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Science News for July 13, 2021


Survival for babies born with a birth defect - a "post-code lottery"

A study published in The Lancet found that survival rates for babies born with intestinal tract birth defects differ significantly across countries, with low-income countries facing a higher mortality rate. Improving antenatal diagnosis, surgical care, and perioperative care are key to increasing survival rates, the researchers say.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 13, 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.

Simulating microswimmers in nematic fluids

The study reveals that microswimmers propel themselves through nematic liquid crystals with non-random trajectories to minimize elastic energy. The speed of a microswimmer varies depending on whether it pushes or pulls the surrounding fluid, and becomes slower when pushing with a stronger force.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 13, 2021

Mechanical stimuli significantly influence organ growth

Researchers at TUM used organoids to investigate mechanical influences on organ growth, finding that collective cell movements deform collagen matrix, controlling further growth. This discovery provides a new model for simulating and investigating organ development.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Allocating COVID vaccines based on health and socioeconomic factors could cut mortality

A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that 43% of US COVID-19 mortality variability is linked to county-level socioeconomic indicators and health vulnerabilities. Allocating vaccines to these areas could minimize severe outcomes, particularly deaths. The research suggests a correlation between he...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 13, 2021

COVID-causing coronavirus following predictable mutational footsteps

Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln discovered that SARS-CoV-2 mutations occur in predictable locations, similar to its closest relatives. This finding helps inform predictions of how the virus will continue to evolve and could aid in developing effective vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalJournal of Virology·DateJul 13, 2021

Study reveals new aspects of gingivitis and body's response

Researchers identified three oral inflammation phenotypes: high, low, and slow responses. The 'slow' response was found in subjects with low clinical responses and demonstrated a delayed strong inflammatory response. A novel protective mechanism, utilizing neutrophils, was also discovered to save tissue and bone during inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Dentistry·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 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.

Decoding crop genetics with artificial intelligence

A team of scientists from Michigan State University is using artificial intelligence to analyze plant genomes and predict the functions of unknown genes. With a $1.4 million NSF grant, they aim to help farmers grow crops that can withstand drought and disease.

SourceMichigan State University·DateJul 13, 2021

Stopping illegal trade of Aussie lizards

Researchers found clear evidence of shingleback lizard poaching and smuggling for the exotic pet trade. The study highlights a major loophole in Australian legislation that is being exploited to export native live species internationally.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAnimal Conservation·DateJul 13, 2021

Language isolation affects health of Mexican Americans

A new study from the University of Georgia reveals that older Mexican Americans living in linguistically isolated neighborhoods face significant health risks, including higher mortality rates. The researchers found that language barriers hindered access to healthcare and social connections, leading to poorer health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalHealth Equity·DateJul 13, 2021

New evidence of menopause in killer whales

Researchers found menopause in two distinct killer whale ecotypes, with striking similarities between them. The study suggests that the evolutionary benefits of grandmothering may be a key factor in the development of menopause.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateJul 13, 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.

UTA researcher publishes study showing economic impacts of combating sea-level rise

A new study by UTA researchers shows that building seawalls along the San Francisco Bay shoreline could increase flooding and incur hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. The team's findings suggest that non-traditional approaches, like strategic flooding, can provide more sustainable solutions for coastal communities.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 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.

College of Business researcher provides framework for businesses using avatars

A UTA marketing expert has developed a framework for businesses to use digital avatars in customer service, citing studies that show 62% of online shoppers abandoned purchases due to lack of real-time support. The avatars can fill the void at a fraction of the cost of hiring human salespeople and service employees.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJul 13, 2021

USC study shows dire impacts downstream of Nile River dam

A new USC study forecasts significant water shortages downstream of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which could reduce Egypt's water supplies by over one-third. The research projects economic losses to agriculture reaching $51 billion, with potential unemployment of 24% and displacement of people.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 13, 2021

How well do consumers understand their dairy purchases?

A study of over 1,200 consumers found that many are unfamiliar with common dairy processing terms and perceive them as unnatural. Providing education about these terms improves understanding, leading to increased positive perception and purchases.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateJul 13, 2021

Cuts to local government funding in recent years cost lives, study finds

A new study found that decreases in local government funding over recent years probably contributed to declines in life expectancy in some areas of England. The research linked annual local government funding data with life expectancy and mortality data between 2013 and 2017, revealing a significant impact on the most deprived areas.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateJul 13, 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.

Infection prevention organizations say COVID-19 vaccines should be required for healthcare personnel

Infection prevention organizations recommend COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment for healthcare personnel. The vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective in preventing infection and reducing transmission, with benefits including protecting patients, healthcare personnel, and communities.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJul 13, 2021

Researchers resolve magnetic structures of different topological semimetals

Researchers have resolved magnetic structures of different topological semimetals using advanced techniques. For PrAlGe and DySb, the study reveals a uniaxial magnetic interaction in PrAlGe with antiferromagnetism and a field-induced tricritical phenomenon in DySb.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJul 13, 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.

US citizen migrant children in Mexico lacking adequate health insurance

Nearly 54% of US-born minor migrants in Mexico are underinsured, with limited access to quality care and financial protection. The study calls for transborder policies to address place-based inequities and recommends solutions such as reintegration policies and expedited dual-citizenship application processes

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 13, 2021

Higher-order topological superconductivity in monolayer Fe(Te,Se)

Researchers propose a new method to realize Majorana zero modes in monolayer Fe(Te,Se) using an in-plane magnetic field and electric gating. The study demonstrates that the material is a promising platform for topological quantum computation with scalability and electrical tunability.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJul 13, 2021

The rat's whiskers: multidisciplinary research reveals how we sense texture

Researchers have discovered that rat whiskers act like antennae to amplify tiny stick-slip motions caused by friction, enabling the brain to perceive surface textures. This breakthrough has far-reaching benefits for design of textured surfaces for visually impaired and robotic safety in low light environments.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 13, 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.

Clinic boosts transgender young people's mental health

A new clinic has significantly improved the mental health and well-being of transgender young people in Melbourne. The First Assessment Single Session Triage (FASST) clinic reduced initial wait times to just 10 months, resulting in lower levels of depression and anxiety.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 13, 2021

Oregon State researchers begin to unravel the mysteries of kombucha fermentation

Researchers have identified four main types of SCOBY microorganisms that contribute to kombucha fermentation, allowing brewers to narrow down variables and produce consistent flavors. The study, which used high-throughput DNA sequencing approaches, provides a comprehensive picture of SCOBY microbial community ecology.

SourceOregon State University·JournalMicroorganisms·DateJul 13, 2021

Study assesses the prevalence of mental illness during the pandemic among folks aged 50-80

A recent study assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among individuals aged 50-80 in São Paulo, Brazil, found that the prevalence of depression and anxiety remained relatively stable. The study, which involved over 2,000 participants, revealed a decrease in symptoms of both conditions during the pandemic period.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJul 13, 2021

Bacteria are key to vaginal health, UArizona health sciences researchers say

Researchers found that Veillonellaceae family members contribute to disease by altering inflammation and metabolism in the cervicovaginal region. The study also identified three specific bacteria species - V. atypica, V. montpellierensis, and M. micronuciformis - that increase inflammation and promote cell death.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·DateJul 13, 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.

Air pollution exposure linked to poor academics in childhood

Children exposed to air pollution may experience poor inhibitory control and academic skills in early adolescence, including spelling, reading comprehension, and math. Interventions targeting inhibitory control might improve outcomes.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJul 13, 2021

Mosquito-resistant clothing prevents bites in trials

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed bite-proof textile materials using a computational model, tested with live mosquitoes and volunteers. The resulting fabrics prevented 100% of mosquito bites in experiments.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInsects·DateJul 13, 2021

The user journey behind socially electric live event experience

Researchers outline a four-stage process to facilitate pleasurable social atmospheres, including preparation, activation, unification, and memory storage. The study highlights the importance of cooperation between firms and consumers in creating successful social atmospheres.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJul 13, 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.

Opening the gate to the next generation of information processing

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have devised a unique means of achieving effective gate operation with electromagnonics. They can rapidly switch between magnonic and photonic states over a period shorter than the magnon or photon lifetimes, enabling real-time control of information transfer.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 13, 2021

5D imaging of ultrafast phenomena

Researchers have developed a novel spectral-volumetric compressed ultrafast photography system that captures 5D information in a single snapshot. This breakthrough imaging technique enables new insights into ultrafast phenomena in physics and biochemistry.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJul 13, 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.

Researchers improve lab constraint on exotic spin interaction

The study improves laboratory constraints on exotic spin interaction, a key area of research for understanding dark matter and extra forces. By exploring velocity-dependent interactions, the team sets a four-order magnitude stricter limit than previous results, providing a new approach to probing beyond the Standard Model.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 13, 2021

DNA reveals the evolutionary history of museum specimens

An international team has developed a method to analyze ancient DNA in museum specimens, allowing for their placement on the evolutionary timeline. The technique enabled researchers to trace the evolutionary history of several species over tens of millions of years.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateJul 13, 2021

Mathematical model predicts the movement of microplastics in the ocean

A new model developed by Newcastle University's researchers tracks the vertical movement of algae-covered microplastic particles, identifying processes that underpin their trajectories. The study shows that particle properties and algal population dynamics determine the movement of microplastics below the ocean surface.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateJul 13, 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.

Farm marketing success linked to natural, cultural assets

A nationwide database of community assets was created to help municipalities craft development plans, finding that natural and cultural assets correlate most strongly with farmers' success. The research suggests that communities with nonprofits, social enterprises, and creative industries support DTC farm marketing efforts.

SourceCornell University·JournalFood Policy·DateJul 13, 2021

Poor and minority communities suffer more from extreme heat in US cities

New research reveals that low-income neighborhoods and minority communities experience significantly more urban heat than their wealthier counterparts. The study, published in Earth's Future, found that land surface temperatures in these communities can be up to 4 degrees Celsius warmer during the summer months.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 13, 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.

Global study reveals effectiveness of protected areas

A global study found that certain countries perform significantly better than their neighbors in the effectiveness of their protected areas. The research estimated that overall, protected areas established between 2000-2012 prevented 86,062 square kilometers of forest loss.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 13, 2021

One shot of the Sputnik V vaccine triggers strong antibody responses

A single dose of the Sputnik V vaccine elicits significant antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2, with 94% of participants developing IgG antibodies within three weeks. Previously infected individuals show higher antibody levels after one dose compared to fully vaccinated volunteers.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateJul 13, 2021

Less is more: the efficient brain structural and dynamic organization

The brain's globally sparse yet locally compact modular topological characteristics reduce resource consumption for establishing connections. The research model shows that rewiring the network to a more biologically realistic modular structure significantly reduces running consumption and building cost.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJul 13, 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.

The path(way) less traveled in DNA double-strand break repair

Researchers from Osaka University found that protein phosphatase 1 binds to RIF1 at broken DNA ends, blocking proteins that create single-stranded DNA tails, and promoting the non-homologous end joining repair pathway. This novel mechanism helps protect double-strand breaks from developing a tail, which is what Shieldin binds to.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 13, 2021

Electrons in quantum liquid gain energy from laser pulses

Researchers at Graz University of Technology have demonstrated the absorption of energy from laser light by free electrons in a liquid for the first time. This breakthrough opens new doors for ultra-fast electron microscopy, crucial for investigating smallest objects at fastest time scales.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2021

Google trends, the COVID-19 vaccine and infertility misinformation

Researchers found a nearly 35,000% increase in COVID-19 vaccine and infertility Google searches following a misinformation event. The study highlights the dangers of misinformation campaigns on public perception and decision-making, particularly among pregnant patients.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalJournal of Osteopathic Medicine·DateJul 13, 2021

Data science technique helps measure atomic positions more precisely

A team of researchers developed a method combining electron microscopy and Gaussian process regression to measure atomic displacements more accurately, achieving precision of 0.2%. The technique was tested on gold nanostructures, revealing strain distributions varying by shape.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 13, 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.

Long-term memory setup requires a reliable delivery crew

A recent study published in Cell Reports found that KIF5C plays a critical role in long-term memory formation by transporting RNA cargo to synapses. The research suggests that impairments in KIF5C could contribute to neurological disorders, such as intellectual disability and autism.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 13, 2021

Leading cardiovascular organizations issue joint opinion on improving clinician well-being worldwide

Leading cardiovascular organizations call for global action to improve clinician well-being, citing drivers such as lack of control over workload and misalignment of values. The organizations suggest strategies to prevent burnout, including supporting psychosocial health and creating healthy work environments.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 13, 2021

More complex than we thought: The body's reaction to contact allergens

Researchers found that cells in specific skin areas develop local memory to contact allergens, leading to faster reactions and a more complex picture of the disease. This discovery may lead to new treatment options for patients with contact allergy.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalAllergy·DateJul 13, 2021

The two-thousand-year-old mystery of the havoc-wreaking worm

Researchers discovered that symbiotic bacteria living in shipworms' gills do not have the enzymes to break down lignin, a thick and difficult-to-digest layer of cellulose. Despite this finding, scientists are still trying to figure out what within the shipworm could be responsible for breaking down lignin.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJul 13, 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.

Compound derived from turmeric essential oil has neuroprotective properties

Researchers found a compound derived from turmeric essential oil has neuroprotective properties against Parkinson's disease, by enhancing cellular antioxidants and activating Nrf2. The findings suggest that compounds with anti-inflammatory effects on microglia may suppress dopaminergic degeneration, opening new avenues for treatment.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalCells·DateJul 13, 2021

Researchers build the fastest real-time quantum random number generator

Researchers developed a miniaturized and high-speed quantum random number generator (QRNG) with an output rate of 18.8 Gbps, exceeding previous records. The QRNG uses a photonic integrated chip and optimized real-time post-processing to achieve this feat.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 13, 2021

High performance polarization sensitive photodetectors on 2D β-InSe

Researchers have developed high-performance polarization-sensitive photodetectors on 2D β-InSe, exhibiting excellent stability and strong anisotropic optical and electronic properties. The material's unique crystal structure enables direct detection of polarized light without optical filters or polarizers.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJul 13, 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.

Study: Racial/ethnic and language inequities in ways patients obtain COVID-19 testing

A recent study from the University of Minnesota and Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute reveals racial and ethnic inequities in COVID-19 testing access. The study found that patients from different socio-demographic groups were more likely to seek care through outpatient or emergency department services, highlighting structural barr...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 13, 2021

TSUBAME supercomputer predicts cell-membrane permeability of cyclic peptides

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a computational method to predict the cell-membrane permeability of cyclic peptides, exhibiting promising accuracy. The protocol has potential to aid in designing and discovering cyclic peptide drugs with high cell-membrane permeability.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·DateJul 13, 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.

Aerin Medical announces results of randomized controlled trial supporting VivAer® for treatment of nasal airway obstruction with nasal valve collapse

The VATRAC trial confirms VivAer's safety and efficacy in treating nasal airway obstruction caused by nasal valve collapse. Patients treated with VivAer showed significant improvement in symptoms compared to the control group, with superior responder rates and symptom reduction.

SourceMerryman Communications·JournalInternational Forum of Allergy & Rhinology·DateJul 13, 2021

Study finds disparity in pay for female ophthalmologists in Ontario, Canada

A population-based study of nearly 30 years of billing data reveals a significant payment gap between female and male ophthalmologists in Ontario, even after accounting for age and practice differences. The disparity is more pronounced among ophthalmologists compared to other surgical specialty groups.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalOphthalmology·DateJul 13, 2021

The impact of COVID-19 on food-shopping behavior for food-insecure populations

Researchers found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, food-insecure individuals made fewer grocery shopping trips due to concerns about contracting the virus, unlike food-secure individuals. However, they did not increase spending per trip, highlighting a serious issue in how different populations are impacted by the pandemic.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalPublic Health·DateJul 13, 2021

Putting a load on: Load stimulates bone formation via expression of osteocrin

Researchers discovered that physical load stimulates bone growth through the expression of osteocrin (OSTN), a peptide produced by osteoblasts. OSTN is critical to regulating bone growth and physical endurance, with its expression decreasing when load is reduced and increasing with load stimulation.

SourceNational Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 13, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Preventing lung cancer's unwelcome return

Researchers have discovered that a small percentage of drug-resistant cancer cells were already present before treatment, relying on alternative genes for survival. Understanding this mechanism is key to developing new treatments to eliminate both AXL- and EGFR-dependent cells from the start.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·DateJul 13, 2021

Resilience, not collapse: What the Easter Island myth gets wrong

A new study suggests that Easter Island's demographic collapse did not occur, but rather experienced steady population growth until European contact. The researchers used Approximate Bayesian Computation to analyze radiocarbon dates and environmental changes, revealing that the islanders' resilience strategies were successful despite a...

SourceBinghamton University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2021

Galactic gamma ray bursts predicted last year show up right on schedule

Researchers predicted gamma ray bursts from a nearby magnetar and confirmed their prediction, showing periodic windowed behavior. The pattern of bursts was found to be periodic, but not perfectly regular, adding to the mystery of how magnetars produce radio and gamma ray bursts.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPhysical Review D·DateJul 13, 2021

Species of gut bacteria linked to enhanced cognition and language skills in infant boys

A University of Alberta study found that infant boys with a high Bacteroidetes gut bacterial composition scored higher in cognition and language skills. The researchers believe this association may be due to the production of metabolites called sphingolipids, which are instrumental for neuron formation and structure.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalGut Microbes·DateJul 13, 2021

Revealing the mystery behind the threat of non-alcoholic liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease affects 25% of the global population, leading to inflammation and fibrosis. Researchers discovered that hepatocyte reprogramming is controlled by molecular switches, resulting in dysfunction.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 13, 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.

Are silver nanoparticles a silver bullet against microbes?

Scientists investigate how bacteria develop resistance to silver nanoparticles, identifying a key genetic mutation and differences in motility. The findings suggest that silver nanoparticles may be effective against certain strains of bacteria, but caution is needed to prevent resistance.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 13, 2021

Highlighting the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines could hold key to converting doubters

A recent study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology found that providing information on the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines can significantly increase willingness to be vaccinated. The research showed that adults who received information about vaccine effectiveness scored 20% higher on a measure of willingness to be vacc...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBritish Journal of Health Psychology·DateJul 13, 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.

A new approach to metastatic melanoma discovered

Researchers at IMIM-Hospital del Mar and CIBERONC discover a low-toxicity treatment combining chemotherapy and BRAF inhibitors eradicates malignant melanoma by preventing DNA repair. The strategy offers a new therapeutic perspective for patients with BRAF oncogene mutations.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalOncogene·DateJul 13, 2021

ICE violated internal medical standards, potentially contributing to deaths

A USC analysis found that ICE violated its own medical care standards in 78% of cases, often ignoring warning signs of critical illness. Many deaths were preceded by delayed or inappropriate care, and researchers recommend improved reporting, independent reviews, and rehabilitation for facilities with recurrent violations.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 13, 2021

New research identifies key set of signals that control mucus production in the lung

Researchers have discovered a new set of signals that control the production of goblet cells in the lung, which are often increased in lung diseases. The study found that altering these signals can increase or decrease goblet cell production, offering potential therapeutic avenues for treating conditions like asthma and COPD.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 13, 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.

Supermarket model to guide safer shopping amid pandemic

A Skoltech team developed a model to assess infection risks for supermarket customers. The composite model incorporates social forces and retail space layout, suggesting that social distancing is the primary factor in reducing infection rates. Filling stores to capacity has little economic sense during the pandemic.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 13, 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.

Blood test can track the evolution of coronavirus infection

A blood test that measures ACE2 protein and fragments can track SARS-CoV-2 infection evolution, according to a study. Patients with COVID-19 show reduced full-length ACE2 protein levels and increased lower molecular mass fragments.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJul 13, 2021

Escort services and strip clubs don't increase sex crimes

A new study published in The Economic Journal found that the presence of adult entertainment establishments in New York City significantly decreases sex crimes. Researchers combined crime data with opening dates of these establishments to find a 13% reduction in sex crimes within one week of opening.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalThe Economic Journal·DateJul 13, 2021

'Hydrogel-based flexible brain-machine interface'

A KAIST research team developed a hydrogel-based flexible brain-machine interface that can detect neural signals for up to six months. The device minimizes foreign body responses by mimicking the properties of surrounding tissues when exposed to body fluids.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2021

NTU Singapore converts tamarind shells into an energy source for vehicles

A team of scientists at NTU Singapore has developed a way to convert tamarind shells into carbon nanosheets, which can be used as an energy storage material in vehicles. The process is eco-friendly and reduces waste, making it a promising alternative to industrially produced counterparts.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalChemosphere·DateJul 13, 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.

Scientists discover nanoclusters effective for cancer in the second near-infrared synergy therapy

Researchers have developed a new type of nanocarrier that combines photothermal, chemo-therapy, and chemodynamic therapy to target and destroy cancer cells. The nanoclusters, which are responsive to near-infrared light, show a significant inhibitory effect on mouse tumor growth in vivo experiments.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalSmall·DateJul 13, 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.