Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 15, 2021


COVID-19 lottery announcements, vaccinations

A study found that COVID-19 vaccination rates increased in states with cash drawing announcements compared to those without. The analysis suggests a positive association between these announcements and vaccine uptake, providing insight into innovative strategies for improving public health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateOct 15, 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.

New discovery may pave the way for more targeted treatment of cancer patients

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that the BRCA2 gene requires a specific enzyme, PP2A-B56, to repair DNA damage. This finding may pave the way for more targeted treatment of cancer patients with certain mutations.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2021

Using AI for mental health assessment

Researchers used machine learning on UK Biobank data to create proxy measures for brain age, intelligence, and neuroticism traits. These indirect measurements strongly correlate with specific diseases or outcomes, offering a potential solution for mental health diagnoses.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 15, 2021

New study uncovers why there is so little competition in government procurement

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that agencies can extract more rent from a winning bidder when negotiating contract terms, reducing the benefits of drawing additional bidders. The study suggests allowing agencies some discretion to use their knowledge of the supply side can reduce procurement costs.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·DateOct 15, 2021

New genes identified for fibromuscular dysplasia

Researchers have discovered three new genetic variants linked to fibromuscular dysplasia, which affects women in their prime and is often associated with high blood pressure and cardiovascular complications. The study provides new insights into the disease's genetic basis and potential therapeutic targets.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 15, 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.

Bimetallic catalysts for oil extraction

Researchers have developed bimetallic catalysts that enhance oil upgrading, decreasing heavy hydrocarbons and increasing light hydrocarbons. The test results showed positive influence on petroleum quality, transportation efficiency, and environmental impact.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2021

Award for Cambridge neuroscientist

Michel Goedert's research focuses on protein aggregates in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, providing deep insights into disease development. His work is essential for finding new treatments, as evidenced by his discovery of gene mutations leading to dementia.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·DateOct 15, 2021

Antibody treatment for MIS-C works by depleting inflammatory immune cells

A recent NIH-funded study found that intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) works in treating multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and Kawasaki disease by depleting activated neutrophils, a major source of inflammation.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 15, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How our past shapes the present

A study published in Nature Communications demonstrates how the brain constructs the present moment through recent past experiences. The researchers discovered that brief stimuli leave a trace in the brain for almost a minute, accumulating biases in perception that allow subjects to fine-tune their sensory channels over time.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2021

Scientists have learned how to weld a new kind of steel

Researchers from South Ural State University and China's Xi'an Jiaotong University have successfully welded A606 (Cor-Ten) steel, a promising material with high atmospheric corrosion resistance. The study optimized welding conditions to achieve high strength properties and necessary microstructure.

SourceSouth Ural State University·JournalThe International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology·DateOct 15, 2021

McCullough and Liu awarded $3.7M NIH grant to study sex differences in COVID-19 outcomes

The research team aims to understand the mechanisms that contribute to long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection, particularly in women who may be disproportionally affected by chronic symptoms. They plan to leverage a biorepository and longitudinal study to assess the impact of acute and chronic inflammation on brain injury and neu...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateOct 15, 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.

Why do we remember stressful experiences better?

The study found that memories of objects from stressful situations rely on similar brain activity as memories of the stress trigger itself. This suggests that the mechanism reinforcing emotional memories is rooted in the neural link between important aspects of the episode and the stress trigger.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 15, 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.

Changes in adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with pandemic

The study found a significant increase in pregnancy complications during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting approximately 1.4 million women in the US. Researchers attributed these changes to various factors, including social distancing measures, delayed prenatal care, and increased risk of maternal mortality.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 15, 2021

Accelerating the discovery of new materials for 3D printing

Researchers at MIT develop a data-driven process using machine learning to optimize new 3D printing materials with multiple characteristics. The system lowers costs and lessens environmental impact by reducing chemical waste and suggesting unique chemical formulations that human intuition might miss.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 15, 2021

Flu and heart disease: The surprising connection that should convince you to schedule your shot

A recent review published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that flu vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in individuals with heart disease. Despite higher mortality rates from influenza, many Americans under 65 with heart disease have low vaccination rates.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 15, 2021

Unlined waste disposal pits endanger groundwater in San Joaquin Valley

A new study by PSE Healthy Energy reveals that over 16 billion barrels of oil and gas wastewater were disposed of in unlined pits, contaminating regional aquifers with salts and toxins. The Tulare Basin, home to four million people, is at risk due to a lack of regulatory protections for groundwater near these disposal sites.

SourcePSE Healthy Energy·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 15, 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.

Intelligent optical chip to improve telecommunications

The INRS team has developed an intelligent optical chip that uses autonomous learning approaches to generate optical waveforms, paving the way for further advances in telecommunications. The device can autonomously adjust to a user-defined target waveform with strikingly low technical and computational requirements.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalOptica·DateOct 15, 2021

COVID curriculum brings science home for high school students

Researchers at the University of Arizona developed a new curriculum that allows high school students to learn about coronaviruses, genetics, and bioinformatics from home. The lesson plan, which was created before COVID-19 vaccines were introduced, teaches students how different vaccines work and analyzes protein sequences. Students who...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe American Biology Teacher·DateOct 15, 2021

Emergency food management sector ill-prepared for digital disaster management

The emergency food management sector is ill-prepared for digital disaster management due to the lack of effective digital tools. A recent study found that existing digital strategies have not been proven effective or tested, leaving personnel with no guidance on potential best practices and the impact of digital tools.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 15, 2021

How to program DNA robots to poke and prod cell membranes

Researchers at UNSW and University of Sydney develop DNA 'nanostructures' to effectively manipulate synthetic liposomes, leading to potential applications in biosensing and mRNA vaccines. The study also explores the creation of 'mini biological computers' that can sense their environment and respond to signals.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Only one in four Western Roman emperors died of natural causes

Only one in four Western Roman emperors died of natural causes, following a power law distribution. The study found that the risk of survival was high when taking the throne, but declined after 13 years, with a sharp increase again at this point.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 15, 2021

Behaviour resembling human ADHD seen in dogs

Researchers identified environmental factors and breed-specific traits contributing to canine ADHD-like behaviour. Dogs who spent more time alone at home were more hyperactive, impulsive and inattentive, while breeds bred for work displayed increased hyperactivity and impulsivity.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateOct 15, 2021

Ultrafast optical switching can save overwhelmed datacenters

Researchers have demonstrated ultrafast optical circuit switching for datacenters using integrated soliton microcombs, which can handle increasing bursty datacenter applications while reducing overheads. The proposed architecture employs a central comb system to improve power efficiency and reduce complexity.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2021

Cellular environments shape molecular architecture

Scientists devised a method to analyze the NPC directly inside cells, capturing its true size and structure. The results showed that the pore had a wider central channel than previously thought, emphasizing the importance of analyzing complex molecules in their native environments.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Biology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 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.

Plankton head polewards

Research finds that plankton diversity will increase in warmer waters, but this may lead to a reduction in zooplankton diversity in the tropics. As climate changes, plankton species from tropical regions will shift polewards, potentially disrupting marine ecosystems and fisheries.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 15, 2021

New brain mapping technique reveals neural code of images over time

Researchers have developed a method that maps time-varying brain responses to images, revealing how the brain processes visual information. The new technique, DETI mapping, produces a multiplexed view of neural signals across different locations and over time.

SourceColgate University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 15, 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.

New technique identifies pathogenic particles in the blood

Researchers from Aarhus University have developed a revolutionary technique to identify pathogenic particles in the blood, which determine the development of autoimmune diseases like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. The technique allows for early diagnosis and potentially life-threatening consequences such as blood clots and organ damage.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2021

Delta and Delta Plus evade the antibody response

Researchers found that Delta and Delta Plus infect lung cells with higher efficiency than the original virus, evading antibodies induced by infection and vaccination. The new variants were also resistant to some therapeutic antibodies, leading to reduced inhibition.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 15, 2021

Penn study suggests genetic disease CDKL5 deficiency disorder could be treatable after childhood

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that the gene CDKL5 plays an essential role in the brain throughout life, even after childhood. Researchers discovered that reinstating CDKL5 activity in young adult mice with a genetic deficiency led to significant improvements in neurological problems.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 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.

Buprenorphine misuse decreased among U.S. adults with opioid use disorder from 2015-2019

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that nearly three-fourths of U.S. adults with buprenorphine use did not misuse the medication in 2019, trending downward between 2015-2019 despite increased treatment. The research highlights the need to expand access to proven treatment approaches like buprenorphine therapy to reduce misuse.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 15, 2021

Social disadvantage in the UK has a lasting impact on childhood asthma

A UK study found that social disadvantage in early childhood increases the risk of developing persistent asthma by 70%, with nearly two-thirds of the risk attributed to early life exposures. This highlights the need for public health measures and policies to support families and improve housing conditions.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThorax·TypeObservational study·DateOct 15, 2021

Key protein linked to appetite and obesity in mice

A recent study from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University identified a crucial protein linked to increased appetite and obesity in mice. The researchers found that mice lacking this protein, XRN1, exhibited leptin resistance, leading to insatiable hunger and weight gain.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 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.

Attitudes toward vaccine travel requirements

A recent study published in Tourism Management explores travelers' attitudes toward pre-travel vaccination requirements. The researchers found that willingness to vaccinate and beliefs that others should vaccinate are key predictors of support for vaccine mandates. Travelers who had previously tested positive for COVID-19 or traveled m...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalTourism Management·TypeNews article·DateOct 15, 2021

Study: Adolescents’ experiences with police have harmful repercussions for later life outcomes

A new study found that adolescents' experiences with police can negatively impact their future orientation, leading to reduced educational and career aspirations. The research, conducted by the American Society of Criminology, analyzed data from 1,354 serious offenders and found that even positive interactions with police can create co...

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology·DateOct 15, 2021

Ecological redlines: Possible model for maintaining biodiversity in mainland Southeast Asia

Researchers from China's Academy of Sciences propose a framework to determine ecological priorities across Mainland Southeast Asia by combining ecosystem services, ecological sensitivity, and biodiversity indicators. The proposed model identifies areas for protection based on overlapping hotspots of diversity, sensitivity, and service ...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalOne Earth·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 15, 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.

‘Superhuman, but never enough’: Essay details inequities experienced by Black women physicians in the United States

Black women physicians in the United States encounter barriers such as lower earnings and reduced promotion opportunities, despite having the same training and expertise as their colleagues. The essay highlights the need for sustained efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic medicine to address these disparities.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Lancet·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 15, 2021

Skin stem cells get moving for enhanced skin regeneration

A study published in the Journal of Cell Biology found that skin stem cell motility is crucial for wound healing and skin regeneration. The researchers discovered that a specific molecule, EGFR, drives skin stem cell movement and coordinates the production of collagen COL17A1.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateOct 15, 2021

One coronavirus vaccine may protect against other coronaviruses

A study by Northwestern University scientists has shown that coronavirus vaccines and prior infections can provide broad immunity against other, similar coronaviruses. The findings build a rationale for universal coronavirus vaccines.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 15, 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.

Our brains have a “fingerprint” too

Researchers have discovered that each person has a unique brain fingerprint that can be identified in just over a minute using functional connectomics. The study's findings have significant implications for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, autism, and stroke.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 15, 2021

Plant-eating lizards on the cusp of tooth evolution

Several lizard groups evolved teeth with multiple tips, allowing them to transition to plant-based diets and increasing speciation rates. The study also found that tooth evolution was more flexible in lizards and snakes than mammals.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 15, 2021

A map of mouse brain metabolism in aging

Researchers created the largest metabolome analysis of the mouse brain, revealing distinct chemical conversions between brain regions. Aging mice showed significant metabolic differences in brain sections, with lipids playing a crucial role in changes to brain function.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 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.

Researchers find few adverse health effects in wildlife exposed to low levels of radiation from the Fukushima nuclear accident

Wildlife exposed to low levels of radiation from the Fukushima nuclear accident showed no significant adverse health effects, according to a recent study. The research found that biomarkers of DNA damage and stress were not affected by chronic, low-dose environmental radiation exposure in wild boar and rat snakes.

SourceColorado State University·JournalEnvironment International·TypeObservational study·DateOct 15, 2021

Ultrafast magnetism: heating magnets, freezing time

The study reveals that the interaction between phonons and electrons is crucial for ultrafast demagnetization. The data show a temperature threshold below which this mechanism does not occur, indicating another microscopic mechanism at lower temperatures.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2021

A decade after gene therapy, children born with deadly immune disorder remain healthy

Researchers report that 90% of patients who received gene therapy between 2009 and 2012 remain disease-free, with significant immune system differences observed among those treated. The therapy is most effective in younger children, but further work is needed to achieve high levels of gene correction in all patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalBlood·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 15, 2021

Using quantum Parrondo’s random walks for encryption

Assistant Professor Kang Hao Cheong and his team discovered that chaotic switching for quantum coin Parrondo's games has similar underlying ideas to encryption. They found that using pre-generated chaotic sequences enhances the work, making it easier to invert the encrypted message to obtain the original state.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateOct 15, 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.