists find climate-driven tree mortality and fuel aridity increase wildfire fuel availability

UNM scientists found climate-driven tree mortality and fuel aridity are increasing fuel availability, leading to bigger, more intense wildfires. This is due to drought stress, insect outbreaks, and temperature increases causing large areas of tree mortality and rising temperatures drying out forest fuels.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2021

Using strategy to preserve biodiversity while saving space

A team of scientists has redefined indicators for biological diversity, analyzing ecosystem and species distribution. They found that areas with many species don't always have high biodiversity, and some protected areas may not be effectively conserving species and ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Hamburg·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 15, 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.

Major gift focuses efforts on a rare, but devastating, genetic eye disease

The Nixon Visions Foundation has given a significant gift to support studies of the PRPH2 gene linked to macular dystrophy and boost stem cell research aimed at developing early diagnosis and a cure for this devastating genetic eye disease. Researchers hope to make a tremendous impact on people with this inherited eye disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateDec 15, 2021

Kurī overlooked for ecological impact on early New Zealand

University of Otago researchers suggest kurī have significant ecological impact on New Zealand's biodiversity, predating kiore and humans. Kurī may have contributed to extinctions of moa chicks, takahē, kākāpō, kiwi, and marine mammals.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateDec 15, 2021

Novel electrocatalyst boosts synthesis of urea from CO2 and N2

A novel InOOH electrocatalyst with frustrated Lewis pairs enables efficient urea synthesis from CO2 and N2 at room temperature. The catalyst achieves a high urea yield rate of 6.85 mmol h-1 g-1, promising a sustainable solution to excessive CO2 emissions during N2 fixation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalChem Catalysis·DateDec 15, 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.

New discovery on how omega-3 fatty acids can reduce atherosclerosis

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that omega-3 fatty acids activate the GPR32 receptor, which reduces inflammation in blood vessels and prevents atherosclerosis. This breakthrough discovery paves the way for new strategies to treat and prevent cardiovascular disease using omega-3 fatty acids.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Queen’s genes determine sex of entire ant colonies

A study by UC Riverside scientists has identified a set of genes on a single chromosome associated with the production of male or female offspring in ant colonies. The discovery sheds light on the complex relationships between genetics and environmental factors in shaping the sex ratio of these societies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2021

PCR: Activated by light

Researchers at LMU developed a new approach to create photoactivatable DNA processing enzymes that can be triggered by UV light pulses. This breakthrough overcomes the limitations of traditional hot-start methods, enabling more precise diagnostics without sacrificing sensitivity.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateDec 14, 2021

What is treatment-resistant depression? New report calls for clearer definition to inform research and improve treatment.

A new report proposes a clearer definition of treatment-resistant depression, aiming to improve treatment outcomes. The study found that only about a third of studies in TRD enroll participants who met the most common definition, highlighting the need for a standardized approach.

SourceKing's College London·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 14, 2021

Visually stunning tree of all known life unveiled online

The OneZoom tree of life is an interactive visualization that connects over 2.2 million living species, showcasing their evolutionary history and threat status. The platform also features images of over 85,000 species and allows users to explore their relationships with others.

SourceImperial College London·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateDec 14, 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.

Gas-passing plankton illumine another piece of the carbon cycle puzzle

A recent study by Oregon State University reveals that a type of bacteria called SAR11 consumes acetone and isoprene, volatile organic compounds produced by phytoplankton. These findings suggest that the marine carbon cycle is not fully understood and highlights the importance of studying plankton's role in gas exchange.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 2021

NTU Singapore scientists develop biodegradable printed paper batteries

Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed biodegradable zinc batteries made of cellulose paper that can power flexible electronics and biomedical sensors. The batteries are non-toxic, do not require aluminum or plastic casings, and can be buried in soil to break down within weeks.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateDec 14, 2021

Finding new channels to selectively target pest insects

Scientists have discovered new targets for insecticides by analyzing the structure of potassium channels in Drosophila. The study provides a detailed map of the channel, enabling the design of highly selective and safe insecticides.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 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.

Overweight children are developing heart complications

A new study from the University of Georgia found that overweight youth are developing signs of artery stiffness, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Researchers measured visceral fat levels and arterial stiffness in over 600 children, adolescents, and young adults, revealing higher levels of visceral fat and arterial ...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateDec 14, 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.

Small groups lead; large ones control

Research by Jesús Bas and colleagues found that smaller groups are perceived as leaders in decision-making tasks, but larger groups are seen as more powerful and controlling when it comes to resources. Children's perceptions of social status also vary with age and group size.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalChild Development·DateDec 14, 2021

Astronomers just got better at finding “bright” black holes

A team of astronomers has developed a new technique to detect active black holes in galaxies, measuring their impact on galaxy evolution. The method can be applied to millions of galaxies, searching for bright supermassive black holes at the centre of galaxies and studying their effect on star formation.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 2021

New Wilderness Medical Society guidelines may help reduce tick-borne illness

The Wilderness Medical Society has developed clinical practice guidelines for reducing tick-borne illness, emphasizing low-risk interventions in resource-limited settings. Lyme disease accounts for nearly 70% of reported cases, with other TBIs like anaplasmosis and spotted fever rickettsiosis also on the rise.

SourceElsevier·JournalWilderness and Environmental Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 14, 2021

Precise insights into the supermassive black hole in the Milky Way’s heart

A team of astronomers has made the most precise measurements yet of the motions of stars around Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. The research, using cutting-edge facilities like Gemini Observatory and the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, shows that nearly all of the mass c...

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 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.

Researchers test physics of coral as an indicator of reef health

Researchers at Stanford University have demonstrated that measuring the physics of just a small portion of a coral reef can reveal insights about the entire reef system. This new approach provides low-cost methods for scaling up monitoring efforts, which are crucial for understanding the impact of climate change on these ecosystems.

SourceStanford University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Oceans·DateDec 14, 2021

Spacecraft enters the Sun's corona for the first time in history

The Parker Solar Probe successfully entered the corona of the Sun, a region approximately 2 million degrees Fahrenheit, and collected data using the Solar Probe Cup instrument. The probe's historic achievement sheds light on phenomena such as solar flares, high-speed solar winds, and the Sun's atmosphere's heat and magnetic fields.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 14, 2021

Curtin study finds mobile devices a lifeline for families during lockdowns

A Curtin University study found that mobile devices helped families strengthen relationships and bond over online activities, such as video calls and games. However, some participants reported devices as a source of distraction, disrupting family interactions.

SourceCurtin University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateDec 14, 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.

Colorectal cancer screening lags among rural women, study finds

A study found that rural women are less likely to get screened for colorectal cancer compared to urban counterparts, despite similar breast cancer screening rates. The disparity may be attributed to limited access to testing and financial constraints, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateDec 14, 2021

Plastic-degrading enzymes increasing in correlation with pollution

A study found a strong correlation between the number of microbial enzymes that can degrade plastic and local levels of plastic pollution. Researchers analyzed environmental DNA samples from around the world and discovered over 30,000 enzyme homologues with potential to break down various types of plastics.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2021

Melting sea ice forces polar bears to travel farther for food

A recent study found that polar bears in the Beaufort Sea are traveling up to 30% farther from their traditional hunting grounds, resulting in a 20% decrease in population. As sea ice recedes earlier and further, bears are being displaced from primary foraging habitats and forced to compete for food resources.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEcosphere·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 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.

MSK Chief of the Lymphoma Service Gilles Salles Presents Promising New Treatment for Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found that pola-R-CHP reduces the risk of DLBCL disease progression, relapse, or death by 27 percent. The treatment, combining Polatuzumab vedotin with Rituximab and other chemotherapy agents, shows improved progression-free survival rates compared to current standard R-CHOP therapy.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 14, 2021

Night lights: New global atlas maps out artificial light at night under the sea

A new global atlas reveals that up to 1.9 million km2 of the world's coastal waters are affected by artificial light at night, with significant impacts on marine organisms. The study uses a novel metric to determine the depth of light penetration and highlights the need for further research into the effects of ALAN pollution.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalElementa Science of the Anthropocene·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2021

Closing in on the first light in the Universe

Researchers have reduced background noise using new antennas in the Australian hinterland, allowing them to refine their search for a 13-billion-year-old signal known as the Epoch of Reionisation. By surveying over 80,000 radio signal sources, they produced models that significantly improved efforts to locate the elusive signal.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Australia·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 2021

Spelunking on the moon: New study explores lunar pits and caves

Researchers at CU Boulder found that lunar pits and caves showcase remarkably stable conditions, making them attractive options for establishing a long-term human presence on the moon. The environments can help astronauts weather some of the moon's worst extremes but may not be ideal spots to find water.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateDec 14, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Change in buprenorphine use in US jails, prisons

The study found that buprenorphine use for opioid use disorder increased substantially in US jails and prisons over the past five years. Despite being rare among incarcerated individuals with opioid use disorder, this increase suggests potential improvements in treatment access.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 14, 2021

JAMA Internal Medicine commentary: Integrating medical and social care

The US healthcare system faces challenges in balancing individual-based efforts with community-based initiatives, according to Regenstrief Institute Research Scientist Christopher M. Callahan. He advocates for reforms, such as screening for social determinants and workforce enhancements to facilitate integration of social care.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 14, 2021

A Spacecraft Has “Touched” the Sun for the First Time

The Parker Solar Probe has entered the solar corona and spent five hours in direct contact with the sun's plasma, measuring phenomena previously estimated. The probe discovered that the Alfvén critical surface is wrinkled, suggesting a potential new era for understanding coronal heating.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 14, 2021

Novel Laser Spectrometer to Monitor Atmospheric N2O and CO Precisely

Researchers developed a dual gas sensor to measure atmospheric N2O and CO with high precision and low drift. The spectrometer achieved micro-daily-drift testing, meeting the World Meteorological Organization's requirement for high-precision monitoring.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalSensors and Actuators B Chemical·DateDec 14, 2021

City of Hope researchers help find improved treatment options for patients with advanced colorectal cancer

A Phase 2 clinical trial showed sotorasib can shrink tumors and achieve disease control in heavily pretreated patients with advanced colorectal cancer. The study results exceeded the historic benefits linked to approved therapies, offering new hope for a population with limited treatment options.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 14, 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.

NASA enters the solar atmosphere for the first time, bringing new discoveries

Parker Solar Probe successfully flew through the Sun's corona, sampling particles and magnetic fields, revealing critical information about the Sun's evolution and impact on solar system. The probe made new discoveries, including identifying the origin of switchbacks in the solar wind, which form near the solar surface.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 14, 2021