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Science News Archive June 2021 - Page 14


Page 14 of 51

Drug doubles down on bone cancer, metastasis

Researchers have developed an antibody conjugate called BonTarg that delivers drugs to bone tumors and inhibits metastasis. The combination of a breast cancer drug with a bone-targeting antibody was found to significantly enhance the concentration of the antibody at tumor sites, and inhibit secondary metastasis from infected organs.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·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.

Being Anglo-Saxon was a matter of language and culture, not genetics

A new study by University of Sydney researchers found that the Anglo-Saxons were a mix of continental European and local ancestry, with 50-70% of Middle Anglo-Saxon individuals being of local ancestry. The findings suggest that being Anglo-Saxon was more likely a matter of language and culture, not genetics

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 23, 2021

Virtual training helps underserved middle schoolers hone social skills

Researchers from the Center for BrainHealth developed a virtual platform, Charisma™, to enhance social skills in middle school students. The study found that participation in virtual training sessions led to improvements in students' confidence, participation in the classroom, and ability to communicate with peers and teachers.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalFrontiers in Education·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.

South Korean team to develop nanofilm-based "cell cage" technology

A Korean research team has developed a nanofilm-based 'cell caging' technology to prevent immune rejection and facilitate smooth insulin secretion in type 1 diabetic patients. The technology, announced by Seoul National University, uses enzymatic crosslinking to create ultra-thin nanofilms that can regulate blood glucose levels.

SourceSeoul National University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 23, 2021

Insights on the link between chronic stress and Alzheimer's disease

A new review suggests chronic psychosocial stress contributes to Alzheimer's development by impacting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to neurodegeneration and dementia. Genetic factors influencing this axis may also affect inflammation, further increasing disease risk.

SourceWiley·JournalBiological Reviews·DateJun 23, 2021

Methodology from GWAS accurately flags more deadly SARS-CoV-2 variant

Researchers used genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to analyze whole-genome sequencing data of SARS-CoV-2 mutations and COVID-19 mortality data. They identified a mutation in the spike protein linked to increased mortality, which was later found to be part of the P.1 variant.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalGenetic Epidemiology·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.

AI spots healthy stem cells quickly and accurately

Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University have developed an AI system called DeepACT that quickly identifies healthy stem cells with the same accuracy as humans. This technology speeds up the process of evaluating stem cell quality, which is crucial for skin grafts and other applications.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalStem Cells·DateJun 23, 2021

Microspheres quiver when shocked

Researchers at Columbia and Northwestern universities have developed a method to induce oscillations in micro-particles using DC electric fields. This motion could be used to develop microrobots with capabilities rivaling those of living organisms.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 23, 2021

A detailed atlas of the developing brain

Researchers at Harvard University have created a comprehensive molecular atlas of the developing somatosensory cortex, providing insights into how gene activity and regulation change over time. The study sheds light on the complex process of cortical development, including when different neuron populations are established.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateJun 23, 2021

Dutch study finds antibiotic-resistant bacteria common in veterinary staff

A new study found that one in ten veterinary workers in the Netherlands carries strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including ESBL-producing bacteria. The study suggests that occupational contact with animals may be a key factor in transmitting these resistant bacteria to humans.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateJun 23, 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.

Use of additional Metop-C and Fengyun-3 C/D data improves regional weather forecasts

The use of additional Metop-C and Fengyun-3 C/D data has been shown to improve regional weather forecasts by filling existing data gaps. By incorporating more PMW satellite radiances, scientists can enhance the quality of forecast models, leading to better short-range predictions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 23, 2021

Cold weather cost New England electric customers nearly $1.8 billion in one month; A new study suggests ways to mitigate fuel shortages

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers suggests that storing both oil and gas on-site at power plants can reduce dependence on gas grids and mitigate fuel shortages. This could reduce costs for electric customers in New England, where gas supply constraints have led to frequent power plant outages.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalThe Electricity Journal·DateJun 23, 2021

Rare genetic defect replicated in fish model

Researchers at Heidelberg University successfully introduced a rare genetic mutation into a fish model to study the causes of complex metabolic diseases. The study found that supplying fully functional ALG2 mRNA could reverse the genetic defect, allowing analysis of individual function areas of the enzyme.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalDevelopment·DateJun 23, 2021

ESMO World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer 2021

The 2021 ESMO World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer presented new concepts in clinical trials, advances in surgery and transplant, and novel immuno-oncology mechanisms. Researchers shared findings on the effects of drug interactions in GI oncology and strategies to improve outcomes for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·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.

Differences in countries' COVID-19 guidelines created confusion for healthcare professionals

The study analyzed 114 COVID-19 guidelines from leading organizations in the UK, France, Germany, and the US, finding significant variations in respiratory protection recommendations. The variations were attributed to differences in national and international guidelines, as well as shortages of equipment.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 23, 2021

Pharmaceutical and industrial pollutants are a threat to aquatic food chain

A recent study by Portland State University researchers detected low levels of pharmaceuticals and personal care product chemicals in oysters along the Oregon and Washington coast. The concentrations were higher near wastewater sites, indicating a need to address the sources of these pollutants.

SourcePortland State University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateJun 23, 2021

10 keys to integrating health into urban and transport planning

The Barcelona Institute for Global Health has identified 10 key principles for integrating health components into urban design, aiming to reduce premature mortality. The study provides a checklist for urban planners to incorporate public health into their work, promoting active and public transport, green spaces, and mixed land use.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·DateJun 23, 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.

Use of tobacco pipes by Native groups tells story of regional diversity

The use of tobacco pipes by Native groups provides valuable insights into their cultural practices and exchange networks. Researchers uncovered evidence of diverse pipe-making techniques, materials, and symbolism across different regions, highlighting the complexities of pre-Columbian American cultures.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Antiquity·DateJun 23, 2021

The origins of farming insects

Researchers found that the symbiotic relationship between ambrosia fungi and beetles originated more than 100 million years ago, during the early Cretaceous period. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of insect farming, a strategy similar to human agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalBiological Reviews·DateJun 23, 2021

Precision medicine becomes more accessible for Australians with cancer

A new online database, TOPOGRAPH, has been developed to streamline the process of recommending therapeutic treatments in precision cancer medicine for Australian patients. The platform catalogues oncology research and provides personalized treatment recommendations based on genomic variations and biomarkers.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·Journalnpj Precision Oncology·DateJun 23, 2021

Compost improves apple orchard sustainability

Researchers applied compost to apple orchards, finding it increased the number of beneficial bacteria that recycle nutrients. This leads to more nutrients available for apple trees, reducing the need for fertilizers and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateJun 23, 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.

2.5 grammes of pure cocoa found to improve visual acuity in daylight

Research by Universidad Complutense de Madrid found that consuming 2.5g of pure cocoa powder enhances photopic visual acuity in healthy adults during daylight conditions. The flavanols and theobromine in cocoa stimulate the central nervous system, improving attention.

SourceUniversidad Complutense de Madrid·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·DateJun 23, 2021

Mapping methane sources in Paris

A study conducted by researchers in Paris identified the natural gas distribution network as a major source of methane emissions, accounting for 63% of total emissions. The study also found that sewage networks were another significant source of methane, with 33% of total emissions attributed to these systems.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 23, 2021

Shifting sands, creeping soils, and a new understanding of landscape evolution

A new study published in Nature Communications finds that sand grains are in constant motion, challenging prevailing theories. Researchers used optical interference data to observe individual sand particles at rest and found they behave like glass, with creeping soil rates controlled by disturbances such as heat or tapping.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·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.

Cellular signatures of kidney tumours discovered

The study confirms that childhood cancers originate from specific developmental cells and exhibit unique 'cellular signals' that can be used to classify them. This method holds promise as a tool for diagnosing patients with rare cancers, including one patient's cryptic kidney cancer identified through cellular signal analysis.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2021

Long COVID has resurfaced tensions over treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome

A special report highlights the controversy surrounding the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome and long COVID, with clinicians weighing in on the role of exercise in rehabilitation. While some advocates reject research on exercise, others argue that careful screening and individualized treatments are key to helping patients manage t...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJun 23, 2021

Providing clean, safe and private toilet, menstrual hygiene management for the homeless: An audit

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that public toilets in Manhattan do not meet the needs of women experiencing homelessness, with limited access to resources and safety issues. The research highlights the need for improved menstrual hygiene management and accessibility in public facilities.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 23, 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.

Subconscious changes in movement may predict Alzheimer's disease

Researchers detected changes in fractal motor activity regulation (FMAR) patterns in cognitively healthy adults, particularly among women, which were associated with preclinical Alzheimer's disease pathology. FMAR may serve as a non-invasive biomarker for testing and screening AD.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·DateJun 23, 2021

Caloric restriction alters microbiome, enhancing weight loss

Researchers found that extreme caloric restriction diets alter the gut microbiome, leading to weight loss in participants. The study suggests that a decrease in gut bacteria and an increase in Clostridiodes difficile may be responsible for the observed weight loss effects.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateJun 23, 2021

People overestimate Black Americans' chances of economic success

A new study from Ohio State University found that Americans consistently overestimate the chances of Black Americans moving up the economic ladder, with a 16% difference compared to actual likelihood. Recognizing racial disparities helps people calibrate their beliefs.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJun 23, 2021

Language trade-off? No, bilingual children reliably acquire English by age 5

A study by Florida Atlantic University finds that minority language exposure does not hinder English acquisition in US-born children. In fact, bilingualism is associated with greater total language knowledge. By age 5, balanced bilinguals show stronger English skills than some English-dominant peers.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalChild Development·DateJun 23, 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.

After stroke, more than one try to remove blood clots may be tied to worse outcome

A new study published in Neurology found that trying more than one time to remove blood clots during endovascular treatments for ischemic strokes was associated with increased disability and brain damage. Researchers suggest aiming for a single attempt at removal with new devices, highlighting the need for further development.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 23, 2021

Magneto-thermal imaging brings synchrotron capabilities to the lab

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a method of magneto-thermal imaging that provides nanoscale and picosecond resolution, previously available only in synchrotron facilities. This innovation enables the study of magnetic properties of materials at unprecedented scales.

SourceCornell University·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 23, 2021

Harvesting drinking water from humidity around the clock

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a technology to harvest water 24/7 with no energy input, using specially coated glass and a radiation shield. The device can produce up to twice as much water as current passive technologies, with potential for large-scale integration.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·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.

Novel lncRNA, Caren, counteracts heart failure progression

A novel lncRNA, Caren, has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for heart failure. It enhances energy production in cardiomyocytes and inhibits the activation of the ATM protein, which accelerates heart failure severity. Increasing Caren expression may inhibit heart failure progression.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2021

Immune cells in the human biliary system mapped

The study reveals a dominant network of neutrophils and tissue-resident T cells in the bile ducts of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a severe inflammatory disease. This discovery may pave the way for new treatment strategies against PSC and other biliary disorders.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Translational Medicine·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.

The mysterious Chinese mountain cat probably was not involved in feline domestication

A genomic study of 51 high-quality samples reveals the Chinese mountain cat is a wildcat subspecies (Felis silvestris bieti) and was not directly involved in feline domestication in China. This finding supports the theory that housecats originated solely from African wildcat domestication, but raises conservation concerns for the species.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 23, 2021

Schools should strive to improve students' food literacy

K-12 schools should focus on improving students' food literacy to bridge health gaps between lower-income and higher-income families. A conceptual model offers guidance for schools to enhance health and food literacy through practice opportunities, research, policy, or interventions.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of School Health·DateJun 23, 2021

Critical cell process shown to be missing in humans

A group of patients with neurological disease have been found to lack a critical cell process called autophagy. This discovery challenges the understanding that humans cannot survive if their cells completely fail to carry out autophagy, and may have important implications for research and therapies in neurodegeneration and cancer.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 23, 2021

New algorithm helps autonomous vehicles find themselves, summer or winter

A new algorithm developed at Caltech allows autonomous systems to recognize their location by analyzing the terrain around them, even in seasonal changes. The system uses self-supervised learning to identify patterns in images, resulting in more accurate localization, with 92% success rate compared to 50% with traditional techniques.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·DateJun 23, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Quantum birds

Researchers discover that cryptochrome 4, found in birds' retinas, is sensitive to magnetic fields and could be the long-sought magnetic sensor. The team deciphered the mechanism behind this sensitivity, which arises from electrons moving within the molecule after blue-light activation.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature·DateJun 23, 2021