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Science News Archive June 2021 - Page 41


Page 41 of 51

Mortality and social support

A study of US adults found that those who received more social support than they gave had a higher mortality risk. Individuals who gave excessive social support also exhibited a higher risk of death.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 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.

Football and team handball training may increase health span and, ultimately, lifespan

A Danish-Swedish study found that football and team handball training have a positive effect on telomere length and mitochondrial function in women, potentially increasing their health span and lifespan. The research involved 129 healthy women and showed that elite football players had longer telomeres compared to untrained controls.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 7, 2021

Controlling insulin production with a smartwatch

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a molecular switch that can be activated by green light from a smartwatch, producing insulin or other substances. The system uses HEK 293 cells and is linked to a gene network, which can be configured to produce specific substances.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2021

Indigenous peoples were stewards of the Western Amazon

New study finds no evidence of widespread forest clearing by Indigenous populations in western Amazonia before European arrival. Instead, researchers suggest a history of sustainable use and minimal impact on ecosystem biodiversity.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 2021

Oncotarget: Infiltration in human skin squamous-cell carcinoma

Researchers analyzed 36 patients with skin squamous-cell carcinoma, finding that CD8+ T cells infiltrated tumors with lymphatic endothelial cells. Perineural infiltrated sSCC without metastasis showed low lymphatic endothelial cell density, suggesting a link to tumor microenvironment biology.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateJun 7, 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.

Largest-ever pre-adolescent brain activation study reveals cognitive function maps

A new study provides valuable information on the cognitive processes and brain systems underlying adolescent development. The data from the largest longitudinal neuroimaging study to date reveals which brain regions are involved in key psychological processes, including cognitive control, reward processing, and social/emotional function.

SourceLarner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 7, 2021

Monoclonal antibody prevents HIV infection in monkeys, study finds

A lab-made monoclonal antibody, leronlimab, has been shown to completely prevent nonhuman primates from being infected with the monkey form of HIV. The results inform a future human clinical trial evaluating leronlimab as a potential pre-exposure prophylaxis therapy.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2021

Correcting misperceptions about, and increasing empathy for, migrants

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that Americans dramatically overestimate the number of migrants affiliated with gangs and children being trafficked. Researchers developed interventions to address this misinformation and increase empathy, resulting in improved attitudes toward immigrants.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 7, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mice fathers pass down stress responses to offspring via sperm

New research reveals that stressed male mice can pass on their stress behaviors to their offspring through changes in the sperm's genetic code. This finding indicates that sperm transmits short-term environmental information to offspring, influencing their stress responses.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJun 7, 2021

Procedure using ultrasound energy found to treat high blood pressure

A global multicentre clinical trial found that a one-hour ultrasound-based procedure called 'renal denervation' significantly reduced blood pressure in resistant hypertension patients. The study, published in The Lancet, suggests this procedure could offer hope to patients who do not respond to recommended treatments.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 7, 2021

Chip mimicking bovine endometrium used in study of factors that can jeopardize pregnancy

The device was used to culture two maternal endometrial cell types, revealing the effects of glucose and insulin level alterations on uterine environment. High levels of glucose altered protein expression and secretion, while insulin changes triggered quantitative changes in protein secretion without significant gene transcription.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEndocrinology·DateJun 7, 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.

New potential therapy for fatty liver disease

Researchers have found that leptin can help mobilize extra fat in the liver, reversing conditions like nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in patients with partial lipodystrophy and/or low leptin levels. Leptin therapy showed promise in improving insulin sensitivity and body weight.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell·DateJun 7, 2021

Feedback on cafeteria purchases helps employees make healthier food choices

A randomized clinical trial tested an automated, personalized intervention to improve health in hospital staff, finding that employees who received feedback on their cafeteria purchases made healthier choices. The study's results suggest that food purchasing data can be leveraged for delivering health promotion interventions at scale.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 7, 2021

Efficient metal-free near-infrared phosphorescence films

Researchers in China developed new NIR dyes based on the energy gap law, achieving efficient near-infrared phosphorescence without metals. The dyes demonstrated moderate to high performance, with TBPB@PVA films showing the best results.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJun 7, 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.

Arctic rotifer lives after 24,000 years in a frozen state

Researchers found that Bdelloid rotifers can persist for at least 24,000 years in the Siberian permafrost and survive. The study suggests that these tiny animals have a mechanism to shield their cells and organs from harm at extremely low temperatures.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 7, 2021

Space travel weakens our immune systems: Now scientists may know why

Researchers found that space travel perturbs human physiology, leading to weaker immune responses and increased susceptibility to infections. The study suggests that T regulator cells (Tregs) play a key role in the weakening of an astronaut's immune system during space travel.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 7, 2021

Targeted COVID-19 therapy: What can we learn from autoimmune kidney diseases?

Researchers found that antiphospholipid antibodies bind to a specific complex in the body, triggering an autoimmune response that can lead to severe inflammation and organ damage. The study suggests that immunomodulatory therapies used for autoimmune diseases like SLE may also be effective in treating COVID-19.

SourceERA – European Renal Association·DateJun 7, 2021

Sea snakes show their sensitive side to court potential mates

Researchers discovered larger touch receptors on male turtle-headed sea snakes, potentially sensing vibrations made by swimming mates, prey or predators. These receptors may help males orient towards the female's direction during mating.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateJun 7, 2021

Are heavy metals toxic? Scientists find surprising new clues in yeast

Researchers have compiled the most complete library yet of lanthanides and their potential toxicity by exposing baker's yeast to lanthanide metals. The study found that lanthanides interrupt cell-signaling pathways, disrupting calcium-binding sites in endocytosis and ESCRT machinery.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 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.

New research in protein sequencing poised to transform medicine

A new overview article explores innovative strategies for protein sequencing at the single-cell and single-molecule level, enabling critical insights into cell-to-cell variation in organs and tissues. This breakthrough may lead to routine clinical applications for diagnostic and treatment purposes, fulfilling personalized medicine.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Methods·DateJun 7, 2021

Study suggests no link between antiseizure drugs used in pregnancy and cognitive problems in babies

A large research project found that children of women with epilepsy who took antiseizure medication during pregnancy have similar cognitive outcomes at age 2 as those born to healthy women. However, higher levels of medication were linked to lower scores on motor and general adaptive tests related to self-care.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJun 7, 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.

Stabilizing gassy electrolytes could make ultra-low temperature batteries safer

A new separator developed by nanoengineers at the University of California San Diego traps gas molecules to stabilize volatile electrolytes, preventing swelling and explosions. The separator boosts battery performance at ultra-low temperatures, with cells operating at 500 milliamp-hours per gram at -40 C.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2021

New single-atom catalysis boots reductive amination reaction

Researchers developed Ru1/NC SAC, showcasing improved catalytic activity and selectivity in reductive amination reactions. The single-atom dispersion and coordination environment play crucial roles in determining the catalytic performance.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2021

Wider applications for Vortex Fluidic Device

Researchers have discovered the VFD's capabilities in controlling chemical reactivity, materials processing, and probing self-organised systems. The device has shown promise in synthesizing various compounds and could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly production methods.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNanoscale Advances·DateJun 7, 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.

ALPALGA: The search for mountain snow microalgae

Researchers have established the first map of snow microalgae distribution along elevation, revealing different species thrive at varying altitudes. The study aims to answer fundamental questions about these organisms' survival, blooms, and impact on snowmelt.

SourceCNRS·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateJun 7, 2021

Exploring an epidemic's meaning from the perspective of nursing

An article by Julie A. Fairman, PhD, RN, FAAN, explores the meaning of epidemics from a nursing perspective, extending Charles Rosenberg's 1992 work on the AIDS epidemic. This approach highlights the importance of understanding the social constructs and meanings attached to epidemics through the experiences of nurses and patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalBulletin of the History of Medicine·DateJun 7, 2021

High blood lead levels found in indigenous peoples in Peruvian Amazonia

A study published in Environment International found high levels of lead in indigenous people living in Peruvian Amazonia, with the highest concentrations found near oil extraction areas. The research, led by Cristina O'Callaghan-Gordo, highlights the need for urgent action to address the potential health effects on these communities.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJun 7, 2021

Snowflake morays can feed on land, swallow prey without water

A new study shows that snowflake morays can grab and swallow prey on land thanks to an extra set of jaws in their throats, allowing them to utilize different environments for food resources. This unique feeding mechanism enables at least one species of moray to feed on land without relying on water.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 7, 2021

Fragility fractures cost European health care systems €56.9 billion annually

A new report by the International Osteoporosis Foundation reveals that fragility fractures result in 4.3 million cases and €56.9 billion in healthcare costs each year in Europe. The report also highlights significant service provision gaps, with only half of women at high fracture risk receiving therapy for osteoporosis.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalArchives of Osteoporosis·DateJun 7, 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.

Being social generates larger genomes in snapping shrimp

A study by Columbia University researchers found that eusocial snapping shrimp have larger genomes due to an accumulation of 'jumping' genes called transposable elements. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the relationship between genome evolution and social behavior in various species, including humans.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 2021

New drug-formulation method may lead to smaller pills

A team of MIT chemical engineers has developed a new method for incorporating hydrophobic drugs into tablets or other formulations, which allows for higher drug loading and potentially smaller dosages. This could lead to improved patient compliance and effectiveness, especially for people who have difficulty swallowing pills.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 7, 2021

Clever biomolecular labelling enables identification of immune cells

Researchers at the University of Göttingen have developed a non-toxic method to label peptides and investigate their mechanism of action. The new technique allows for efficient screening of molecules important for the adaptive immune system, which can help fight infections and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 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.

A breakthrough in the physics of blood clotting

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University have made a significant discovery in the physics of blood clotting. By modeling the dynamics of clot contraction, they found that platelets work best when not in total sync with each other, leading to a 90% decrease in clot volume.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalBiomaterials·DateJun 7, 2021

Anthropogenic forest use in pre-Columbian Peru

A study analyzing charcoal and phytolith records in northeastern Peru suggests that indigenous societies helped maintain forest integrity over the last 5,000 years. Material remains of ancient cultures, such as ceramics and stone tools, were absent from soil samples, supporting the findings.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 2021

A new hope: A novel vaccine against COVID-19 is safe and induces antibody production

A new vaccine called KCONVAC has been shown to be safe and induce antibody production in healthy Chinese adults. The phase 1 and 2 clinical trials demonstrated that the vaccine is well-tolerated and generates a robust immune response, with stronger antibody production seen when participants received their second dose four weeks apart.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·DateJun 7, 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.

Toshiba announces breakthrough in long distance quantum communication

Toshiba has demonstrated record distances for quantum communications using a novel 'dual band' stabilisation technique, enabling QKD over 600km. The technique sends two optical reference signals to minimise phase fluctuations on long fibres, resulting in constant optical phase stability even after propagation through hundreds of km.

SourceToshiba Corporation·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 7, 2021

Social inequality in energy use

Researchers analyzed fine-scale energy use data to reveal significant racial and income disparities in urban energy use. Block groups with higher poverty rates exhibit significantly higher annual energy consumption, particularly for temperature-sensitive applications.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 2021

Researchers make new charge storage mechanism discovery

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have made a groundbreaking discovery in charge storage mechanisms for calcium-air batteries. The new finding, known as trapped interfacial redox, introduces a novel mechanism that can be harnessed to create highly sustainable battery technologies.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalChemical Science·DateJun 7, 2021

This forest has stayed wild for 5,000 years -- we can tell because of the soil

A new study in PNAS reveals that a rainforest in the Putumayo region of Peru has been home to relatively unaltered forest for 5,000 years. Researchers found microscopic silica and charcoal in the soil, which indicate that humans coexisted with nature without altering the environment.

SourceField Museum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 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 research examines the science behind superfoods

A new study found that consuming mangos can help lower chronic disease risk by improving fasting glucose levels and reducing inflammation. Researchers also discovered that adding herbs and spices to the diet may help lower blood pressure, while ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric supplements were linked with improved cholesterol benefits.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·DateJun 7, 2021

Postpartum mental health visits 30% higher during COVID-19 pandemic

Mental health visits for new mothers skyrocketed 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic, with increased rates observed in the first 3 months after giving birth. The study suggests that virtual care may have removed barriers to postpartum mental health support, enabling more people to seek care.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 7, 2021

Effectiveness of 1st dose of BNT162b2 (BioNTech/Pfizer) vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 infection 13 to 24 days after immunization

A real-world study found the first dose of the BNT162b2 (BioNTech/Pfizer) vaccine to be highly effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection 13 to 24 days after immunization. The study revealed a significant reduction in infection rates among vaccinated individuals, highlighting the vaccine's effectiveness in real-world settings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 7, 2021

Cutting food waste alone won't solve world's nutritional needs

A new study using a computational model found that cutting food waste would provide enough protein and energy to feed the growing population but fall short in terms of micronutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamin E. Researchers emphasize the need for attention to essential vitamins and minerals to address global nutritional needs.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·DateJun 7, 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.

Pre-Columbian fire and water management in Bolivia

Researchers analyzed sediment cores revealing that pre-Columbian societies used controlled fires and water management techniques from at least 3,500 years ago. This predates changes caused by cattle and new technologies in the region.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 2021

First glimpse of brains retrieving mistaken memories observed

Researchers studied rats in mazes to observe brain cell activation during correct and incorrect memory recall. They found similar patterns of cell activation, but with different timing and energy levels, suggesting a link between memory disorders like Alzheimer's and faulty retrieval.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2021