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Science News Archive July 2021 - Page 39


Page 39 of 41

Stanford research shows muskrats are a bellwether for a drying delta

New Stanford research shows muskrat populations are a bellwether for the health of the Peace-Athabasca Delta, a protected landscape in northeastern Alberta, Canada. The study demonstrates how human-driven changes to water systems and the global climate affect even this most protected ecosystem.

SourceStanford University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 2, 2021

Microbes in cow stomachs can break down plastic

Researchers discovered that bacteria from cow stomachs can digest certain types of plastic, including PET, PBAT, and PEF. The study found that the microorganisms can break down these plastics more effectively than single microorganisms, representing a promising eco-friendly approach to reduce plastic litter.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateJul 2, 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.

Unusual currents explain mysterious red crab strandings

New research suggests abnormal ocean currents, rather than temperature changes, cause the occasional appearance of pelagic red crabs outside their native range. A seawater flow index was created to help researchers detect abnormal currents, providing a tool for understanding climate change and its effects on coastal species.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateJul 2, 2021

Inside the lungs, a new hope for protection against flu damage

Researchers have identified DAF as a receptor that increases damage to the lungs in mice infected with influenza A virus. The study highlights an immune evasion strategy by the virus and stresses the importance of a balanced immune response to viral infections.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 2, 2021

Smart technology is not making us dumber

According to a recent paper in Nature Human Behaviour, smart technology is not dumbing us down. Instead, it's augmenting human cognitive abilities, allowing us to excel in complex tasks. By leveraging tools like GPS and computers, we can free up brain energy to think creatively.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJul 2, 2021

How ethane-consuming archaea pick up their favorite dish

Researchers discovered ethane-eating microbes at hydrothermal vents, which use the same enzyme as methane-eaters to break down ethane. The enzyme's unique structure was visualized with unprecedented precision, revealing a larger catalytic chamber and additional methyl groups, allowing for efficient recognition of ethane.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 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.

Insect-sized robot navigates mazes with the agility of a cheetah

Engineers at UC Berkeley created an insect-scale robot using electrostatic adhesion to traverse complex terrain and avoid obstacles with incredible agility. The robot's design allows it to swerve, pivot, and make sharp turns with unprecedented speed and control.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 2, 2021

Poorer survival in obese colorectal cancer patients possibly linked to lower chemotherapy doses

A meta-analysis found that obese patients with colorectal cancer receive lower cumulative doses of adjuvant chemotherapy relative to their body surface area than non-obese patients. This may explain the poorer survival rates observed in obese patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. The study suggests that obese ...

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateJul 2, 2021

Bowel cancer data reinforce need to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use

A study published at ESMO World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer 2021 suggests a link between antibiotic use and an increased risk of colon cancer, particularly in people under 50 years old. The research found that quinolones and sulfonamides/trimethoprim were associated with cancers in the first part of the colon.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateJul 2, 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.

A globally important microbial process hidden on marine particles

Researchers demonstrate that microbial fixation of nitrogen can occur on marine snow particles, leading to low oxygen concentrations and enabling anaerobic N2 fixation. The study's model shows the depth distribution of N2 fixation in the marine water column, highlighting the importance of particle size, density, and sinking speed.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 2021

Solving a long-standing mystery about the desert's rock art canvas

Researchers have solved a long-standing debate about the origin of rock varnish in deserts by attributing its formation to microbial communities that use manganese to combat the desert sun. The study used advanced techniques such as X-ray spectroscopy and DNA sequencing to understand how these ecosystems interact with rock varnish.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 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.

Cancer cells eat themselves to survive

Cancer cells exploit macropinocytosis to repair damaged membranes, allowing them to survive. This technique may also enable cancer cells to recycle membrane material, increasing their resilience.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 2, 2021

Observation, simulation, and AI join forces to reveal a clear universe

Japanese astronomers developed an AI technique to remove noise in galaxy shapes caused by random variations. The new tool was applied to actual data from Japan's Subaru Telescope and found consistent results with accepted models of the Universe.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 2, 2021

Surprise bills for childbirth

A new study estimates surprise bills for deliveries and newborn hospitalizations are frequent, affecting thousands of families annually. Researchers found that out-of-network claims from clinicians and ancillary service providers are a leading cause of surprise bills.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJul 2, 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.

Big data are no substitute for personal input in surveys

A recent study by Frauke Kreuter and colleagues shows that individual interviews can provide valuable insights into the development of social phenomena, even in an era where big data dominates. The global Covid Trends & Impact Survey uses human social sensing to forecast the pandemic's trajectory, with preliminary results suggesting a ...

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateJul 2, 2021

New clinical indicators discovered in transplant patients with COVID-19

A study by Elisa Cordero and colleagues identified key clinical indicators to detect COVID-19 in solid organ transplant recipients. These indicators enable personalized therapeutic measures to reduce mortality rates, particularly among older patients with respiratory failure or severe immunosuppression.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 2, 2021

New insights into the assembly of photosynthetic membranes

A study has elucidated the structure of a protein crucial for photosynthetic membranes' assembly and stability. The insights will boost biotechnological efforts to enhance plants' ability to cope with environmental stresses.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCell·DateJul 2, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Closer to cure: New imaging method tracks cancer treatment efficacy in preclinical studies

Researchers develop a non-invasive imaging method to track IDO1 activity, providing a promising alternative to invasive biopsies. The study found that IDO1 status in the mesenteric lymph node is a surrogate marker for cancer-immune set point and predicts immunotherapeutic efficacy.

SourceThe National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateJul 2, 2021

Women's use of preventive health services during COVID-19

The study found a decline in women's use of preventive health services, including sexually transmitted infection screenings and breast cancer screenings. Women also experienced reduced access to contraceptives from pharmacies during the pandemic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJul 2, 2021

The missing ocean plastic sink: Gone with the rivers

Research reveals river plastic discharge is significantly underestimated, with microplastics at the surface lasting years instead of days. The study's findings confirm the existence of a 'missing plastic sink' but highlight the need for global action to address plastic pollution.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2021

New solution for sleep apnoea

Researchers have successfully repurposed two existing medications to reduce the severity of sleep apnoea in people by at least 30 per cent. The study showed that reboxetine and butylbromide increased muscle activity around participants' airways, reducing the number of breathing stoppages and improving oxygen intake.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateJul 2, 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.

Large-scale drug analysis reveals potential new COVID-19 antivirals

Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute and University of Dundee have identified 15 molecules that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication by blocking different enzymes. Three of the molecules are existing drugs with known safety data, which could be developed into new COVID-19 treatments quickly.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalBiochemical Journal·DateJul 1, 2021

The sense of smell in older adults declines when it comes to meat, but not vanilla

A study by the University of Copenhagen found that older adults' sense of smell declines specifically for savory foods like fried meat, onions, and mushrooms, but remains intact for sweet and fruity odors. This suggests that our perception of smell is closely linked to taste, particularly saltiness.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateJul 1, 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.

Striking a balance: Trade-offs shape flower diversity

An international research team found that flowers often host multiple visitors, exerting different selection pressures on traits like color and scent. To mitigate these trade-offs, flowers employ various strategies, including scents and color changes, to attract or exclude different animals.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBiological Reviews·DateJul 1, 2021

Color and flavor -- pigments play a role in creating tasty tomatoes

A new study from the University of Tsukuba finds that tomato pigments impact flavor by influencing sugar content and volatile organic compounds. The researchers developed a rapid analysis method to explore how pigments affect taste and aroma, revealing positive associations with sugar and apocarotenoid volatile content.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalMetabolites·DateJul 1, 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.

Patients paying for unproven IVF add-on treatments

A survey of 1,590 Australian IVF patients found that 82% have used fertility add-ons despite limited evidence supporting their effectiveness. The most commonly used add-ons were acupuncture and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, with significant costs associated with these treatments.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJul 1, 2021

Screening for dementia with artificial intelligence

A new grant from the NIH is supporting the development of an AI-powered smartphone app that scans speech and vocabulary patterns to catch early signs of Alzheimer's disease. The app aims to provide affordable and accessible self-assessment technology, potentially encouraging patients to seek help sooner.

SourceMichigan State University·DateJul 1, 2021

Better predicting how plants and animals will weather climate extremes

Researchers developed a new model to predict how plants and animals will weather climate extremes by considering biomechanics and environmental factors. The 'ecomechanical models' can help understand evolutionary patterns and animal interactions with their environment.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 1, 2021

IU researchers pioneering noninvasive technique for neurological conditions

Researchers have developed a new, noninvasive brain stimulation technique using magnetoelectric nanoparticles to stimulate deep brain function. The method is more efficient than traditional methods without invasive procedures, showing promise for treating various neurological conditions.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalNeurotherapeutics·DateJul 1, 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.

Pandemic prompts refocus of suicide study at Cincinnati Children's

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center are exploring telehealth as a treatment option for adolescents with suicidal thoughts, following a $7.5 million PCORI award. The study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of suicide prevention treatment delivered by telehealth during the pandemic.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·DateJul 1, 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.

How long can a person live? The 21st century may see a record-breaker

A new study by University of Washington researchers estimates that a record-breaking lifespan of 125-130 years is possible by 2100. The study uses Bayesian statistics to analyze data from the International Database on Longevity and predicts that the world record for the oldest person will be broken.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalDemographic Research·DateJul 1, 2021

How children integrate information

Researchers developed a computational cognitive model to explain how children integrate information during word learning. The model simulates what should happen when different information sources are combined in a rational way, and its predictions align well with real-world data.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJul 1, 2021

How information beyond the genetic sequence is encoded in plant sperm

Research from the John Innes Centre uncovers how small RNAs in plant tapetal cells influence DNA methylation in sperm, ensuring genetic integrity across generations. This breakthrough discovery has far-reaching implications for crop biotechnology and fundamental biological understanding.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalScience·DateJul 1, 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.

Humboldt professorships 2022

Catherina Becker, a neurobiologist, has been awarded the prestigious Humboldt Professorship to strengthen CRTD's research on spinal cord regeneration in zebrafish. Her team has made significant discoveries on the mechanisms behind successful spinal cord regeneration.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·DateJul 1, 2021

The rise and fall of elephants

A recent study reveals that the rise and fall of elephants was influenced by ecological diversity, global temperatures, and changes in ecosystems. The research team found that proboscideans were once more diverse with over 30 species coexisting in the same ecosystem.

SourceMuseum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institut für Evolutions-und Biodiversitätsforschung·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 1, 2021

New data science platform speeds up Python queries

Researchers from Brown University and MIT developed Tuplex, a new data science framework that compiles custom logic written in Python, reducing wait times to seconds. The platform also handles anomalous data by extracting and setting it aside, allowing users to repair anomalies after the program completes.

SourceBrown University·DateJul 1, 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.