Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive July 2021 - Page 37


Page 37 of 41

Missing bile ducts offer clues to mechanism of liver injury

Scientists have discovered a new mechanism by which the liver adapts to injury by decreasing bile synthesis and shunting it to the bloodstream. This adaptation may explain why some patients with liver injury develop symptoms later than others, and could lead to new treatments for these patients.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 6, 2021

New study uncovers how a series of sleep loss impacts mental and physical wellbeing

A new study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that just three nights of sleep loss can cause significant deterioration in mental and physical health. After a day or two, symptoms peak, and the body becomes relatively adapted to repeated sleep loss, but this changes on the sixth night when physical symptoms reach their wo...

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·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.

Nano-scale borate bioactive glass: Next generation material for skin-healing

Researchers developed a nano-scale borate bioactive glass (Nano-HCA@BG) with enhanced biological performance, reducing toxicity and improving biocompatibility. The material accelerates wound cell migration and collagen synthesis, promoting faster healing.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateJul 6, 2021

Software tool breathes life into post-COVID office airflow

The new indoor module for Eddy3D software helps designers and architects maximize fresh air flow and minimize stagnant areas. By simulating airflow and identifying virus diffusion patterns, the tool reduces the risk of airborne pathogens in post-COVID offices.

SourceCornell University·DateJul 6, 2021

Counting sheep and still awake? Mindfulness therapy may help bring on the zzz's

A study published in Psychological Medicine found that mindfulness-based therapy (MBTI) was more effective than a sleep hygiene program in reducing insomnia symptoms and improving sleep quality. MBTI participants took less time to fall asleep and spent less time awake during the night compared to those in the sleep hygiene program.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJul 6, 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.

Freshwater methamphetamine pollution turns brown trout into addicts

A study by Pavel Horký and colleagues has discovered that low levels of methamphetamine in freshwater rivers can elicit addiction in wild brown trout. The fish exhibited withdrawal symptoms when switched to clean water, suggesting addiction was present. Methamphetamine contamination in waterways poses a significant threat to aquatic life.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 6, 2021

Vertical greenery can act as a stress buffer, NTU Singapore study finds

A study published in Landscape and Urban Planning found that viewing buildings with green plants reduced stress levels and improved positive emotions in participants. The research suggests that incorporating vertical greenery into urban design can have a significant impact on mental health, guiding greening efforts in cities.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateJul 6, 2021

High-throughput metabolic profiling of single cells

Researchers have developed a novel method for generating metabolic profiles of individual cells, enabling the analysis of over 100 metabolites and lipids from thousands of cells per hour. The method, called SpaceM, uses a combination of fluorescence microscopy and mass spectrometry to analyze single-cell metabolism.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature Methods·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.

Innovation massively expands view into workings of single cells

Researchers have devised a way to multiply the accessible details of gene activity in individual cells, allowing for better understanding of cancer development and brain function. The new method delivers about a ten-fold improvement in DNA recovery from single cells and reduces sequencing costs by one third.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 6, 2021

The twinkle and the brain

Researchers at IST Austria find that ketamine and 60-hertz light flickering can remove the perineuronal net, a structure responsible for stabilizing brain connections. This could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating post-traumatic stress disorder and amblyopia.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 6, 2021

Researchers discover way to improve immune response

A team of researchers has identified a mechanism explaining how Tpex cells can maintain their function for long periods, potentially improving the success rate of immunotherapy. The discovery was made by identifying increased amounts of an immunosuppressive molecule, which reduces activity of mTOR and dampens the immune response.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalImmunity·DateJul 6, 2021

Epsilon variant mutations contribute to COVID immune evasion

The Epsilon variant's unique mutations in the spike protein reduce antibody neutralization, making it harder for vaccines and past infections to fight. The study reveals an unprecedented mechanism behind this loss of immunity, shedding light on a new strategy for immune evasion.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·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.

Synthetic biology circuits can respond within seconds

MIT researchers develop a methodology for designing protein interactions that occur at a fast timescale, allowing circuits to respond within seconds. This approach has potential applications in creating environmental sensors and diagnostics.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 6, 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
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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

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
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.

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

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
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

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
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.

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

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
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.

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