Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive December 2021 - Page 24


Page 24 of 33

Streetwise bees cut corners to find food

New research shows that bumblebees waste no time enjoying flowers but instead learn the bare minimum about where to land and find food. Bees extract just the necessary information from artificial flowers, suggesting a simple, low-effort form of learning is sufficient in some situations.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateDec 8, 2021

Study finds that bio-based cellulose acetate plastic widely used in consumer goods disintegrates in the ocean much faster than assumed

A new study finds that bio-based cellulose acetate plastic widely used in consumer goods disintegrates and degrades in the ocean on timescales of months, contrary to previous assumptions of decades. The rapid degradation is attributed to marine microbes, which can break down CDA-based materials using esterase and cellulose enzymes.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How the body uses fat to fight infection

Researchers discovered that blood stem cells use high-energy fatty acids from the body's fat stores to power up their response to infection. This finding could lead to new approaches in treating bacterial infections, particularly in vulnerable and older individuals.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

Iron treatments reduce heart attacks in patients on dialysis

A large-scale trial found that high-dose intravenous iron therapy reduces heart attacks in patients with kidney failure undergoing dialysis. The study analyzed 2141 patients and reported a significant reduction in type 1 heart attacks, which are often caused by blood clots or blockages.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalCardiovascular Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 8, 2021

Embryonic cells sense stiffness in order to form the face

Researchers at University College London discovered that embryonic cells can navigate towards harder regions using chemical and mechanical signals, guiding the formation of facial features. This breakthrough could help prevent birth defects and infant mortality by improving understanding of cell migration mechanisms.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

2,700-year-old leather armor proves technology transfer happened in antiquity

Researchers at the University of Zurich have found a unique 2,700-year-old leather scale armor in Northwest China that originated in the Neo-Assyrian Empire. The armor's design and construction indicate a technology transfer between West and East during the first millennium BCE.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalQuaternary International·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 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.

World’s largest pterosaur leaped aloft to fly

New research on the world's largest pterosaur, Quetzalcoatlus, reveals that it likely leaped into the air before lifting off, using its wings to generate lift. The study, published by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, is the most comprehensive on the species yet and provides new insights into its flight mechanics.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateDec 8, 2021

Multiple indicators of wastewater contamination to shellfish farms

A recent study tested various indicators to identify potential sources of wastewater contamination in shellfish farms. The researchers found that using multiple indicators in combination provided a greater potential for source identification and detected seasonal variation in contamination risk.

SourceDauphin Island Sea Lab·JournalEstuaries and Coasts·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2021

Orangutan mothers help offspring to learn

A new study reveals that orangutan mothers are proactively involved in teaching their young, tailoring behavior to match age and abilities. They adjust tolerance levels during feeding interactions, facilitating learning opportunities and enabling immatures to acquire complex foraging skills.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 8, 2021

Biodiversity collections enable foundational and data skills

A new module utilizes biodiversity collections to produce a holistic student learning experience, covering topics such as plant specimen collection and data deposition. The authors reported strong learning results, with students feeling well-prepared to use foundational skills and digital data repositories.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 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.

Anxiodepressive disorders: Much more than a matter of weight

Metabolic disorders, such as inflammation and insulin resistance, are key elements in the development of anxiodepressive disorders in obese individuals. Diet high in sugar and saturated fats leads to these changes in the brain, increasing the risk of depression and anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalTrends in Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateDec 8, 2021

Bird singing contests: A clash of culture and conservation

Researchers found bird-singing contests taking place in at least 22 countries using 36 species of birds, with pressure on wild populations like the White-rumped Shama and Orange-headed Thrush. The practice also drives demand for songbirds in Southeast Asia, a region where more species are threatened by trade

SourceCornell University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 8, 2021

Afghan refugees face discrimination, employment and social challenges in Australia

New Edith Cowan University research reveals Afghan refugees value Australia's security, but face barriers to employment, discrimination, and socio-religious challenges. Many struggle with job recognition, workplace discrimination, and cultural identity issues, affecting their integration into Australian society.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateDec 8, 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.

How well are alternative feedstuffs received by the end consumer?

Researchers investigated how providing information about alternative feedstuffs impacts consumer preferences. They found that consumers are more likely to prefer insect-based feed due to sustainability claims. The study emphasizes the importance of labelling and transparency for the acceptance of these alternatives.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalFood Policy·TypeSurvey·DateDec 8, 2021

New study sheds light on link between sun exposure and MS

A new study found that kids, teens and young adults who spend more time outdoors during the summer months have a lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) as children. The research also suggests that greater time spent outdoors in the first year of life is associated with lower odds of MS.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 8, 2021

New study finds COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated anxiety and depression in racial and ethnic minority children

A new study has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on urban, racial, and ethnic minority children aged five to 11 years old. The research found increased rates of depression and anxiety problems among these children compared to before the pandemic, with rates rising from 5 percent to 18 percent.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalChild and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health·DateDec 8, 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.

Endothelial cells play important role in blood clotting

Recent research reveals that endothelial cells produce all necessary coagulation proteins for thrombin generation, enabling the clotting process to occur on their surfaces. This finding shifts our understanding of blood clot development and treatment strategies.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

Year in pharma: COVID-19 and beyond

The COVID-19 pandemic drove significant advancements in pharmaceutical technology, with mRNA-based vaccines proving highly effective. Oral antiviral pills, such as Merck's molnupiravir and Pfizer's PF-0732133, showed promise in reducing hospitalization and death rates among unvaccinated individuals.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateDec 8, 2021

What can 35-year-old stool samples tell scientists about HIV/AIDS?

A new study links the composition of gut microbiome before infection to HIV susceptibility and progression. Men who contracted HIV in the early days of the pandemic had a greater relative abundance of pro-inflammatory vs. anti-inflammatory gut microbes, which contributed to their increased risk of developing AIDS.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalMicrobiome·DateDec 8, 2021

Study shows success of New York City’s Clean Heat Program

The study found that the ban of heating oil #6 was effective in reducing fine particles, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide levels in NYC. The reductions were independent of other sources of air pollution, suggesting a significant impact on public health outcomes.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateDec 8, 2021

Global research shows that digital contact does not enhance wellbeing

Research by University of Kent and Nottingham Trent University found that video and text-based messaging apps have a negative effect on the mental wellbeing of young people over 16 during Covid-19 lockdowns. Despite this, face-to-face contact is positively associated with wellbeing compared to digital contact.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalNew Media & Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 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.

Sleep, a creativity booster?

Researchers found a specific phase of sleep after falling asleep that triples the chances of finding creative solutions, making it a potential tool for stimulating creativity in everyday life. This discovery opens a new field of study on brain mechanisms of creativity and challenges the common view of sleep as a waste of time.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 8, 2021

2021 Susan G. Komen Brinker Award recipient presents pioneering new study results on predicting treatment response for breast cancer patients

A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Carlos Caldas has identified a way to predict treatment response in breast cancer patients before treatment begins. The research, published in Nature, uses machine learning algorithms to analyze tumor tissue and DNA/RNA profiles, providing a robust test for predicting therapy response.

SourceSusan G. Komen·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2021

Modeling emissions pathways for India’s climate amid COVID-19 recovery

A new study models India's climate change impact from varying emissions strategies during the COVID-19 recovery. The research finds that greener scenarios may drive a positive feedback loop, while extreme temperature and precipitation events are expected to increase in magnitude and frequency regardless of the emissions commitments.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateDec 8, 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.

Sunshine may shield children, young adults from MS

A new study suggests that sun exposure may reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis in children and young adults by up to 52%. Vitamin D levels are also found to be higher in individuals with increased sun exposure, which may play a role in protecting against autoimmune diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeurology·DateDec 8, 2021

UK university can reduce CO2 emissions by 4% with shorter winter semesters

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh propose a new semester schedule that can reduce CO2 emissions by 167 tonnes, 4.2%, by starting a new semester on September 12 and extending the winter vacation period. This approach could be adapted for other universities globally.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 8, 2021

Low concentrations of CO2→CO direct conversion technology

A Korean research team has developed a catalyst and operating process that can produce carbon monoxide (CO) with high efficiency using flue gas level low-concentration CO2. The new technology increases CO productivity by inhibiting hydrogen production, making it economically feasible compared to noble metal catalysts.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateDec 8, 2021

Long-term exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of pesticides has deleterious effects on shellfish

A new study found that chronic pesticide exposure has detrimental effects on soft-shell clam growth, condition, and feeding rates. The researchers monitored clams in laboratory conditions over 90 days, exposing them to environmentally relevant concentrations of four pesticides registered for use in forest management.

SourcePortland State University·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 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.

Never-before-seen ammonite muscles revealed in 3D from Jurassic fossil

Researchers have discovered the internal soft tissues of an exceptionally preserved 20-million-year-old ammonite fossil using advanced imaging techniques. The study reveals that these ancient cephalopods used hyponomes to jet propel themselves through water, similar to modern squid and octopuses.

SourceImperial College London·JournalGeology·DateDec 8, 2021

New tech assigns more accurate “time of death” to cells

Researchers developed a new technology that tracks thousands of cells and determines the precise moment of death for any cell in the group. The approach was shown to work in rodent and human cells as well as within live zebrafish, and can be used to follow cells over weeks to months.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 8, 2021

Newly discovered fish songs demonstrate reef restoration success

Researchers at the University of Exeter found that coral reef restoration projects can lead to a healthy and functioning ecosystem through the soundscape, with increased fish sounds recorded on restored reefs. The study used acoustic recordings from 2018-2019 as part of the monitoring program for the Mars Coral Reef Restoration Project.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateDec 8, 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.

Keto diet may not work for women

Researchers at University of California - Riverside are studying the keto and intermittent fasting diets on a molecular level, finding that women may metabolize fat differently than men. The study aims to understand why keto diet may not be effective for women and how it affects their overall health.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateDec 8, 2021

Moderate immune response is more effective against leukemia

Scientists from German Cancer Research Center show that blocking a cytokine slows down the immune system and exhausts T cells, leading to a more severe course of leukemia. The study suggests that a moderate activation of immune cells may be key to success in cancer immunotherapies.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalImmunity·DateDec 8, 2021

RNAging: An exercise-regulated noncoding RNA counteracts muscle aging

The study found that exercise induces expression of long noncoding RNA CYTOR, which enhances myogenic differentiation and improves muscle morphology and function in aged muscles. CYTOR also re-configures chromatin accessibility at binding sites of other genes, shedding light on its mechanisms.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 8, 2021

You can help scientists study the Sun

The Solar Jet Hunter project, led by researchers at the University of Minnesota and supported by NASA, allows volunteers to identify solar jets in images captured over 11 years. By annotating images, citizen scientists contribute to a database that helps narrow down data on the Sun for further review.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Alpha-1 Biologics announces positive data published in Frontiers in Oncology on Alphataxin in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy that suppressed murine renal cancer and metastasis

Alphataxin, a small-molecule drug, has been shown to significantly suppress tumor growth in mouse models of kidney cancer, including those with lung metastasis. The treatment also increased the formation of CD4+ T cells, which is essential for the immune system's ability to kill tumor cells.

SourceLaVoieHealthScience·JournalFrontiers in Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

Ocean tides are gatekeepers of groundwater discharge to Hawai‘i coastal zone

Researchers found that tides play a crucial role in modulating groundwater discharge and coastal salinity, especially during low rainfall periods. Heavy rains and tropical cyclones also impact submarine groundwater discharge, with significant effects on coastal ecosystems and aquaculture.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2021

Mechanism identified for rare disorder of glycosylation

Scientists have identified a mechanism contributing to the tissue phenotypes of PMM2-CDG, a congenital disorder of glycosylation. Using a zebrafish model, researchers found that defects in N-cadherin processing lead to craniofacial and motility abnormalities.

SourceGreenwood Genetic Center·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

Remarkable Jurassic fossil reveals ammonite muscles in 3D

A rare Jurassic fossil has provided new insights into the anatomy and functional morphology of ammonites. The study, which used cutting-edge imaging techniques, revealed paired muscles extending from the body mass for protection, and a swimming style termed jet propulsion.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateDec 8, 2021

Racial bias among doctors may exacerbate disparities in HIV prevention, Rutgers-led study finds

A Rutgers-led study found that racial biases among health care providers may limit the number of Black women taking a daily pill to prevent HIV infection. The study also highlights how providers' racist beliefs can disadvantage Black women's access to PrEP, a medication up to 92% effective when taken correctly.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes & Human Retrovirology·DateDec 8, 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.

Optical cavities could be key to next generation interferometers

Researchers propose a method using optical cavities to enhance atom interferometers, enabling extreme momentum transfer for detecting dark matter and gravitational waves. This could facilitate breakthroughs in fundamental physics and future applications.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 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.

Protein region on COVID’s viral spike senses temperature, drives seasonal mutation patterns

Researchers identify a molecular culprit for COVID-19's seasonal nature, finding a galectin-like structure on the spike protein that responds to external seasonal patterns. This discovery could help predict future mutations and potentially pave the way for new therapeutics or vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalMethods of Microbiology and Molecular Biology·DateDec 8, 2021

Early psychosis program makes recovery a reality for young people: study

A new study by Orygen has shown that early psychosis programs delivered in Australian headspace centres significantly improved the clinical and functional outcomes of young people. At six months, both groups experienced considerable improvement in psychological distress and psychosis symptoms.

SourceOrygen·JournalAustralian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry·TypeContent analysis·DateDec 8, 2021

Baleens read like a whale's history book

Scientists have developed a novel way to analyze nitrogen isotopes in whale baleen to reconstruct the animal's diet, trophic level, and migration pattern. The method reveals annual migration patterns between Arctic and North Atlantic oceans, providing insights into threatened population migration pathways.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 8, 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.

Imagining future guilt helps athletes turn away from doping - study

Researchers discovered that appealing to athletes' sense of 'future guilt' through psychological intervention was a more powerful initial reaction than education programmes highlighting the risks of doping. The study also found that receiving useful information about doping strengthened athletes' confidence to resist temptation.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2021

Otago research could inform future cannabis legalisation policies

A University of Otago study surveyed 529 students to investigate factors influencing the switch from illicit to lawful cannabis sources. The main facilitator identified was perceived safety, with 63% of respondents citing this as a primary reason for sourcing cannabis through legal channels.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPreventive Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateDec 8, 2021