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Science News Archive November 2021 - Page 38


Page 38 of 40

Lung capacity tests found to be accurate precursor of co-morbidities

A large UK Biobank cohort study found that Preserved Ratio Impaired Spirometry (PRISm) is strongly associated with an increased risk of death and comorbidities. PRISm was linked to symptoms such as breathlessness, cardiovascular disease, and multimorbidity.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2021

New tool assesses how well people read kids’ emotions

Researchers developed a new tool, PerCEIVED Task, to measure people's accuracy in recognizing emotion in elementary school-aged children. The study highlights the existence of emotional biases, such as incorrectly perceiving Black children as angry, and emphasizes the importance of asking children what they're feeling.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEmotion·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

An artificial material that can sense, adapt to its environment

Researchers at University of Missouri and University of Chicago develop an artificial material that can respond to its environment, make decisions, and perform actions not directed by humans. The material uses a computer chip to control information processing and convert energy into mechanical energy.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lack of sleep affecting students’ mental health especially women, says study

A new study published in Annals of Human Biology found that over two-thirds of university students experience poor sleep quality, which is linked to increased risk of depression and high stress levels. Women are more likely to suffer from inadequate sleep habits and excessive daytime sleepiness.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAnnals of Human Biology·DateNov 2, 2021

Pinniped craniofacial musculature provides insight on its role in aquatic feeding

A Baylor University researcher led a study comparing pinniped craniofacial musculature and its potential role in aquatic feeding, revealing unique adaptations in suction- and biting-specialist species. The study provides foundational data for further research on pinnipeds and their evolution of functional morphology.

SourceBaylor University·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateNov 2, 2021

One in twenty achieve remission from type 2 diabetes

Researchers found that around 5% of patients with type 2 diabetes in Scotland are in remission, suggesting a need for updated guidelines to support clinicians. Individuals in remission tend to be older and have lower blood sugar levels at diagnosis, and often achieve remission after weight loss since their diagnosis

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 2, 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.

Ghanaian youth positive mental health linked to social connections and caring

Researchers found that emotional, social, and psychological well-being in Ghanaian youth are closely tied to having healthy relationships with friends, family, and community. The study's findings suggest that programs promoting Positive Youth Development (PYD) principles could be effective in promoting positive mental health.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateNov 2, 2021

Stabilized blue phase crystals could lead to new optical technologies

Stabilized blue phase crystals could lead to new optical technologies with better response times. By using a core and shell structure, researchers were able to trap chiral liquid crystal in a 'blue phase' state, allowing for perfect, uniform crystals that can be controlled and predicted.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalACS Nano·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 2, 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.

Baby seals can change their tone of voice

Researchers studied harbour seal pups' vocal responses to sea noise, finding they lowered their tone to adapt. The study reveals young seals have advanced control over their vocalizations at an early age.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 2, 2021

Achieving inner balance: How to keep metabolites on the level

A study published in Nature Communications identified C-terminal binding protein 2 (CtBP2) as a global regulator of metabolism that balances sugar and fat levels in the liver. CtBP2 is crucial for controlling glucose and lipid balance, making it a promising drug target for treating symptoms associated with obesity.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2021

Unexpected antibody type found in people with malaria infections

Researchers have detected antibodies primarily made in response to mucous membrane infections, not typically thought of as a blood and liver infection, in study participants with malaria. The discovery provides new insight into the human body's response to malaria and may help identify new ways to treat or develop vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·Journalnpj Vaccines·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

Food quality and health essential for successful porpoise reproduction

Researchers found that poor health in females can lead to interrupted pregnancies and underdeveloped fetuses. High-caloric fish is essential for successful porpoise reproduction, according to Lonneke IJsseldijk's PhD study published in Scientific Reports.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

Gravitational ‘kick’ may explain the strange shape at the center of Andromeda

A new study suggests that a gravitational 'kick' from colliding supermassive black holes could be responsible for the strange shape of stars at the center of the Andromeda Galaxy. The team used computer simulations to track the consequences of such a merger, finding that it could knock millions of stars into wonky orbits.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 2, 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.

Transparency and kinder managers could lead to less collusion among staff, finds study led by NTU Singapore

A study led by NTU Singapore found that combining transparency with kinder management styles reduces collusion attempts among employees. The researchers conducted a roleplaying experiment in Amsterdam, assigning participants as managers or employees and observing the effects of increased transparency on collaboration.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalAccounting Organizations and Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

Our brains may think two steps ahead when trying to sway others

Researchers at Mount Sinai found that people used forward thinking when trying to influence others, regardless of controllability. This neural activity was linked to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, a decision-making center involved in strategic thinking.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

Hand washing and sanitizing not enough: Close that toilet lid after flushing!

A global review found bioaerosols can be transmitted throughout a building by defective plumbing and that opening toilet lids after flushing disperses contaminated droplets. Uncovered rubbish bins and poor surface cleaning also contribute to high bacterial loads.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 2, 2021

Drinking alcohol to stay healthy? That might not work, says new study

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that people who abstain from alcohol do not necessarily have a shorter survival time than those who consume low to moderate amounts. The study, which analyzed data from over 4,000 German adults, suggests that factors such as previous substance abuse or poor health are more significant predic...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 2, 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.

Forest fires linked to low birth weight in newborns

Exposure to fire smoke from landscape fires during pregnancy is linked to low birth weights, a public health problem in LMICs. Newborns from families with lower average birthweights are most susceptible to the risks of pollution.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateNov 2, 2021

Rocky exoplanets are even stranger than we thought

A new study suggests that most nearby rocky exoplanets are quite unlike anything in our Solar System, with diverse and exotic rock types not found anywhere. The research uses the chemical composition of 'polluted' white dwarfs to estimate the rock types on planets orbiting nearby stars.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 2, 2021

Aircraft can get higher and greener from doped fuels

A team of UBCO researchers developed a recipe for a clean-burning, power-boosting aircraft fuel by adding graphene oxide nanomaterials to ethanol. This mixture improves the burn rate by about eight per cent, reducing carbon footprint and increasing engine power.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalCombustion and Flame·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

Helical conducting polymers go viral

Scientists from the University of Tsukuba have created a method to grow conducting polymers with magnetic properties using harmless virus particles as templates. The resulting polymer networks exhibit helical antiferromagnetic behavior, opening doors for applications in biosensors and virus detection.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Polymer Science·DateNov 2, 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.

Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill scientists identify new antibody for COVID-19 and variants

Researchers at Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill have identified a new antibody that can block infections and minimize symptoms against a broad array of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. The antibody was tested in animal models and found to be effective in protecting mice against developing severe lung symptoms.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

Researchers must assume responsibility for halting the global bee decline

The number of wild bees has fallen by 25% since 1990, threatening plant reproduction and food production. Researchers must assume social responsibility to communicate their knowledge and work in transdisciplinary coalitions to halt the decline.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalCurrent Opinion in Insect Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 2, 2021

You and your 27 friends will kill someone

A new study reveals that consumption in G20 nations causes significant premature deaths worldwide, particularly among infants and elderly populations. The research estimates that the lifetime consumption of 28 people in G20 nations will result in one person's premature death.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 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.

Ventilation matters: Engineering airflow to avoid spreading COVID-19

Researchers used computer simulations and experiments to find that dead zones in indoor spaces can linger with infectious aerosols up to 10 times longer than the rest of the room. This discovery highlights the need for ventilation systems based on air circulation within a room, rather than relying solely on air changes per hour.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateNov 2, 2021

The state of research into youth helplines

A systematic review of youth helplines found that while they appear to be beneficial, there is limited evidence on their effectiveness, particularly for lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The study highlights the need for further research and tailored services to address systemic barriers to help-seeking.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 2, 2021

Cord blood cell transplantation and curcumin administration tested as therapy of Tay-Sachs disease

A new study investigates the effects of cord blood cell transplantation and curcumin administration on Tay-Sachs disease. The results show an increase in enzyme production and a decrease in inflammation after transplantation, as well as improved symptoms and reduced GM2 ganglioside levels when combined with curcumin.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalLife·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

Light pollution makes crickets chirp in the daytime and may disrupt reproductive processes

Exposure to artificial light at night impairs crickets' activity cycles, disrupting their nocturnal chirping and potentially affecting reproduction. The study, conducted by researchers at Tel Aviv University and the Open University, highlights the need to reduce artificial light pollution to protect environmental behaviors.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateNov 2, 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.

Earth’s orbit affects millennial climate variability

Scientists discovered a persistent link between Earth's orbit and millennial-scale climate variability. The study analyzed four climate-sensitive records, finding that orbital variations influenced abrupt climate events through the Pleistocene. This discovery highlights the complex interactions between orbital geometry and global glaci...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 1, 2021

Novel inhibitor discovered for B-cell Lymphomas treatment

Researchers have identified IHMT-EZH2-115 as a potent and selective enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) inhibitor for the treatment of B-cell lymphomas. The compound demonstrated excellent antiproliferative activities against cells with EZH2 mutations.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateNov 1, 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.

Antibody treatment prevents inflammation in lungs, nervous system in macaques with SARS-CoV-2

A new study found that monoclonal antibodies protected aged, diabetic rhesus macaque monkeys from SARS-CoV-2 disease by reducing signs of inflammation. The treatment prevented viral RNA in the cerebrospinal fluid and infiltration of activated immune cells, suggesting a potential preventative measure for elderly residents during outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

Artificial intestinal model that even mimics the human villi

A team of researchers developed an innovative culture system that enables intestinal epithelial cells to form a three-dimensional villi microstructure. The BASIN system reproduces the structure and function of human intestinal epithelial cells simultaneously in multiple cell culture inserts.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalLab on a Chip·DateNov 1, 2021

Some colleges are mammals, others are cities

The study found that institutions are optimized for their function, with community colleges being more efficient due to their smaller size. As prestigious research universities grew in size, tuition increased, faculty salaries increased, and research production dramatically increased. Despite this, completion rates remained the same.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2021

Spiders’ web secrets unraveled

Johns Hopkins researchers used AI and infrared cameras to track every movement of a spider's eight legs as it built its web. They found that web-making behaviors are similar across spiders, with the same rules governing their construction. This discovery sheds light on how small brains support complex architectural creations.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 1, 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.

Antioxidant and antifungal activity of monoterpene alcohols

Researchers studied bicyclic monoterpene alcohols' fungicidal activity against various fungi, finding (−)-myrtenol to be most promising. The compounds also showed antioxidant and membrane-protective activities, suggesting potential practical applications.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalBioNanoScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

The silent build-up to a super-eruption

Researchers from UNIGE and Peking University developed a technique to estimate the maximum size of a future super-eruption of Toba volcano. The study found that magma silently accumulated in the magma reservoir until massive explosions occur, with no warning signs beforehand.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeNews article·DateNov 1, 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.

New method maps brain activity despite uncertainties in patient head structure

Researchers at Skoltech propose a method for interpreting brain activity data that is up to five times more accurate than the conventional technique. This method can help treat drug-resistant epilepsy and understand cognitive processes in the healthy brain.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·DateNov 1, 2021

Spintronics: Exotic ferromagnetic order in two-dimensions

Researchers from Germany and Spain successfully create a uniform two-dimensional material with exotic ferromagnetic behavior known as easy-plane magnetism. This discovery opens up new possibilities for spintronics, a technology that uses magnetic moments instead of electrical charges.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

How to limit global warming to 1.5C

Scientists from University of Technology Sydney developed energy-related carbon budgets for 12 main industry sectors, showing that it's still possible to limit global warming to 1.5C with timely climate action. The research provides sector-specific emission targets and a holistic model for decarbonization pathways.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·DateNov 1, 2021

Davis receives dissertation funding from NSF

Elizabeth Davis, a doctoral candidate at George Mason University, has received $25,000 in NSF grant funding to study the national emergence of newcomer schools. Her research aims to fill a gap in understanding how these schools align with immigration patterns and demographics, as well as their impact on student outcomes.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateNov 1, 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.

Increased take-home methadone during pandemic did not worsen outcomes

A new study by Washington State University researchers found that relaxing limits on take-home methadone doses during the COVID-19 pandemic did not lead to worse treatment outcomes. The study saw a nearly doubling of methadone take-home doses but no significant changes in emergency department visits or methadone testing.

SourceWashington State University·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 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.