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Science News for July 2, 2021


Lottery-based incentives do not increase COVID-19 vaccination rates

A study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that Ohio's Vax-a-Million lottery-based incentive system did not increase COVID-19 vaccinations. The study suggests that state-based lotteries are of limited value in increasing vaccine uptake, and recommends targeting underlying reasons for vaccine hesitancy instead.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateJul 2, 2021

Air pollution during pregnancy may affect growth of newborn babies

A recent study by the University of the Basque Country found a direct relationship between exposure to fine particles and the level of thyroxine in newborns. The research analyzed data from the INMA project and revealed that exposure during early pregnancy has a significant impact on thyroid hormone balance.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJul 2, 2021

Oncotarget: Loss of CPAP in oral cancer

The loss of expression of a microtubule/tubulin binding protein, centrosomal protein 4.1-associated protein, causes increased EGFR levels and signaling in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. Depletion of CPAP enhances tumorigenicity, while EGFR depletion attenuates EMT features.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateJul 2, 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.

Global network transforming tropical forest research

A global network of over 2,500 scientists is exploring climate change's impact on forests and biodiversity. ForestPlots.net provides a unique platform for long-term monitoring and analysis, discovering how tropical forests help control carbon emissions.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJul 2, 2021

Scientists publish a how-to guide for creating mouse-human chimeric embryos

Researchers at University at Buffalo have published a detailed protocol for generating mouse-human chimeric embryos, enabling more accurate models of human development and disease. The method has the potential to revolutionize biomedical research and potentially lead to the generation of human organs for transplantation.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Protocols·DateJul 2, 2021

More than half of wheelchair users with spinal cord injury needed repairs in past 6 months

A study of 533 wheelchair users found that over 50% needed repairs within the past six months, resulting in significant financial cost and personal consequences. The research aimed to identify trends regarding which users or wheelchairs are more likely to need repair and how to reduce these negative consequences.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateJul 2, 2021

Waste hop stem in the beer industry upcycled into cellulose nanofibers

A Japanese research team has developed a technique to extract cellulose nanofibers from hop stems, reducing agricultural waste in the beer industry. The researchers used a simplified process that eliminates lignin and hemicellulose removal, yielding CNFs with a median width of about 2 nanometers.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalACS Agricultural Science & Technology·DateJul 2, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Uncovering the genetic mechanism behind Rett syndrome

A study by Kyushu University researchers found that deficiencies in key genes lead to an imbalance in neural stem cells, resulting in fewer neurons and more astrocytes. This imbalance disrupts brain function and leads to Rett syndrome symptoms.

SourceKyushu University·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 2, 2021

Researchers explore how children learn language

A team of researchers developed a method to study how parents adjust their language to match their child's speech development. They found that caregivers have an incredibly precise knowledge of their child's language and use this information to fine-tune the linguistic input they provide.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 2, 2021

Why does Mercury have such a big iron core? Magnetism!

A new study from the University of Maryland disputes the prevailing hypothesis on Mercury's big core, instead attributing it to solar magnetism. The model shows that a planet's core density and proportion of iron are correlated with the strength of the sun's magnetic field during planetary formation.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProgress in Earth and Planetary Science·DateJul 2, 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.

Kansas State University virologists publish new findings on SARS-CoV-2 treatment option

Researchers found that animal models infected with SARS-CoV-2 treated with a deuterated protease inhibitor had significantly increased survival and decreased lung viral load. The results suggest that postinfection treatment with inhibitors of proteases essential for viral replication may be an effective treatment against SARS-CoV-2.

SourceKansas State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2021

Three-in-one approach boosts the silencing power of CRISPR

Scientists developed a CRISPR-Cas9-based tool that induces long-term gene silencing by epigenetic editing, offering potential treatment options for cancer and genetic ailments. The innovative dCas9-KAL construct achieves stable repression of target genes.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalBioDesign Research·DateJul 2, 2021

Researchers reduce severity of sleep apnoea by at least 30 per cent

A new study published in The Journal of Physiology shows that two existing medications can reduce sleep apnoea severity by up to one third. Almost everyone who participated in the study showed some improvement, with increased muscle activity around the airway and reduced breathing stoppages.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateJul 2, 2021

Engineer's graphene additive manufacturing research makes journal's cover story

The team has developed supercapacitors that have been tested for 10,000 cycles of charging and discharging cycles, demonstrating their reliability. Additionally, they have printed micro-supercapacitors on mechanically flexible surfaces using polyimide substrates, showcasing the versatility of these devices.

SourceKansas State University·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateJul 2, 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.

Cancer: Immunotherapies without side effects?

Researchers from UNIGE and Harvard Medical School have discovered the difference between desired immune responses targeting cancer cells and unwanted responses affecting healthy tissue. By understanding these differences, they aim to develop new therapeutic approaches that minimize toxic side effects and maximize treatment efficacy.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Immunology·DateJul 2, 2021

Neurobiology: How mice see the world

Researchers developed an open-source camera to capture mice's view in their natural environments. The study reveals that mice have adapted to perceive colors in the green and ultraviolet regions to aid survival and reproduction.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 2, 2021

At what temperature the weather becomes a problem

The study found that temperatures between 17 to 24 degrees Celsius are preferable for humans, cattle, pigs, poultry, and agricultural crops. Extreme heat above 32°C with high humidity or 45°C with low humidity can be fatal for humans, while heat stress affects livestock, poultry, and crops at different temperature thresholds.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateJul 2, 2021

Novel strategy for natural product biosynthesis

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have identified a novel flavoprotein dioxygenase crucial for bacterial tropone biosynthesis. The enzyme activates oxygen in a previously unknown way and incorporates it into a chemical precursor compound, generating the basic structure of tropone.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 2, 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.

Insect-sized robot navigates mazes with the agility of a cheetah

Researchers at UC Berkeley created an insect-scale robot using electrostatic adhesion, allowing it to traverse complex terrain and make sharp turns with unprecedented speed and control. The robot can survive being stepped on by a human and operate for up to 19 minutes on battery power.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 2, 2021

American Journal of Medical Quality supplement explores innovative solutions to health care quality and performance improvement

Selected abstracts from the 2020 Vizient Connections Education Summit explore interventions to address health equity and reduce patient length of stay. An intervention framework was developed to identify events related to biases, while a statistical dashboard uses data to optimize resource allocation and track progress.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Quality·DateJul 2, 2021

Guadalupe fur seals continue to recover as new colony discovered

Researchers discovered a large resting colony of Guadalupe fur seals on El Farallón de San Ignacio Island in the Gulf of California, bringing the total number of sites to four. The population is believed to reach 41,000 individuals and is growing at an annual rate of 10-11%.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMarine Mammal Science·DateJul 2, 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.

Stanford research shows muskrats are a bellwether for a drying delta

New Stanford research shows muskrat populations are a bellwether for the health of the Peace-Athabasca Delta, a protected landscape in northeastern Alberta, Canada. The study demonstrates how human-driven changes to water systems and the global climate affect even this most protected ecosystem.

SourceStanford University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 2, 2021

Microbes in cow stomachs can break down plastic

Researchers discovered that bacteria from cow stomachs can digest certain types of plastic, including PET, PBAT, and PEF. The study found that the microorganisms can break down these plastics more effectively than single microorganisms, representing a promising eco-friendly approach to reduce plastic litter.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateJul 2, 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.

Unusual currents explain mysterious red crab strandings

New research suggests abnormal ocean currents, rather than temperature changes, cause the occasional appearance of pelagic red crabs outside their native range. A seawater flow index was created to help researchers detect abnormal currents, providing a tool for understanding climate change and its effects on coastal species.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateJul 2, 2021

Inside the lungs, a new hope for protection against flu damage

Researchers have identified DAF as a receptor that increases damage to the lungs in mice infected with influenza A virus. The study highlights an immune evasion strategy by the virus and stresses the importance of a balanced immune response to viral infections.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 2, 2021

Smart technology is not making us dumber

According to a recent paper in Nature Human Behaviour, smart technology is not dumbing us down. Instead, it's augmenting human cognitive abilities, allowing us to excel in complex tasks. By leveraging tools like GPS and computers, we can free up brain energy to think creatively.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJul 2, 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.

How ethane-consuming archaea pick up their favorite dish

Researchers discovered ethane-eating microbes at hydrothermal vents, which use the same enzyme as methane-eaters to break down ethane. The enzyme's unique structure was visualized with unprecedented precision, revealing a larger catalytic chamber and additional methyl groups, allowing for efficient recognition of ethane.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2021

Insect-sized robot navigates mazes with the agility of a cheetah

Engineers at UC Berkeley created an insect-scale robot using electrostatic adhesion to traverse complex terrain and avoid obstacles with incredible agility. The robot's design allows it to swerve, pivot, and make sharp turns with unprecedented speed and control.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 2, 2021

Poorer survival in obese colorectal cancer patients possibly linked to lower chemotherapy doses

A meta-analysis found that obese patients with colorectal cancer receive lower cumulative doses of adjuvant chemotherapy relative to their body surface area than non-obese patients. This may explain the poorer survival rates observed in obese patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. The study suggests that obese ...

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateJul 2, 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.

Bowel cancer data reinforce need to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use

A study published at ESMO World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer 2021 suggests a link between antibiotic use and an increased risk of colon cancer, particularly in people under 50 years old. The research found that quinolones and sulfonamides/trimethoprim were associated with cancers in the first part of the colon.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateJul 2, 2021

A globally important microbial process hidden on marine particles

Researchers demonstrate that microbial fixation of nitrogen can occur on marine snow particles, leading to low oxygen concentrations and enabling anaerobic N2 fixation. The study's model shows the depth distribution of N2 fixation in the marine water column, highlighting the importance of particle size, density, and sinking speed.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 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.

Solving a long-standing mystery about the desert's rock art canvas

Researchers have solved a long-standing debate about the origin of rock varnish in deserts by attributing its formation to microbial communities that use manganese to combat the desert sun. The study used advanced techniques such as X-ray spectroscopy and DNA sequencing to understand how these ecosystems interact with rock varnish.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2021

Cancer cells eat themselves to survive

Cancer cells exploit macropinocytosis to repair damaged membranes, allowing them to survive. This technique may also enable cancer cells to recycle membrane material, increasing their resilience.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 2, 2021

Observation, simulation, and AI join forces to reveal a clear universe

Japanese astronomers developed an AI technique to remove noise in galaxy shapes caused by random variations. The new tool was applied to actual data from Japan's Subaru Telescope and found consistent results with accepted models of the Universe.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 2, 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.

Surprise bills for childbirth

A new study estimates surprise bills for deliveries and newborn hospitalizations are frequent, affecting thousands of families annually. Researchers found that out-of-network claims from clinicians and ancillary service providers are a leading cause of surprise bills.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJul 2, 2021

Big data are no substitute for personal input in surveys

A recent study by Frauke Kreuter and colleagues shows that individual interviews can provide valuable insights into the development of social phenomena, even in an era where big data dominates. The global Covid Trends & Impact Survey uses human social sensing to forecast the pandemic's trajectory, with preliminary results suggesting a ...

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateJul 2, 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.

New clinical indicators discovered in transplant patients with COVID-19

A study by Elisa Cordero and colleagues identified key clinical indicators to detect COVID-19 in solid organ transplant recipients. These indicators enable personalized therapeutic measures to reduce mortality rates, particularly among older patients with respiratory failure or severe immunosuppression.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 2, 2021

New insights into the assembly of photosynthetic membranes

A study has elucidated the structure of a protein crucial for photosynthetic membranes' assembly and stability. The insights will boost biotechnological efforts to enhance plants' ability to cope with environmental stresses.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCell·DateJul 2, 2021

Closer to cure: New imaging method tracks cancer treatment efficacy in preclinical studies

Researchers develop a non-invasive imaging method to track IDO1 activity, providing a promising alternative to invasive biopsies. The study found that IDO1 status in the mesenteric lymph node is a surrogate marker for cancer-immune set point and predicts immunotherapeutic efficacy.

SourceThe National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateJul 2, 2021

Women's use of preventive health services during COVID-19

The study found a decline in women's use of preventive health services, including sexually transmitted infection screenings and breast cancer screenings. Women also experienced reduced access to contraceptives from pharmacies during the pandemic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJul 2, 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.

The missing ocean plastic sink: Gone with the rivers

Research reveals river plastic discharge is significantly underestimated, with microplastics at the surface lasting years instead of days. The study's findings confirm the existence of a 'missing plastic sink' but highlight the need for global action to address plastic pollution.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2021

New solution for sleep apnoea

Researchers have successfully repurposed two existing medications to reduce the severity of sleep apnoea in people by at least 30 per cent. The study showed that reboxetine and butylbromide increased muscle activity around participants' airways, reducing the number of breathing stoppages and improving oxygen intake.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateJul 2, 2021