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Science News for November 5, 2021


New strategy against treatment-resistant prostate cancer identified

Researchers found that restoring NXTAR expression can suppress prostate tumor growth, suggesting a new approach to treating hormone-resistant prostate cancer. The study identified an RNA molecule called NXTAR that plays a key role in regulating the androgen receptor, a protein driving prostate tumor growth.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 5, 2021

Sick insects stick to comfortable conditions

Research shows that infection with a fungus decreases the thermal tolerance of aphids and their beetle predator, the common ladybeetle, by more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Infected insects are less likely to cross into zones that are too warm or too cold, altering predator-prey interactions as the climate changes.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 5, 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.

Planting new forests with high functional diversity helps improve productivity

A study by Prof. MA Keping and colleagues found that older forests with high functional diversity achieve higher productivity than those with low diversity or specific high average traits. This reliable tool helps forest managers connect restoration actions to goals, essential for mitigating climate change and biodiversity loss.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 2021

Study of 18000+ US and Australian older people reveals moderate drinking protective against heart disease, more than for tea totalers

A landmark Monash University study found moderate drinking is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in healthy older adults. The study of over 18,000 participants aged 70+ found that consumption of 51-100 g/week was linked to lower CVD event risks and all-cause mortality.

SourceMonash University·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 5, 2021

A sustainable revolution for drugs, agriculture and food industry of the future: Cryform project starts at the Politecnico di Torino

The CryForm project aims to replace synthetic stabilizing agents with crystalline materials, enabling innovative multiphase formulations for safer, more sustainable and affordable products. The project will develop biocompatible crystals for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food applications, contributing to the European Green Deal.

SourcePolitecnico di Torino·DateNov 5, 2021

School-based screening increases identification of, treatment for depression

A new study by Penn State researchers found that universal school-based depression screening increased identification and treatment of adolescent depression. The three-year study involving over 12,000 students from 14 Pennsylvania public high schools showed that students who received screening were twice as likely to initiate treatment...

SourcePenn State·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 5, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Secondary forests restore fresh water sources in degraded landscapes

Researchers found that bacterial communities in streams adjacent to young secondary forests recover to resemble those of mature forest streams within a decade after cattle is removed from the land. This study provides hope for restoring water quality through passive reforestation, which can be crucial for human health and the environment.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 5, 2021

EAST lower divertor upgraded for higher power handling

The EAST team has successfully upgraded its lower divertor with a new Corner Slot design, featuring a right-angle target plate and improved material properties. This upgrade enabled the facility to achieve a record-breaking plasma temperature and significantly increase power handling capabilities.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateNov 5, 2021

Air pollution and proximity to blue and green spaces found to be key factors affecting quality of life of people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

High air pollution exposure worsens COPD patients' quality of life, while living far from green spaces also reports negative effects. Access to blue and green spaces improves mental and physical health through increased physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateNov 5, 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.

Pathomechanisms in heart disease discovered

A study published in Science Translational Medicine reveals that truncated titin proteins cause a reduction in contractile force in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. The research also suggests possible treatment strategies, including genetic editing using CRISPR-Cas9.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 5, 2021

Fractured artificial rock helps crack a 54-year-old mystery

Princeton researchers have solved a 54-year-old mystery about why certain fluids slow down under pressure when flowing through porous materials. The findings could help improve processes in oil recovery, groundwater remediation and more.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 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.

D​​​​espite climate change, kids with asthma in Los Angeles didn’t have an increase in allergy diagnoses

A new study followed 5,000 kids with asthma in Los Angeles for 15 years and found no significant increase in allergic sensitizations to environmental allergens. Despite rising temperatures and pollen loads, children with asthma were not more likely to become sensitized to specific pollens.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 5, 2021

Increasingly frequent wildfires linked to human-caused climate change, UCLA-led study finds

A UCLA-led study found that human-caused climate change is the main cause of increasing fire weather in the western United States. The study used artificial intelligence to analyze climate and fire data, estimating that 68% of the increase in vapor pressure deficit between 1979 and 2020 was likely due to human-induced global warming.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 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.

Highly abundant virus in humans could be a biomarker for COVID-19

A study at the University of São Paulo found that Torquetenovirus (TTV) titer is higher in people infected by SARS-CoV-2, suggesting it could be a biomarker for COVID-19 severity. TTV load correlates with disease progression and outcome, and its measurement may support diagnosis.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 5, 2021

Possible allergic reaction to COVID-19 vaccine shouldn’t mean skipping the vaccine

Two new studies show that people who think they'll have an allergic reaction or believe they've had one to the first vaccine can still be fully vaccinated. The studies found that 100 patients with PEG allergies and 25 patients with adverse events following immunization tolerated the full vaccine series without severe symptoms.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 5, 2021

New insights into kidney disease with tropical frog models

Researchers created novel frog models to replicate polycystic kidney disease, allowing for real-time observation of disease processes. AI analysis enabled rapid assessment of disease in the tiny animals.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalDevelopment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 5, 2021

Electron family creates previously unknown state of matter

Researchers at TU Dresden discover a new state of matter created by four electrons in certain superconducting metals, potentially revolutionizing energy transport. The finding has significant implications for the energy industry, where up to 15% of energy is lost due to transport resistance.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 5, 2021

Diamonds are forever: Scientists develop microscopic calibration tool with fluorescent nanodiamonds

Researchers at the University of Illinois created a novel device using microscopic fluorescent diamonds to calibrate sensitive microscopy systems. The nanodiamonds' stability and longevity make them ideal as a 'first-aid kit' for microscopes, allowing for easy reuse and quality control.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalPhotonics Research·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 5, 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.

Ultra-precise magnetic field detection using squeezed light

Scientists use squeezed light to improve the sensitivity of a magnetometer, overcoming shot noise limitations. By evading measurement back-action, they enhance the magnetometer's performance and detect smaller changes in magnetic fields.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 5, 2021

New method to assess protein secretability on proteome-wide scale

A new tool called SECRiFY enables training of machine learning predictors of protein secretability, allowing for unprecedented studies on eukaryotic protein secretion. This method improves the predictability of protein manufacturing in biotechnology by identifying sequence properties that allow for secretory processing.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateNov 5, 2021

Researchers detect a diffusion barrier inside fly brain

A team of researchers from the University of Münster has identified a second barrier in the fly brain, formed by glial cells that regulate molecule distribution. The discovery is essential for understanding nervous system functioning and may have implications for human neural health.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 2021

How cells correctly choose active genes

Researchers found that cells form transcription factories through phase separation, similar to liquid condensation. This process enables rapid and reliable gene activation, advancing cancer treatment and DNA-based data storage systems.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateNov 5, 2021

UCSF-led study confirms some cancer immunotherapies may lead to myocarditis and other potentially serious arrhythmias

A new clinical syndrome of ICI-myocarditis has been identified, characterized by highly arrhythmogenic features. The study establishes specific electrocardiographic features to diagnose and prognosticate the syndrome, highlighting the need for further research on prediction and monitoring strategies.

SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Medical Center·JournalCirculation·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 5, 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.

Photovoltaic solar heating system uses 95% of energy available to heat water

A new photovoltaic solar heating system can produce domestic hot water using 95.06% of available energy, eliminating the need for fossil fuels and producing no waste or pollution. The system is designed to be versatile, sustainable, and economical, with potential applications in commercial and industrial use.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalSustainability·DateNov 5, 2021

CCNY experts master defects in semiconductors

Researchers at The City College of New York have developed a method to manipulate defects in semiconductors using laser optics and confocal microscopy. This technique enables the transfer of quantum information between separate qubits, improving fundamental understanding of charge transport.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 2021

Oral pill as safe, efficacious as conventional treatment for anemia in patients with kidney disease

Researchers developed a new compound based on Nobel Prize-winning discoveries that raised hemoglobin levels in patients with kidney disease undergoing dialysis and those not on dialysis. The oral medication was found to be as safe and efficacious as conventional treatment for anemia, offering a transformative approach to patient care.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 5, 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.

Polymer-coated nanoparticles to promote drug delivery to the brain

Researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of polymer-coated nanoparticles in delivering drugs to the brain, overcoming the blood-brain barrier challenge. The study showed that zwitterionic polymers improve accessibility but are rapidly absorbed by blood vessel walls.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalBiomaterials·DateNov 5, 2021

Comparing photosynthetic differences between wild and domesticated rice

Researchers compared wild rice species to domesticated rice to understand differences in photosynthetic capabilities. They found that wild rice has faster photosynthetic induction but domesticated rice quickly closes its stomata, reducing water loss.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 2021

African Sahelian farmers diversify crops to adapt to climate change

Farmers in the African Sahel have developed crop diversity strategies to cope with high seasonal variability and rising temperatures caused by climate change. By alternating long and short-cycle crop varieties, such as sorghum and pearl millet, they maintain food security despite changing environmental conditions.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalJournal of Ethnobiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 5, 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.

When macrophages let off steam

Researchers discovered that altering macrophage metabolism helps prevent overloading and resolves inflammation by protecting mitochondria from strain. This process enables efficient removal of damaged cells, a key factor in resolving inflammation.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalImmunity·DateNov 5, 2021

Computational techniques in ICU: Neural synchrony predicts outcome after coma

Researchers used sound processing to examine neural synchrony in comatose patients. They found that higher neural synchrony was predictive of a favorable outcome, with indistinguishable levels from healthy controls. The study also revealed surprising neural complexity, with reduced complexity in survivors compared to non-survivors.

SourceInselspital, Bern University Hospital·JournalNeuroImage·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 5, 2021

Proton transfer between titania surface and dye observed for photocatalysis evaluation

A team of researchers at Shinshu University has successfully observed proton transfer between the titania surface and a dye molecule during UV light irradiation. The study used time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy to measure the formation of basic hydroxyl groups on the titania surface, which accepts protons from the dye.

SourceShinshu University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 2021

Does environmental stress drive migration?

A comprehensive analysis of 178 countries reveals that social factors, such as income and education, play a more important role in explaining migration than environmental factors. The study found that income was the most important factor in some countries, while health was key in areas with high in-migration

SourceAalto University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 5, 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.

Flame retardants linked to autistic-like behavior

A UC Riverside-led study found that maternal transfer of PBDEs causes brain changes and autistic-like behavior in female mice offspring, including reduced social recognition ability and olfactory discrimination. The study suggests that developmental exposure to flame retardants produces ASD-relevant neurochemical and behavioral traits.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalArchives of Toxicology·DateNov 5, 2021

Lighting up chemical reactions for sustainable drug production

Scientists from the University of Nottingham have discovered a new approach for structurally modifying bioactive molecules using visible light, providing a possible sustainable alternative to traditional methods. This method has the potential for extensive application in the design and production of new drugs.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 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.

Just a game? Study shows no evidence that violent video games lead to real-life violence

Research by Dr Agne Suziedelyte found no evidence that violent video games increase aggression against people, but did show a link to property destruction. The study suggests that video games may agitate children but does not translate into violence against others.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 5, 2021

Through the nuclear looking glass

Researchers at Michigan State University have successfully conducted an experiment using 'mirror nuclei' to study the fundamental physics of atoms and neutron stars. The team's findings have the potential to improve our understanding of neutron star sizes and provide new insights into the universe's most extreme environments.

SourceMichigan State University Facility for Rare Isotope Beams·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 5, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Pediatric practice provides roadmap for COVID-19 vaccination of children and caregivers in hesitant communities

A pediatric practice in Rochester, NY, demonstrates success in vaccinating eligible patients and their caregivers during regular visits, showcasing a model for addressing vaccine hesitancy. The approach found positive outcomes, including increased comfort and trust among caregivers.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 5, 2021

New ultra-high material efficient, low-cost solar cells — using nanowires

Researchers at NTNU have developed a method for making ultra-high material efficient solar cells using semiconductor nanowires, which could potentially double the efficiency of today's Si solar cells. The new technique uses gallium arsenide (GaAs) material in a very effective way through nanostructuring.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalACS Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 2021

Researchers investigate role of gene associated with Alzheimer’s disease in brain’s immune cells

A recent study published in Science Advances found that deleting the ABI3 gene increases amyloid-beta plaque accumulation and decreases microglia function, which may contribute to Alzheimer's disease progression. The researchers also identified a link between the mutation and increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 5, 2021

Four years after release of guidelines, parents still not informed about early peanut introduction

A new study reveals that only 40% of parents received a recommendation to introduce peanut products by 11 months of age, despite the 2017 guidelines. The survey also found that most infants are at moderate- or low-risk for developing peanut allergies and can safely have peanut-containing foods introduced.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeSurvey·DateNov 5, 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.

Practice trends, characteristics of US hospitalists

Nearly 1 in 4 US hospitalists shifted practice outside hospitals between 2012 and 2018. Most continued practicing in hospitals part-time. The study highlights the evolving role of hospitalists in response to healthcare system changes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateNov 5, 2021

Medically challenging case shows NSAIDs can prompt exercise-induced anaphylaxis

A new case study presents a medially challenging situation where NSAIDs triggered anaphylactic reactions in a female runner. The patient's symptoms worsened with exercise, emphasizing the importance of being aware of this phenomenon and taking preventive measures.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeCase study·DateNov 5, 2021

Online tool effective in triaging nearly all COVID-19 patients

A newly published study analyzed the effectiveness of Penn Medicine's COVID-19 Triage Tool, which categorized 782 patients into safe severity levels. The tool identified only six patients with symptoms more severe than its assessments, and clinicians were able to upgrade these classifications to ensure accurate care.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalApplied Clinical Informatics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 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.

​​​​​​​Increased frequency of eating eggs in infancy associated with decreased egg allergy later on

A new study finds that children who didn't have eggs introduced by 12 months were more likely to develop an egg allergy at 6 years. The research suggests early and frequent egg consumption during infancy may be protective against the development of egg allergy.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeSurvey·DateNov 5, 2021

Most young people with asthma haven’t been prepared to transition to adult asthma care

A new study reveals that many young adults with asthma are not prepared to transition to adult asthma care. The survey found that half of all respondents did not receive sufficient transition preparation from their pediatric providers, highlighting the need for better education and support.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeSurvey·DateNov 5, 2021

Novel plasmonic solar thermal materials developed to reserve sun heat

Researchers have developed high-performance solar thermal copper sulfide photothermal ink and film, outperforming traditional noble metal plasmonic nanomaterials. The hollow copper sulfide nanocage structure expands light harvesting range and improves light-to-heat conversion efficiency.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNano Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 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.

Key healthcare and tech companies pledge to decarbonise NHS supply chain by 2045

A group of global healthcare and tech companies has pledged to decarbonize the NHS supply chain by 2045, aiming to support the NHS's ambition to become the world's first net zero health service. The International Leadership Group for a Net Zero NHS has urged suppliers to commit to reducing their operations' carbon footprint by 2045.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 5, 2021

Covid-19 preventive measures for healthcare workers

Regular testing of asymptomatic healthcare workers identified as cost-efficient strategy to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The study suggests that desynchronization of teams had limited effectiveness due to economic constraints.

SourceInselspital, Bern University Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateNov 5, 2021

Bone marrow backup needed to tackle respiratory infections

Dendritic cells, crucial in detecting infectious agents, need boosting when they are scarce in healthy tissue. A new process, dubbed 'emergency' dendritic cell response, rapidly replenishes these cells from bone marrow upon infection.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 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.