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Science News for October 21, 2021


Palaeontology: Earliest evidence of herd living in dinosaurs

A study published in Scientific Reports found fossilized remains of sauropodomorphs, including eggs and skeletal remains, that suggest the earliest evidence of herd living in dinosaurs. The fossils, dated to approximately 193 million years old, show age-specific clusters of individuals, indicating possible herding behavior.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 21, 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.

Northern lakes warming six times faster in the past 25 years

Lakes in the Northern Hemisphere are warming at an alarming rate, with some losing up to two months of ice cover since records began. The study, led by York University, found that lakes are losing on average 17 days of ice cover per century.

SourceYork University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences·DateOct 21, 2021

UC San Diego physicist helps launch national network examining Earth’s planetary limits

A national network has been launched to promote understanding of planetary limits, envision scenarios for humanity to thrive within limits, and advise governments on developing effective responses. The essay warns that current economic growth, energy use, and resource consumption will overshoot Earth's finite limits if not addressed.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 21, 2021

Thirsty cities need a human/nature infrastructure combo

Research by Michigan State University scientists highlights the importance of balancing built and green infrastructure to address water insecurities and climate change. The study found that natural infrastructure, such as protected forests and wetlands, plays a crucial role in sustaining freshwater flows to cities.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateOct 21, 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.

Racial, ethnic disparities in COVID-19 hospitalizations, outcomes

A study of over 143,000 patients found significant racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 outcomes, with minorities more likely to be hospitalized or die from the virus. American Indian or Alaska Native, Latino, Black, Asian, or Pacific Islander individuals had higher rates of severe illness compared to white individuals.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 21, 2021

Researchers develop catalyst for stable reduction of carbon dioxide

The researchers developed a catalyst that achieves high selectivity and stability in the reduction of CO2 to formic acid. The catalyst, containing indium sulfide and zinc, demonstrates excellent catalytic stability even at industrial current density for extended periods.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 21, 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.

Permanent Twitter ban of extremist influencers can detoxify social media

A Rutgers-led study found that banning right-wing extremists from Twitter significantly reduces the spread of anti-social ideas and conspiracy theories. Removing these individuals from social media platforms leads to a nearly 92% decline in tweets referencing them, as well as a 90% decrease in new users tweeting about them.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·DateOct 21, 2021

New study provides robust evidence that COVID-19 is a seasonal infection

A new study by ISGlobal provides robust evidence that COVID-19 is a seasonal infection linked to low temperatures and humidity. The research team found a negative relationship between the transmission rate of SARS-CoV-2 and both temperature and humidity at the global scale.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Computational Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2021

TEDDY study compares characteristics of children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before and after age 6

The study analyzed data from 8,502 genetically high-risk children and found that half developed type 1 diabetes before age 6, while the other half developed it between ages 6 and 12. The findings suggest a different form of type 1 diabetes emerges in children as they grow older.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalDiabetologia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2021

The next big thing: How do scientists bring hydrogen fuel cells from laboratory to public life?

Researchers at USTC have successfully synthesized small-sized Pt intermetallic nanoparticle catalysts with ultralow Pt loading and high mass activity. These catalysts exhibited excellent electrocatalytic performance for oxygen reduction reaction in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells, potentially decreasing the cost of fuel cells.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalScience·DateOct 21, 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 staphylococci protect themselves against antibiotics

Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered a novel resistance mechanism in Staphylococcus aureus, which protects the bacteria from vancomycin. By binding vancomycin to its cell wall, the strain prevents the antibiotic from reaching the membrane and killing the bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021

new chiral nanostructures to extend the material platform​

A research team developed a new material platform by transferring chirality from molecular to microscale through self-assembly. The resulting chiral nanomaterials exhibit broad optical activity in the short-wave infrared region, enabling applications such as infrared neural stimulation and imaging.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalACS Nano·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 21, 2021

US gun violence increased 30 percent during COVID-19 pandemic

A new study found that US gun violence increased by 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 28 states experiencing significantly higher numbers of shootings. The researchers attribute this increase to added stress, worry, and fear, as well as increased access to firearms.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 21, 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.

Measuring financial and digital literacy in vulnerable populations

A new approach to measuring financial and digital literacy is proposed by a team of researchers led by Angela Lyons. The study finds that while promoting literacy is important, it may not be enough to ensure resilience, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and those living in poverty.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEmerging Markets Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2021

New, promising opportunities for treating skin fibrosis

Scientists have shown that applying an electric field to the skin affects collagen pathways, temporarily reducing production and increasing degradation. This opens new therapeutic perspectives for the topical treatment of skin fibrosis characterized by excessive collagen deposition.

SourceCNRS·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateOct 21, 2021

Cystic fibrosis patients may see personalized treatments emerge from “drug screening in a dish,” stem cell research finds

Stem cell researchers have developed a new method to identify and develop personalized therapies for Cystic Fibrosis patients with rare mutations. By growing precursor lung cells from patients' own blood, they can screen for new drugs and validate responses in mature airway cells.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateOct 21, 2021

New study helps in finally breaking the “silence” on the brain network

A recent study used gene-targeting drugs to suppress areas of the brain and then imaged brain activity, revealing how this affects other complex operational networks. The research team found that silencing specific brain regions can cause stimulatory and inhibitory changes in brain activity, which can be identified using fMRI.

SourceThe National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology·JournalNeuron·DateOct 21, 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.

Bat study reveals secrets of the social brain

Researchers measured brain activity of freely interacting Egyptian fruit bats to understand how they process group communication. They found that 'friendlier' bats induced higher correlations across the brains of group members, suggesting a connection between social behavior and neural activity.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021

Disability among adults in US

A recent study using survey data estimates the proportion of US adults with a disability, revealing significant disparities in health and well-being. The research also sheds light on the prevalence of disabilities among different age groups and populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 21, 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.

Tribocatalysis: challenges and perspectives

Researchers have been exploring tribocatalysis as an alternative clean energy technology. The process converts mechanical energy into electrical energy through the triboelectric effect, with potential applications in material synthesis and energy conversion. Further research is needed to fully develop this promising field.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateOct 21, 2021

Shape-shifting materials with infinite possibilities

Researchers created a shape-shifting material that can morph into any stable shape, enabling independent control of geometry and mechanics. The totimorphic structural materials have the potential to be used in robotics, biotechnology, architecture, and other applications.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2021

Science snapshots from Berkeley Lab

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have successfully engineered microbes to produce novel chemicals and developed a new technique for studying enzyme reactions in real-time. This breakthrough could lead to the production of sustainable fuels, pharmaceuticals, and renewable plastics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 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.

Lower airways are distinct in cystic fibrosis even at younger ages

Researchers found a higher burden of infection, more inflammation, and lower diversity of microorganisms in children with cystic fibrosis compared to disease controls. This divergence was noted as early as toddlerhood, suggesting potential for earlier treatment and prevention of severe lung disease.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 21, 2021

AI tool pairs protein pathways with clinical side effects, patient comorbidities to suggest targeted Covid-19 treatments

A new AI tool pairs protein pathways with clinical side effects and patient comorbidities to suggest targeted Covid-19 treatments. The tool, MOATAI-VIR, predicts 24 out of 26 major clinical manifestations of Covid-19 and their underlying disease-protein-pathway relationships.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 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.

Targeted drug shows activity against brain metastases in kidney cancer

A targeted drug, cabozantinib, has shown activity against brain metastases from kidney cancer, achieving a 50% response rate. The drug's ability to reach the brain through the blood-brain barrier offers a promising systemic option for patients with poor life expectancy and intervention tolerability.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateOct 21, 2021

Survey of US dentists shows high rate of opioid prescriptions despite knowledge of effective alternatives

A survey of US dentists found that an overwhelming majority believe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-acetaminophen combinations are as effective or more effective in managing dental pain as opioids. However, nearly half still prescribe opioids, highlighting a disconnect between their knowledge and prescribing habits.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·TypeSurvey·DateOct 21, 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.

Study offers snapshot of celebs’ social media influence on COVID-19 info

A study published in the Atlantic Journal of Communication analyzed Instagram posts from 20 celebrity influencers about COVID-19 between March and May 2020. The researchers found that celebrities initially modeled guidance from health experts, normalizing suggested behaviors such as staying home and practicing hand hygiene.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalAtlantic Journal of Communication·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2021

COVID-19 vaccine gets strong response in some with weak immunity

A recent study by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines induced detectable antibodies in 99% of patients with bowel disease, regardless of their immunocompromising therapies. Researchers also noted a correlation between the antibody response and effective immunity in the community.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021

How to make a better polymer

A team of researchers at UMass Amherst has developed a method to count the number of strength-enabling entanglements in glassy polymers, which can be used to create stronger, more cost-effective materials. By combining computer simulations with experimental processes, they found that not every entanglement contributes to the polymer's ...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 21, 2021

Artificial intelligence spots anomalies in medical images

Researchers have trained a neural network to detect anomalies in medical images, adapting it to the nature of medical imaging and achieving better results. The new method uses weakly supervised training and can spot small-scale anomalies, accelerating the work of histopathologists and radiologists.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalIEEE Access·DateOct 21, 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.

Supernova: A glowing DNA enzyme

Researchers at IOCB Prague have created a glowing DNA enzyme called Supernova, which catalyzes a chemiluminescent reaction. This breakthrough uses artificial evolution to identify light-producing deoxyribozymes in a vast library of DNA molecules, opening up new possibilities for point-of-care assays and high-throughput screens.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021

Neuroscientists see how practice really does make perfect

Researchers at Duke University used new tools to monitor neurons and analyze machine learning data to see how zebra finches practice their courtship calls. They found that a neurotransmitter called noradrenaline shuts down variability in the song, making it more precise when performed under pressure.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2021

Understanding consumer perceptions of sustainability in the dairy industry

Consumer definitions of sustainability differ from industry definitions, affecting perception and purchase intent. Consumer perspectives consider multiple factors like packaging, animal welfare, organic status, and grass-fed systems, with some associating terms like 'organic' with healthier practices.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateOct 21, 2021

Hidden costs of global illegal wildlife trade

The global illegal wildlife trade has a substantial impact on biodiversity loss, human health, and ecosystems. The trade results in estimated costs of $162.7 billion annually and contributes to the extinction of native species.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeContent analysis·DateOct 21, 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.

Quantum enhanced convolutional neural networks for NISQ computers

This work proposes a hybrid quantum-classical convolutional neural network that leverages the power of quantum computing to enhance machine learning. The quantum feature map allows for a much larger feature space exploration, potentially leading to higher learning accuracy.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Physics Mechanics and Astronomy·DateOct 21, 2021

Crisis pregnancy centers may be hurting public health efforts

New research from the University of Georgia reveals that crisis pregnancy centers offering STI and HIV services are not meeting quality care standards. Many CPCs fail to offer comprehensive testing, treatment, or referrals, despite advertising as medical facilities.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalSexually Transmitted Diseases·DateOct 21, 2021

Fingerprinting proteins with force

Researchers develop DNA Nanoswitch Calipers to measure distances within single molecules using force, enabling the identification of single proteins in samples. This technique creates a unique 'fingerprint' that can be used to identify known molecules or infer structural information about unknown ones.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Prozac pegged as potential 1st treatment for leading cause of blindness

Researchers at UVA Health System found that fluoxetine, an antidepressant commonly known as Prozac, shows promise against age-related macular degeneration. Patients taking fluoxetine were less likely to develop dry AMD, a condition affecting nearly 200 million people worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2021

New online tool helps keep college campuses smoke and tobacco free

A recent study confirms the effectiveness of Tobacco Tracker in shaping college attitudes and behaviors towards smoke and tobacco-free (STF) policies. The online tool resulted in doubled awareness, tripled use, and increased support for STF policies on two California public universities.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 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.

How asteroid, comet strikes may have delayed evolution of the atmosphere

Researchers found asteroid and comet collisions occurred more frequently than thought, potentially delaying oxygen accumulation in the atmosphere. The study suggests that these impacts may have created an 'oxygen sink' that reduced atmospheric oxygen levels.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 21, 2021

Chip-based optical tweezers levitate nanoparticles in a vacuum

Researchers created tiny chip-based optical tweezers that can be used to optically levitate nanoparticles in a vacuum, reducing the footprint of traditional optical traps. The new design enables precise sensing applications and has potential uses for studying near-surface forces and quantum processes.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateOct 21, 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.

Fat cells found to play a central role in cognitive decline and neurodegeneration

A new study published in iScience reveals that fat cells play a central role in cognitive decline and neurodegeneration by controlling the systemic response to brain function. Targeting fat cells may improve outcomes for neurodegenerative disorders, according to researchers at Marshall University.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournaliScience·DateOct 21, 2021

SwRI-led team produces a new Earth bombardment model

A new model by a SwRI-led team applies geologic evidence to understand how oxygen levels in the Earth's atmosphere evolved. The results indicate that large impacts may have contributed to the scarcity of oxygen, delaying its oxidation.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 21, 2021

Fungal outbreak in marine mammals began on land

A study explores how human activities on land can affect aquatic animals, specifically the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus gattii. The research found that terrestrial hotspots were likely where spores settled before infecting marine mammals in the Salish Sea.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalDiseases of Aquatic Organisms·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2021

Prefrontal neurons in monkeys and bats facilitate group communication

Studies in rhesus monkeys and Egyptian fruit bats found that prefrontal neurons represent details of interactions, including identity context and history. This discovery sheds light on the neural mechanisms underlying complex social structures and group communication.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 21, 2021

Modeling cellular migration

Researchers develop 3D simulation capturing how cells containing vimentin move through body tissue, crucial for understanding cancer spread and wound healing. The study reveals vimentin's protective role in nuclear DNA and its potential as a target for cancer treatment.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateOct 21, 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.

Topological holographic quench dynamics in a synthetic frequency dimension

Researchers developed a method to detect topological phase using quench dynamics and synthetic frequency dimension, simplifying the characterization of non-equilibrium states. The study proposes a new approach for performing dynamical characterization of topological quantum phases in different models.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateOct 21, 2021

COVID vaccine booster increases antibody responses, is protective in rhesus macaques

A COVID vaccine booster dose increased levels of neutralizing antibodies against all known SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. The boost was sustained for at least eight weeks and generated high-level protection against severe disease, suggesting a strong immune memory response and potentially longer lasting immunity.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateOct 21, 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.

A traffic light for light-on-a-chip

A team of researchers at EPFL and Purdue University has developed a magnetic-free optical isolator using integrated photonics and micro-electromechanical systems. This device can couple to and deflect light propagating in a waveguide, mimicking the effects of magnet-driven isolators without requiring magnetic fields.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 21, 2021

Thinking collectively to understand the social intelligence of animals

Researchers are using social neuroscience to study how individual brains synchronize during group interactions, revealing key findings on animal cognition and collective decision-making. This new approach has implications for understanding human social intelligence and the potential for virtual collective dynamics.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalScience·DateOct 21, 2021

Photon-counting distributed free-space spectroscopy

A team of scientists developed a photon-counting distributed free-space spectroscopy (PDFS) to analyze atmospheric gas composition. The method provides range-resolved spectra of CO2 and HDO over 6 km, offering insights into chemical processes in the atmosphere.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateOct 21, 2021

Early dinosaurs may have lived in social herds as early as 193 million years ago

A new study reveals that early dinosaurs, such as Mussaurus patagonicus, likely formed complex herds with adults foraging and taking care of young. Fossils found in southern Patagonia indicate an age segregation, suggesting a larger community structure where adults shared in raising the whole community.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 21, 2021

On the hunt for hypernuclei: The WASA detector at GSI/FAIR

GSI/FAIR researchers aim to study properties of hypernuclei, which could shed light on neutron star phenomena. The WASA detector will help determine binding energy and lifetimes with higher detection efficiency.

SourceGSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH·JournalNature Reviews Physics·TypeNews article·DateOct 21, 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.

‘Raptor-like’ dinosaur discovered in Australian mine, actually uncovered as a timid vegetarian

A 'raptor-like' dinosaur was actually a timid, long-necked herbivore, according to recent reanalysis of fossil footprints found in an Australian coal mine. The Prosauropod, a plant-eating dinosaur with legs about 1.4 metres tall and a body length of six metres, is the earliest evidence of its kind in Australia, marking a 50-million-yea...

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHistorical Biology·DateOct 21, 2021

Novel peroxide-based material emits fluorescence in response to stress

Researchers have synthesized a novel organic peroxide mechanophore that releases fluorescence in response to mechanical stress. The compound, bis(9-methylphenyl-9-fluorenyl) peroxide (BMPF), was incorporated into a polymer network and found to retain its ability to release a fluorescent molecule when subjected to grinding or compression.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021

Cell-free DNA identifies early signs of relapse in pediatric medulloblastoma

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have developed a test to detect measurable residual disease (MRD) in children treated for medulloblastoma, identifying those at risk of relapse earlier than traditional imaging scans. The study found that cell-free DNA in cerebrospinal fluid can be used to predict relapse and potenti...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCancer Cell·DateOct 21, 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.

Rethinking grid integration of a massive renewable power expansion to achieve carbon neutrality in China and beyond

A new model suggests that integrating massive offshore wind generation, power storage, electric vehicles, green hydrogen production, and expanded transmission can reduce costs of renewable power integration into the grid. This strategy could make achieving China's carbon neutrality by 2050 feasible without significantly increasing costs.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalJoule·DateOct 21, 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.

New material could pave way for better, safer batteries

Researchers develop solid-state battery material derived from trees, offering improved ion conductivity and potential solutions to safety concerns. The new material could enable the mass market adoption of solid-state battery technology.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021

Large climate benefits could be achieved by reducing nitrous oxide emissions over small fraction of the world’s croplands

A new study maps global cropland nitrous oxide emissions and finds that reducing fertilizer application over 20% of the world's croplands could achieve 65% of global mitigation potential. The research identifies hotspots of high emissions in humid subtropical regions, where climate and soil characteristics play a significant role.

SourcePeking University·JournalNature Food·DateOct 21, 2021

Astronomers provide 'field guide' to exoplanets known as hot Jupiters

Researchers used Hubble Space Telescope observations and theoretical models to study a broader population of hot Jupiters. The study provides insight into planet formation and suggests that these planets contain similar sets of molecules, including water and carbon monoxide.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 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.

Skin-inspired sensors show how our body moves

Scientists at the University of Groningen developed wearable, stitchable, and sensitive sensors from flexible polymers and carbon fibre. These sensors can measure body position, movement, and touch, offering new possibilities for health monitoring and athlete performance tracking.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021

First-ever Africa-wide great ape assessment reveals human activity, not habitat availability, is greatest driver of ape abundance

A new study assesses Africa-wide great ape populations and finds that human activities, such as GDP, roads, and population density, are the strongest factors predicting abundance. Only 10.7% of predicted apes were found in areas with high levels of legal protection.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 21, 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.

Emergence of a novel reassortant avian influenza virus (H10N3) in Eastern China

A novel reassortant H10N3 avian influenza virus emerged in Eastern China, exhibiting high pathogenicity and respiratory droplet transmissibility to mammals. The virus was isolated from poultry and showed affinity for both avian-type and human-type receptors, posing a significant threat to public health.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateOct 21, 2021

Evaluating protection against SARS-CoV-2 Beta variant in vaccine-boosted nonhuman primates

A new study shows that boosting nonhuman primates with the Moderna vaccine six months after their primary series increases neutralizing activity against viral variants of concern. The boost sustained antibody responses for at least eight weeks, suggesting significant B cell memory induced by primary vaccination.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 21, 2021

Spending time in nature promotes early childhood development

A UBC study found that children living in areas with high greenspace exposure showed better overall development than peers with less access. Greenspaces reduce the negative impacts of air pollution and noise on children's health and development.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 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.

Chemists develop a fundamentally new mode of adsorption

Researchers developed a new mechanism of adsorption called mechanisorption, which can store significant amounts of energy by recruiting molecules onto surfaces at high concentrations. This breakthrough has implications for energy storage, controlled release, and environmental remediation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021

Bright prospects for OCT at 30

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has significant growth potential across various medical applications, including cardiology and dermatology. Miniaturized OCT systems are expected to revolutionize healthcare with compact, mobile, and cost-effective devices.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 21, 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.

Under arrest: Using nanofibers to stop brain tumor cells from spreading

A team of researchers from Japan has developed a platform using nanofibers to capture and control the migration of brain tumor cells, including glioblastoma multiforme. The study found that varying fiber densities can slow or speed up cell movement, leading to the creation of 'cell traps' that can restrict tumor cell growth.

SourceUniversity of Fukui·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 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.

Scientists look beyond the individual brain to study the collective mind

Researchers suggest that cognition is a group activity, not an individual one. Studies show brain regions activated in people communicating or cooperating on tasks, highlighting the need to look beyond individual brains.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalFrontiers in Systems Neuroscience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 21, 2021

Research identifies new family of marine ‘megaphages’

Researchers identified a new family of marine megaphages with genomes over 650 kb in length, which could impact biogeochemical cycling. These 'megaphages', found in the English Channel, are distantly related to human gut phages and represent a new family in the marine environment.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalISME Communications·TypeObservational study·DateOct 21, 2021

Einstein-developed treatment strategy may lead to HIV cure

Scientists at Einstein College of Medicine have successfully suppressed HIV infections in mice using a novel treatment strategy that boosts the immune system's CD8+ T cells. The therapy, known as synTac, selectively targets HIV-infected T cells, eliminating them from the body and offering a potential path to a functional cure for HIV.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 21, 2021

Ivory poaching leads to rapid evolution of tuskless African elephants

Research reveals that intense ivory poaching during the Mozambican Civil War led to a rapid increase in tusklessness among female African elephants. The study found a sex-linked genetic origin for this trait, with whole-genome analysis identifying key candidate genes involved in mammalian tooth development.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 21, 2021

How pearls achieve nanoscale precision

A University of Michigan-led team discovered how mollusks build pearls with precise symmetry and layers, governed by the phenomenon of 1/f noise. The study found that pearls lack true long-range order but exhibit medium-range order, maintaining consistency and durability.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2021

New photonic chip for isolating light may be key to miniaturizing quantum devices

Scientists have designed a compact photonic circuit that uses sound waves to control light, outperforming previous alternatives and optimizing compatibility with atom-based sensors. The new device is simple in design, uses common optical materials, and can be adapted for different wavelengths of light.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 21, 2021

COVID-19 vaccination strongly protected 12- to 18-year-olds during Delta

Two studies confirm that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduces both COVID-19 hospitalization rates and severe illnesses among adolescents aged 12-18. A CDC-supported study found two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to be 93% effective in preventing COVID-19 hospitalizations.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 21, 2021

Blood flow simulations may improve the monitoring of atrial fibrillation

Researchers found that blood flow simulation analysis can identify device-related thrombosis risks in left atrial appendage occluders. Personalized simulations before and after operation may improve patient outcomes.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalRevista Española de Cardiología·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 21, 2021

Common antidepressant should no longer be used to treat people with dementia, study says

A new study has shown that a commonly prescribed antidepressant for agitation in people with dementia is no more effective than a placebo and may even increase mortality. The research found no improvement in agitation symptoms among those taking mirtazapine, a drug previously thought to be beneficial.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 21, 2021

Mandates likely work to increase vaccine uptake

Research from University of Pennsylvania team shows that vaccine mandates have positive effects on vaccination intentions, particularly for those who oppose forced behavior. Mandates strengthen vaccination intentions, regardless of racial or ethnic group, and for individuals with a disposition towards psychological reactance.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 21, 2021

Fighting viruses with interchangeable defense genes

Researchers discovered that bacteria exchange mobile genetic elements to defend against viruses, enabling rapid evolution of innate immunity and development of resistance. This finding has significant implications for designing phage-based therapies against bacterial infections.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience·DateOct 21, 2021

Discovery of new tiny fish, lizard species reported in PeerJ

Researchers uncover two new species, a small lizard (Sciroseps pawhuskai) and a fish (Anomoeodus caddoi), from the Lower Cretaceous Holly Creek Formation in southwest Arkansas. The discovery provides valuable insights into the diversity of animals living during the Early Cretaceous Period.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin Oshkosh·JournalPeerJ·DateOct 21, 2021

Climate tipping might be predicted using algebraic topology

Researchers from the TiPES project use algebraic topology to analyze climate models, revealing abrupt transitions and potential tipping points. This method may help predict when the climate system will shift due to global warming.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalChaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 21, 2021

Early dinosaurs were sociable

Researchers found fossilized embryos of the same species inside eggs, indicating a herd-like behavior. The site showed a well-organized herd structure, with dinosaur babies' fossils near the nests and juveniles grouped together.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalScientific Reports·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 21, 2021

New study finds no risk of pregnancy loss from COVID-19 vaccination

A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has found no correlation between COVID-19 vaccinations and risk of first-trimester miscarriages. Vaccination during pregnancy is safe and provides protection to the newborn infant against COVID-19 infection.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCase study·DateOct 21, 2021