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Science News Archive July 2021 - Page 31


Page 31 of 41

Obscuring the truth can promote cooperation

A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that overstating the level of cooperation in a society can increase cooperative behavior overall. The study used a mathematical model to simulate the creation and maintenance of a community, finding that a degree of deceit or obfuscation can promote the formation of a cooperative ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalEvolutionary Human Sciences·DateJul 8, 2021

More than half of university students surveyed have tried a meat alternative

A study found that over half of university students in the Midwest have tried plant-based meat alternatives, with key motivators including trying new foods and environmental concern. Students who were more environmentally conscious and had a positive attitude towards plant-based options were more likely to try them.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJul 8, 2021

Study identifies gut microbes associated with toxicity to combined checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma patients

A study found specific gut microbiota signatures correlate with high-grade adverse events and response to combined CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockade treatment. The research identified a potential new strategy to treat toxicity while maintaining response through IL-1R inhibition or manipulation of the gut microbiota.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 8, 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.

Populist anti-foreign aid rhetoric has an impact on the public - but only among fans of populist politicians, study shows

A new study by A. Burcu Bayram and Catarina Thomson found that international aid institutions should not be worried about the impact of populism on global development cooperation. Those wanting to convince the public about foreign aid should focus on transparent communication and local partnerships.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Studies Quarterly·DateJul 8, 2021

Researchers study anxiety differences between females and males

Researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine studied anxiety behaviors in male and female rodent models to understand sex differences in biological responses related to anxiety. They found that females experience intensified anxiety when faced with specific, life-relevant conditions, which is in line with previous studies.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateJul 8, 2021

Seismic monitoring of permafrost uncovers trend likely related to warming

Researchers detected seasonal variations in seismic wave velocity due to changes in shallow permafrost ice content, attributed to temperature fluctuations. A linear decreasing trend in velocity was also found between 2009 and 2011, indicating an increasingly melted permafrost layer.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateJul 8, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Remotely-piloted sailboats monitor 'cold pools' in tropical environments

Researchers from the University of Washington and NOAA's Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory gather data on cold air pools using Saildrones, which alter surface temperature, wind, and moisture over the ocean. The study provides detailed measurements of these events, shedding light on their role in tropical climate cycles.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 8, 2021

Model predicts when rivers that cross faults will change course

Researchers created a model to predict when rivers crossing faults will abandon their channels, revealing a complex coupling between fault movement and river flow. The model can also estimate the rate of fault slip and sediment transport efficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience·DateJul 8, 2021

Can whale poo help save the planet?

A recent workshop report emphasizes the significant ecological importance of whales in maintaining healthy oceans. Whales help mitigate climate change through nutrient transport and carbon sequestration, while also enhancing marine productivity and promoting biodiversity.

SourceGRID-Arendal·DateJul 8, 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.

Better pregnancy outcomes linked to reduction of armed conflict in Colombia

A new study has found that a ceasefire in Colombia led to better pregnancy outcomes for women who conceived after the conflict began. The analysis of over 3 million pregnancies found lower risks of stillbirths and perinatal mortality in areas with reduced conflict violence, highlighting the need for countries with long-running armed co...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 8, 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.

Partnership contributes toward sharp eyes for MOLLER experiment

The MOLLER experiment has received new grants totaling $9 million to support its precision measurement of the electron's weak charge. The grants come from the National Science Foundation and Canadian Foundation for Innovation, with matching awards from Research Manitoba, enabling higher-statistics results.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateJul 8, 2021

CoronaVac vaccine provides 83.5% protection against symptomatic COVID-19 and 100% protection against hospitalization, interim analysis reveals

The CoronaVac vaccine demonstrated 83.5% protection against symptomatic COVID-19 and 100% effectiveness against hospitalization in a phase 3 trial. The study involved adults aged 18-59 and showed high efficacy with a very good safety profile, but further data is needed on the vaccine's long-term effects and efficacy against new variants.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 8, 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.

Novel study of high-potency cannabis shows some memory effects

A novel study of high-potency cannabis found memory impairments related to free recall, source memory, and false memories. However, vaping high-potency concentrates showed comparable performance to smoking low-potency flower, suggesting cautious optimism for the little-studied product.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 8, 2021

A scalable multilayer metafabric provides passive daytime radiative cooling

Researchers developed a scalable multilayer metafabric with exceptional passive radiative cooling functionality and excellent mechanical properties. The fabric can be easily produced through industrial manufacturing routes and demonstrates promising potential for widespread application.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 8, 2021

To splice or not to splice...

A study by Karan Bedi and colleagues found that RNA splicing is inefficient, leaving many intronic sequences unspliced. The team analyzed Bru-seq data from six cell lines and identified variable patterns of splicing across genes and cell types.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateJul 8, 2021

Yoga helps reduce work-related stress

A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health found that yoga is an effective method for reducing occupational stress in healthcare workers. The analysis of 15 randomized clinical trials revealed that yoga and massage therapy were more effective than no intervention in alleviating work-related stress.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Occupational Health·DateJul 8, 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: Hospitalizations for eating disorders spike among adolescents during COVID

A new study suggests a significant increase in hospitalizations for eating disorders among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, with admissions more than doubling at one center. The study attributes this surge to disruptions in daily routines and social isolation, which may have triggered or worsened symptoms.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 8, 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.

An astounding find reveals a rare cause of epilepsy

Researchers at the University of Queensland have discovered a rare genetic mutation that can cause epilepsy. The study found that a specific receptor in brain cells behaves differently, leading to an imbalance in communication - a key factor in the development of disorders.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 8, 2021

Large genomic analysis highlights COVID-19 risk factors

A comprehensive genome-wide association study identified 13 loci strongly associated with infection or severe COVID-19, including causal factors like smoking and high body mass index. The findings could provide targets for repurposed drugs and illustrate the power of genetic studies in infectious disease.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·DateJul 8, 2021

Total-body PET imaging exceeds industry standards

The uEXPLORER total-body PET/CT scanner has been evaluated for its performance exceeding industry standards with ultra-high sensitivity and excellent spatial resolution. The study also proposed new phantom measurements to characterize long-AFOV scanners, enabling the testing of their performance in improving patient care.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 8, 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.

New radio receiver opens wider window to radio universe

Researchers have developed a new radio receiver capable of capturing radio waves at frequencies several times wider than conventional ones. This allows for the detection of multiple types of molecules in space simultaneously, enabling significant progress in studying the evolution of the Universe and star formation.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·DateJul 8, 2021

UCF study finds smaller turtles are nesting on Florida beaches

A University of Central Florida study found that smaller loggerhead and green sea turtles are nesting on Florida beaches than in the past. The researchers measured nearly 10,000 nesting female loggerheads and over 3,000 nesting female green turtles and discovered a decline in average size over the past 37 years.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalEcosphere·DateJul 8, 2021

How does endometriosis influence women's work life?

Research published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica finds endometriosis affects work ability and sick leave in mid-life women. A life course approach reveals poor work outcomes without association with unemployment or early retirement.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateJul 8, 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.

Study reports on experiences of LGB Vietnam-era veterans

A study of LGB Vietnam-era veterans found that those who identify as LGBTQ+ experience a higher burden of traumatic events, including childhood abuse and assault, which contribute to poor mental health outcomes. The study suggests that early life traumas may interact with military service experiences in complex ways.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·DateJul 8, 2021

Repurposed drugs present new strategy for treating COVID-19

A joint research group from KAIST and Institut Pasteur Korea has identified 38 potential repurposed drugs for COVID-19 treatment using a virtual screening strategy. Seven compounds inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication in human lung cells, showing anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2021

Inhaled COVID-19 vaccine prevents disease and transmission in animals

A single-dose, intranasal COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to fully protect mice against lethal infection and block animal-to-animal transmission of the virus. The vaccine targets mucosal cells in the nasal passages and airways, where SARS-CoV-2 infections occur.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 8, 2021

Antibody but not T-cell response after first dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is weakened in patients receiving methotrexate

A new study found that patients taking immunosuppressants like methotrexate had weaker antibody responses to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine after the first dose. However, T-cell responses were preserved in these patients, suggesting potential risks and benefits of vaccinating immunocompromised individuals.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·DateJul 8, 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.

Women and lower-education users more likely to tweet personal information

A recent Penn State study found that women and lower-education users are more likely to tweet personal information, despite higher vulnerability to online privacy threats. Contrary to expectations, socioeconomic status and demographics did not significantly impact the use of account security features.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings on Privacy Enhancing Technologies·DateJul 8, 2021

Engineering seeds to resist drought

Researchers at MIT have developed a simple and inexpensive two-layer coating that protects seeds from drying out and provides them with extra nutrition, enabling agriculture on marginal arid lands. The coating, which is engineered to hold onto moisture and contain preserved microorganisms, has shown encouraging results in early tests.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Food·DateJul 8, 2021

Our genes shape our gut bacteria, new research shows

A University of Notre Dame study found that most gut microbiome traits are heritable, with 97% variation influenced by genetics. The research team discovered that environmental factors also play a significant role in shaping the microbiome, particularly across seasons and age.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalScience·DateJul 8, 2021

'Smart collar' could prevent tapeworms in dogs

Researchers developed a smart collar that delivers praziquantel, a deworming drug, to dogs infected with echinococcosis. The collar reduces the risk of tapeworms in dogs by 0.182 times and 0.336 times compared to control groups.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 8, 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.

Solving the plastic shortage with a new chemical catalyst

A new chemical catalyst has been developed to efficiently produce propylene from natural gas, which is used to make polypropylene. The catalyst, made of platinum and tin nanoparticles supported by silica, can make propylene at least 10 times more efficiently than current commercial catalysts.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateJul 8, 2021

The pressure is off and high temperature superconductivity remains

Researchers demonstrate superconductivity in iron selenide crystals without applied pressure using a new pressure-quench technique. The method retains the high-temperature superconductive phase even after removing the applied pressure, bringing scientists closer to realizing room-temperature superconductivity at ambient pressure.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2021

Zoo amphibians were on display while humans were locked away

Researchers studied six species of amphibian at Slimbridge Wetland Centre during COVID-19 lockdowns and partial reopenings. Amphibian activity varied depending on the number of visitors, with some species more visible when there were fewer people around.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimals·DateJul 8, 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.

Study finds toddlers with ASD do not differ in progress made in comparison of two treatment types

Researchers compared two treatment types for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and found no significant differences in outcomes. The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, shows that common elements may be more important than differences in intervention styles.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJul 8, 2021

Continental pirouettes

Scientists found that a rift in the Earth's crust was caused by a super volcano splitting the Indian Plate from Africa. The process involved the rotation of the continental plates due to the subcontinent acting like an axis.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 8, 2021

Can leukemia in children with Down syndrome be prevented?

Princess Margaret Scientists reveal a new target that suggests it can potentially prevent leukemia in children with Down syndrome. The study mapped out where and how leukemia begins and develops in infants with Down syndrome, paving the way for future prevention strategies.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalScience·DateJul 8, 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.