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Science News Archive July 2021 - Page 4


Page 4 of 41

Artificial Intelligence learns better when distracted

Researchers from the University of Groningen and Spain developed a method to train AI systems using distractions to improve image recognition. By analyzing how deep learning systems process images, they found that forcing the system's focus towards secondary characteristics can lead to better performance.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNeural Computing and Applications·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 29, 2021

No Shortcuts to SARS-Cov-2 Antivirals

Repurposed drugs for COVID-19 have yielded no effective treatments despite billions spent. Direct-acting antivirals are recommended to avoid false positives and patient risks. The scientific community emphasizes thoroughness in drug screenings, highlighting the importance of structure-activity relationships.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 29, 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.

Why uncertainty makes us change our behaviour – even when we shouldn’t

Research from UNSW Sydney found that unexpected uncertainty prompts people to adjust their behavior, even if it's not the best strategy. In contrast, gradual changes in uncertainty do not lead to significant behavioral shifts. The study suggests that understanding how people react to uncertainty can help overcome inertia and promote su...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021

Better Reporting, Recognition and Research Needed to Address Long Covid

Long Covid's chronic symptoms, including extreme fatigue and brain fog, result in considerable socioeconomic disability. The lack of formal recognition and diagnostic criteria for Long Covid hinders our understanding of the syndrome, its potential drivers, and its impact on mental health.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 29, 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.

Remember more by taking breaks

Researchers found that longer breaks between learning events lead to more stable activation patterns in the brain, allowing for better memory retention. This study provides insights into the neuronal processes behind the spacing effect, suggesting that taking breaks can slow down learning but improve long-term memory.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021

Machine learning fuels personalised cancer medicine

Researchers developed a machine learning tool, BoostDM, that evaluates the potential contribution of mutations in genes to cancer development. The tool helps understand how tumors are caused at the molecular level and can facilitate medical decisions regarding therapy.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 28, 2021

Using AI to predict suicidal behaviours in students

A study from McGill University and France uses AI to identify factors predicting suicidal behavior in students, finding self-esteem as a major predictor. Approximately 17% of students exhibited suicidal behaviors, highlighting the need for large-scale screening tools.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Neandertal and Denisovan blood groups deciphered

Researchers analyzed Neandertal and Denisovan genomes to identify blood groups, confirming their African origin and Eurasian dispersal. The study also found evidence of low genetic diversity and possible demographic fragility, shedding light on the disappearance of Neandertals.

SourceCNRS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 28, 2021

Seeking a unique treatment for lobular breast cancer

Lobular breast cancer patients often experience recurrence or metastasis despite hormonal therapies. CU Cancer Center researcher Matthew Sikora is studying the role of MDC1 in this subtype, finding it linked to estrogen receptor activity and potentially a novel target for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalMolecular Cancer·DateJul 28, 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.

Heart cell protein could lead to new treatments for heart failure and recovery

Researchers discovered that a protein called VDAC2 plays a key role in regulating calcium signaling within heart cells, which can help prevent chronic heart failure. Targeting this protein with drugs or therapeutic treatments may eventually alleviate heart failure.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 28, 2021

Eliminating RNA-binding protein improves survival in aggressive leukemia

Scientists at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered that removing the RNA-binding protein IGF2BP3 selectively targets cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. This finding holds promise for the development of targeted therapies for cancers with high levels of IGF2BP3.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalLeukemia·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

Measuring conservation in a way that counts

A new study challenges the effectiveness of current conservation efforts in protected areas, suggesting that 'saving' biodiversity may not be accurately measured. The study's lead author argues that measures such as expanding protected areas and establishing national parks do not necessarily translate to real progress in conservation.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 28, 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.

A caffeine buzz helps bees learn to find specific flowers

Researchers found that feeding bumble bees caffeine improves their ability to recognize specific flower odors and remember the location of nectar-rich flowers. However, this effect is short-lived, as the bees quickly adapt and lose their preference for caffeinated flowers.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 28, 2021

Personally addressed emails designed with behavioral science can increase COVID-19 vaccine registration among vaccine-hesitant healthcare workers

A randomized trial found that individually addressed email reminders designed with behavioral science principles increased COVID-19 vaccination registration among healthcare workers, compared to those who did not receive an email. The emails led to more than twice as many registrations within three days.

SourceGeisinger Health System·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 28, 2021

Hybrid cars are twice as vulnerable to supply chain issues as gas-powered models

Researchers found hybrid electric vehicles have twice the vulnerability to supply chain disruptions as gas-powered models, due to volatile battery prices and scarce materials. Long-term supplier contracts and material substitution can mitigate these risks as manufacturers ramp up EV production.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 28, 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.

Dancing with the light: A new way to make crystals bend by shining light

Researchers at Waseda University have developed a novel mechanism for inducing high-speed bending in thick crystals using the photothermal effect, enabling rapid actuation and simulation. This breakthrough has significant implications for flexible robotics, actuators, and soft robotics.

SourceWaseda University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

Beating the heatstroke

A team of scientists used hybrid machine learning methods to predict the incidence of heatstroke in Japanese cities. They achieved a high level of accuracy using publicly available information such as demographics and weather forecasts.

SourceNational Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 28, 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.

Psychological consequences of Covid-19 in health care

A recent study by the University of Bonn highlights the psychological consequences of Covid-19 in healthcare workers, with over 20% experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety. The researchers found that a strong sense of coherence and social support were key protective factors against mental strain, emphasizing the importance of ti...

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 28, 2021

Berkeley Lab’s CAMERA leads international effort on autonomous scientific discoveries

Researchers are exploring autonomous discovery techniques to reduce data required for scientific discovery, enabling faster and more efficient exploration of multi-dimensional parameter spaces. The field is gaining traction across various disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, materials science, and more.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Reviews Physics·DateJul 28, 2021

Rainfall becomes increasingly variable as climate warms

Research predicts that climatologically wet regions will get wetter on average, but also swing widely between wet and dry conditions. This increased rainfall variability could lead to more extreme weather events impacting crop yields, river flows, and infrastructure resilience.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 28, 2021

Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 infection among hospital health care workers

This study analyzed the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among hospital healthcare workers and found that those with certain underlying conditions were more susceptible. The study also identified specific patient populations at increased risk, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to prevent transmission.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 28, 2021

Researchers identify powerful tool for analyzing large patient datasets

Immunology researchers from The University of Queensland have identified UMAP as a powerful tool for analyzing large patient datasets. This method performed significantly better than PCA in reducing the complexity of big data, enabling accurate patient stratification and clustering. The findings could lead to the adoption of targeted t...

SourceTranslational Research Institute·JournalCell Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 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.

Rice team creating insulin-producing implant for Type 1 diabetes

Rice University bioengineers are developing an insulin-producing implant to regulate blood glucose levels in Type 1 diabetics. The implant uses human stem cells and 3D printing to mimic the natural behavior of the pancreas, with the goal of achieving consistent target blood glucose levels.

SourceRice University·DateJul 28, 2021

First detection of light from behind a black hole

Researchers have made the first direct observation of light from behind a black hole, confirming a key prediction by Einstein's theory of general relativity. The discovery was made using X-rays emitted by a supermassive black hole at a galaxy 800 million light-years away.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJul 28, 2021

Chaotic electrons heed ‘limit’ in strange metals

A Cornell-led study reveals that certain metals, like copper oxide-based superconductors, exhibit chaotic electron behavior governed by the Planckian limit. This limit dictates an upper bound on collision rates, which researchers have accurately measured for the first time.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateJul 28, 2021

Novel method for fast 3D microscopy

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a novel method for fast 3D microscopy, allowing for precise tracking of non-labeled biological structures. This breakthrough enables new insights into cellular dynamics and has potential applications in fields such as bionics and understanding causes of infertility.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2021

Metabolic syndrome linked to increased risk of second stroke, death

A meta-analysis found that people with metabolic syndrome are 46% more likely to have a second stroke than those without, with low HDL cholesterol being an independent risk factor. Additionally, individuals with metabolic syndrome were 27% more likely to die during the study.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 28, 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.

Technion researchers develop innovative rapid imaging technology

Researchers at the Technion- Israel Institute of Technology have developed a revolutionary imaging technology that breaks through limitations of current single-pixel imaging (SPI) systems. The new technology, which uses an unprecedented high frequency of 2.4 MHz, enables the creation of high-quality images in record time.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2021

Younger diabetics more worried about Covid-19 – study

A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that younger people with diabetes are significantly more concerned about COVID-19 risks and have a higher likelihood of reporting worries. Social support from family, friends, and healthcare teams plays a crucial role in managing these concerns.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalPrimary Care Diabetes·TypeSurvey·DateJul 28, 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.

Systematic differences across countries associated with use of COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical interventions; lockdowns decrease mobility while school closures have no effect

Researchers analyzed country-level health systems capacity and socioeconomic characteristics to understand delays in implementing COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical interventions. Lockdowns significantly reduced physical mobility, while national school closures had no significant impact.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalThe European Journal of Health Economics·DateJul 28, 2021

Imaging method predicts how well stem cells can differentiate into cardiac muscle cells

A new imaging technique developed by the Skala Lab can predict the efficiency of cardiomyocyte differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells, providing a non-invasive quality control method. The technique uses autofluorescence to measure metabolic activity and has been shown to be accurate in predicting outcome with high consistency.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 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.

Study reveals characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

Researchers discovered that the majority of the spike protein degrades within 24 hours, providing insights into infection and vaccination processes. The study also shed light on the role of key host factors in cell-to-cell fusion, a crucial aspect of COVID-19 pathology.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 28, 2021

Common floral bacteria can induce pollen germination

Certain floral bacteria can induce pollen germination, allowing them to access nutrients. This discovery could have implications for the biology of pollen digestion and its impact on pollinators.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

3D visualization and quantification of bioplastic PHA in a living bacterial cell

Researchers use 3D visualization to analyze bioplastic granule accumulation in bacteria, providing insights into sustainable plastic substitutes. The study found distinctive differences in PHA granule density and localization between microorganisms.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 28, 2021

Not-so-blind mice can make strategic and acute visual choices

Researchers found that mice can make fine visual discriminations between slightly different lines, suggesting a more complex decision-making process than previously thought. The study's findings highlight the importance of considering non-perceptual biases in understanding animal behavior and decision-making strategies.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2021

Perspectives, concerns of adult women with acne

The study explores how adult women experience acne's influence on their lives, finding it affects self-esteem and relationships. Adult women describe the negative emotional impacts of acne on their daily lives.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateJul 28, 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.

Attachment style secures your love during lockdowns

A study by the University of Vienna found that attachment style is a key predictor of high relationship quality during times of crisis. Participants with secure attachment styles had higher relationship quality than those with anxious or avoidant styles.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateJul 28, 2021

Study suggests need to screen older adults for mental health symptoms as pandemic continues

A new study suggests that older adults, particularly women and those in fair or poor health, are more likely to experience worsened mental health symptoms during the pandemic. The study recommends screening for depression, anxiety, and sleep problems and connecting participants to treatment resources.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJul 28, 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.

£3 million grant to advance machinery design and performance

The University of Huddersfield's Centre for Precision Technologies will receive £3m funding to drive advancements in machinery design and performance. The project aims to grow the UK's advanced machinery capability to a £2 billion export capacity within ten years, creating over 30,000 high-value manufacturing sector jobs.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateJul 28, 2021