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Science News Archive December 2021 - Page 9


Page 9 of 33

COVID-19 lockdowns hurt women more than men

A survey of 579 adults with chronic pain in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland found that COVID-19 lockdowns worsened pain severity in women, particularly due to increased caregiving responsibilities and emotional response. The study highlights the need for targeted pain management interventions specifically designed for women.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·JournalEuropean Journal of Anaesthesiology·DateDec 18, 2021

Earthquake depth impacts potential tsunami threat

Researchers discovered a connection between earthquake characteristics and tsunami size, finding that shallow rupture can produce larger tsunamis. This study suggests reevaluating the use of earthquake magnitude in estimating tsunami threats.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 17, 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.

A more targeted therapy to treat inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered that targeting the TNFR1 receptor may be a more effective approach to treating inflammatory bowel disease. By selectively blocking TNFR1, they found significant benefits in mice with Crohn's-like ileitis, suggesting this approach could offer a new opportunity for healing.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Crohn s and Colitis·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2021

Testosterone drives the dark side of meerkat success

In meerkat societies, testosterone-driven aggression enables cooperative breeding by creating a hierarchy where subordinates help raise the matriarch's pups. Researchers found that matriarchs' high testosterone levels drive their aggressive behavior, which maintains group structure.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateDec 17, 2021

Major US electric utility companies may reduce power sector emissions by one-third, if they stick with their climate pledges

A recent study found that major US electric utility companies' voluntary climate pledges could lower net emissions by roughly 560 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent, an amount equal to one-third of 2018 US power sector emissions. This reduction is on top of existing policies and could play a vital role in climate change mitigation.

SourceCell Press·JournalOne Earth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 17, 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.

Gene mutation leads to epileptic encephalopathy symptoms, neuron death in mice

Researchers found that a genetic mutation associated with severe congenital epilepsy also leads to neural degeneration, inflammation and behavioral symptoms in mice. The study suggests the mutation as a potential target for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2021

Selective separation could help alleviate critical metals shortage

Researchers at MIT developed a selective separation process using sulfidation to target rare metals like cobalt in lithium-ion batteries. The approach reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional liquid-based separation methods.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateDec 17, 2021

Inequities in use of diabetes medications

A study of 1.1 million patients with type 2 diabetes found disparities in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists by racial and ethnic groups, as well as by sex and socioeconomic status. The findings highlight concerns about unequal access to effective diabetes care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateDec 17, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Visuals increase attention; now science explains why

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio discovered that norepinephrine release in the visual cortex is tied to processing of imagery and cells' activation. This local regulation enhances sensory-specific attention and may represent a mechanism to enhance focus.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2021

Pioneering new technique to barcode cells

Scientists have developed a pioneering new technique to barcode individual cells more accurately and efficiently. The method combines artificial intelligence with microfluidics, allowing for real-time analysis of single cells and enabling the efficient sorting and counting of cells.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateDec 17, 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.

Well insured: Forests with many tree species grow more consistently

Research found that forests with diverse tree species exhibit higher growth stability and biomass production under fluctuating climate conditions. This is due to the diversity of species characteristics, such as asynchrony in growth patterns and drought-tolerance strategies, which counterbalance negative impacts of extreme weather events.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateDec 17, 2021

General anaesthesia impacts brain functioning less than other patient risk factors, data spanning 12 years suggests

A Dutch study of over 1,800 adults found that repeated general anaesthetics have little impact on long-term cognitive decline compared to patient factors such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, smoking, and educational level. Cognitive decline was more strongly linked to these factors than to the number of surgeries under general...

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·JournalEuropean Journal of Anaesthesiology·DateDec 17, 2021

AI points the way to better doctor-patient communication

Researchers analyzed hundreds of thousands of secure email messages between doctors and patients to find that most doctors use language too complex for their patients' low health literacy. Effective communication can improve patient outcomes by tailoring electronic messages to match the complexity of the patient's language.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 17, 2021

ETRI protects the safety of citizens with Visual AI

A Korean research team developed a technology for detecting humans lying on the road in real-time using Visual AI 'DeepView'. This technology can prevent safety accidents and respond promptly to emergencies. DeepView recognizes human behavior by analyzing detailed joint points and postures, increasing accuracy and detection time.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·DateDec 17, 2021

Lung cancer death decline associated with screening, earlier diagnosis, and surgery

A recent study found that a substantial decline in lung cancer deaths is associated with earlier diagnosis of lung cancer through increased screening via computed tomography (CT) and follow-up scans. This approach can lead to surgical interventions, which can often be curative for precancerous nodules.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 17, 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.

A novel model helps to tell risk of high blood pressure in early stage

Researchers from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science developed a novel model to assess hypertension risk based on simple risk factors. The model achieved an AUC of 0.92, outperforming traditional methods, and identified top risk factors including Body Mass Index, age, and family history.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateDec 17, 2021

h-BN/NiS2/NiS nanocatalysts for removing rhodamine B and Cr(VI) in wastewater

The h-BN/NiS2/NiS nanocatalyst exhibits high photocatalytic performance for removing Cr(VI) and rhodamine B from wastewater, with a synergistic effect enhancing its activity and stability. The composite material displays uniform dispersion of NiS2/NiS nanocrystals, increased specific surface area, and enhanced light absorption.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2021

Unfolding the blindness proteins through fly eyes

Scientists have identified a crucial mechanism for Rhodopsin production in fruit flies, which may lead to a better understanding of retinitis pigmentosa and vision loss. The study reveals that the EMC protein complex is essential for the proper folding and insertion of Xport-A, a key chaperone of Rhodopsin.

SourceInstituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa ITQB NOVA·JournalEMBO Reports·DateDec 17, 2021

How populists’ election results lead to far-right demonstrations

A study by Dr. Felix Hagemeister found a significant link between right-wing populist party victories and an increase in far-right protests, particularly in areas with relatively liberal attitudes.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalEuropean Journal of Political Economy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 17, 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.

Mirror-image peptides form ‘rippled sheet’ structure predicted in 1953

A team of researchers at UC Santa Cruz has created an unusual protein structure known as a ‘rippled beta sheet’ by mixing mirror-image peptides. The study used x-ray crystallography to obtain images of the structure, which closely matches predictions made in 1953 by Linus Pauling and Robert Corey.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2021

Archaeology: The smoke that lingers

Researchers found evidence of lignite smoke inhalation in Bronze Age dental calculus, revealing its early use in kilns. This discovery suggests the Mycenaean Greeks produced high-quality ceramic vessels and bronzes on an industrial scale, with systematic lignite use enabling mass production.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 17, 2021

After thousands of years, an iconic whale confronts a new enemy

A recent study reveals that narwhals are highly affected by noise pollution from ships and seismic airgun pulses, triggering stress and altering their behavior. Researchers hope that better management of noise pollution will protect these unique Arctic animals.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalBiology Letters·DateDec 17, 2021

Perovskite solar cell with ultra-long stability

Researchers from Forschungszentrum Jülich have developed a perovskite solar cell with exceptional stability, retaining 99% of its initial efficiency after 1450 hours of operation. The new design features a double-layer polymer structure that protects the contact point and ensures stable conductivity.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2021

Pain and anxiety impact breathing on a cellular level

A Salk Institute team has uncovered a neural network in the brain that connects breathing rhythm with feelings of pain and fear. This discovery could lead to the development of an analgesic that prevents opioid-induced respiratory depression, a major cause of overdose deaths.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateDec 17, 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.

Professor Li Faxin’s group develops world's first DMA for hard materials

The Li Faxin Research Group at Peking University has developed the world's first dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) suitable for hard materials. This instrument measures Young's modulus, shear modulus, and internal friction under variable temperature conditions, offering accurate and quick analysis of material properties.

SourcePeking University·JournalScripta Materialia·DateDec 17, 2021

Redrawing the lines: Growing inexpensive, high-quality iron-based superconductors

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a scalable method to produce high-temperature superconductors with artificial pinning centers, improving their properties. The technique, known as grain boundary engineering, can help develop stronger, inexpensive, and high operating temperature superconductors.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNPG Asia Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2021

New autism marker discovered in kids

Scientists have discovered a brain protein, CNTNAP2, that quiets overactive brain cells and is at abnormally low levels in children with autism. The protein can be detected in cerebrospinal fluid, making it a potential biomarker for diagnosing autism and treating epilepsy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2021

Sauropod dinosaurs were restricted to warmer regions of Earth

Sauropod dinosaurs were restricted to warmer, drier habitats than other dinosaur types, which could thrive in Earth's polar regions. The researchers found that sauropods' range was more limited during colder periods, suggesting a unique physiology closer to being 'cold-blooded'.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 17, 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.

Physicians over-relying on a commonly used laboratory test can miss liver cirrhosis

Research from MUSC suggests that physicians should be cautious when using laboratory tests to diagnose alcoholic cirrhosis due to false negative results. Patients with advanced liver disease often show subtle signs and symptoms in the early stages of cirrhosis.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalThe American Journal of the Medical Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 17, 2021

Rollercoaster of emotions: Exploring emotions with virtual reality

A recent study at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences used virtual reality to simulate emotionally engaging situations, allowing researchers to measure brain activity and find a correlation between alpha oscillations and emotional arousal. This discovery has implications for psychological therapy and treatment.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2021

Research breakthrough could see HIV drugs used to treat low-grade brain tumours

Researchers have discovered that HIV drugs may be effective in treating low-grade brain tumours, specifically meningioma and acoustic neuroma. High levels of HERV-K proteins were found to stimulate the growth of these tumours, and targeted drugs have been identified to reduce their growth.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalCancer Research·TypeObservational study·DateDec 17, 2021

Unveiling substructures at the edge of the Galaxy

An international team of astronomers has created a new map of the Milky Way's outer disc, showing remains of tidal arms excited from interactions with satellite galaxies in the distant past. The map reveals numerous previously unknown filamentary structures at the edge of the disc.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 17, 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.

Ocean acidification and warming disrupts fish shoals

Researchers found that ocean acidification and global warming alter fish behavior in groups, affecting their ability to acquire food and evade predators. This disruption could lead to species extinction as tropical fish struggle in new temperate areas.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 17, 2021

In need of new reproductive cells? This marine worm shows a way

Researchers have discovered that marine worms must develop a certain number of body segments before forming their original reproductive cells. This finding could have major implications for human stem-cell research and infertility treatments.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalJournal of Experimental Zoology Part B Molecular and Developmental Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2021

In last 15 years, deforestation made outdoor work unsafe for millions

Researchers estimate that people living in deforested locations have lost nearly 5 million hours of safe work time due to increased local temperatures, with at least 2.8 million people affected by heavy physical labor. Deforestation accelerates heat exposure and increases the risk of heat-related illnesses.

SourceCell Press·JournalOne Earth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 17, 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.

Understanding cobalt’s human cost

Researchers studying cobalt mining in the DRC found associations with violence, substance abuse, and health challenges. The study highlights the need for social life cycle assessments to understand emerging technologies' impact on human well-being.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalOne Earth·TypeCase study·DateDec 17, 2021

California spotted owls benefit from forest restoration

Forest restoration reduces severe fire risk by half, safeguarding California spotted owl habitats. This study suggests that targeted forest management can mitigate climate change impacts on species conservation.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Rocky Mountain Research Station·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 17, 2021

Voluntary pledges could cut utility GHG emissions by a third

A study analyzing major US electric utility pledges suggests that if implemented, these reductions could lower power sector emissions by 30% by 2050. However, about one-seventh of the pledged cuts are redundant and would be required under existing state regulations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalOne Earth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 17, 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.

Smooth hydrophobic coatings may be more effective for aircraft de-icing

The study found that plate wettability had no impact on the performance of anti-icing fluids, contradicting previous research. Smooth hydrophobic coatings were shown to prevent ice accretion and reduce water adhesion.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalInternational Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer·DateDec 17, 2021

Loneliness among emerging adults increased slightly

A recent study found that loneliness among emerging adults (18-29 years old) has increased by about 0.56 standard deviations on the UCLA Loneliness Scale over a 43-year period. This slight increase is considered a warning signal for the need to design prevention and intervention measures against loneliness.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPsychological Bulletin·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 17, 2021

Using ergonomics to reduce pain from technology use

A Texas A&M University study suggests that ergonomic interventions can reduce pain from technology use, particularly among college students. The researchers found that posture and stress are key factors in pain reporting, rather than device type.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeNews article·DateDec 17, 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.

Forests with rich tree species grow more consistently

Researchers found that species-rich forests produce more wood and are less affected by extreme weather conditions. The main reason for this stability is the diversity of functional characteristics among tree species, which helps counterbalance fluctuations in climate.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2021

Production of electricity on the Moon is in the hands of Estonians

Researchers at TalTech in Estonia have developed monograin layer solar cell technology that can be used to generate electricity on the Moon. The technology uses pyrite, a mineral found in lunar regolith, and has the potential to provide sustainable power for future lunar outposts.

SourceEstonian Research Council·TypeNews article·DateDec 17, 2021

An element of surprise is the recipe for creating false memories

A team of researchers at Duke University found that surprise can disrupt the stability of patterns in the hippocampus, leading to more false memories. This study has implications for understanding learning and memory, as well as how people recall events and faces.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 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.