Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive December 2021 - Page 21


Page 21 of 33

A novel 3D imaging platform using optical fibers as small as a hair

Researchers created a 3D imaging system using multimode optic fibers, overcoming limitations of scrambling and enabling high-resolution imaging. The system can scan a scene at nearly 23,000 points per second and record near-real-time 3D video.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 2021

New consensus care guideline will significantly improve quality of life for adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

The Adult North Star Network's guidelines aim to improve quality of life for adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy by addressing complex medical needs such as cardiac failure, weight loss, and renal dysfunction. The consensus-based recommendations also highlight gaps in current care and call for further research.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Neuromuscular Diseases·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 9, 2021

A new super-cooled microwave source boosts the scale-up of quantum computers

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a precise microwave source that operates at extremely low temperatures, potentially removing the need for high-frequency control cables. The new device could enable larger quantum processors with more qubits, increasing their potential applications in fields like computing and sensing.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 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.

New biosensors shine a light on CRISPR gene editing

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a self-detect solution to monitor CRISPR gene editing tools in organisms. The system uses a biosensor guide RNA and reporter protein to trigger the technology's reveal itself, enabling real-time detection of CRISPR activity.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateDec 9, 2021

The long-term consequences of sepsis: years of treatment and care needs

A retrospective analysis of anonymized health claims data reveals that three in four sepsis survivors experience post-sepsis morbidity, with over half of those under 40 developing new diagnoses. Average treatment costs for the first three years after discharge are €29,000.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 2021

Fiery dragon’s breath may scorch young planets

A supermassive filament eruption has been observed on a Sun-like star, EK Draconis. The filament was large and fast, posing severe impacts on planetary environments. This finding sheds light on the origins of life on Earth and potential life on other planets.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateDec 9, 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.

Mini-jet found near Milky Way's supermassive black hole

A mini-jet has been found near the Milky Way's supermassive black hole, indicating periodic outbursts. The discovery was made using multi-wavelength observations from various telescopes and suggests that the black hole is not a sleeping monster but rather dynamically variable.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateDec 9, 2021

Researchers identify brain signals associated with OCD symptoms, paving way for adaptive treatment

A team of researchers has recorded electrical signals in the human brain associated with ebbs and flows in OCD symptoms over an extended period. The study could lead to an emerging therapy called deep brain stimulation that adjusts to everyday changes in OCD symptoms, potentially providing more relief and fewer side effects for patients.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Natural variability in Pacific Ocean drives decade-long intensification in Pacific walker circulation

A new study reveals that natural decadal variability related to the Pacific Ocean played a significant role in modulating the Pacific Walker circulation change. The research found that the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) could explain 63% of the observed strengthening trend in the Walker circulation between 1980-2015.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 9, 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.

New method helps fabricate tissue-like wet and slippery hydrogels

Researchers demonstrate an innovative chemical method to engineer diverse layered hydrogels with wet and slippery properties, suitable for tissue-like models, soft robots, and intelligent devices. The UV-SCIRP method enables the efficient construction of complex hydrogel patterns and non-flat arbitrary-shaped objects.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Previously unrecorded Chilean tsunami identified

A large earthquake off the coast of south-central Chile in 1737 may have caused a substantial tsunami that was absent from historical records. Researchers analyzed sediments and found evidence of widespread sandy layers, dating to the same time as the earthquake, similar to deposits made by tsunami waves in other areas.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateDec 9, 2021

Talk between immune cells could lead to new cancer vaccine

Yale scientists identified crucial ways immune system cells congregate and communicate to identify tumors, paving the way for new vaccines that could increase survival rates in several forms of cancer. Research found B cells interact with CD4 helper T cells to unleash a robust response by CD8 killer T cells.

SourceYale University·JournalCell·DateDec 9, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Burrowing snakes have far worse eyesight than their ancestors

Scientists found that seven genes associated with bright-light vision are absent in burrowing snakes, demonstrating extensive vision gene loss over millions of years. This challenges the hypothesis that all modern snakes evolved from extreme burrowers, suggesting a different evolutionary path for these subterranean snakes.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Breast cancer patients with estrogen receptor mutations may benefit from early switch to fulvestrant/palbociclib

A recent study found that patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who experience rising ESR1 mutations before disease progression can benefit from an early switch to fulvestrant plus palbociclib. This approach yields a statistically and clinically significant gain in progression-free survival, potentially justifying its a...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 9, 2021

A tool to speed development of new solar cells

Researchers at MIT and Google Brain developed a system that predicts how changing materials or designs will improve solar cell performance. The new simulator, called differentiable solar cell simulator, provides information on which changes will provide desired improvements, increasing the rate of discovery of new configurations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalComputer Physics Communications·DateDec 9, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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

New research on human brain development sheds light on neurodevelopmental disorders

Researchers have found consistent patterns in GABAergic neuron development between humans and mice, shedding light on the causes of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and schizophrenia. The study uses single-cell RNA sequencing to create detailed maps of gene expression during human brain development.

SourceKing's College London·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateDec 9, 2021

Scientists solve the grass leaf conundrum

Researchers used computational modeling and developmental genetic techniques to study grass leaf formation, finding that current theories are likely incorrect and a 19th-century proposal is closer to the truth. The discovery sheds light on how simple growth rules can generate diverse leaf shapes.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 9, 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.

Chronic exposure to air pollution may increase risks for ICU admission or death among COVID-19 patients, study finds

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with chronic exposure to higher particulate matter had increased risks for ICU admission and death. Chronic air pollution exposure was associated with an 11% higher risk of mortality and a 13% higher risk of ICU admission.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 9, 2021

An easy relationship between a beetle and its yeast symbiont

Scientists at Nagoya University discovered that Japanese lizard beetle larvae feed on yeast injected by their mothers, but the yeast only consumes simple sugars. The study found that the yeast grows on small molecule monosaccharides and not on complex sugars despite its ability to digest them.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

DeepMind neural networks open new window to understanding electron interactions

Researchers used DeepMind's platform to develop a new functional 'DM21' that better models chemical reactions by addressing long-standing errors in density functional theory. This breakthrough enables more accurate simulations of matter at the nanoscale, potentially leading to improved material design and discovery.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 2021

UToledo study finds K-12 teachers largely against arming educators

A University of Toledo study found that 70.8% of K-12 educators surveyed are against allowing teachers to carry guns in schools. Despite proposals to train and arm teachers, the majority of educators strongly disagree with the idea, citing concerns about safety and normalization of school shootings.

SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalJournal of School Violence·TypeSurvey·DateDec 9, 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.

Dinosaurs’ last spring: Study pinpoints timing of Chicxulub asteroid impact

A groundbreaking study confirms the timing of the Chicxulub asteroid impact, which occurred during the spring-summer growth phase, leading to the extinction of dinosaurs and 75% of life on Earth. The research team used multiple lines of evidence, including fossil pollen, index fossils, and radiometric dating, to pinpoint the exact time...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Building a better dashboard for enhanced understanding of health

A new study published in BMJ Health & Care Informatics examines decades of dashboards designed to communicate health data, highlighting the need for user-centered design and effectiveness testing. The research aims to guide the development of dashboard enhancements and customizations that support informed decision-making.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalBMJ Health & Care Informatics·DateDec 9, 2021

Community of ethical hackers needed to prevent AI’s looming ‘crisis of trust’, experts argue

A global community of hackers and threat modellers is needed to stress-test the harm potential of new AI products. Companies can harness techniques like red team hacking, audit trails, and bias bounties to prove their integrity and earn public trust. The industry faces a 'crisis of trust' if it doesn't adopt these measures.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 9, 2021

Are scientists homing in on a cure for Parkinson’s disease?

Researchers at the University of Bath have optimised a peptide that prevents alpha-synuclein misfolding, a key feature of Parkinson's disease. The new molecule, 4654W(N6A), has shown significant promise in lab experiments and could lead to the development of a disease-modifying treatment.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 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.

Machine learning decodes tremors of the universe

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems developed an algorithm that analyzes gravitational wave data in seconds, rather than hours or months. The system, called DINGO, uses a deep neural network to infer properties of binary black-hole sources with high accuracy.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Concerning rates of clarithromycin prescribing for H. pylori, despite increasing antibiotic resistance, uncovered in new Digestive Diseases & Sciences publication

A new study reveals widespread prescribing of clarithromycin-based regimens for H. pylori infection, defying increasing resistance and suboptimal eradication rates. Talicia, a rifabutin-based therapy, offers an alternative with higher eradication rates and fewer concerns over resistance.

SourceRedHill Biopharma·JournalDigestive Diseases and Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 2021

Yale researchers find early developmental gene can cause deadly aneurysms

Researchers at Yale University discovered a key gene that contributes to the development of life-threatening brain aneurysms in adults. The study found that mutations in the PPIL4 gene are significantly more common in individuals with intracranial aneurysms, highlighting a potential new target for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 9, 2021

Virtual conferences are better for the environment and more inclusive

Research finds virtual conferences lower costs, reduce travel commitments, and eliminate environmental costs associated with in-person events. Virtual attendance increased by up to 253% for women and 344% for students and postdoctoral scholars, making them more inclusive.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Sustainability·DateDec 9, 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.

Family dynamics can motivate and prevent talking about health

A new study from Iowa State University finds that open dialogue and reciprocal information sharing between parents and emerging adults reduces barriers for talking about health, leading to better health outcomes. The researchers identified three significant factors affecting health disclosures: relational quality, reciprocity, and conf...

SourceIowa State University·JournalWestern Journal of Communication·TypeSurvey·DateDec 9, 2021

China’s crops at risk: Climate change boosts spread of crop pests and diseases

A recent study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that climate change has contributed to a four-fold increase in crop pest and disease occurrence in China since the 1970s. The researchers attributed this rise to warmer night temperatures, which can foster an increased chance for pests and diseases.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Food·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 2021

First patient-specific zebrafish model for arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy

Researchers have created the first patient-specific zebrafish model for arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), a heart disease caused by a genetic mutation. The model recapitulates the human form of ACM, including fat accumulation in the heart and changes in calcium levels, and shows promise for relieving symptoms.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Polariton parametric oscillator in perovskite microcavity

Researchers have developed a room-temperature perovskite polariton parametric oscillator, enabling scalable and low-threshold nonlinear devices. This breakthrough offers possibilities for the development of cost-effective and integrated polaritonic devices.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 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.

Mysterious STEVE light emissions emanate from Earth’s magnetosphere

Researchers have identified the source of mysterious STEVE light emissions as a narrow region in the magnetosphere, driven by strong waves and particle acceleration. The findings suggest that the ionosphere and magnetosphere may be coupled at lower latitudes, transporting vast quantities of energy and momentum.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateDec 9, 2021

Use of generic heart meds in Medicare Part D could save more than $600 million a year

A new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes Journal found that increasing the use of generic medications for heart and blood vessel diseases in Medicare Part D could save more than $600 million per year. This would lead to lower out-of-pocket costs for patients and improved adherence rates.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateDec 9, 2021

New state of matter: Crystalline and flowing at the same time

Scientists have successfully created a new state of matter that combines crystalline order with fluidity, similar to traditional materials like copper and aluminum. The discovery uses DNA-based dendritic nanostructures to form cluster crystals with highly mobile particles.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 9, 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.

Exposure to toxic metals may increase risk of clogged arteries

Research published in ATVB Journal Report reveals that exposure to low-levels of toxic metals can increase the risk of plaque buildup in arteries in the neck, heart, and legs. The study focused on subclinical atherosclerosis and examined the impact of metal exposure on various artery regions.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateDec 9, 2021

Finding the recipe for a larger, greener global rice bowl

The study analyzed 32 rice cropping systems and found that around two-thirds of them have yields below optimal levels, highlighting opportunities for improvement through better management and breeding programs. Sustainable intensification can help increase crop yields while minimizing environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 2021

DeepMind simulates matter on the nanoscale with AI

DeepMind's neural network approach accurately describes electron interactions in chemical systems, overcoming long-standing challenges. The company's breakthrough enables researchers to explore material design, medicines, and catalysts at the nanoscale level.

SourceDeepMind·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 2021

A new class of antiviral therapy could treat COVID-19

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes developed a new class of antiviral therapy that can track the evolution of SARS-CoV-2, reducing the chance of reduced efficacy against new variants. The single-dose intranasal treatment showed significant reduction in viral load and prevented disease in animals.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell·DateDec 9, 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.

Drilling into the dental secrets of Edo-era Japanese bacterial genomes

A study of Edo-era Japanese skeletons reveals a prevalence of periodontal disease similar to modern times, with distinct bacterial species. Researchers analyzed dental calculus from 12 human skeletons and compared their oral microbiomes to modern samples, shedding light on the evolution of the oral microbiome.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateDec 9, 2021

Ethiopian monuments 1,000 years older than previously thought

A Washington State University research team used advanced radiocarbon dating to determine the age of ancient stone monoliths in southern Ethiopia's Gedeo zone. The findings push back the construction date by a millennium, shedding light on the region's culture and trade networks.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of African Archaeology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Can virtual academic conferences make STEM fields more inclusive?

A new study by researchers at USC, UT Austin, and ASU found that virtual conferences increase diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. Virtual events can reach the scientific community and improve inclusion and diversity in science and engineering.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 2021

Prof. Dr. Moritz Schularick receives a Leibniz Prize

Prof. Dr. Moritz Schularick has been awarded the prestigious Leibniz Prize for his groundbreaking research on financial crises, economic history, and inequality. His work has shed new light on the causes of financial instability and social inequality, making him a leading expert in his field.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·DateDec 9, 2021

A beetle chemical defense gland offers clues about how complex organs evolve

A study on a beetle species reveals how two distinct cell types form a specialized gland for making and secreting defensive compounds. The findings suggest that the gland's evolution was driven by coevolution between the cell types, leading to the creation of a functional secretion with adaptive value.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 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.