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Science News Archive December 2021 - Page 8


Page 8 of 33

Identifying fake voice recordings

A new study has generated a massive dataset of artificial voice recordings, revealing subtle differences in high frequencies between real and fake files. The researchers developed algorithms that can distinguish between deepfakes and real speech, providing a starting point for other researchers to improve detection methods.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateDec 20, 2021

Policy analyses severely underestimate impact of air pollution on racial minorities

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University estimates that current regulatory analyses of air pollution significantly understate mortality costs among racial minorities. The study found that using race- and ethnicity-specific data increases premature mortality estimates related to PM2.5 from pollution exposure, with a $100 billion annual...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·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.

Safer, newer blood thinners are under-prescribed for elderly and at-risk patients

A new study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that frail patients with atrial fibrillation are under-prescribed for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), a safer alternative to traditional warfarin treatment. Despite needing DOACs most, these patients are less likely to receive them than non-frail patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

Establishing an elemental structure that facilitates high-intensity broadband spin waves

A research team at Toyohashi University of Technology demonstrates a new substrate structure that enables the excitation and detection of high-intensity broadband spin waves, even when miniaturized. The YIG-on-metal (YOM) structure achieves broader frequency bandwidth and higher intensity than conventional electrode structures.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalJournal of Physics D Applied Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021

Ostrich eggshell beads reveal 50,000-year-old social network across Africa

Researchers have uncovered a 50,000-year-old social network spanning eastern and southern Africa, driven by changing rainfall patterns and climate change. The study, using ostrich eggshell beads, found nearly identical bead characteristics between 50,000 and 33,000 years ago, indicating a long-distance connection.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature·DateDec 20, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Desert shrubs cranked up water use efficiency to survive a megadrought. It may not be enough.

In a new study, desert shrubs in the Southwest have increased their water use efficiency at unprecedented rates to survive a decades-long megadrought. The study found that despite this heroic increase, shrubs may not be adapting quickly enough to long-term drying trends in the West.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 20, 2021

Digital silver lining seen in failed COVID-19 drug trial

A clinical trial found that remote monitoring of medication's potential arrhythmic side effects is feasible and safe for patients with mild COVID-19. The study used handheld devices to transmit digital ECGs, suggesting a potential expansion of clinical research to broader populations and reducing participants' burdens.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 20, 2021

Microbe sneaks past tomato defense system, advances evolutionary battle

A new study reveals that Xanthomonas euvesicatoria has evolved to evade the immune system of tomato plants by changing a single amino acid in its flagellin proteins. This finding poses significant challenges for breeding disease-resistant tomato varieties, forcing farmers to rely on fungicides and copper treatments.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·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.

Traditional medicinal plant relieves malaria symptoms

Researchers from Ethiopia and Germany identified a traditional African medicinal plant that alleviates malaria symptoms in infected mice. The plant extract's active compound, anemonin, shows promise in treating the disease.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalMolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021

TGen helps develop analysis tool, leading to more-accurate evaluation of new brain tumor treatments and individual estimates of survival

A new nomogram tool helps predict patient-level survival probabilities, accounting for sex differences in glioblastoma. The study analyzed over 1,300 patients and recommends further research on biological mechanisms underlying these differences.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalJournal of Neuro-Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

Overwhelmed and undervalued: Pandemic highlights struggles faced by women physicians

A Simon Fraser University-led study highlights the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on women physicians, who bear the brunt of unpaid care work and emotional labor. The research emphasizes the need for improved support systems and recognition of women's contributions to address burnout and mental health challenges.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalCanadian Journal of Public Health·DateDec 20, 2021

Deadliest period in Earth’s history was also the stinkiest

A new UC Riverside-led study reveals that tiny microbes belching toxic gas helped cause and prolong the biggest mass extinction in Earth's history. The heat accelerated microbes' metabolisms, creating a deadly cycle of hydrogen sulfide production.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 20, 2021

Shellac for printed circuits

Scientists have created a versatile carbon-loaded shellac ink suitable for disposable printed electronics. The ink achieves high electrical conductivity while maintaining stability and biodegradability. Its practical applications include conductive tracks and sensor elements in sustainable devices.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalScientific Reports·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.

MIT engineers test an idea for a new hovering rover

The MIT team developed a levitating rover design using ion thrusters, capable of producing enough repulsive force to hover on the moon and larger asteroids. The concept uses tiny ion beams to charge up the vehicle and boost its natural surface charge.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Spacecraft and Rockets·DateDec 20, 2021

Dietary supplement use by individuals living with and beyond cancer

A study found that one in five cancer survivors mistakenly believed taking vitamins could reduce the risk of cancer return. Those who thought supplements reduced recurrence were three times more likely to take them. Healthcare professionals must advise patients on safe dietary supplement use.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·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.

mRNA vaccines highly effective at preventing death from COVID-19, less effective at preventing infection

Researchers found that mRNA vaccines were highly effective (86%) in preventing SARS-CoV-2-related deaths among vaccinated individuals, especially in the elderly population. However, vaccine effectiveness against infection was lower (69%) and decreased with increasing age and comorbidity burden.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·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.

Plant scientists find recipe for anti-cancer compound in herbs

Researchers at Purdue University have identified a new pathway for producing the anti-cancer compound thymohydroquinone, found in plants like thyme and oregano. By understanding this process, plant scientists can engineer plants to produce higher levels of beneficial compounds or synthesize them in microorganisms.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 20, 2021

Himalayan glaciers melting at ‘exceptional rate’

The study reveals Himalayan glaciers are shrinking far more rapidly than glaciers in other parts of the world, losing around 40% of their area and massive amounts of ice. The accelerating melting threatens the water supply of millions of people in Asia.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 20, 2021

‘Wonder material’ phosphorene nanoribbons live up to hype in first demonstration

Researchers have successfully incorporated phosphorene nanoribbons into new types of solar cells, achieving an efficiency above 21%, comparable to traditional silicon-based solar cells. The unique properties of PNRs, including improved hole mobility, enable the creation of high-performance optoelectronic devices.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 20, 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.

Shoots and roots respond differently to climate change

A new study reveals that climate change causes a mismatch between above- and belowground plant phenology, with woody plants responding more strongly to warming in their roots. This finding highlights the importance of plant root phenology and its impact on ecosystem functioning.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 20, 2021

Boundaries between work and family life disrupted by COVID-19 pandemic – Increased childcare responsibilities often shouldered by mothers

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted work-life boundaries, particularly for mothers, who took on more childcare responsibilities. Research in Finland found that mothers' flexibility was key to managing multiple roles, while the absence of support services highlighted gendered practices.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalGender Work and Organization·TypeSurvey·DateDec 20, 2021

Could life be making its own habitable environment in the clouds of Venus?

Scientists suggest that possible lifeforms in Venus' clouds are producing ammonia, which neutralizes sulfuric acid and increases the pH of the clouds. This process makes the environment more tolerable to live in, despite being extremely acidic. The study proposes a biological origin for the ammonia, rather than non-biological sources.

SourceCardiff University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 20, 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.

Alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic projected to cause more liver disease and deaths

A new study projects that increased alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic will result in 8,000 additional deaths from liver disease and 18,700 cases of liver failure by 2040. The researchers estimated a one-year increase in consumption to cause 100 additional deaths and 2,800 cases of liver failure by 2023.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalHepatology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 20, 2021

PPPL unravels a puzzle to speed the development of fusion energy

Researchers at PPPL develop an algorithm to solve the complex equation describing free electron motion in tokamaks, enabling accurate simulations and better control of plasma. This breakthrough provides a rigorous mathematical proof and expands the capabilities of the Computational Sciences Department.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalJournal of Computational Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021

How the female brain responds to genital touch

Research found the female genital field's location varies among women and is thicker with more frequent sex. The somatosensory cortex devotes space to detecting touch, and the region's structure alters in relation to use.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·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.

Researchers use smart technologies to reveal what impacts workers’ productivity the most

Study reveals that employees' performance is influenced by human attitudes, interactions, emotions, and environmental conditions. Smart tools like wearable sensors and smartphones were used to monitor workers' behavior, leading to a better understanding of individual, collaborative, and environmental factors affecting productivity.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalThe TQM Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021

School uniforms don’t improve child behavior, study finds

A new national study found that school uniforms have no effect on young students' behavior or attendance. However, students who attended schools with uniform requirements reported lower levels of 'school belonging'. The study's findings suggest that fashion and self-expression may play a role in students' sense of belonging.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

Wearable biosensors can help people with complex health conditions

A recent University of Waterloo study shows that wearable biosensors can provide insight into patterns of health-related behaviour and disease symptoms, enabling remote monitoring of people with complex health conditions. The study found that participants were willing to wear multi-sensor devices for extended periods, highlighting the ...

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Neurology·DateDec 20, 2021

Years later, restored wetlands remain a shadow of their old selves

Despite over 200 restored wetlands in Denmark, botanical diversity remains low, with only 9.5 species per four square meters found in the studied areas. High nutrient input from agriculture continues to affect plant species dispersal and immigration, making it a significant barrier to increased biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateDec 20, 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.

Study compares COVID-19 vaccines’ ability to stimulate immune protection against the coronavirus

The study found that two doses of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines produced higher antibody concentrations than a single dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine, with levels more than 10 times higher for recovered COVID-19 patients. The analysis also showed that the Moderna vaccine had the lowest risk for breakthrough infections.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateDec 20, 2021

Step forward in quest to develop living construction materials and beyond

University of Minnesota researchers create a self-healing concrete alternative using bacteria-engineered silica, offering potential for biomedical applications. The study provides a framework for designing novel engineered living materials with improved strength and responsiveness.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021

Sneezes, rain clouds and ink jets: NIST improves the ability of optical microscopes to measure the volume of microdroplets

Researchers at NIST developed new standards and calibrations for optical microscopes, enabling accurate measurement of microdroplet volumes smaller than 100 trillionths of a liter. They combined microscopy with gravimetry to verify results, linking their findings to fundamental constants of nature.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateDec 20, 2021

Affordable genome sequencing for pathogen analysis to help tackle global epidemics

The study developed a new strategy to sequence thousands of bacterial isolates with collaborators from economically-challenged countries, aiming to make genomic data more accessible. The 10,000 Salmonella genomes research consortium sequenced and analysed 10,000 Salmonella genomes from Africa and Latin America, strengthening global res...

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalGenome Biology·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.

Gum disease increases risk of other illness such as mental health and heart conditions, study finds

A University of Birmingham-led study found that patients with a recorded history of gum disease are at higher risk of developing mental ill-health (37%), autoimmune diseases (33%), cardiovascular disease (18%), and cardiometabolic disorders, particularly Type 2 diabetes (26%). The study used UK primary care data to explore the associat...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBMJ Open·DateDec 19, 2021

Understanding human-elephant conflict and vulnerability in the face of climate change

A new study investigates the impact of climate change on human-elephant conflict in Africa's Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. The research finds that households and communities have adaptive capacity to cope with these challenges, but institutions need to support effective risk mitigation strategies.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 19, 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.

The language of holography: Problems and hints for solving them

The article examines the inconsistencies in holography's language and its evolution across diverse communities. The pioneers created a useful and accurate language, but much of it has been lost over time. A layman can describe a hologram as a window that transforms light into a different wave, enabling viewing of a 3D image.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateDec 19, 2021

Drinking in Mexico by Whites and Hispanics on California’s Border

A new study by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation found that those living near the border, Hispanic, and regular drinkers are more prone to heavy drinking in Mexico. Exposure to riskier environments increases heavy drinking, alcohol intoxication, and related problems like aggression and injuries.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalJournal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 19, 2021

Using videos and farmer-to-farmer learning to make agriculture more sustainable

A study by Göttingen University found that training methods combining farmer-to-farmer learning with educational videos significantly increased the use of productive practices among smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. This approach also promoted informal information transfer and improved adoption of complex technologies.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalThe World Bank Economic Review·TypeSurvey·DateDec 19, 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.

New biosensors measure toxic drugs in cancer, arthritis, and organ transplant patients

Researchers have developed new designer biosensors that can accurately measure immunosuppressant drugs and anticancer drugs using colour or electrical responses. The biosensors could enable sophisticated tests on cheaper lab equipment and point-of-care devices, potentially leading to faster diagnosis and treatment.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2021

Medicinal cannabis oil found effective for treating autism

Researchers at Tel Aviv University successfully treated autism in animal models with medical cannabis oil, improving behavioral and biochemical parameters. The treatment showed significant improvement in compulsive and anxious behaviors, and a decrease in the concentration of the arousing neurotransmitter glutamate.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateDec 19, 2021