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Science News for July 30, 2021


Flood water: Toxins from the riverbed

A review of previous scientific studies on pollutant release from sediments during extreme flood events reveals significant risks to human and environmental health. The study highlights the need for good river management to address long-term consequences of pollutants in riverbeds.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 30, 2021

Trauma Informed Care can help break the cycle of violence

The American College of Surgeons proposes four strategies to address the root causes of violence, including investing in at-risk communities and advocating for policy changes. Trauma Informed Care is a key feature of these strategies, aiming to foster empowerment and partnership with patients.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 30, 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.

Scholars gauged energy inequality among Eurasian Economic union member states

The study found that energy intensity significantly drove electricity consumption growth in the EAEU, with Kazakhstan and Russia contributing to increased energy consumption. Armenia and Belarus showed a decrease in energy intensity due to declining fossil fuel consumption and green energy development.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateJul 30, 2021

Could residential heat pumps be part of the climate solution?

A new study by University of Michigan researcher Parth Vaishnav suggests that deploying residential heat pumps can cut greenhouse gas emissions and save households money if the US grid becomes cleaner. However, raising heating costs for some houses is a concern, especially in areas with dirty electrical generation mixes.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 30, 2021

New research finds gay and bisexual men still earn less

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that gay and bisexual men earn less than heterosexual men due to workplace discrimination. Gay men earned 6.8% less, while bisexual men earned 10.3% less on average across Europe, North America, and Australia.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of Population Economics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 30, 2021

Ultramarathon Mountain Race weather was predicted; impact was not

Researchers found that high-impact weather events can be extreme, especially in context of human activities. Detailed hypothermia risk forecasts were not available for the race site, contributing to tragedy. The study highlights the need for improved warning systems and collaborations among scientists, governments, social media, and ci...

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJul 30, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Farm-centric research focuses on yield variability in Nepal’s smallholder cereal systems

Researchers developed a 'site-specific' strategy to improve cereal yields in Nepalese smallholder farms, outperforming traditional generalized approaches. The Nutrient Expert system uses machine learning to identify crop-specific nutrient requirements, optimizing yield and resource efficiency.

SourceAfrican Plant Nutrition Institute·JournalAgricultural Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 30, 2021

Mapping of genetic control elements in the cerebellum

Researchers mapped genetic control elements of active genes in the mouse cerebellum, identifying over 200,000 control elements and a temporal pattern shared between different cell types. The study also shed light on the evolution of gene regulatory programmes in mammals.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalScience·TypeNews article·DateJul 30, 2021

Astronomers probe layer-cake structure of brown dwarf’s atmosphere

Researchers use Keck Observatory's MOSFIRE instrument to analyze the layer-cake structure of a nearby free-floating brown dwarf's atmosphere. The study reveals complex cloud formations, including hot sand grains and exotic elements, with depths reaching up to 446 miles.

SourceW. M. Keck Observatory·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateJul 30, 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.

Trump’s ‘Muslim ban’ harmed health of Muslim Americans, study finds

A new study by Yale researchers found that the 'Muslim ban' led to a significant increase in missed primary care appointments and emergency department visits among Muslim-Americans. The study suggests that immigration policies can have indirect and unexpected consequences on the health of targeted communities.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 30, 2021

What’s behind people’s hesitancy towards vaccination?

A new Polish study examines why people refuse vaccination, finding that generalized negative attitudes towards vaccines and confirmation bias play a significant role. Vaccine deniers often attribute negative symptoms to vaccines despite missing evidence of correlation.

SourceThe Polish Association of Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2021

Enabling safe delivery of RNA drugs to the lungs

Researchers at Hokkaido University created a lipid polymer that can carry genetic code into lung cells, potentially treating diseases such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and lung cancers. The delivery method bypasses the liver and targets specific lung cells without targeting ligands.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalMaterials Horizons·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 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.

New report assesses effects of time sat down on mental health in pandemic

A new report by the University of Huddersfield found that spending more than eight hours a day sitting had detrimental effects on mental health, even among those with regular exercise. The study recommends reducing sitting time and increasing physical activity to improve mental well-being.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalSport Sciences for Health·DateJul 30, 2021

Scientists synthesize a material which can completely replace natural gypsum in the construction industry

Researchers develop method to produce high-quality gypsum binders from synthetic calcium sulfate dihydrate, surpassing natural gypsum in several parameters. The new material can replace natural gypsum in countries without gypsum stone deposits, reducing production costs and simplifying technology.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalJournal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry·DateJul 30, 2021

"Greening” biomaterials and scaffolds used in regenerative medicine

Researchers create sustainable biofabrication method using acetic acid as a biologically benign solvent, reducing environmental risks and improving mechanical properties of biomaterials. The new 'green' fibers exhibit exceptional mechanical properties and preserved growth factor bioactivity.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalBiofabrication·DateJul 30, 2021

Bird brains left other dinosaurs behind

Researchers discovered a rare bird fossil with nearly complete skull, allowing them to compare ancient bird brains to living birds. The study suggests that complex brain structure may have played a key role in the survival of bird ancestors during the mass extinction event.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 30, 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.

Bugs find bats to bite thanks to bacteria

A new study in Molecular Ecology found that blood-sucking flies specialize on bats by following chemical cues from skin bacteria. Researchers analyzed dozens of bat species and identified unique bacterial profiles associated with each group.

SourceField Museum·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 30, 2021

Researchers find molecular switch that regulates fat burning in mice

A multi-disciplinary team of researchers has identified a molecular switch called Them1 that prevents fat burning in cells by blocking access to fuel sources. This discovery may contribute to the development of a new type of obesity treatment.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2021

Cracking the code of crack propagation in rubberlike materials

Researchers from The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science have identified the origin of a phenomenon that occurs when rubber materials under stress rapidly break. Their simplified step-loading model replicates the non-monotonic mechanical behavior observed in these materials, shedding light on the velocity jump phenomenon.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Materials·DateJul 30, 2021

Beware using telemedicine for voice and speech therapy

A study by Boston University researchers found that popular teleconferencing platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams struggle to capture accurate acoustic measures of voice, leading to clinically significant differences in voice evaluations. The team tested five platforms and discovered that only Microsoft Teams performed relatively well.

SourceBoston University·JournalJournal of Speech Language and Hearing Research·DateJul 30, 2021

Early COVID-19 symptoms differ among age groups, research finds

Researchers found COVID-19 early symptoms vary by age group and sex. Younger adults (16-59) have different symptoms compared to older adults (60+), while men report shortness of breath, fatigue, and chills more frequently than women.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeObservational study·DateJul 30, 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.

Study reveals source of DNA mutations in melanoma

Researchers found that UVB radiation from the sun causes chemical changes to DNA, leading to disease-causing mutations. This discovery sheds light on the origins of melanoma and highlights the importance of prevention efforts.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2021

Scientists explore Bacillus strains to control fungus spread in bananas

Researchers have identified five Bacillus strains with antibiotic ability against the deadly Fusiarium wilt TR4 fungus, which is threatening global banana production. The study found that these strains can trigger direct or indirect antagonism on the fungus, providing a new biocontrol method to combat TR4.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalJournal of Fungus·DateJul 30, 2021

Dual-drug therapy shows promise for treating alcohol use disorder

Researchers have developed a dual-drug therapy for alcohol use disorder by targeting the mTORC1 enzyme. Blocking this enzyme can halt cravings in mice engineered to have AUD, offering a promising alternative to current treatment options.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 30, 2021

New research on the brain’s relay processes could guide treatment for certain brain disorders

Researchers discovered a convergence of sensory and motor information in the thalamus that may lead to new treatments for schizophrenia, epilepsy, and other brain disorders. The team used various tools, including electron microscopy and visualization computer, Cooley, to reconstruct images from mouse brains.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 30, 2021

Nanoparticles to help evaluate the effectiveness of radiation therapy for cervical cancer

Researchers found changes in erythrocyte morphology and nanoparticles on cell surfaces during radiation therapy, which may indicate treatment effectiveness or prognosis. The study suggests that analyzing these changes could lead to the development of a diagnostic method for assessing RT efficacy.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalInternational Journal of Biomedicine·DateJul 30, 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.

In the absence of genetic variation, asexual invasive species find new methods of adapting to their environment

Research from Wellesley College shows that asexual invasive weevils adapt to new food sources by passing down gene regulation changes to future generations. The findings reveal that these creatures can respond to different toxins in plants using shared genes, allowing them to thrive in various environments.

SourceWellesley College·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2021

Study shows how US immigration policy can have domestic health effects

A new study by Brown University found that the Trump administration's 'Muslim ban' led to an increase in emergency department visits and missed primary care appointments among residents from targeted nations. The study suggests that elevated cumulative stress due to a hostile climate toward Muslims may have contributed to these changes.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJul 30, 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.

UCLA engineers bend light to enhance wavelength conversion

The UCLA-led team has devised a solution to enhance wavelength-conversion efficiency by exploring semiconductor surface states. Incoming light is bent using a nanoantenna array, allowing for easy and efficient conversion of wavelengths.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2021

Health care utilization before, after US 'Muslim Ban' executive order

A study by Brown University researchers found that the US 'Muslim ban' executive order led to a significant decrease in healthcare utilization among individuals born in targeted nations living in the US. The analysis suggests that the ban had a substantial impact on the health and well-being of these individuals.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 30, 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.

An effective strategy for protecting next-generation information carrier

Researchers from Shinshu University have successfully confined and protected magnetic skyrmions using patterns of modified magnetic properties. This method offers a promising approach for building reliable channels for confinement, accumulation, and transport of skyrmions as information carriers.

SourceShinshu University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 30, 2021

£1.1 million award for research to support people with long covid

A new £1.1 million research project will develop personalized rehabilitation programs for people with long Covid, which is estimated to affect at least 10% of those who test positive for Covid-19 in the UK. The project aims to improve outcomes and experiences for this growing patient group while ensuring cost-effectiveness.

SourceSwansea University·DateJul 30, 2021

Decoding how salamanders walk

Researchers at Tohoku University and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology have decoded salamanders' body-limb coordination mechanisms. Their findings provide insights into adaptive locomotion and could aid the development of agile robots.

SourceTohoku University·JournalFrontiers in Neurorobotics·DateJul 30, 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.

A novel route to energy saving technologies in the IT sector: Controlling ferrimagnets by voltage

Researchers at Chemnitz University of Technology and MIT demonstrate 180° magnetization reversal by voltage-induced hydrogen loading into ferrimagnets, promising a drastic reduction in global power consumption. The new approach could open a pathway to dramatically reduced energy consumption for data storage media.

SourceChemnitz University of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2021

Natural mineral hackmanite enables new method of x-ray imaging

Researchers have developed a new X-ray imaging method utilizing hackmanite's colouring abilities, revealing its potential for non-expensive and reusable imaging applications. The study found that adding different atoms to the material impacts its colouring properties, and the mechanism of colour changing occurs through X-ray excitation.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJul 30, 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.

Non-invasive method for diagnosing celiac disease

A new method for diagnosing celiac disease using saliva has been developed by researchers from the University of the Basque Country. This non-invasive approach can considerably reduce the number of endoscopies needed, making it a useful tool for screening patients suspected of having celiac disease.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJul 30, 2021

Scientists obtain new polymer composite for electromagnetic shielding applications

Researchers from NUST MISIS and international partners create a radar-absorbing polymer composite with excellent magnetic and microwave properties. The composite can absorb 99.9% of incoming electromagnetic radiation, making it suitable for EMI shielding applications in industries such as 5G networks and radar absorbing coatings.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateJul 30, 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.

Organoid bladders reveal secrets of UTIs

Researchers developed two bladder models to study UTIs in a controlled way. Organoid bladders recreated the 3D architecture of the bladder epithelium, while a bladder-on-a-chip model incorporated physiological stimuli and an interface with the vasculature.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateJul 30, 2021