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Science News Archive November 2021 - Page 14


Page 14 of 40

Macrogrid study: Big value in connecting America’s eastern and western power grids

Researchers found that bigger connections between the two grids can increase transmission capacity and provide significant value through sharing generation resources and flexibility across regions. The study suggests that a macrogrid could pay for itself in three primary ways: by helping different parts of the country meet their peak d...

SourceIowa State University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2021

New cell, shown to regulate heart rate, discovered at University of Notre Dame

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have identified a new type of cell in the heart that may play a crucial role in regulating heart rate. The cells, termed nexus glia, resemble astrocytes found in the brain and are located in the outflow tract of the heart, where many congenital heart defects occur.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 18, 2021

Atmospheric rivers may hasten Australia’s snow melt

Atmospheric rivers are predicted to drastically alter Australia's alpine wilderness due to climate change. The phenomenon, characterized by long, narrow regions of high moisture content, is expected to increase extreme and frequent events, leading to severe flash flooding and rapid snowmelt.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·DateNov 18, 2021

UMD researchers unlock the potential of trees for managing environmental impacts in cities

Researchers found that individual urban trees, such as street trees, can capture and store rainfall at a rate of three times that of clusters or patches. The study used sap flux sensors to monitor transpiration rates in 18 mature red maple trees, revealing significantly higher transpiration rates in single trees compared to cluster trees.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 18, 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.

Prize-winning technology for large-scale energy storage

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a concept for large-scale energy storage that is safe, cheap and sustainable. The technology uses wood-based electrodes and a new type of water-based electrolyte, achieving a world record for energy storage with organic electrodes in water-based electrolytes.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Energy and Sustainability Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

McMaster-led study links stress to Crohn’s disease flare-ups

A McMaster University-led study found that stress hormones suppress the innate immune system, which normally protects the gut from harmful bacteria like E. coli linked to Crohn's disease. Removing stress hormones restored proper function to immune cells and epithelial cells, blocking invasion of microbes.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

White people trained in mindfulness were three times more likely to help Black people in staged scenarios, new study finds

A new study found that white people trained in mindfulness were three times more likely to help black people in staged scenarios than those who were not trained. However, preferential helping of other white people remained, and participants preferred to help racial ingroup members.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

EU/EEA during COVID-19 pandemic: Largest annual decrease in antibiotic use in the community in two decades

The European Union and European Economic Area saw a significant decline in antibiotic consumption in 2020, with a 18% decrease compared to 2019. This decline was largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to reduced primary care consultations for mild infections.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 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.

Scientists may need to rethink how genomics impacts risk for OCD

A new study led by scientists at Mount Sinai highlights the role of rare genomic differences in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) risk. The research found that about 10% of the risk for OCD is attributed to rare genomic variations, which were not seen in previous studies.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Staff wellbeing programmes help social relationships and reduce bullying

A new study found that employee engagement with health and wellbeing programmes is associated with better co-worker relationships, reduced bullying, and improved job satisfaction. The research suggests that even senior managers' commitment to these initiatives has a positive impact on employees' social relationships.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBritish Journal of Management·DateNov 18, 2021

Archaeologists discover salt workers’ residences at underwater Maya site

Researchers from Louisiana State University uncover salt workers' residences and outdoor areas where fish were salted and dried. The discovery sheds light on the organization of the salt industry and its importance to inland cities during the Classic Maya civilization.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalAncient Mesoamerica·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 18, 2021

$2.78M grant to develop wearable pollutant-tracking device

Researchers at Michigan State University are developing wearable devices to track air pollution exposure, providing unprecedented data on air quality over space and time. The devices will help inform policies and interventions to protect vulnerable populations from the health impacts of air pollution.

SourceMichigan State University·DateNov 18, 2021

Estimating number of cases of COVID-19-related chronic loss of smell

A recent study estimates that between 700,000 and 1.6 million US individuals have experienced a lasting loss or change in their sense of smell due to SARS-CoV-2. The analysis suggests that these individuals may be experiencing chronic COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateNov 18, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Rivers play key role in destructive coastal flooding, new research shows

New research from a University of South Carolina scientist reveals that rising rivers pose a danger to coastal communities and those farther upstream due to climate change. The study shows how river processes affect entire watersheds down to the coast, contributing to more intense flooding.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalWater Resources Research·DateNov 18, 2021

Long-term blood sugar history predicts risk of severe COVID-19 among diabetics

A study using anonymized health data found that people with poorly managed long-term glycemic control are nearly 50% more likely to require ICU treatment if they contract COVID-19. Metformin, insulin, and corticosteroids may also reduce the risk of severe COVID-19.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalBMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2021

Host immunity drives viral evolution of dengue

A new study found that host immunity drives the evolution of the dengue virus, causing it to adapt and change over time. The research, published in Science, analyzed genetic variation and immune signatures of dengue viruses isolated in Bangkok over a 20-year period.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalScience·DateNov 18, 2021

Novel system invented for preventing cardiovascular diseases, non-invasively

A novel detection system developed by Chinese researchers can non-invasively detect skin cholesterol levels, a close proxy for LDL-C and apoB serum measurements. This innovation may help long-term lipid management of CVDs, providing an alternative to invasive blood lipid detection methods.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalLipids in Health and Disease·DateNov 18, 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.

Safer X-rays and radiation therapy a step closer thanks to Surrey research

The Surrey researchers have identified key design rules for curved X-ray detectors, enabling clearer and safer X-rays. By tuning the molecular weight of organic semiconductors, they have created a new class of flexible digital detectors with high sensitivity and low cost, promising significant commercial advantages.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Swapping small talk with strangers for deeper dialogue offers surprising rewards

Researchers found that both deep and shallow conversations felt less awkward and led to greater feelings of connectedness and enjoyment than expected. People underestimated how interested strangers were in their deeper thoughts and feelings, but accurate expectations increased interest in having a deeper conversation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Promising treatment for Alexander disease moves from rat model to human clinical trials

A new study provides preliminary data for a human clinical trial of a treatment that targets the root cause of Alexander disease. The treatment has shown promising results in halting the progression of the disease and even reversing some symptoms in rat models, which better represent the human condition.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Efficient photon upconversion at an organic semiconductor interface

Researchers developed novel photon upconversion systems with heterojunctions of bilayer films of organic semiconductors, achieving two orders of magnitude higher external quantum efficiency than conventional systems. This breakthrough enables bright yellow emission in flexible thin films for optogenetics and biosensing applications.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 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.

Antarctic ice-sheet destabilized within a decade

A new data-model study suggests that the Antarctic Ice Sheet's tipping point was reached within a decade, leading to centuries of ice mass loss and potential irreversible ice retreat. The research team analyzed sediment cores and computer models to identify evidence of post-glacial tipping points in the past.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2021

Study: NFL failed to follow its own policy in punishing violent offenses

A study published in the Journal of Sport and Social Issues found that NFL players who committed general violence received shorter suspensions than those who committed violence against women. The league punished players for drug offenses twice as much as those for general violent behavior, according to researchers.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalJournal of Sport and Social Issues·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 18, 2021

Estimating the quality of sound spaces from an observed speech

Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology create method to estimate five-room acoustic parameters and speech transmission index using a short conversation, with potential applications in monitoring auditoriums during concerts and saving lives through smart speakers

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalApplied Acoustics·DateNov 18, 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.

PPPL scientists create insights into perhaps the most extreme state of matter produced on Earth

Physicists at PPPL have discovered a new way to measure and understand high-energy-density plasmas, which are essential for fine-tuning inertial confinement fusion experiments. The study revealed that ion temperatures and electron temperatures were not equivalent, providing new insights into the behavior of these extreme states of matter.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Speeding up the energy transition reduces climate risks

Researchers from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) propose a radical approach to accelerate the energy transition. By using fossil power plants at full capacity and building solar infrastructure, they aim to minimize cumulative CO2 emissions and complete the energy transition within five years.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2021

Balancing fear

The insular cortex processes both positive and negative emotions and receives information from the body, including heart rate and breathing. In mice, the brain uses bodily signals to regulate fear, keeping it within a healthy range.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Local budgets may cause severe consequences for maternal outcomes in New Jersey

A Rutgers University study found that local budgets in New Jersey can have severe consequences for maternal outcomes. The research suggests that increased spending on public health, education, and transportation is associated with better maternal outcomes, while higher spending on police does not have a positive association.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 18, 2021

Energizer atoms: JILA researchers find new way to keep atoms excited

Researchers at JILA have developed a technique to extend the excited-state lifetime of atoms in a Fermi sea, allowing for improved quantum communication networks and atomic clocks. By manipulating the Pauli exclusion principle, they achieved a significant delay in spontaneous decay.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 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.

Deep learning can eliminate skin biopsies by creating virtual histology of intact tissue

A new deep learning-powered approach transforms RCM images into virtually-stained H&E images, enabling the analysis of microscopic skin features without invasive biopsies. This technique, called virtual histology, can diagnose various skin conditions, including basal cell carcinoma and melanocytic nevi.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateNov 18, 2021

Association of COVID-19 public health measures with incidence of pink eye

A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that COVID-19 public health measures, such as social distancing and travel restrictions, were associated with a decrease in pink eye emergency department visits. The findings suggest these measures may have helped reduce the spread of infectious conjunctivitis.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateNov 18, 2021

New research could help boost growth of clean cooking in sub-Saharan Africa

A new study demonstrates the importance of supply-side enhancements to increase clean fuel consumption in sub-Saharan Africa. Supply-side interventions such as shortening distances to retail points and improving access to multi-burner stoves are found to be crucial for accelerating growth of the clean cooking market.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Energy·TypeSurvey·DateNov 18, 2021

Human Proteoform Project to map proteins in human body

The Human Proteoform Project aims to characterize known proteoforms and discover new ones, ultimately establishing a comprehensive Human Proteome Atlas. This atlas will enable researchers to accelerate biomedical research and discovery, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 18, 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.

Scientists develop promising vaccine method against recurrent UTI

Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a vaccine method against recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) using metal-organic frameworks. The new approach produces substantially enhanced antibody production and significantly higher survival rates in mice compared to standard vaccine preparation methods.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 18, 2021

Researchers deliver road map of lung development

A team of researchers has created a detailed map of the proteins in human lungs, shedding light on how the organs develop and function. The study found that the immune system in the lungs continues to mature after birth, providing new avenues for understanding diseases such as asthma and COVID-19.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2021

Developing high-performance MXene electrodes for next-generation powerful battery

Scientists from City University of Hong Kong successfully developed battery-like electrochemical Nb2CTx MXene electrodes with stable voltage output and high energy density. The findings break the performance bottleneck of MXene devices, exhibiting superior rate capability, durable cyclic performance, and high energy density.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalJoule·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Stalagmites as key witnesses of the monsoon

Researchers used stalagmites from Jiangjun cave in China to study the response of the Indian summer monsoon to meltwater pulses in the North Atlantic. The analysis revealed that a stronger meltwater pulse caused a drastic reduction in monsoon intensity, while minor events had less impact.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemistry·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeObservational study·DateNov 18, 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.

Shaping a sustainable future for a common plastic

A comprehensive assessment of polyurethane in the US reveals complexities that affect its recovery and recycling. The study highlights opportunities to enhance circularity and increase bio-based content of polyurethanes.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 18, 2021

UArizona researchers develop ultra-thin 'computer on the bone'

UArizona researchers created osseosurface electronics, a wireless device that grows to the surface of bone to monitor health and healing. The thin structure allows for accurate measurements over long periods, enabling personalized orthopedic care.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2021

Big data reveals economic polarization in public interest in earthquakes

A study using Google Trends and Wikipedia search volume found that public interest in earthquakes is dependent on the income level of the affected country. Earthquakes in developing countries receive less international attention than those in developed countries, with interest often dwindling within a week. However, interest persists f...

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateNov 18, 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.

Single-dose HPV vaccine highly effective, researchers say

A randomized controlled trial in Kenya showed a single dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was highly effective at 18 months, with efficacy comparable to multiple doses. The findings could hasten vaccinations and bring renewed energy to global efforts to eliminate cervical cancer.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 17, 2021

Did the US COVID-19 vaccine strategy work?

The CDC's four-tiered vaccine prioritization strategy outperformed most approaches in reducing deaths and cases, while some optimizations could improve outcomes. The study found that prioritizing healthcare workers and individuals under 16 was optimal, but strategies focusing on comorbidities were also effective.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 17, 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.

New technique improves conversion of carbon dioxide into liquid fuels

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a new approach to modify the surface of copper catalysts, improving the conversion of carbon dioxide into useful fuels. The technique involves coating the copper with thin films of ionomers, which steer the reaction towards generating carbon-rich products.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021

Dartmouth study reveals flaws in statistical modeling approach used in health services research

A Dartmouth study found that the stratified approach to statistical modeling in health services research can lead to inaccurate conclusions about disparities and inequities in healthcare. Joint modeling, on the other hand, provides a more accurate estimate of physician treatment patterns across different patient types.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalHealth Services Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2021

Henry ford study shows non-opioids provide effective pain relief after knee surgery

A Henry Ford Health System study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine found that a novel opioid-free pain management protocol provided the same pain relief for patients as common types of prescription opioids. This approach aims to reduce opioid misuse and promote more effective pain management after ACL knee reconstruc...

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalThe American Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 17, 2021

Powering up next-generation energy storage

An international research team led by Jennifer L. Schaefer has analyzed the potential of magnesium-ion-conducting solid polymer electrolytes in two separate battery systems. The study found that these electrolytes exhibit higher thermal, mechanical, and electrochemical stability compared to traditional liquid electrolytes, making them ...

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 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.