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Science News for July 26, 2021


Bird’s-eye view could be key to navigating without GPS

Researchers have identified a protein in bird retinas sensitive to the Earth's magnetic field, guiding migratory patterns. This discovery may lead to development of highly sensitive magnetic field sensors for navigation systems.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2021

Through the thin-film glass, researchers spot a new liquid phase

Scientists have created a new type of liquid in thin films of glass, which forms a high-density glass with distinct structures, akin to graphene and diamond. This breakthrough enables the development of new materials with improved properties, leading to potential advancements in various industries.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2021

Reassessing recovery of global fish stocks

A study re-evaluating global fish stock recovery finds that alternative methods reveal nearly half of individual stocks are still below biomass targets and 40% are being overfished. The results suggest a cautious approach may be needed to rebuild depleted fisheries.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 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.

Underground allies aid survival of the west’s largest trees

Research from Utah State University finds that large trees in western forests benefit from mycorrhizal connections to fungi, which enhance nutrient uptake and provide defense against pathogens. Diverse forest networks offer greater protection for these giant trees.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalEcology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 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.

Development of a novel technology to check body temperature with smartphone camera

A research team developed a novel sensor that can detect and convert infrared light into electrical signals at temperatures up to 100°C. The device eliminates the need for cooling devices, reducing production costs and operating speeds, making it suitable for smartphone and autonomous vehicle applications.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalApplied Surface Science·DateJul 26, 2021

Functional diversity of mangrove invertebrates

A recent study found that mangrove invertebrates exhibit extremely low functional redundancy, with most species fulfilling only one functional entity, posing a significant threat to mangrove functionality and resilience.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2021

High percentage of positive portrayals of vaping on TikTok

Research found nearly two thirds of vaping-related videos on TikTok portray e-cigarettes positively, viewed over 1.1 billion times. Tighter regulations are needed to curb teens' potential exposure, given the platform's popularity with this age group.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·DateJul 26, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Localized strategies for reducing climate change

Researchers used Project Drawdown's global strategies to estimate that a system of 20 high-impact solutions could decrease Georgia's carbon footprint by 35% in 2030 compared to business-as-usual forecasts. The study suggests that this approach can be replicated for other US states lacking state-specific plans.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2021

Plant root-associated bacteria preferentially colonize their native host-plant roots

Researchers found that plant root-associated bacteria prefer to colonize their native host plants, rather than non-native ones, with increased competitiveness and persistence. This host preference is driven by the formation of species-specific niches and differential transcriptional reprogramming of plant roots.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 26, 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.

Chronic pain might impact how the brain processes emotions

A new study found that people with chronic pain have lower levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate emotions, leading to increased negative emotions and impaired emotional regulation. The researchers hope their online emotional recovery program may provide a non-pharmaceutical solution for those affected.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalEuropean Journal of Pain·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 2021

Cultural biases impact native fish, too

A study published in Fisheries Magazine explores how colonialist attitudes toward native fishes were rooted in elements of racism and sexism, leading to overfishing and degradation of native species. The study recommends shifting to a new paradigm that's more inclusive and beneficial to all fish and people.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalFisheries·TypeSurvey·DateJul 26, 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.

Oncotarget: TERT and its binding protein: overexpression of GABPA/B in gliomas

The study confirms the upregulation of TERT in primary glioblastomas and the gradual expression of all GABP components during malignancy progression. The authors found a positive association between TERT and B1L mRNA expression, highlighting the importance of GABPA/B isoforms in mutated TERT promoter-dependent gliomas.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateJul 26, 2021

New breakthrough to help immune systems in the fight against cancer

Scientists have discovered a way to restrict the activity of Tregs, which regulate the immune system and prevent it from attacking healthy cells. Inhibition of PIP4K enzymes in Tregs allows Teff cells to function more effectively, leading to better cancer treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2021

Among effective antihypertensive drugs, less popular choice is slightly safer

A multinational observational study compared the safety and efficacy of ARBs and ACE inhibitors, finding no significant differences in cardiovascular outcomes but a lower risk of side effects with ARBs. The study analyzed data from over 3 million patients worldwide and used advanced mathematical techniques to reduce bias.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateJul 26, 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.

Anticipate a resurgence of respiratory viruses in young children

A recent warning from the Canadian Medical Association Journal cautions that relaxed COVID-19 measures could lead to a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases among young children. RSV can cause serious illness and death, affecting approximately 2.7 million children worldwide each year.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 26, 2021

Penn Medicine discovery clarifies the problem of T-cell "exhaustion"

Researchers have found that T cells, a key part of the immune system, remain exhausted even after exposure to a virus ended. This limitation affects immune-based therapy research and may require new approaches to treat chronic viral infections and cancers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 26, 2021

The mechanics of puncture finally explained

Researchers developed a mechanical theory to determine the critical force required for needle insertion in soft materials like skin, discovering that tissue toughness and needle radius play crucial roles. The model provides quantitative predictions and may impact future technology like self-administered disposable pads with microneedles.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids·DateJul 26, 2021

Triggering autodegredation as mature cells begin regeneration

A new study finds that autodegredation, a process where mature cells break down specialized structures, enables regeneration in adult tissues. Genes Atf3 and Rab7b are upregulated during this process, allowing cells to return to the cell cycle and potentially contributing to cancer development.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalEMBO Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 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.

Quitting smoking after lung cancer diagnosis may extend life without cancer recurrence

A prospective cohort study found that quitting smoking after being diagnosed with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer can slow disease progression and decrease mortality. Patients who quit smoking lived longer overall, had a longer time to death from lung cancer, and experienced improved survival without cancer recurrence.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 26, 2021

Comb construction in honey bees

Researchers analyzed over 19,000 comb cells built by 12 colonies and found that worker bees adapt their building behavior to overcome various challenges, such as merging unaligned cells. The study suggests that honeybees are skilled architects rather than automatons, capable of solving complex problems through creative solutions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2021

Hubble finds first evidence of water vapor at Jupiter's moon Ganymede

The Hubble Space Telescope has detected sublimated water vapor in Ganymede's atmosphere, suggesting the presence of liquid water beneath its icy surface. This finding is significant in the search for habitable planets beyond Earth and provides valuable insights into the composition and potential habitability of icy worlds.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJul 26, 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.

Astronomers uncover briefest supernova-powered gamma-ray burst

Astronomers have discovered a 0.6-second gamma-ray burst caused by the implosion of a massive star, revealing that some short GRBs might be imposters in disguise. The discovery suggests that most collapsing stars fail to produce a GRB jet, making this event an effective fizzle.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 2021

Scientists model 'true prevalence' of COVID-19 throughout pandemic

Researchers developed a statistical framework to model COVID-19's true prevalence, estimating 19.7% of US residents infected and 60% of cases uncounted. The approach provides a more accurate picture of the pandemic's burden, helping officials direct resources accordingly.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 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.

Education and intergenerational disadvantages

A recent study found that individuals with higher education levels had reduced risk of disadvantages later in life, even if they had disadvantaged parents. The research suggests increasing investment in education can interrupt the intergenerational cycle of disadvantage.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2021

Oncotarget: Replication-stress sensitivity in breast cancer cells

The study shows that the CTD and OD domains of mtp53 R273H play key roles in mutant p53 GOF, pertaining to processes associated with DNA replication. The authors investigated the role of these domains in cell proliferation, DNA replication, and cell cycle progression in breast cancer cells.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateJul 26, 2021

New tool for early identification of COVID-19 surges

A new tool called CHOTS, or COVID-19 HotSpotting Score, can forecast impending surges of COVID-19 admissions as much as 6 weeks before they occur. Developed by Kaiser Permanente researchers, CHOTS uses data from routine clinical care to identify early signs of a large community spread of infectious diseases.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalBMJ Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 26, 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.

Estimating the true number of COVID-19 infections

A study used Bayesian framework to estimate viral prevalence based on available data sources, finding approximately 60% of infections may have gone unreported. The model suggests the estimated true number of infections is far below potential herd immunity thresholds and that immunization can achieve herd immunity without fatalities.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2021

Misplaced trust: When trust in science fosters pseudoscience

A new study reveals that people who trust science are more likely to believe and disseminate false claims containing scientific references. In contrast, reminding them of the value of critical evaluation reduces belief in false claims. The findings have implications for curbing misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJul 26, 2021

Juicy past of favorite Okinawan fruit revealed

Scientists analyzed genomes of East Asian citrus varieties and found a new citrus species native to Okinawa that arose about two million years ago. This discovery may have commercial implications and opens the potential to create additional hybrids with favorable traits.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 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.

Prehistoric microbiome and transition to agriculture

Reconstruction of ancient oral microbiomes from the Upper Paleolithic to the Neolithic Periods in Southern Europe reveals a significant expansion of microbial species with the transition to agriculture. The studies sequenced ancient DNA from dental calculus, finding a dominant Anaerolineaceae species that diversified geographically.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 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.

Levantine crested rat and early human dispersals

The study suggests that green habitat corridors connected eastern Africa to the Levant across the present-day Judean Desert, facilitating the dispersal of crested rats and humans. This correlation dates back to a brief period during the Last Interglacial.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2021

New approach for cell therapy shows potential against solid tumors with KRAS mutations

Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine developed a new technology for cellular immunotherapy that targets KRAS mutations in lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. The therapy uses human cells to mobilize an immune system attack on mutated KRAS tumors and shrink them.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2021

Leader effectiveness may depend on emotional expression

A new study suggests that emotional expression plays a significant role in leadership effectiveness. Women are seen as more effective leaders when they express calm and happy emotions, whereas men are viewed negatively when expressing negative emotions. The study's findings have implications for leaders to manage their emotions to maxi...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Organizational Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateJul 26, 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.

Social change and crime trajectories

Researchers found that individuals born in the mid-1990s were less likely to be classified as an offender compared to those born in the 1980s. Older cohorts were more likely than younger cohorts to have adolescent-limited or chronic arrest trajectories into adulthood.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2021