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Science News Archive November 2021 - Page 9


Page 9 of 40

Reboot and recall: new brain hub for memory restoration identified

Researchers have found that stimulating the anterior thalamus can increase memory-related brain activity and restore memory function in rats with MTT lesions. The study suggests that therapies targeting this region could help recover memory in patients with brain injury, challenging previous notions of memory recovery.

SourceElsevier·JournalCurrent Research in Neurobiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 23, 2021

Can we perceive gender from children's voices?

Researchers at the University of California, Davis and the University of Texas at Dallas found that listeners can reliably identify the gender of individual children as young as 5. They also discovered that identification of gender must take place jointly with the identification of age and likely physical size.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateNov 23, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Clinical trial denounces use of platelet-rich plasma injections for knee joint osteoarthritis

A recent clinical trial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that platelet-rich plasma injections had no significant benefits for reducing knee pain in people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. The study, which involved 288 participants, compared platelet-rich plasma injections to placebo injections and...

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 23, 2021

New method gives rapid, objective insight into how cells are changed by disease

A new 'image analysis pipeline' called TDAExplore gives scientists rapid insight into how cells are changed by disease, using a combination of microscopy, topology, and artificial intelligence. This approach can provide objective information on cell changes, such as the movement of proteins like actin, even with limited training data.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalPatterns·DateNov 23, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hepatitis drug increases antibiotic potency, limits antibiotic resistance

A study led by New York University researchers found that the FDA-approved hepatitis C treatment telaprevir can increase bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics and reduce antibiotic resistance. The antiviral blocks the function of essential proteins in bacteria, revealing an opportunity to repurpose the drug to use alongside antibiotics.

SourceNew York University·JournalCell Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

For a fungus, the right “accessories” can make or break a relationship with a plant

A new study explores how plants respond differently to useful and harmful microbes, revealing that accessory chromosomes from fungal strains dictate these responses. Most plant genes are expressed similarly in response to both beneficial and pathogenic fungi, but with key differences occurring just 12 hours after interaction.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

New process makes every atom matter for sustainable catalyst production

Scientists have discovered a new process to break bulk metal into atoms for sustainable catalyst production. The method uses magnetron sputtering to achieve record-breaking rates of atom dispersal, enabling the fabrication of valuable catalyst materials. This breakthrough has significant implications for industries reliant on catalysts.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

Optimizing FDNY ambulance response

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science teamed up with the Fire Department of New York to upgrade FDNY's EMS response operations. They developed an optimization system that minimizes response time, reduces overcrowding, and balances demand and supply of patient intakes at a city-wide level.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateNov 23, 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.

Salvaging rare earth elements from electronic waste

A new nanotechnology developed by Penn State researchers selectively recovers neodymium and other rare earth elements from electronic waste using plant cellulose. The process is environmentally friendly and can separate neodymium in seconds, making it a sustainable solution for recycling.

SourcePenn State·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateNov 23, 2021

UNM methane leak detection research could help reduce emissions

Researchers at UNM are working on a DOE-funded project to develop low-cost sensors for detecting natural gas pipeline leaks. The sensors can quantify methane concentrations and identify sources of emissions, helping to pinpoint the origin of methane emissions in the US.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·DateNov 23, 2021

New index tracks US state progress on promoting the health and well-being of older populations for the first time

A new index ranks US states based on their support for successful aging across five domains: productivity, security, equity, cohesion, and well-being. The study found that no single domain drives the results, and state policies play a significant role in adapting to an aging population.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalMilbank Quarterly·DateNov 23, 2021

Chemical researchers invent bio-petroleum for sustainable materials

Researchers develop technology to produce petroleum-like liquids from renewable plants using combined fermentation and chemical refining. The new bio-petroleum can be converted into various chemicals, including polymers, rubbery materials, soap-like molecules, and lubricants, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Origami, kirigami inspire mechanical metamaterials designs

Researchers categorize origami- and kirigami-based mechanical metamaterials into six groups based on folding and cutting patterns. Hybrid designs offer great potential for shape morphing and real-world applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateNov 23, 2021

When bees get a taste for dead things

Researchers discovered that these 'meat-eating' bees have a unique gut microbiome enriched with acid-loving bacteria, similar to those found in vultures. The bees' ability to eat dead bodies is surprising, but they can also store honey and have special chambers for meat storage.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalmBio·DateNov 23, 2021

Antibodies help keep harmful forms of gut fungi in check

A study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators found that antibodies secreted in the gut help control pathogenic forms of gut fungi like Candida albicans. However, patients with Crohn's disease often have impaired antibody function, leading to an overgrowth of harmful fungi.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Microbiology·DateNov 23, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

The Riemann conjecture unveiled by physics

A mathematical enigma, the Riemann conjecture, has been unraveled thanks to a new approach from statistical physics. The solution lies in chaotic motions and probability laws that regulate them.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalJournal of Statistical Mechanics Theory and Experiment·DateNov 23, 2021

Deeper defense against cyber attacks

A KAUST team developed an improved method for detecting malicious intrusions using deep learning, achieving accuracy rates of up to 99% in simulations of different kinds of attacks. This stacked deep learning approach promises an effective defense against cyberattacks and could prevent outages in critical infrastructure.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalCluster Computing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 23, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New species of green microalga identified in São Paulo

A new species of green microalgae was identified in a reservoir in northwest São Paulo, Brazil, and reclassified into the genus Nephrocytium. The discovery was made through phylogenetic analysis and molecular sequencing, confirming that the microalga is distinct from other known species.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalTaxon·DateNov 23, 2021

Prehistoric mums may have cared for kids better than we thought

A new study from Australian National University challenges old assumptions about infant mortality in ancient populations. The research suggests that fertility had a greater influence on the proportion of deceased infants than infant mortality rate.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateNov 23, 2021

Remote responders

A new study by UNM researchers found that patients treated in rural emergency departments had similar outcomes to those receiving care in urban EDs for life-threatening conditions. However, rural patients with vague symptoms fared worse due to limited diagnostic capabilities and transfer processes.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeCase study·DateNov 23, 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.

First moth species on Alpenrose discovered

A previously unknown glacial relic, the Alpine rose leaf-miner moth, has been discovered in the Alps. The caterpillars specialize on the rust-red alpine rose, avoiding it like most other moths and butterflies due to its toxicity.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalAlpine Entomology·DateNov 23, 2021

Less than 10% of opioid overdose patients are prescribed potentially lifesaving medications after emergency treatment

A Michigan Medicine study found that only 7.4% of patients received naloxone and 8.5% received buprenorphine prescriptions within 30 days of an opioid overdose. The low rates highlight missed opportunities for equipping patients with rescue medicines to use in case of future overdoses.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 23, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

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

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: First real-world study reports effectiveness of BBV152 against symptomatic COVID-19 in India

A real-world study of BBV152 found that two doses resulted in 50% effectiveness against symptomatic COVID-19 in hospital workers. The study's findings support the importance of a second dose for maximum protection, but highlight limitations in estimating vaccine effectiveness against severe outcomes.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateNov 23, 2021

A new snow tracking sensor

A new snow tracking sensor using infrared radiation technology will track daily snow depth, making it easier to predict and prevent winter-related hazards. The device will measure snow density by strata, providing more accurate data for avalanche forecasting and flood risk assessment.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalRemote Sensing·DateNov 23, 2021

Antibody levels predict vaccine efficacy, new analysis shows

Researchers found that higher antibody levels correlate with greater vaccine protection against COVID-19. The study provides new insights into how to measure vaccine efficacy, potentially guiding approval decisions and vaccine regimen modifications.

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

Neurobiologists reveal how value decisions are coded into our brains

Researchers discovered the retrosplenial cortex as the site of value decision-making in the brain. Persistency allows value signals to be effectively represented across different brain areas, especially the RSC. Artificial intelligence networks mimicking mouse decisions showed remarkably similar results.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

Ultrashort-pulse lasers kill bacterial superbugs, spores

Researchers have found that ultrashort-pulse lasers can inactivate antibiotic-resistant bacteria and bacterial spores, reducing their numbers by over 1,000 times. The technology has the potential to be used to sterilize wounds and disinfect blood products, and may also be used to treat bloodstream infections.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Biophotonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 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.

The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 is rapidly taking over in West Africa

The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 has become the dominant virus form in Benin, West Africa, with over 60% of cases linked to the variant. Vaccination campaigns are crucial to combat the spread, as only 1% of the population is vaccinated.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

Bans on flavored e-cigarettes could see some vapers return to smoking cigarettes

A recent study by the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project found that most adult vapers oppose flavor restrictions, with 82% saying they would continue vaping if flavored products were banned. Some vapers may switch to smoking cigarettes instead, highlighting potential unintended consequences of a flavor ban.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateNov 23, 2021

Athletes need thorough tests after long COVID

A new study published in Annals of Medicine recommends that athletes returning to training after long COVID undergo a series of tests and receive regular advice from medical specialists. The researchers defined long COVID as symptoms lasting more than four weeks, and warned of the risk of organ damage and mental health issues.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalAnnals of Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 23, 2021

Researchers investigate link between bilingualism and false memories

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that false information in both native and second languages equally contribute to the formation of false memories. The researchers used an online experiment with participants speaking Russian and English to assess the influence of misinformation and source misattribution on memory recall.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateNov 23, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

How eating less in early life could help with reproduction later on

Researchers found that females who consumed less food for their entire lives lived longer but didn't reproduce as well as better-fed counterparts. However, those who switched to unlimited food after early life restriction started mating and reproducing more, producing three times more offspring than restricted diet flies.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

Houston Methodist study reveals masks and distancing worked to keep germs at bay

A Houston Methodist study found that lifting COVID-19 restrictions led to a rapid return of seasonal respiratory viruses, highlighting the effectiveness of masking and distancing measures. The study's findings demonstrate that these precautions can suppress all respiratory viruses, not just COVID-19.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeObservational study·DateNov 23, 2021

How positively and negatively charged ions behave at interfaces

Scientists investigate how positively and negatively charged ions behave at solid-liquid interfaces. They found that the hydration shell of positively charged sodium ions is stripped away at small voltages, while negatively charged chloride ions require higher voltages.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 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.

Understanding Eraser Enzymes

MRNA eraser enzymes play a crucial role in regulating gene expression and cell fate decisions. Research on these enzymes may lead to the development of therapeutics that target misbehaving erasers in disease. The team aims to understand how these enzymes recognize and choose specific methyl groups to remove from RNA.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateNov 23, 2021

Measuring inequality in COVID-19 mortality

The study found significant disparities in COVID-19 mortality rates among racial and ethnic groups and those with different levels of educational attainment. The researchers analyzed data from 219 million adults aged 25 or older to identify these inequalities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 23, 2021

Vehicles are an under-recognized source of urban ammonia pollution

Researchers found that vehicles accounted for 60-84% of total NH3 emissions in western Los Angeles, significantly higher than government estimates. This discovery suggests a substantial health impact from vehicle-related ammonia, which has been largely under-recognized and uncontrolled.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateNov 23, 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.

How well do wet masks contain droplets?

Researchers found that wet masks make it more difficult for respiratory droplets to penetrate and escape the mask, splintering into smaller aerosolized particles. This is because wet masks create additional resistance due to their hydrophobic or hydrophilic materials, making them more effective at stopping droplet penetration.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

Microrobots for treating neurological diseases through intra-nasal administration

Researchers developed a magnetically powered microrobot for minimally invasive delivery into brain tissue via the intranasal pathway, overcoming limitations in traditional stem cell therapy. The new method is expected to bring possibilities for treating various intractable neurological diseases.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateNov 22, 2021

Snow cover critical for revegetation following high-severity forest fires, OSU study shows

A new OSU study found that snow cover plays a critical role in post-fire revegetation in the Pacific Northwest. Summer precipitation was the most important variable driving this process across four subregions, while snow cover frequency and prefire forest composition were also significant influencers.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2021

Giving social support to others may boost your health

A new study from Ohio State University suggests that giving social support to others is essential for boosting one's health. The research found that people who were available to provide social support experienced lower inflammation levels, whereas those who only received support did not show the same benefits.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 22, 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.

New technique better assesses exposure of a population to a virus

A new technique developed by Penn State researchers allows for accurate general-population estimates of virus exposure, resolving key complications in traditional methods. The study found that 26% of the Vietnamese population is exposed to subtype H3N2 influenza every year, and 16% is exposed to subtype H1N1.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 22, 2021

Inadequate sleep is bad for preteens’ brains

A study from Boston Children's Hospital found that inadequate sleep can jeopardize brain organization in early adolescence, leading to deficits in cognitive processes such as attention, reward, and memory. The research identified racial disparities in the impact of sleep on brain networks, with non-white participants experiencing dispr...

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCerebral Cortex Communications·DateNov 22, 2021