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Science News Archive December 2021 - Page 7


Page 7 of 33

Children, as well as adults, are more lenient towards “lies of omission”

Research by Kobe University's Graduate School of Human Development and Environment found that children and adults alike show a tendency to morally judge lies of omission more leniently than lies of commission. This study highlights the importance of considering 'lies of omission' in guidance to improve children's morality.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021

Genes are switched on in the human embryo from the get-go

Researchers found hundreds of genes awaken in human one-cell embryos, remaining active until the four-to-eight cell stage. The study's findings could illuminate events that initiate cancer and provide new diagnostic opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 21, 2021

A new platform for controlled design of printed electronics with 2D materials

Researchers have developed a new platform to design printed electronics with 2D materials, enabling the creation of high-performance flexible devices. The study identified key properties that need to be tweaked to control electronic charge transport, opening up possibilities for wearable devices, bio-implantable electronics and more.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Electronics·DateDec 21, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Form, function and a deadly fungus

Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed a new genetic tool to study Candida auris, revealing key factors behind its shape-shifting abilities and drug resistance. The study could aid in understanding the fungus's transmission on hospital surfaces.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021

The hitchhiker’s guide to the soil

Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism of viral transport by bacterial shuttles traveling along fungal hyphae. This process allows bacteria to benefit from taking viruses on their conquest of new habitats. The study also highlights the potential influence of viruses on nutrient and carbon cycles in soil ecosystems.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalThe ISME Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021

Alternative statistical method could improve clinical trials

Researchers have developed a new statistical toolkit using the fragility index to determine if clinical trial results are strong and reliable. The new method has been shown to be more flexible than previous versions, allowing researchers to test assumptions and consider implications of a wider range of outcomes.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2021

New Penn collaboratory aims to improve care for older adults

The Penn Artificial Intelligence and Technology Collaboratory for Healthy Aging (PennAITech) aims to explore the use of artificial intelligence to improve in-home care for older adults and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. The collaboratory will leverage expertise in AI, consumer informatics, and aging from various departments acro...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·DateDec 20, 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.

Why do people use cannabis during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

A study published in CMAJ found that people using cannabis during pregnancy and lactation do so to manage symptoms such as nausea and mental health problems. The motivations for use change when they become pregnant, with some stopping due to fear or stigma, while others continue to use it for symptom management.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeSurvey·DateDec 20, 2021

Consciousness in humans, animals and artificial intelligence

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum propose a new platform theory of consciousness, which links conscious states to complex cognitive operations. The model suggests that consciousness arises from the interaction of different neuronal networks and is essential for adaptive behavior in humans, animals, and artificial intelligence.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBehavioural Brain Research·DateDec 20, 2021

Researchers find key to drivers of kidney disease

Researchers have identified a gene that helps the kidney resist damage, which has major implications for Indigenous people with high rates of kidney disease. The discovery reveals that a mutation in the VANGL1 gene can cause the development of kidney disease and allows the immune system to attack the kidney.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateDec 20, 2021

Childhood food insecurity, adolescent mental health, functioning

A study of 2,000 Canadian children found a strong association between childhood food insecurity and poorer mental health and social functioning at age 15. Researchers suggest that addressing food insecurity in childhood may have long-term benefits for adolescents' mental well-being.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 20, 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.

Can a dangerous microbe offer a new way to silence pain?

A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that a deadly anthrax toxin can block multiple types of pain in mice by altering signaling in pain-sensing neurons. This approach offers a novel precision-targeted pain treatment strategy without the widespread systemic effects of current pain-relief drugs.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021

Family members of children with life-threatening conditions 50% to 70% more likely than peers to suffer mental, physical issues

A new study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that family members of children with life-threatening conditions are 50-70% more likely to experience mental and physical health issues. The study examined four types of life-threatening conditions and found mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers to be at higher risk.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

Gains in HPV vaccination coverage after interventions sustainable for several years

A new study found that multi-level interventions promoting staff training and early HPV vaccination starting at age 11 can sustain on-time vaccinations over several years. These findings suggest that targeted public health investments can improve vaccination rates, saving lives from HPV-related cancers.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Lower Genital Tract Disease·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

UTEP to advance cybersecurity talent pipeline with $4M grant

The University of Texas at El Paso has received a $4 million grant from the National Science Foundation and Department of Homeland Security to support highly qualified computer science students. The program aims to enhance the regional and national cybersecurity workforce with an emphasis on Hispanic and female students.

SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·DateDec 20, 2021

Racial discrimination may affect whether people respond to email

Researchers found that Americans were less likely to respond to an email survey from a person believed to be Black than from a person believed to be white. The study, which analyzed responses from over 250,000 people, suggests that racial bias can influence everyday communication behaviors.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 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.

Science fiction revisited: Ramjet propulsion

Calculations at TU Wien show that Ramjet propulsion, which involves capturing protons and using them for a nuclear fusion reactor, cannot work as proposed. The analysis revealed huge dimensions required to achieve even minimal thrust, making it impossible for current technology to achieve.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalActa Astronautica·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

Is it possible to detect and assess neuromuscular functions via wearable, soft yet durable strain sensors?

A team of researchers developed a new graphene-based strain sensor that can detect and assess subtle and fast neuromuscular functions, enabling the monitoring of movement disorders such as Parkinson's and tremors. The sensors showed high sensitivity and consistency with traditional electromyography (EMG) techniques.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateDec 20, 2021

If you need help at work, ditch email, text and ask in person

A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that asking in person for help yields the highest response rate of a yes, surpassing video calls and emails. To achieve this optimal outcome, it's recommended to ditch email, text, and opt for video or phone calls instead.

SourceCornell University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateDec 20, 2021

Water nanoproperties as a key factor for sanitation

Water exhibits counterintuitive properties when confined to nanometer-size pores, opening avenues for decontamination and crystallization control. The study reveals water's uniqueness compared to other liquids under similar subnanometric confinement.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalACS Nano·DateDec 20, 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.

MIT engineers produce the world’s longest flexible fiber battery

Researchers have created a rechargeable lithium-ion battery in an ultra-long fiber that can be woven into fabrics, enabling self-contained wearable electronic devices. The 140-meter long fiber battery demonstrates the potential for practical applications in various fields, including communications, sensing, and computational devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMaterials Today·DateDec 20, 2021

UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center study details chromosome-level changes that allow melanomas to develop drug resistance

Researchers developed a model of drug resistance in melanoma, revealing mechanisms involving extrachromosomal DNA amplifications and intrachromosomal chromosomal rearrangements. The study found that different forms of DNA offer 'fitness' advantages to tumor cells under varying therapeutic conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021

An aptasensor has been designed to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus in saliva

A new aptasensor has been designed to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus in saliva samples, offering higher sensitivity than antigen-based sensors. The sensor can detect concentrations as low as 0.5 nanomolars and works quickly and cheaply.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 20, 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.

Prescribe fewer antidepressants, and for shorter periods, doctors advised

A review suggests that doctors should prescribe fewer antidepressants and for shorter periods due to the potential severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms. The use of antidepressants is also associated with a range of side effects, but clinical trial data often don't assess outcomes that matter most to patients.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalDrug and Therapeutics Bulletin·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 20, 2021

Rise of alternative data could be a boon, not a bust, for hedge funds, says study

Alternative data can improve market performance by encouraging firms to bring in more skilled people to extract unique insights. As funds acquire these skills, they can process more alternative data at a lower cost, leading to stronger performance for both the fund and the market.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalManagement Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 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.

Study: 'Photosynthetic' algae can survive the dark

Researchers at Bigelow Laboratory found that some coccolithophore species can use organic compounds as carbon sources, allowing them to thrive in dark conditions. This discovery has significant implications for understanding global ocean processes and the role of algae in the carbon cycle.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalNew Phytologist·DateDec 20, 2021

Millipedes ‘as big as cars’ once roamed Northern England, fossil find reveals

A massive fossil of the giant millipede Arthropleura has been discovered in Northumberland, England, revealing it was up to 2.7 meters long and weighed 50 kilograms. The find sheds new light on the animal's habitat and evolution, suggesting it preferred open woodland habitats near the coast.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of the Geological Society·TypeObservational study·DateDec 20, 2021

Fetal MRI is a valuable adjunct to ultrasound in detecting abnormal extracardiac development in fetuses with congenital heart defects

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that fetal MRI can detect at least one other abnormality in almost 57% of fetuses with heart defects. Additionally, approximately a quarter of all fetuses had structural brain abnormalities, regardless of the severity of the heart defect.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 20, 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.

Moments of silence point the way towards better superconductors

Scientists at Aalto University found that Cooper pairs break in bursts with long periods of silence, and the rate of these events decreases over time. This discovery provides important clues about the source of energy that breaks Cooper pairs and could lead to improvements in superconductor devices.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021

Exposure of pre-adolescent children to electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile devices is not associated with sleep disturbances

A new study by ISGlobal found no association between overall mobile device exposure and sleep disturbances in pre-adolescents, but suggested an effect on sleep when exposure occurs in the evening. The study of over 1,500 children aged 9-12 years old found that those making phone calls in the evening had reduced sleep time.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateDec 20, 2021

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: the role of the circular RNA

Researchers have identified a new molecular component of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) pathological aggregates, a circular RNA called circ-Hdgfrp3. This circular RNA plays a crucial role in the formation and progression of ALS, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021

Diabetes drug from the group of SGLT2 inhibitors normalizes insulin action in the brain

Researchers found that SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin can improve insulin sensitivity in the brain, leading to better glucose control and reduced liver fat content. This breakthrough discovery positions SGLT2 inhibitors as a potential treatment for insulin resistance in the brain.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 20, 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.

Rewilding the Arctic with mammals likely to be ineffective in slowing climate change impact

A new study published in PNAS found that large mammals died out at the end of the last ice age due to a warming climate and vegetation expansion. Rewilding efforts with animals like bison and horses are unlikely to reverse this trend, as climate change remains the primary driver of ecosystem changes.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

Using photoacoustic imaging to look deep into the body

Researchers developed a new photoacoustic imaging technique to visualize deep tissues using a contrast agent based on surfactant-stripped semiconducting polymer micelles. The method achieved the deepest penetration depth among PA preclinical studies, exceeding 5.8cm in tissue thickness.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalSmall·DateDec 20, 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.

New muscle layer discovered on the jaw

A new muscle layer has been discovered on the jaw, contradicting traditional anatomy descriptions. The masseter muscle was found to have an additional third layer, which is involved in stabilizing the lower jaw and pulling it backwards.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalAnnals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger·DateDec 20, 2021

Abundance of life discovered beneath an Antarctic ice shelf

A recent study has uncovered an extraordinary abundance of marine life beneath the Antarctic ice shelf, defying expectations. The discovery of 77 species, including bryozoans and serpulid worms, reveals a thriving ecosystem that has existed for nearly 6,000 years.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeSurvey·DateDec 20, 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.

How regular exercise can protect against fatty liver associated diseases

Exercise modifies the adaptation of the liver to increased energy intake, regulating enzymes for glucose and fructose degradation. Regular physical activity also improves glucose control and reduces fat storage in the liver, offering a comprehensive insight into molecular adaptations to high-energy diets.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalMolecular Metabolism·DateDec 20, 2021

Fast and durable batteries to come: A promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries that can enable extremely fast charging. The material, made from a bio-based polymer, showed enhanced lithium-ion kinetics and durability, retaining up to 90% of its capacity after 3,000 charge-discharge...

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalChemical Communications·DateDec 20, 2021

Space and time: how to better understand biological processes in plants

A new research framework is needed to fully understand plant biology, integrating multiple approaches and levels of organization. By incorporating spatiotemporal context, scientists can better comprehend the complexities of plant life and develop more effective solutions for conservation and sustainability.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalTrends in Plant Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 20, 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.

3D printed nanomagnets unveil a world of patterns in the magnetic field

Researchers created 3D DNA-like structures using advanced 3D printing and microscopy, discovering nanoscale topological textures in the magnetic field. This breakthrough enables control over magnetic forces on the nanoscale, promising new possibilities for particle trapping, imaging techniques, and smart materials.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 20, 2021

CHOP researchers publish most comprehensive clinical description of WAGR syndrome to date

Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified several new clinical considerations in WAGR syndrome, including kidney issues, cardiometabolic health problems, and variations in eye issues. The study provides guidance for proper diagnosis, management, and potential treatment options, highlighting the need for individual...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalFrontiers in Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

People with high-risk prediabetes benefit from intensive lifestyle intervention

Individuals with high-risk prediabetes significantly improved their blood glucose levels through more exercise and healthy eating behavior, while those at low risk showed limited benefits from conventional lifestyle intervention. The study's findings support personalized interventions tailored to each patient's risk profile for effecti...

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalDiabetes·DateDec 20, 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.

First genetic risk factors identified for sudden unexplained death in children after age 1

A new study found that changes in specific genes contribute to the roughly 400 sudden unexplained deaths in children aged one year and older. Nearly 9% of the analyzed DNA codes had genetic changes in genes regulating calcium function, which can cause arrhythmias and seizures, increasing the risk of sudden death.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021