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Science News for July 5, 2021


Climate and wing coloration in dragonflies

Male dragonflies have evolved larger melanin wing patches in cooler climates to cope with warmer temperatures. Climate change may lead to even smaller patches in the future, according to research published in PNAS.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

Infusion centers associated with substantially better outcomes than the ER for patients with acute pain events and sickle cell disease

A prospective cohort study found that treatment at an infusion center is associated with substantially better outcomes than treatment in the emergency department for patients with sickle cell disease. Patients treated in ICs received parenteral pain medication faster and were more likely to have their pain reassessed within 30 minutes.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 5, 2021

Hunting and hidden deaths led to 30% reduction in WI wolf population

A new study estimates that Wisconsin's wolf population declined between 27-33% between April 2020 and April 2021, with a majority of additional deaths attributed to cryptic poaching. The researchers estimate the current wolf population is between 695-751, which may represent the maximum due to optimistic assumptions about growth.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPeerJ·DateJul 5, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Detection of covid-19 via automatic cough analysis

A team of researchers has developed an AI system that can detect COVID-19 through automatic cough analysis. The system uses spectrogram features and demonstrates improved accuracy when incorporating gender information, which is found to be a significant factor in distinguishing between male and female coughs.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·DateJul 5, 2021

Being clean and hygienic need not impair childhood immunity

Researchers at UCL and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine argue that modern society's emphasis on cleanliness does not impede childhood immunity. Instead, they suggest exposing children to beneficial microorganisms through maternal contact, family members, and natural environments is crucial for immune system development.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 5, 2021

Structuring the cerebral neocortex

The neocortex's layered structure is critical for healthy brain function. A team from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin identified two key processes that direct this organization, involving the regulatory protein Zeb2.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 5, 2021

Researchers use multivalent gold nanoparticles to develop efficient molecular probe

A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology has developed a new approach to identifying and tagging specific proteins. They used multivalent gold nanoparticles as a scaffold to attach carbohydrate ligands and electrophiles, which allowed them to highly efficiently and selectively label carbohydrate-binding...

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 5, 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.

Asymptomatic adults may be reservoirs of Streptococcus pneumoniae

A study by ITQB NOVA researchers found that asymptomatic adults in Portugal can carry pneumococci for several months, with a median duration of almost two months. This suggests that some adults may act as reservoirs of the bacterium, potentially impacting herd immunity.

SourceInstituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa ITQB NOVA·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJul 5, 2021

Face off for best ID checkers

A new face identification ability test, GFMT2, has been developed to identify high-performing facial recognition individuals known as super-recognisers. This test will help prevent false identity matches made by facial recognition software and improve recruitment for roles such as visa processors and passport issuers.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalBehavior Research Methods·DateJul 5, 2021

Seismic observation of subglacial water flow dynamics

Researchers used seismic sensors to study subglacial water flow on the Argentière glacier. The study revealed a complex drainage system with multiple cavities producing high water pressure, accelerating glacier movement.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

Dolphin species that live together, do not necessarily compete for food

A new study published in Environmental Research found that various dolphin species can coexist without competing for food, even though they hunt at the same depth. The researchers used stable nitrogen isotopes to determine the trophic level of each species, revealing surprising differences in their diets.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJul 5, 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.

Seabird colony creates 'halo' of depleted fish stocks

A seabird colony on Ascension Island creates a 'halo' of depleted fish stocks, with reduced flying fish numbers detected up to 90 miles from the island. The study provides rare evidence for Ashmole's halo, a pattern of prey depletion first proposed 60 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

More filling? Tastes great? How flies, and maybe people, choose their food

Researchers discovered how flies choose their food based on neural activity and hunger levels, with findings that may apply to human food choices too. Hungry fruit flies prefer sweet, nutritious food over lower-calorie options when hungry, but adapt their preferences when presented with novel foods.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 5, 2021

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A retrospective cohort study found that COVID-19 surges in hardest-hit US hospitals doubled mortality rates. Researchers also discovered that nearly a third of persons with mild to moderate COVID-19 experience lingering symptoms months after infection.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 5, 2021

Male dragonflies lose their 'bling' in hotter climates

A study found that male dragonflies evolve less wing pigmentation in regions with hotter climates to regulate body temperature. This adaptation helps them survive but may also make it harder for them to attract mates.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 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.

New insights into the assembly of photosynthetic membranes

Researchers have elucidated the structure of VIPP1, a protein essential for thylakoid membrane assembly and stability. The study's findings will facilitate biotechnological efforts to enhance plant resistance to environmental stresses.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCell·DateJul 5, 2021

How can 'shark dandruff' contribute to coral reef conservation?

Smithsonian scientists discovered shark denticles on fossil- and modern coral reefs, revealing changing shark roles over 7000 years. Shark populations declined due to human hunting and habitat loss, impacting ecosystem balance.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

Family planning and women's well-being

A family planning program in Bangladesh from 1977 to 2012 showed significant differences in lifetime contraceptive behavior and fertility among women. Women who participated in the program experienced increased body mass index compared to non-participants, particularly those born between 1950 and 1961.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 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.

NIH grant will help streamline chemical synthesis

Julian West's lab receives a five-year, $1.8 million NIH grant to simplify the synthesis of organic chemicals, enabling new hydrogen atom transfer modules and 'mutase-like' catalysis. This will accelerate the development of new drugs and compounds with improved properties.

SourceRice University·DateJul 5, 2021

Human exploitation of Caribbean shark communities

A study analyzed fossil dermal denticles from ancient coral reefs and modern reefs to estimate Caribbean shark abundance before and after human settlement. The results show a significant decline in shark populations, with fast-swimming species facing the greatest losses.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

Amperometric biosensors used to control diclofenac content in food

Researchers developed amperometric biosensors to determine diclofenac levels in food, improving detection limits and accuracy. The study found that diclofenac inhibits tyrosinase enzyme activity, enabling its detection in milk and other dairy products.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Analytical Chemistry·DateJul 5, 2021

Innovative method for producing complex molecules

A team of FAU researchers has developed an innovative process for producing asymmetrical hexaarylbenzene (HAB) molecules with six different aromatic rings. The four-step domino reaction allows for the efficient synthesis of large quantities of these complex molecules without toxic metals.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJul 5, 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.

MasSpec Pen shows promise in pancreatic cancer surgery

The MasSpec Pen technology has been shown to accurately identify healthy and cancerous tissue in pancreatic cancer surgeries, giving patients the greatest chance of survival. The device is over 100 times faster than current gold standard diagnostic methods.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

Study finds genes role in immune response of Florida corals to rapidly spreading disease

A new study by University of Miami researchers documents how coral genes respond to stony coral tissue loss disease, a rapidly spreading disease killing corals in Florida and the Caribbean. The study found that a network of genes important for cell death, immunity, and tissue rearrangement are triggered in response to the disease.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJul 5, 2021

Comprehensive genetic study of cleft lip and palate

A comprehensive genetic study led by the University of Bonn has identified 45 new regions in the human genome associated with an increased risk of cleft lip and palate. These regions are linked to variations in DNA sequences that regulate gene activity, disrupting normal facial development.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalHuman Genetics and Genomics Advances·DateJul 5, 2021

Potential of faba beans, rich in protein, has been unlocked

Researchers have identified the gene responsible for faba bean's production of vicine and convicine, two compounds that cause favism in susceptible individuals. The team has also found a specific mutation within this gene that reduces synthesis, leading to low vicine and convicine content in certain varieties.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Plants·DateJul 5, 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.

Oncotarget: General anesthesia for pancreatic cancer surgery

A prospective study analyzing plasma metabolomics during general anesthesia in patients with pancreatic malignancy reveals perioperative tryptophan depletion and increased taurine synthesis. This finding has implications for personalized perioperative management and may identify therapeutic windows for immunotherapy or chemotherapy.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateJul 5, 2021

Integrate disciplines to conserve biodiversity

The article emphasizes the importance of integrating different disciplines and stakeholders in conservation efforts. Key findings include the need for increased funding and expert guidance for transdisciplinary research, as well as the benefits of such approaches, including improved data quality and innovation.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalBasic and Applied Ecology·DateJul 5, 2021

Belowground microbial solutions to aboveground plant problems

Researchers found that the presence of beneficial bacteria in plant roots promotes growth under low light conditions, but reduces defense against leaf pathogens. The study suggests a complex interplay between plant growth and defense responses mediated by root microbiota.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalNature Plants·DateJul 5, 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.

Ultra-strong squeezing of light demonstrated for ultrafast optical signal processing

Photonic researchers successfully demonstrated a temporal compression system that can squeeze light in time by 11 times, allowing more data to be transmitted in a given time duration. This technology also enables the spectral compression of light, which could facilitate higher spectral densities and faster optical communications networks.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·DateJul 5, 2021

Global BECCS potential is largely constrained by sustainable irrigation

Research found that unsustainable irrigation can increase global BECCS potential by 60-71%, but sustainably constrained irrigation only boosts it by 5-6%. The study suggests a reexamination of the role of BECCS in achieving climate goals due to its environmental impacts.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 5, 2021

Temperature cues for bird migration

Research reveals that Asian houbara birds use internal temperature cues to fine-tune their migration departure times, adapting to annual temperature variability without genetic changes. Temperature cues are more consistently used than other environmental factors like daylight length or wind velocity.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

COVID gets quantum treatment for drug discovery

Researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory used Stampede2 to refine the screening of potential drug molecules targeting COVID-19's spike protein. The method, developed by Stephan Irle and Van Quan Vuong, uses quantum mechanics-based ranking refinement and binding analysis to identify top candidates for further testing.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·DateJul 5, 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.

Modelling COVID-19 cases in Africa

African countries can better interpret complex data with a new data-driven framework, tracking and predicting country-level case incidence. The framework considers factors like testing capacity, social policy, landlocked status, temperature, and humidity.

SourceLancaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

Toba supereruption and global climate

A study suggests that the Toba supereruption led to regional variations in climate impacts, with cooling predictions ranging from 4°C to 10°C in the Northern Hemisphere. Early human populations in these regions thrived despite the eruption's severity, according to independent archaeological evidence.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

New report aims to improve VR use in healthcare education

The report argues for greater standardization of immersive technologies in healthcare training and education. It recommends developing a set of principles and guidelines for the use of immersive technology in medical treatment to make training more accessible and effective.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalBMJ Simulation and Technology Enhanced Learning·DateJul 5, 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.

Electrokinetic proton transport in triple conducting oxides as key descriptor for highly efficient protonic ceramic fuel cells

Researchers developed a new method to quantify proton kinetic properties of triple conducting oxides (TCOs), revealing two orders of magnitude higher proton tracer diffusion coefficient. This led to improved electrochemical performance for protonic ceramic fuel cells, with recorded values exceeding previous benchmarks.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJul 5, 2021

Next-generation sequencing uncovers what's stressing bumblebees

Scientists used next-generation sequencing to study bumblebee health, finding evidence of pesticide exposure, including neonicotinoids, as well as pathogens. The technology allowed for quick detection of diseases and stressors, shedding light on the decline of bumblebee populations.

SourceYork University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJul 5, 2021

New advice on arthritis drugs

Researchers found that combining anti-rheumatic drugs can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Two specific combinations - tumour necrosis factor inhibitors and hydroxychloroquine - showed promise in preserving endothelial function.

SourceFlinders University·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·DateJul 5, 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.

New method to identify dirt on criminals can lead to prosecution

Scientists have developed a new method to identify the movements of criminals by analyzing soil and dust found on equipment, clothing, and cars. This technique uses geochemical analysis to match soil remnants to regional samples, allowing police to pinpoint crime scenes. The method has been tested in a trial with promising results.

SourceGoldschmidt Conference·DateJul 5, 2021

Gulf Coast ready to develop carbon storage hub

The Gulf Coast region is well-positioned to develop a carbon storage economy, thanks to its unique geology and high concentration of industry. The study highlights the region's potential for capturing and storing CO2, which can help reduce emissions in the near term.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateJul 5, 2021

Psychedelic spurs growth of neural connections lost in depression

A recent study by Yale researchers found that psilocybin increases the density of dendritic spines, aiding information transmission between neurons and potentially treating depression. Mice subjected to stress showed behavioral improvements after receiving psilocybin, suggesting a possible therapeutic effect.

SourceYale University·JournalNeuron·DateJul 5, 2021

A new understanding of patterns in fluid flow

An international team has discovered a persistent pattern formation dynamics in viscous fingering, a phenomenon relevant to oil recovery and spreading of groundwater. The study's findings show that the pattern is different from classical radial and rectilinear forms.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateJul 5, 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.

Seabird foraging and flying fish depletion

Researchers discovered that seabirds' reliance on flying fish as prey leads to reduced fish populations over 150 km from breeding colonies. This depletion effect is worsened by fisheries, posing a threat to seabirds' survival.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

Study shows laboratory developed protein spikes consistent with COVID-19 virus

A new international study found that laboratory-developed protein spikes consistent with COVID-19 virus are highly similar, providing reassurance for vaccine design and antibody testing. The study used glycan coatings to mimic the infectious virus and showed consistent results across five laboratories worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBiochemistry·DateJul 5, 2021

Researchers collaborate with First Nations to conserve cultural cedar trees

A collaborative project between Simon Fraser University and local First Nations aims to conserve iconic western redcedar trees suitable for traditional carving and ceremonial purposes. Researchers found that these trees are generally rare, with nearly extinct forms being targeted by industrial logging.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalJournal of Ethnobiology·DateJul 5, 2021

Sculpted by starlight: A meteorite witness to the solar system's birth

Researchers have determined that a massive star, rather than the young sun, was responsible for the split in oxygen isotopes found in the sun and other planets. The study, led by Lionel Vacher, used an unusual meteorite named Acfer 094 to gain insight into the solar system's past.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateJul 5, 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.

How fish got their spines

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have identified genetic pathways controlling fin spine development, showing how spines arise during embryonic development and evolve independently in different fish lineages. This study provides insights into the evolution of fin spines, which offer a strong evolutionary advantage to fish.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

European settlers and mortality of Indigenous people

A study analyzing age-at-death records of 33,715 Indigenous people in central California between 3050 BCE and 1870 CE found that Spanish settlers contributed to severe demographic collapse. The research suggests extreme social disruption caused by the presence of Europeans led to increased mortality rates among both males and females.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 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.