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Science News Archive June 2021 - Page 13


Page 13 of 51

Addressing inequity in air quality

Researchers are using satellite and ground-based tools to measure air quality, revealing significant differences in nitrogen dioxide levels between majority white and minority communities. This study aims to inform policymakers about the need to mitigate inequity in air pollution, which disproportionately affects communities of color.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 23, 2021

If the right hand is hypersensitive due to an injury to the left

A recent study found that patients with unilateral nerve injuries often experience sensory abnormalities on the opposite side of their body, regardless of whether they have pain or not. This phenomenon, known as contralateral sensory abnormalities, suggests a common underlying mechanism for both painful and painless neuropathies.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNeurology·DateJun 23, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Milk protein could help boost blueberries' healthfulness

Researchers found that α-casein protein in milk increased anthocyanin and metabolite concentrations in rats by 1.5-10.1 times. The protein's amino acids interacted with and encapsulated anthocyanin molecules, improving stability and transport into the bloodstream.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 23, 2021

Pandemic drives largest decrease in US life expectancy since 1943

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the largest decrease in US life expectancy since World War II, with Black Americans experiencing a staggering 3.25-year decline. The data highlights significant disparities in health outcomes across racial groups and between the US and peer countries.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalThe BMJ·DateJun 23, 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.

Single dose of Pfizer or Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine offers substantial protection to

A single dose of either the Pfizer or Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine offers around 60% protection against infection from SARS-CoV-2 in residents of long-term care facilities aged 65 and over. Vaccination also reduces the risk of transmission and infectivity, with a protective effect evident from 4 weeks after vaccination.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJun 23, 2021

Recycling of the eye's light sensors is faulty in progressive blindness of older adults

A study published in Nature Communications found that the process removing old light sensors is disrupted in progressive blindness, leading to age-related macular degeneration. The researchers identified mTORC1 as a key component involved in photoreceptor recycling and suggest potential treatments using drugs against mTORC1.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2021

These sea anemones have a diverse diet. And they eat ants

A new study reveals that giant plumose anemones off the coast of Washington state consume a surprising variety of prey, including pale-legged field ants and occasional spiders. The research utilized DNA metabarcoding to analyze the gut contents of a dozen anemones, greatly expanding the known list of their diet.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalEnvironmental DNA·DateJun 23, 2021

Combining three techniques boosts brain-imaging precision

Researchers developed a trimodal approach combining functional MRI, electroencephalography, and EROS to capture timing and location of brain responses with higher precision. The method provides a clearer picture of how different parts of the brain activate and communicate when an individual is distracted or engaged in a cognitive task.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateJun 23, 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.

Bioinspired mineralization of calcium carbonate in peptide hydrogel

A team of researchers developed a biomimetic mineralization of calcium carbonate using a multifunctional peptide template that can self-supply mineral sources. The study clarifies the formation mechanism of inorganic crystals and their control by organic templates, facilitating understanding of biomineralization.

SourceShinshu University·JournalJournal of Asian Ceramic Societies·DateJun 23, 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.

NIH begins study of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and postpartum

The NIH's MOMI-VAX study aims to assess antibody responses, transfer of antibodies to infants, and vaccine safety in vaccinated participants and their newborns. The study will enroll up to 750 pregnant individuals and 250 postpartum individuals, followed through the first year after delivery.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJun 23, 2021

Machine learning for solar energy is supercomputer kryptonite

Researchers have developed a machine learning program that accurately predicts the band gap of photovoltaics materials in milliseconds, using freely available software. This breakthrough could render supercomputers unnecessary for some applications, as stoichiometry is found to be a crucial factor in predicting band gaps.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalJournal of Cheminformatics·DateJun 23, 2021

Using virtual populations for clinical trials

Researchers successfully replicated traditional clinical trials using virtual patient populations, speeding up the trial process by months. The in-silico approach shows huge potential for optimizing medical device design and reducing risks associated with treatment.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2021

Kit clashes affect performance in football matches, new study shows

Researchers found that kit colour clashes slow players' ability to find teammates on the pitch, with quicker response times observed when teams wear different shorts colours. The study's findings suggest potential implications for laws of the game and refereeing decisions, particularly in cases involving crossed kits.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPerception·DateJun 23, 2021

Fracture setting method could replace metal plates, with fewer complications

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a new biocompatible polymer-based composite material that can replace metal plates in treating difficult and unstable fractures. The material, AdhFix, enables customized plating for fixation of fractures with a more comfortable recovery.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 23, 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.

Black patients with cirrhosis more likely to die, less likely to get liver transplant

A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals persistent racial disparities in cirrhosis outcomes, with Black patients facing higher mortality rates and lower transplant approval rates. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve healthcare access for Black patients, who face structural and institutional barriers...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalHepatology·DateJun 23, 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.

Climate change makes arctic ozone loss worse

New study reveals climate change intensifies Arctic ozone depletion, putting Europe and North America at risk of increased UV radiation exposure. The expected recovery of the ozone layer may fail unless global greenhouse gases are rapidly reduced.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2021

Predicting tooth loss

Researchers developed machine-learning tools to predict tooth loss based on medical characteristics and socioeconomic factors, outperforming traditional clinical indicators. The approach could be used globally to screen people and improve early interventions, potentially delaying or preventing tooth loss.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 23, 2021

Researchers outline specific patterns in reading in Russian

Psycholinguists investigated how reading in Russian varies among different groups of readers. Adult native speakers exhibit a 'fluent' pattern, while second-graders show an 'intermediate' process due to local lexical difficulties. Bilingual heritage speakers also follow this pattern, despite having acquired Russian early.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalReading Research Quarterly·DateJun 23, 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.

Bourneville's tuberous sclerosis: everything unfolds in the brain shortly after birth

A Canadian research team has identified a critical period in postnatal brain development that contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders associated with tuberous sclerosis. The study suggests that a mutation in the TSC1 gene disrupts the mTOR signaling pathway, leading to abnormal cell proliferation and synaptic connections defects.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 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.

COVID-19 disruptions in sub-Saharan Africa will have substantial health consequences

The COVID-19 pandemic has had serious consequences for education, nutrition, and food security in sub-Saharan Africa, with widespread disruptions to healthcare services and increased prices for staple foods. Policymakers must address these indirect risks to mitigate the health impacts of future disease outbreaks.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateJun 23, 2021

Low-cost method for finding new coronavirus variants

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a cost-effective method for detecting new coronavirus variants. The COVseq technology uses multiplex PCR and pooling to sequence thousands of viral genomes per week, making it an affordable solution for global surveillance.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2021

Cancer survivors' tongues less sensitive to tastes than those of healthy peers

Researchers at the University of Illinois found that cancer survivors' tongues are significantly less sensitive to bitter, salty, or sweet tastes due to damage caused by radiation therapy. The team discovered that taste dysfunction persists for years after treatment ends, affecting the quality of life for these individuals.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalChemical Senses·DateJun 23, 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.

Roughness of retinal layers, a new Alzheimer's biomarker

Researchers from Universidad Complutense de Madrid have developed a method to measure the roughness of retinal layers, which indicates the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The study uses fractal dimension analysis and can be used for quick and low-cost testing.

SourceUniversidad Complutense de Madrid·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 23, 2021

Odd smell: flies sniff ammonia in a way new to science

Flies use their antenna to smell ammonia, which helps them find food sources and navigate. A new type of odor receptor, Amt, has been identified that allows insects to detect ammonia, and could lead to effective ways to block it.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 23, 2021

Geckos might lose their tails, but not their dinner

A new UC Riverside study reveals geckos can still capture crickets with 77% accuracy even after losing their tails. The researchers found that geckos were slower and less agile without tails, but retained a surprising retention of accuracy in capturing prey.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalIntegrative and Comparative Biology·DateJun 23, 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.

Wild bees need deadwood in the forest

A recent study published in Forest Ecology and Management found that creating deadwood in coniferous forests can promote the abundance of aboveground nesting bees. The researchers created artificial structures with standing timber in six sample plots in the Black Forest National Park, leading to an increase in wild bee populations.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateJun 23, 2021

Enlisting the newly discovered L-IST RNA in the fight against type 2 diabetes

Researchers at Tohoku University have identified a new gene, CCDC152 (L-IST RNA), which inhibits selenoprotein P (SeP) levels, reducing insulin resistance and glucose metabolism issues associated with type 2 diabetes. EGCG supplements may help increase L-IST, offering potential treatment options for diabetic patients.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 23, 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.

Mongooses solve inequality problem

A new study on banded mongooses found that providing extra food to mothers created initial size disparities among pups. However, the well-fed mothers then provided more care to smaller pups, reducing these differences and promoting fairness in pup survival.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2021

Machine learning aids earthquake risk prediction

Researchers at UT Austin developed a machine learning model that predicts the amount of lateral movement in soil during earthquakes, achieving 80% accuracy. The model uses over 7,000 data points from Christchurch, New Zealand, and was trained on the Frontera supercomputer.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalEarthquake Spectra·DateJun 23, 2021

Increased organizational support for employees' adoption efforts yields positive benefits

A Baylor University study found that organizational support for adoption positively affects employees, their families, and the organization itself. The research showed that commitment to the organization is greater when employees receive financial reimbursement or leave policies supporting their adoption of a child.

SourceBaylor University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology·DateJun 23, 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.

Life in these star-systems could have spotted Earth

Researchers used Gaia eDR3 catalog data to determine which stars pass through the Earth Transit Zone over a 10,000-year period. This allows nearby star-systems to potentially detect Earth, with 1,715 systems having had this opportunity since human civilization began.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateJun 23, 2021

Study reveals formation mechanism of first carbon-carbon bond in MTO process

A joint research team revealed the mechanism underlying the formation of the first carbon-carbon (C-C) bond during the methanol-to-olefins (MTO) process. They detected surface ethoxy species, a critical intermediate containing the initial C-C bond, and employed theoretical calculations to predict its formation.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChem·DateJun 23, 2021

High-resolution microscope built from LEGO and bits of phone

A team of researchers built a high-resolution microscope using LEGO bricks and mobile phone parts, showing significant improvement in children's knowledge of microscopy. The study demonstrated that constructing the microscope themselves increased children's understanding of optical characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalThe Biophysicist·DateJun 23, 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.

Minority groups in the US experience cognitive issues earlier in life

A recent study found that minority groups in the US are more likely to experience cognitive issues earlier in life. The study analyzed data from over 179,000 adults and found that Black and Hispanic individuals were more likely to self-report memory loss and cognitive decline compared to white individuals.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJun 23, 2021

A triple-system neural model of maladaptive consumption

A triple-system neural model of maladaptive consumption presents a new understanding of compulsive seeking and consumption behaviors. The model identifies three brain regions that may drive maladaptive behaviors: the impulsive system, reflective system, and interoceptive-awareness system.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateJun 23, 2021

Had COVID-19? One vaccine dose enough; boosters for all, study says

A new study suggests that people who had COVID-19 need only one vaccine dose for protection and that boosters could be necessary for everyone in the future. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines triggered antibody levels similar to those seen after mild COVID-19 infections with one dose.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 23, 2021