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Science News Archive July 2021 - Page 35


Page 35 of 41

Making sense of antisense gene silencing

A team at Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified four proteins that bind to Toc-HDOs, regulating gene silencing. The discovery provides a novel biological mechanism for Toc-HDOs, increasing understanding of how they silence genes.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 6, 2021

New study presents transformative metasurface based on zerogap embedded template

Researchers at UNIST developed a novel metasurface with zerogap technology, enabling flexible and durable reconfigurable optics. The technique allows for high modulation depths and can be used in various applications such as electromagnetic wave shielding and polarization conversion.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJul 6, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Falling in line: The simple design and control of MOF electric flow

A team from Osaka Prefecture University has developed a method to design and control the path of electron flow in a polycrystalline material, enabling high conductivity in a controllable direction. This breakthrough paves the way for the creation of next-generation thin-film smart devices.

SourceOsaka Prefecture University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateJul 6, 2021

Melanoma registry results shine light on rare pediatric cancer

Researchers analyzed molecular analysis data from a pediatric melanoma registry, identifying diverse subgroups and their characteristics. The study found that spitzoid melanomas often have gene fusions and benign clinical courses, while conventional melanoma patients with advanced disease had poorer outcomes.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCancer·DateJul 6, 2021

SARS-CoV-2 encoded miRNA is a biomarker for stratification of severe patients

A study has identified a microRNA-like small RNA encoded by SARS-CoV-2 as a reliable biomarker for stratifying severe COVID-19 patients from mild/moderate ones. This biomarker enables early detection of high-risk individuals, allowing for optimized treatment and improved treatment outcomes.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalCell Discovery·DateJul 6, 2021

Secret to weathering climate change lies at our feet

A new study finds that the microbiome of grasses plays a crucial role in their ability to withstand drought. Healthy bacteria in grasses can provide nutrients, protect against pathogens and UV radiation, and help manage drought. However, under severe drought conditions, the bacterial communities become less diverse and more harmful.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 6, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Inherited memories of a chromosomal site

Researchers at UNIGE found that chromosomal site location is transmitted through an epigenetic process, allowing offspring to inherit correct positions even without gene information. This epigenetic memory only lasts for one generation and affects the survival of mutant worms.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 6, 2021

A new look at color displays

Researchers at Linköping University developed a method to create structural colours for use in reflective colour displays, enabling manufacturing of thin and lightweight displays with high energy-efficiency. The new method uses electrically conducting plastics and can produce all colours in the visible spectrum.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 6, 2021

Interleukin-6 antagonists improve outcomes in hospitalised COVID-19 patients

A new analysis of 27 randomised trials involving nearly 11,000 patients found that interleukin-6 antagonists reduce the risk of death and mechanical ventilation in hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Administering one of these drugs with corticosteroids reduces the risk of death by 17% compared to using corticosteroids alone.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJAMA·DateJul 6, 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.

Do heart medications affect COVID-19 outcomes?

Researchers analyzed all relevant COVID-19 studies to determine if cardiovascular drugs affect disease severity, hospitalizations, and deaths. The study found that patients with COVID-19 should continue taking their prescribed cardiovascular medications.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateJul 6, 2021

Why does Mercury have a big iron core?

Scientists found that Mercury's large iron core is linked to the early sun's strong magnetic field, which pulled metal grains inward. This discovery sheds light on the formation of rocky planets' cores and their elemental distribution.

SourceTohoku University·JournalProgress in Earth and Planetary Science·DateJul 6, 2021

Sharp size reduction in dinosaurs that changed diet to termites

Alvarezsaur dinosaurs reduced in size from turkey-sized to chicken-sized around 95 million years ago when they transitioned to an ant-based diet. Their bodies also underwent significant changes, including modified claws and a shift from flesh-eating to termite consumption.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 6, 2021

New cancer findings can give wider access to immunotherapy

Researchers discover pharmacological activation of p53 triggers viral mimicry response, abolishing tumor immune evasion and promoting anti-tumor immunity. The findings have potential for developing new combination therapies that can increase cancer patient access to immunotherapy.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCancer Discovery·DateJul 6, 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.

How an unfolding protein can induce programmed cell death

Scientists at the University of Groningen discovered how a folding protein cytochrome c interacts with mitochondria, leading to programmed cell death. The study found that cytochrome c is partly unfolded during this process, allowing for the regulation of cell death through drug development.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateJul 6, 2021

Novel coronavirus infects and replicates in salivary gland cells

Researchers at the University of São Paulo discovered that SARS-CoV-2 infects and replicates in salivary glands, leading to high viral loads in saliva. The study suggests that tissues specializing in saliva production serve as reservoirs for the virus.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalThe Journal of Pathology·DateJul 6, 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.

Non-stop signal achieved in high-power Er3+-doped mid-infrared lasers

Researchers at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science have developed high-power Er3+-doped mid-infrared lasers with peak powers over 0.33 MW and repetition rates up to 150 Hz. The lasers achieved quasi-continuous signals, making them promising candidates for dental ablation surgery and optical parametric oscillator applications.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalOptics Express·DateJul 6, 2021

Story tips: Powered by nature, get on the bus, accelerating methane and more

Scientists at ORNL developed a modular design for 3D printing power poles from bioderived materials, enabling quick restoration of electricity after natural disasters. Additionally, they demonstrated wireless charging technology on an autonomous electric vehicle, advancing the transportation industry towards a decarbonized future.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2021

Castration delays DNA aging

Researchers found that castration of male sheep leads to delayed DNA aging compared to intact males, with epigenetic clocks and DNA methylation patterns differing between the two groups. The study's findings also suggest a link between castration, male hormones, and sex-specific differences in DNA aging.

SourceAllen Institute·DateJul 6, 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.

The bitumen puzzle

Researchers used AFM-IR, ToF-SIMS, and fluorescence microscopy to study bitumen surface composition and structure. The study found that the surface is heterogeneous, with individual molecular assemblies distributed in a specific pattern.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 6, 2021

Study reveals source of remarkable memory of "superagers"

A group of older adults called 'superagers' have been found to maintain the same level of neural differentiation as young adults, enabling them to create distinct representations of visual information and accurately recall image-word pairs. This study used fMRI to understand how superagers learn and remember new information.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJul 6, 2021

Long-term urban emissions data show a decrease in high-income countries

A new study using EDGAR database shows that urbanisation has led to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions in high-income countries. The majority of global emissions occur in urban areas, with some exceptions like NH3 emissions, which are mostly driven by agricultural activities.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 6, 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.

The evolution of vinegar flies is based on the variation of male sex pheromones

Researchers analyzed 99 vinegar fly species to understand how sex pheromones evolve and impact mating behaviors. The study found that male-specific compounds are abundant, while female-specific compounds are scarce, suggesting a crucial role for males in transmitting chemical signals.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2021

Perceptions of counterfeits among luxury goods differ across cultures

A study found that counterfeit dominance negatively impacts Anglo-American consumers' perceptions of authentic luxury fashion brands, while having little effect on Asian consumers. This is due to cultural differences in social-adjustive attitudes, with Anglo-Americans relying more on outgroups and Asians on ingroups.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateJul 6, 2021

Rethinking southeast Asia's energy plans

A study published in Nature Communications suggests that Southeast Asia can decouple electricity supply and environmental protection by embracing renewable technologies like solar energy. The research reveals that only 82% of planned dams are necessary, and halting construction would have minimal impact on electricity costs.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2021

Why men take more risks than women

Researchers discovered a link between theta rhythm of the brain and gender differences in attitudes towards risk. The study found that men showed a higher risk appetite than women, with stronger frontal theta asymmetry and oscillations in the anterior cingulate cortex correlating with risk-taking behavior.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJul 6, 2021

Fighting COVID with COVID

Researchers at Penn State designed a synthetic defective SARS-CoV-2 virus that interferes with the real virus's growth, potentially causing its extinction. The therapeutic may be used as a self-promoting antiviral treatment for COVID-19.

SourcePenn State·JournalPeerJ·DateJul 6, 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.

Dignity support at end of life

Researchers interviewed people receiving palliative care about losing independence with intimate hygiene, revealing the importance of two-way communication and empowering individuals to influence their care. The study aims to raise awareness among health professionals about providing dignified support.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPalliative Medicine·DateJul 6, 2021

New species of pseudo-horses living 37 million years ago

Researchers have identified two new palaeotheriidae mammals, 'Leptolophus cuestai' and 'Leptolophus franzeni', from the Eocene epoch in Spain. These ancient animals had atypical dental features and were smaller than modern horses.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateJul 6, 2021

AID/APOBECs among important factors in body's defence against SARS-CoV-2

The study found that APOBEC4 is highly expressed in cells and tissues attacked by SARS-CoV-2, such as epithelial cells in the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. This knowledge could lead to characterizing antiviral cell status attributed to AID/APOBECs specific to patients and correlating it with organ damage and COVID-19 severity.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJul 6, 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.

Loss of biodiversity in streams threatens vital biological process

The study found that streams with high detritivore diversity have higher rates of decomposition, but also discovered that the loss of these organisms can slow down this process. The researchers concluded that if detritivores continue to decline, ecosystems will struggle to sustain life due to reduced nutrient recycling.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2021

'Zombie cells' hold clues to spinal cord injury repair

A study published in Cell Reports has shown that administration of senolytic drugs targeting 'zombie cells' in the scar tissue surrounding spinal cord injuries improves functional recovery. The zombie cells are senescent cells with interrupted growth and division but not programmed cell death, which persist in mammals and contribute to...

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 6, 2021

Wildfire detection takes flight

A network of ground-based sensors paired with drones can significantly shorten wildfire detection time, giving firefighters a better chance to control the fire. The technology is complementary to satellite imaging and suitable for high-risk regions near human settlements and national parks.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalIEEE Internet of Things Journal·DateJul 6, 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.

Studies add to concern about climate tipping

Two model studies document the probability of climate tipping in Earth subsystems, supporting the urgency of restricting CO2 emissions. The findings suggest that abrupt climate changes might be less predictable and more widespread than anticipated, with potential consequences for Western Europe's climate.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 6, 2021

Sodium solid electrolyte combining high conductivity with electrochemical stability

Researchers developed a chlorine-substituted Na3SbS4 solid electrolyte with improved ionic conductivity and superior electrochemical stability, enabling long-term stability with Na metal anodes. The Cl substitution allows for three-dimensional ion diffusion pathways and reduces interfacial resistance.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateJul 6, 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.

Shining a light on methane transformation

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new method to convert methane into valuable chemicals using photocatalysts, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and waste. The process uses light as an energy source to break down methane bonds, creating fuel and chemical products.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateJul 6, 2021

An 'instruction' to the crocodylian skull

Scientists from St Petersburg University describe the detailed structure of crocodylian braincases, revealing evolutionary features that enabled powerful jaws. The study resolves long-standing contradictions in the genealogical tree of reptiles and sheds light on developmental mechanisms behind the akinetic skull structure.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateJul 6, 2021

Research enhances understanding of switchgrass, an important bioenergy crop

A recent study investigated the relationship between switchgrass and soil microbes, revealing that each cultivar harbors a unique community of bacteria and fungi. The research found that root characteristics, such as length and diameter, differ among cultivars and may influence soil microbiomes.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateJul 6, 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.

Still waiting at an intersection? Banning certain left turns helps traffic flow

A new method developed by Gayah and Aalto University researcher Murat Bayrak suggests eliminating left turns at busy intersections to reduce congestion. The hybrid approach uses heuristic algorithms to identify the most efficient configurations, banning left turns in city centers while allowing them on periphery roads.

SourcePenn State·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateJul 6, 2021

Memory making involves extensive DNA breaking

A new study found that memory formation causes neurons to break their DNA, leading to changes in gene expression and potentially undermining brain health with age. The study also discovered that glia play a significant role in establishing memories from fear conditioning.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 6, 2021

New warning on teen sleep

A recent study published in SLEEP found that teenagers who slept only five hours per night experienced significant depression, anger, and confusion. In contrast, those who slept ten hours reported increased happiness. The study highlights the importance of sufficient sleep for adolescents to mitigate mood deficits.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSLEEP·DateJul 6, 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.

Patently harmful: Fewer female inventors a problem for women's health

Research at McGill University found that patented biomedical inventions created by women are more likely to benefit women's health, addressing conditions like breast cancer and postpartum preeclampsia. However, female inventors face significant barriers, including lower commercialization rates and biases in early-stage feedback.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateJul 6, 2021