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Science News Archive December 2021 - Page 32


Page 32 of 33
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.

Which COVID-19 vaccine works better?

The study found that the Moderna vaccine offered a lower risk of documented infection (21% reduced), symptomatic COVID-19 (44% reduced), hospitalization (55% reduced), ICU admission (10% reduced), and death (2% reduced) compared to the Pfizer vaccine. The results suggest that either vaccine is effective, but Moderna may be slightly mor...

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeNews article·DateDec 1, 2021

Changing the identity of cancer cells to eliminate them

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a new approach to triggering differentiation in AML cells, potentially treating a wider range of patients. By inhibiting an enzyme that blocks cellular differentiation, AML cells can lose aggressive growth traits and mature into new cell types.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCancer Discovery·DateDec 1, 2021

Patient preferences for telehealth post–COVID-19

A survey of 2,100 adults found that patients are willing to use video visits for medical care after COVID-19, but prefer in-person care. Those who preferred video visits were more sensitive to out-of-pocket costs.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 1, 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.

Drug compound makes pancreatic cancer cells more vulnerable to chemo

Researchers have identified a drug compound that makes pancreatic cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy, reducing tumor size by about half and improving survival rates. The combination of ATI-450 with chemotherapy also mitigates side effects, including nausea and fatigue, in mice with human pancreatic cancer cells.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 1, 2021

Study links high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease to plastics

A UC Riverside-led study found that dicyclohexyl phthalate, a common plasticizer, increases plasma cholesterol levels by binding to the pregnane X receptor, or PXR. The study suggests that PXR activation contributes to the harmful effects of plastic-associated chemicals on cardiovascular health.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021

Land availability and wealth requirements shape family systems and economic structures

A new mathematical model suggests that environmental pressures, particularly land availability and wealth requirements, influence the development of family systems worldwide. The researchers found four primary family system types: pairs of extended or nuclear families with equal or biased wealth inheritance.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 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.

Financial incentives help pregnant women to quit smoking

A French trial found that financial incentives improved pregnancy outcomes for smokers, with a 16% increase in continuous abstinence rate compared to no vouchers. Participants who received progressively higher financial rewards had lower nicotine withdrawal symptoms and fewer relapses.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2021

Stemming the tide of invasive weeds with world-first herbicide capsules

Researchers have developed a novel herbicide delivery system using capsules that drill into invasive weeds, providing a safer and more effective alternative to traditional methods. The system has shown promising results in reducing herbicide usage by 30% while maintaining effectiveness against various weed species.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPlants·DateDec 1, 2021

SWOG researchers identify group of breast cancer patients who can skip chemo

A large clinical trial has found that postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer and a 21-gene recurrence score of 25 or lower can safely skip chemotherapy. In contrast, premenopausal patients with positive nodes and low RS scores benefit from chemotherapy.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 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.

Unconventional T cells promote immunity to malaria

A new study reveals that gamma delta T cells play a critical role in promoting clinical protection against malaria. The unique T cell receptor on these cells enables them to recognize and tolerate Plasmodium falciparum parasite fragments, providing a vital component of an effective immune response.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 1, 2021

Research jointly led by HKUST and HKBU unlock biogeographical secrets of deep-sea limpets

A research team has unveiled four distinct habitat-linked genetic groups of deep-sea limpets in the Northwest Pacific, shedding light on their historical population divergence and contemporary gene flow. The study's findings have implications for marine biodiversity conservation and environmental management, providing a scientific basi...

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021

Food paradox answer shows how ocean life survives #ASA181

Ocean predators survive on small, scattered areas of food rather than average concentrations found in the water. Acoustic tools reveal dynamic layered maps of ocean life by interpreting echoes from sound pulses, providing insights into how animals adapt to find and exploit resources.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 1, 2021

Researchers develop model for treating HIV/AIDS, depression

A new study demonstrates the effectiveness of training nurses to deliver cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people with depression and uncontrolled HIV adhere to their medication regimen. Patients who completed CBT-AD sessions were more than 2.5 times more likely to achieve undetectable viral loads.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of the International AIDS Society·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2021

Reconstructable uterus-derived materials help uterine factor infertility

Researchers have created reconstructable uterus-derived materials (RUMs) to aid in the recovery of damaged uteruses. The materials, which can be formed into different states and shapes, prevent intrauterine adhesion and promote angiogenesis, endometrial regeneration, and muscle collagen rebuilding.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 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.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and artificial intelligence (AI) can detect early signs of tumor cell death after novel therapy

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a method to detect early signs of tumor cell death using MRI and AI, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of cancer treatment. This approach has shown promise in detecting treatment-responsive regions in mouse brain tumors and healthy human brains.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateDec 1, 2021

Machine learning reduces uncertainty in breast cancer diagnoses

A Michigan Tech-developed machine learning model uses probability to classify breast cancer shown in histopathology images and evaluate the uncertainty of its predictions. The model outperforms similar models and can measure uncertainty, promising time savings and referrals to human experts.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 1, 2021

New UniSA study helps keep kids safe online

A new UniSA study is helping protect children from online predators by investigating language and behaviors used to gain unacquainted children's trust. The research aims to deliver new linguistic indicators to monitor, identify, and apprehend suspects.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Why cannabis smells skunky

Researchers discovered a new family of prenylated volatile sulfur compounds responsible for the characteristic skunky smell of cannabis. The findings suggest these compounds could have medicinal properties and are being investigated further.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateDec 1, 2021

Beads of glass in meteorites help scientists piece together how solar system formed

Scientists have made new discoveries about the early solar system using meteorite glass beads. By analyzing the isotopic compositions of elements in these beads, researchers were able to determine that massive shockwaves passing through the nebula caused the extreme heating and cooling necessary for chondrule formation.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 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.

Lunar radar data uncovers new clues about moon’s ancient past

A team of scientists has discovered a thick layer of paleoregolith on the lunar surface, which could provide insight into the Moon's early asteroid impact and volcanic history. The findings suggest the paleoregolith formed much faster than previously estimated, with implications for understanding meteoric activity in the solar system.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 1, 2021

Stanford engineers create perching bird-like robot

Researchers developed a perching robot inspired by birds, called SNAG, which can fly around, catch objects, and land on different surfaces. The robot's design mimics the legs of a peregrine falcon, allowing it to absorb impact energy and convert it into grasping force.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Robotics·DateDec 1, 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.

COVID-19 mobile robot could detect and tackle social distancing breaches

A new COVID-19 mobile robot detects social distancing breaches in crowds and encourages people to move apart using a novel system that employs Deep Reinforcement Learning and Frozone algorithm. The robot also incorporates a thermal camera for contact-tracing efforts, ensuring privacy protection and de-identification.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 1, 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.

Climate extreme intensifies conflict between people and whales

New research explores how climate extremes affect the West Coast Dungeness crab fishery and its impact on whale conservation. The study recommends combining improved forecast systems, technological innovations, and understanding human behavior to reduce whale entanglements.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeCase study·DateDec 1, 2021

Research reveals new evidence that sugary beverage tax impacts are sustainable, effective

Two new studies published by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago show that sugar-sweetened beverages taxes are effective and sustainable in reducing consumption. The Seattle data analysis found a 59% tax pass-through rate, a 22% reduction in volume sold of taxed beverages, and a net 19% reduction in grams of sugar sold fr...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2021

Major life events influence level of physical activity, may negatively impact heart health

A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights how major life events, such as starting school or entering retirement, can negatively impact physical activity levels and heart health. The statement emphasizes the need for proactive measures to address this issue and provides guidance for healthcare professionals to pro...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateDec 1, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Unorthodox “exercise in a pill” could offer simple solution for at-risk patients

A team of Australian researchers has made significant breakthroughs in understanding the benefits of exercise on retinal health and function. By identifying unique molecular signals, they aim to develop a supplement that can harness these benefits for patients who are unable to engage in physical activity.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalClinical and Experimental Ophthalmology·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 1, 2021

From corals to humans, a shared trigger for sperm to get in motion

A new study reveals a shared molecular pathway governing sperm motility among corals, sea urchins, and humans. Researchers found that corals have a pH-sensing enzyme similar to one in human sperm, which signals when to swim.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021

Improving a different kind of mobile network

A novel dynamic event-triggered scheduling approach is proposed to solve the platooning control problem, demonstrating effective trade-off between performance and efficient communication. The researchers aim to further investigate resource-efficient control strategies to preserve satisfactory operational performance.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateDec 1, 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.

Which role models are best for STEM? Researchers offer recommendations in new analysis

A new analysis provides guidelines for deploying effective role models to encourage learning across diverse populations. The study suggests that features like perceived competence, similarity, and attainability of success are key to motivating students, while portraying extreme levels of role model competence can backfire.

SourceNew York University·JournalInternational Journal of STEM Education·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 1, 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.

Study finds parental stress as a contributing factor linking maternal depression to child anxiety and depressive symptoms

A secondary analysis found a bi-directional relationship between mother's mental health symptoms and child's mental health symptoms, with parental stress as the mediating factor. The study suggests that lowering parental stress is vital for families where mothers and children exhibit symptoms of anxiety and depression.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2021

Satellites to enable monitoring of CO2 emissions

Researchers have developed a model that can calculate individual countries' carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel burning using space observations. This could lead to more accurate national CO2 emission inventories, helping to achieve the Paris Agreement's 1.5-degree target and reduce global warming.

SourceLund University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateDec 1, 2021

Shining new light on elusive flying bats

An international research team developed a novel sampling method called 'bat point counts' to detect and count flying bats. The new technique showed that insect-eating bats are more common than previously thought in oil palm plantations, playing a significant role in suppressing insect pests.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021

Discovery points to the skin as ‘ground zero’ for allergic disease

Research by Malaghan Institute of Medical Research finds dendritic cells in the skin behave differently than counterparts elsewhere, playing a key role in allergy onset. Unique IL-13 signals may trigger constant immune responses, leading to allergic disease.

SourceMalaghan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021

Policy interventions could help farmers economically survive in vulnerable regions

Researchers found that without policy interventions, smallholder farmers in Nepal will lose a quarter of their incomes by 2050 due to climate change. However, providing farmers with financial tools like cash transfers and access to insurance can improve household income and reduce inequality.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 1, 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.

Moffitt researchers develop HER3-specific dendritic cell cancer vaccine

Moffitt researchers have developed a HER3-specific dendritic cell cancer vaccine that delays tumor growth and prolongs survival in mouse models. The vaccine targets the HER3 protein, which is involved in the growth and spread of many different cancer types.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Immunology Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021