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Science News for October 11, 2021


Cell-filled pouch creates temporary “chimeras” to treat disease

A new pouch device has been developed to protect transplanted human liver cells from immune systems for up to six months, producing crucial biomolecules. This breakthrough offers a potential path toward treating human diseases without needing to suppress the patient's immune system.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021

Nationwide study shows link between COVID vaccination and reduced household transmission

A nationwide study found that increasing family members with immunity from previous infection or full vaccination reduces the risk of infection and hospitalization in non-immune individuals. Vaccination is crucial not only for individual protection but also for reducing transmission within high-risk environments like families.

SourceUmea University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 11, 2021

New results from the RHIC Spin Program

The latest results from the RHIC Spin Program provide new insights into the contribution of quarks and gluons to a proton's spin. Researchers at Brookhaven Lab have made significant progress in studying the three-dimensional internal structure of protons using collisions of spin-polarized protons at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider ...

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateOct 11, 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.

Antiviral compound blocks SARS-CoV-2 from entering cells

Researchers have developed a chemical compound that interferes with the entry of coronaviruses into human cells, targeting the transmembrane serine protease 2 protein. The compound, MM3122, has shown potential in preventing infection and reducing disease severity, with effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 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.

Older adults across the globe are more willing to help others, but mostly those in the same country

A global study of 46,500 people aged 18-99 found that older adults are more willing to donate to charities within their own country, but less likely to do so internationally. This preference for 'in-group' behavior remains consistent even after accounting for wealth, pandemic severity, and perceived risk.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021

Pass the salt: machine learning accelerates molten salt simulations for nuclear power applications

A team of researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign used advanced machine learning to model the physico-chemical properties of a molten salt compound called FLiNaK, enabling accurate atomic-scale reproduction and prediction of behavior under specific reactor conditions. This computational framework can help character...

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 11, 2021

Researchers find warning signs for dementia in the blood

Scientists at DZNE and UMG identified three microRNAs in the blood that correlate with mental fitness and cognitive decline. The biomarker is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease within two years, offering potential targets for therapy and early warning signs.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021

Predicting Post-Fire Debris Flows from Space

Researchers developed a model to identify areas at high risk of debris flows after a fire, using satellite data on rainfall intensities, burn severity, and topography. The model shows promise in providing near-real-time information for emergency responders to better prepare for potential hazards.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 11, 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.

Earth’s natural carbon sinks hold vital power in climate fight

A new study reveals that Earth's natural habitats can remove significant amounts of carbon dioxide due to previously undiscovered rock nitrogen weathering reactions. Preserving these ecosystems is vital to conserve the planet's carbon sink service and combat climate change.

SourceCornell University·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateOct 11, 2021

Sleep loss does not impact ability to assess emotional information

A study by Washington State University researchers found that sleep loss does not impact a person's ability to evaluate emotional situations, despite affecting their mood. However, sleep deprivation can make individuals less able to control their own emotional responses.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 11, 2021

Unraveling the mystery of touch

A new study reveals that sensitive skin surfaces are overrepresented in the brain due to stronger connections between sensory neurons and brain stem neurons. This mechanism may explain why certain body parts, like hands and lips, are more sensitive than others.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stress can be good for you

UNSW researchers stabilize a new intermediate phase in a room-temperature multiferroic material under stress, boosting electromechanical response by double its usual value. This breakthrough has exciting implications for next-generation devices and provides a valuable technique for international material scientists.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021

Is low-fat or whole-fat milk better for kids? Science says it makes no difference

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming whole fat milk has no negative impact on children's health. The research, which involved 49 healthy children aged four to six, showed that both groups consumed similar amounts of calories and fat.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 11, 2021

Simple numbers for chaotic flows in active fluids

University of Barcelona researchers discovered that chaotic flows in active fluids can be described by simple mathematical laws. The study used cytoskeletal proteins and enzymes to create an active fluid system surrounded by passive fluids, revealing new flow regimes and a theoretical framework to explain the results.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 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.

USC Stevens INI receives large award to harmonize Alzheimer’s research data

The USC Stevens INI is partnering with Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the University of Miami to merge Alzheimer's disease data from over 30 datasets, producing a large-scale, standardized set of clearly defined data. This harmonization will enable large-scale machine learning analysis to better characterize the genetic basis...

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·DateOct 11, 2021

Forgiveness messaging increases willingness to accept former Boko Haram fighters returning home, new study shows

A new study found that forgiveness messaging from a respected Islamic sheikh significantly increased community members' willingness to accept demobilized Boko Haram fighters back into their community. The study, conducted in northeastern Nigeria, showed that 70% of participants who heard the forgiveness messaging were willing to have t...

SourceInnovations for Poverty Action·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 11, 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.

Forsyth researchers reveal that oral TM7 bacteria may protect humans from pathogenic bacteria

Researchers discovered that oral TM7 bacteria decreased periodontal inflammation and bone loss in a mouse model by altering the behavior of their host bacteria. They found two mechanisms by which TM7 modulate inflammation: decreasing production of a collagen binding protein and disrupting host bacterial metabolism.

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalCell·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 11, 2021

The new-new kids on the block: Hybrid lizards

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis uncovered why hybridization among brown anoles is rare in their native range but common in new geographic territories. The study highlights the importance of environmental degradation in facilitating hybridization, which can contribute to biodiversity declines.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 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.

Feather analysis tracks origin of migrating hawks and falcons

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a new tool to aid in the conservation of critical habitats by tracking the migratory patterns of wide-ranging hawks and falcons. By analyzing isotopes from the feathers of young birds, scientists can pinpoint their likely origins with surprising precision.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalEcosphere·TypeObservational study·DateOct 11, 2021

An efficient and low-cost approach to detecting food fraud

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a model that can efficiently detect food fraud by analyzing oxygen isotope ratios. The model, which uses publicly available data on temperature, precipitation, and humidity, simulates the regions of origin for various plant products with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021

Radio signals from distant stars suggest hidden planets

Scientists have discovered radio waves coming from 19 distant red dwarf stars, suggesting the presence of hidden planets. The discovery uses the world's most powerful radio telescope, LOFAR, and indicates a scaled-up version of Jupiter-Io interaction with a planet in the star's magnetic field.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateOct 11, 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.

A cryptography game-changer for biomedical research at scale

Researchers have developed a federated analytics system, FAMHE, that enables healthcare providers to collaborate on statistical analyses and machine learning models without exchanging underlying datasets. The system has been proven mathematically secure and accurately reproduced published studies in multi-centric settings.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 11, 2021

Can parental care influence sperm-mediated effects in threespine sticklebacks?

A new study found that parental care does not seem to affect sperm-mediated effects in threespine sticklebacks, contrary to previous expectations. The researchers tested the behavior and stress responses of offspring from predator-exposed fathers with or without parental care.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalAnimal Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021

Genetic study explores how human pregnancy is unique

A new genetic study reveals hundreds of genes that evolved to be turned on or off in the human uterus during early pregnancy, shedding light on what makes human pregnancy uniquely human. These genes are involved in cell-to-cell communication, immune response regulation, and placental invasion, highlighting the importance of evolutionar...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournaleLife·DateOct 11, 2021

Study links COVID-19 rates with nature equity, shows double burden for communities of color

A study by the San Francisco Estuary Institute, the Nature Conservancy, and the University of Illinois suggests that access to nature may contribute to lower COVID-19 rates, regardless of racial or socioeconomic identity. The research team found a strong correlation between green spaces and decreased COVID-19 incidence rates.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalNature Sustainability·DateOct 11, 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.

Testing troubles

A study by University of New Mexico researchers found that 65% of women with a normal prior co-test had undergone re-screening within three years, far more often than recommended. Meanwhile, some women were not re-tested for over five years after a negative co-test or cytology alone, increasing their risk for poor outcomes.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·TypeCase study·DateOct 11, 2021

Patients with kidney transplants more vulnerable to common, usually harmless bacterium

A national review of nocardia infection in kidney transplant patients found that those with compromised immune responses are more vulnerable to the opportunistic agent. Nocardiosis can lead to pneumonia and brain abscess, and screening is crucial, especially in combination with pneumonia symptoms.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateOct 11, 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.

Wind farm noise may not be more disruptive to sleep than other sources

A Flinders University study found that residents living near wind farms reported similar levels of sleep disruptions as those in quiet rural areas. Only a small percentage attributed their sleep disturbance to wind farm noise, which was comparable to rates from road traffic and other sources.

SourceFlinders University·TypeSurvey·DateOct 11, 2021

Research points to a strategy for overcoming colorectal cancers’ immunotherapy resistance

New research reveals that boosting numbers of immune cells called dendritic cells may be key to overcoming colorectal cancers' immunotherapy resistance. By augmenting dendritic cells in liver metastases, treatment led to increased cytotoxic T lymphocytes and made tumors sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitors.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021

Tree-dwelling mammals endured after asteroid strike destroyed forests

A new study suggests that tree-dwelling mammals, including primates and their ancestors, survived the asteroid strike that devastated Earth's forests 66 million years ago. The research found that ground-dwelling mammals had a selective advantage over arboreal counterparts, but some tree-dwellers managed to survive.

SourceYale University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateOct 11, 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.

Understanding variations in Salmonella virulence

Researchers from the University of Seville discovered that a single amino acid mutation in Salmonella enzymes enables them to modify more proteins in infected cells, leading to increased virulence. This finding has significant implications for developing inhibitors as alternative antibacterial treatments.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalChemical Science·DateOct 11, 2021

Automatic entry into career advancing competitions could help women, study suggests

A recent study by researchers from the University of Toronto and UCLA Anderson School of Management found that automatic entry into competitive processes can reduce gender disparities in decision-making. In three cash-for-task experiments with over 1500 participants, women were shown to be as competitive as men when given the option to...

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021

Power walk

Researchers developed a powered exoskeleton that provides extra energy for walking, reducing the strain on amputee muscles. The device was tested by six individuals with above-knee amputations, showing a 15.6% improvement in metabolic rate and allowing users to walk for extended periods.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 11, 2021

New computational approach uses diagnostic codes and previous doctor’s visits to predict diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in children

Researchers developed an algorithm that leverages medical informatics to predict autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses in young children. The new approach uses diagnostic codes from past doctor's visits to calculate a risk score, identifying which patients are at risk of receiving a confirmed ASD diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 11, 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.

Eliminating uranium from the food chain: Are fungi the key?

A new study suggests that fungi can alter the uptake of uranium by plants, potentially reducing its spread through the food chain. The research found that the presence of fungi decreased the concentration of uranium in plant tissues and reduced its translocation throughout the plant.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 11, 2021

New study sheds light on molecular motion

Scientists have developed a synthetic fibre that guides molecular movement fueled by light over long distances, paving the way for new sustainable energy sources and applications in medicine and chemical tasks. The system emulates cellular fibres, allowing for controlled transport of molecules using light as energy.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 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.

Vaccines effective against most SARS-CoV-2 variants

A new Yale study finds that two commonly used coronavirus vaccines provide protection against multiple variants of the virus. Researchers also found that individuals who have been infected with COVID-19 prior to vaccination exhibit a more robust immune response to all variants.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateOct 11, 2021

The unknown consequences of plastic’s legacy, found in seabirds around the world

A study found that seabirds around the globe consume up to 52% of plastic, leading to accumulation of its chemical components in their bodies. Researchers analyzed oil from preen glands and stomach contents of bird carcasses to determine contaminant burdens.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalEnvironmental Monitoring and Contaminants Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021

How recovery from COVID-19’s impact on energy demand could help meet climate targets

A new study examines alternative scenarios and their potential impact on climate mitigation targets. The research suggests that retaining low-energy practices in lifestyle and business could reduce climate mitigation challenges, while missing these opportunities would lead to a more difficult energy transition.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Energy·DateOct 11, 2021

Workload determines how co-workers treat sick colleagues

A UCF study examines the link between 'coworker presenteeism' and mistreatment, finding that heavy workloads lead to self-interest and avoidance of sick colleagues. Managers are advised to encourage employees to stay home to recover quickly and protect their health.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateOct 11, 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.

Searching for elusive supersymmetric particles

An international team of scientists, led by Professor Owen Long, explored supersymmetry as an extension of the Standard Model. They conducted experiments at the Large Hadron Collider and found no signs of supersymmetric particles, but their null result is still a significant scientific progress.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPhysical Review D·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021

Teaching ancient brains new tricks

A team of researchers at Carnegie Mellon University has discovered how the brains of advanced physicists organize highly abstract scientific concepts. They found that physicists' brains group concepts into measureable versus immeasurable size, and that these patterns are organized separately in their brains. This study provides insight...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·Journalnpj Science of Learning·TypeObservational study·DateOct 11, 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.

Long-term missions in space may scar the brain

Researchers have discovered strong indications of brain injury and accelerated aging following long-duration spaceflight. Blood samples from astronauts showed an increase in brain-derived proteins and a correlated response with time spent in space.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateOct 11, 2021

Tracking an elusive molecule key to climate and combustion chemistry

Scientists have directly observed carbon-centered hydroperoxyalkyl radical (QOOH), a crucial intermediate product in climate change models and combustion engine design. The study's results improve understanding of oxidation reactions and their impact on atmospheric pollution.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateOct 11, 2021

New gene could help improve tomato flavor and shelf-life

Researchers have identified a gene that regulates fruit softening independent of fruit ripening, allowing tomatoes to stay firm until consumption while maintaining flavor. The discovery could lead to increased shelf-life without sacrificing flavor, benefiting commercial producers and consumers alike.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021

Oncotarget: CRISPR/Cas9-directed epigenetic editing

Researchers used CRISPR/dCas9 technology to target DNA methylation and study its effects on cancer cell behavior. The study found that the same epigenetic modification can lead to opposing expression profiles of a target gene in different cancer cell models.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateOct 11, 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.