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Science News for October 7, 2021


A broader and more inclusive definition of infertility is needed

A more inclusive definition of infertility could help explain why current diagnostic tests frequently fail to find a reason for reproductive failure. This broader view may also open up novel opportunities for tailoring infertility treatments to each couple, considering the complex network of interacting male and female genes.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateOct 7, 2021

Climate: Consumption of sustainably hunted meat from wildlife rather than eating livestock may spare considerable greenhouse gas emissions

A study found that Amazonian and Afrotropical communities consuming wild meat may spare up to 71 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year by replacing beef or poultry with wild meat. This could generate millions of dollars in carbon credit sales, but unsustainable hunting practices must be avoided.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 7, 2021

How does transportation access impact self-perceived physical health?

A study by Portland State University found that household car ownership correlates with better self-reported health, while bus or paratransit use is associated with poorer health. The researchers also discovered that having fewer vehicles per individual in the household increases the likelihood of reporting poor physical health.

SourcePortland State University·DateOct 7, 2021

Climate change tipping points: back to the drawing table

A team of ecologists and mathematicians found that ecosystems can evade tipping points by forming complex spatial patterns. These patterns allow ecosystems to adapt to climate change and avoid catastrophic shifts. The study challenges the concept of tipping points and suggests a more nuanced understanding of Earth's resilience.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 7, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists assemble a biological clock in a test tube to study how it works

Researchers reconstituted cyanobacterial circadian clock in a test tube, enabling real-time study of clock protein interactions and their role in gene expression. The study reveals mechanisms of circadian timekeeping and provides insights into the genetic origins of clock disruption.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 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.

Chang’e-5 samples reveal key age of moon rocks

Scientists have determined the age of the Chang'e-5 moon rocks to be approximately 1.97 billion years old, closing a 2-billion-year gap in lunar sample dating. This precision is crucial for calibrating chronology tools and studying the moon's volcanic history.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Ear sensor enables safe telemedical care for COVID-19 risk patients

A study by TUM demonstrated the effectiveness of an ear sensor in monitoring COVID-19 risk patients remotely, providing timely hospitalization when necessary. The sensor enabled high-quality monitoring comparable to hospital care, with great patient satisfaction and improved safety outcomes.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Study finds higher levels of education and higher income mean better health for older adults

A new study reveals that higher levels of education and income are associated with better health outcomes for older adults in Ireland, England, the US, and Canada. The study found that socio-economic disparities exist across countries, with those having higher education and income experiencing lower disease burdens.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

Keeping it clean and cool

Dr. Mohammad Al Hashmi's research focuses on reducing energy consumption in residential buildings in hot and arid climates using renewable energy systems such as solar and wind power. His framework combines building interventions and clean energy approaches to minimize environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalEnergies·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

Are women worse than men at salary negotiation?

A USC study finds men and women equally bad at salary negotiation, but women tend to value stocks less than men. Participants who negotiated against a virtual agent secured $13,000 more on average.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 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.

National Kidney Foundation, Leading nephrology experts develop roadmap to advance kidney disease research

The National Kidney Foundation has released a research roadmap to accelerate innovations in treatment and increase understanding of kidney disease. The report calls for increased funding in preclinical science, genetics, health equity, and implementation science to tackle the most vexing challenges in kidney disease.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateOct 7, 2021

Study questions popular COVID test, proposes new marker of disease severity

Researchers found that asymptomatic patients may not produce significant IgG antibodies, but rather a different kind of antibody count that can indicate disease severity. The study suggests using the ratio of these two counts as a marker to determine if a person has had COVID-19.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalViruses·DateOct 7, 2021

Climate change literacy lessons from Africa

Climate change literacy rates in Africa are lower than those in Europe and North America, with women facing a significant gap in awareness. The study found that education is the strongest predictor of climate literacy, but poverty and gender dynamics also play a role.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

Beyond childhood: Picky eating in college students

A new study found that self-identified picky eaters in college students ate significantly less fiber and vegetables compared to non-picky eaters. This behavior was also linked to higher levels of social phobia, overall distress, and lower quality of life.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 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.

The impact of corporate social responsibility on brand sales

A new study examines the effect of corporate social responsibility on consumers' actual purchase behavior, finding that corrective and compensating CSR actions boost sales, while cultivating CSR initiatives lead to slight drops. The study also reveals that sincere motives play a crucial role in consumer perception of CSR.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateOct 7, 2021

Naloxone access doesn’t make heroin seem less risky

A new study suggests that increased access to naloxone has not changed people's perception of the risks associated with heroin use. Researchers found that individuals who used heroin and those living in areas with easy or restricted access to naloxone both perceived heroin as a high-risk substance.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAddiction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

A new framework for protecting mental health in cities

Researchers from UvA's Centre for Urban Mental Health propose a new conceptual framework to understand the dynamic interplay between urban factors and mental health. The framework identifies key factors influencing urban environments and their impact on mental well-being, including air pollution, noise, and social cohesion.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 7, 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.

Referential alarm calls increase vigilance in brood parasite hosts

Researchers found that female yellow warblers who heard referential 'seet' calls the previous day would sit on their nest for a longer period and be less active, suggesting they recalled past events and engaged in mental time travel to boost vigilance. This behavior may indicate a heightened state of alert or cognitive processing.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 7, 2021

For Black students, unfairly harsh discipline can lead to lower grades

A study by the American Psychological Association found that Black students are more likely to be suspended for minor infractions, harming their academic success. This bias in school discipline can damage students' perceptions of their school and lower their grades years later.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 7, 2021

Nerve repair, with help from stem cells

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers uses human gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells to guide nerve growth and regeneration, achieving similar results as traditional autograft procedures. The approach has potential for treating larger nerve gaps, including those resulting from oral cancer surgery.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Deep-learning algorithm aims to accelerate protein engineering

A new deep-learning algorithm, ECNet, has been developed to accelerate protein engineering by predicting the fitness of all possible sequences. By incorporating evolutionary history, ECNet outperforms current methods on several datasets and identifies novel mutants with improved fitness.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 7, 2021

Atropisomeric N-aryl quinazoline-4-thiones with isotopic differences at the ortho position

Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology synthesized atropisomeric N-aryl quinazoline-4-thiones, showing unprecedented isotopic atropisomerism due to rotational restriction around an N-Ar bond. The findings support the formation of diastereomers and have potential applications in pharmaceuticals.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalOrganic Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 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.

Cracking the code of cellular defense

Purdue University researchers are exploring how cells defend themselves from chemical or mechanical attack and repair their damage with the help of biochemical and mechanical inputs and reactions. The goal is to develop new ways to address human health and longevity by using AI in biology.

SourcePurdue University·DateOct 7, 2021

Autistic children struggle with hidden emotions

Research published in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that autistic children with difficulties integrating narrative context with facial expressions, leading to inaccurate emotion recognition. This highlights the importance of contextual cues in social exchanges for effectively managing interactions.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Artificial sweeteners disrupt bacterial communication and may influence gut microbiota, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev scientists find

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have discovered that artificial sweeteners can significantly impair bacterial communication. Three out of six tested FDA-approved sweeteners were found to inhibit quorum sensing, a key process for bacteria to communicate with each other.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Unprecedented rise of heat and rainfall extremes in observational data

Heat extremes have increased by 90-fold, with 3-sigma events affecting 9% of land area; record daily rainfall events also increased, with 1 in 4 records attributed to climate change. The small temperature increase has pushed up extreme weather substantially.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 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.

Coming in from the cold

A new locally acting treatment aims to reduce the severity of post-transplant ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) without affecting the immune system. The treatment targets specific neoepitopes exposed on injured donor organs, reducing the risk of organ rejection and improving transplant outcomes.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalThe Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

More Swedes had COVID jab when they were paid

An international study by Lund University found that offering a small reward of $24 increased COVID-19 vaccination rates among Swedes by 4 percentage points. The vaccination rate rose to 76 percent in the group offered payment, compared to 72 percent in those not receiving incentives.

SourceLund University·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2021

International refugees: From uncertain pasts to promising futures

A new report from the University of South Australia reveals that refugee children are more likely to succeed academically if their parents share their story and their school empowers them. Schools with bilingual staff also show promise in building strong parent-school relationships.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·TypeCase study·DateOct 7, 2021

Alzheimer’s and COVID-19 share a genetic risk factor

A UCL-led research team has identified an anti-viral gene that increases the risk of both Alzheimer's disease and severe Covid-19. The study found that a specific variant of the OAS1 gene amplifies inflammation in the brain, highlighting the importance of the immune system in both conditions.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBrain·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 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.

Non-English-language science could help save biodiversity

A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that science written in languages other than English may hold untapped information crucial to the conservation of global biodiversity. The research analyzed over 400,000 peer-reviewed papers and identified 1,234 studies providing scientific knowledge on saving species and ecosystems.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 7, 2021

New insights into actions of insulin and their potential impact in treating diabetes

Research highlights the importance of normal insulin cycles for metabolic health, including better response to fed and fasted insulin inputs. It also uncovers mechanisms regulating robustness of insulin signaling, identifying potential novel regulatory components for therapeutic interventions.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2021

Ten millennia of hepatitis B virus evolution

A new study reveals hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been infecting humans for millennia, tracing its evolution from prehistory to the present. The research highlights HBV's dispersal routes and shifts in viral diversity mirroring human migrations and demographic events.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 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.

Fresh hope for improving treatments for deadly lung disease: Trinity College research

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered that lactate can influence cells in the lung environment to support immune defenses against infection while limiting collateral damage. Lactate may hold therapeutic potential as a host-directed therapy for diseases like TB and COVID-19, which cause destruction of pulmonary tissue.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateOct 7, 2021

Refuting a 70-year approach to predicting material microstructure

Researchers have found that a conventional model for predicting material microstructure does not apply to polycrystalline materials. They used near-field high energy diffraction microscopy (HEDM) to study grain boundaries, revealing that the model's predictions are inconsistent with experimental data.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 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.

Rover images confirm Jezero crater is an ancient Martian lake

The Perseverance rover's first scientific analysis confirms Jezero crater was a calm lake for most of its existence, interrupted by flash floods that carried huge boulders downstream. The findings provide clues to Martian climate evolution and offer opportunities to search for signs of ancient life.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2021

Active listening by managers can reduce employees' feelings of job insecurity

A new study found that active listening by managers can improve employees' sense of personal control over their careers and reduce anxiety about potential job loss. By increasing active listening, managers can create a safe space for workers to verbalize and process their experiences, enabling them to feel more in control and valued.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 2021

Curtin researchers help date the youngest rocks ever found on the Moon

Curtin University researchers have helped determine the age of the youngest rocks ever found on the Moon, revealing they are approximately two billion years old. This discovery provides new calibration points for cratering chronology, enabling more accurate age dating across planetary surfaces.

SourceCurtin University·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 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.

Kids with MIS-C mount normal T cell response to COVID-19

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine report that children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) have normal T cell responses to the COVID-19 virus, contrary to previous hypotheses. This suggests that MIS-C may not be caused by an abnormal immune response to the virus.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology·DateOct 7, 2021

Tracking how the environment influences circadian rhythms

Researcher Jennifer Hurley is using in-vivo experimentation and big data analytics to identify environmental cues that tune the circadian clock's control over metabolism. Her study aims to find genes responsive to environmental signals, such as nutrients, to understand how environment affects sleep-wake cycle.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateOct 7, 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.

Androgen-producing gut microbes can derail prostate cancer treatment

A study by Nicolò Pernigoni and colleagues found that androgen-producing gut microbes in patients with advanced prostate cancer can lead to sustained tumor growth. Treating these microbes with antibiotics or fecal transplants from sensitive individuals may delay ADT resistance.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2021

Long-term exposure to permissible concentrations of air pollution linked with increased mortality risk

A large national study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that long-term exposure to permissible concentrations of air pollution increases mortality risk, particularly among elderly people and those living in lower-income areas. The study suggests current air pollution limits are inadequate to protect vulnerable groups.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 2021

Researchers reach quantum networking milestone in real-world environment

Experts successfully connect quantum computers and sensors on a practical scale, enabling entanglement-based quantum communications. The team demonstrated scalability of entanglement-based protocols across three remote nodes using flexible grid bandwidth provisioning.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalPRX Quantum·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 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.

COVID-19 and plastics: How the pandemic highlights the need for sustainable waste disposal

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated plastic pollution, with global waste generation increasing by twice the amount in 2020 compared to 2019. To address this issue, researchers advocate for a transition to novel sustainable practices and technologies, including biodegradable plastics and efficient recycling processes.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 7, 2021

The climate-driven mass extinction no one had seen

African mammals suffered huge losses around the Eocene-Oligocene boundary, similar to those experienced by European and Asian species. The study used fossil data from multiple sites in Africa to build evolutionary trees for five mammal groups, revealing a drastic extinction event followed by recovery with new adaptations.

SourceDuke University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 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.

Elastic polymer that is both stiff and tough, resolves long-standing quandary

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed an elastomer that is both stiff and tough, resolving the long-standing conundrum in polymer science. The new material has high toughness, strength, and fatigue resistance, making it suitable for applications such as tissue regeneration, bio...

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2021

Hopkins Med newsletter 7

Researchers identified a pattern that links the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) proteins with a reduction of serotonin, which may help predict who will develop late-life depression. The study found that individuals expressing this pattern had more severe depressive symptoms.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateOct 7, 2021

‘Gut bugs’ can drive prostate cancer growth and treatment resistance

A new study found that common gut bacteria can drive prostate cancer growth and treatment resistance by providing an alternative source of growth-promoting androgens. Researchers identified specific bacterial 'fingerprints' linked to prostate cancer outcome, which could help identify men who could benefit from strategies to manipulate ...

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Social distancing: Not just for humans

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that respiratory diseases can spread rapidly within wild mountain gorilla groups but are less likely to spread between neighboring groups. The study suggests that strategies preventing initial transmission into a group may be most effective in limiting disease spread.

SourceDian Fossey Gorilla Fund International·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 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.

Researchers identify new drug target for blood cancer, potentially solid tumors

Researchers have discovered a new drug target for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and other hematologic malignancies, which are sensitive to MEK inhibitors. The study found that mutations affecting RNA splicing alter cells to develop MDS and solid tumors, providing a potential new approach to treating this rare blood cancer.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCancer Discovery·DateOct 7, 2021

Samples returned by Chang’e-5 indicate late volcanism on the Moon

Researchers analyzed Chang'e-5 samples and found that the basalt is approximately two billion years old, indicating late volcanic activity on the Moon. This discovery provides calibration for the crater-counting technique used to date lunar surfaces and requires alternative explanations, such as tidal heating.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2021

Donation experiment: COVID-19 only slightly displaces other concerns

Researchers from the University of Innsbruck found that Covid-19 pandemic did not completely displace other social and political concerns. Participants in a donation experiment donated more to causes when Covid-19 incidence was high, indicating a correlation between pandemic presence and willingness to donate.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Elucidating the brain's white matter

Researchers at Hebrew University developed a novel approach to mapping brain white matter fiber architecture using Nissl staining. The technique, called Nissl-ST, reveals the hidden patterns and organization of glial cells in white matter, opening new avenues for studying brain development, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

Study reveals impact of wild meat consumption on greenhouse gas emissions

A new study found that consuming sustainably sourced wild meat instead of domesticated livestock reduces greenhouse gas emissions and retains precious tropical forest systems. This can lead to significant financial incentives for forest conservation through carbon credit revenues, totaling millions of dollars per year.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 7, 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.

Perovskite solar cells: Defects trap charge carriers - and release them again

Researchers have characterized five different defect types in perovskite solar cells, revealing that a large proportion of defects release trapped charge carriers. This finding may explain the high efficiencies of MAPI perovskites and paves the way for optimizing these materials with improved stability.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Small molecules with a dual function

Researchers discovered a small RNA molecule that regulates both the production of the cholera toxin and the metabolism of the cholera bacterium. This finding provides a new target for developing treatments against cholera and has implications for biotechnological applications.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 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.

Circuit approach could improve deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease

A new deep brain stimulation (DBS) method has been developed by researchers using optogenetics and machine learning to target specific neural circuits in the brain. This approach produced long-lasting effects in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease, with therapeutic benefits that lasted on average 4.5-fold longer than conventional DBS.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2021

Screen time linked to risk of myopia in young people

A new study published in The Lancet Digital Health found a link between screen time and myopia in children and young adults. High levels of smart device exposure increased the risk of short-sightedness by up to 80%, according to researchers at Anglia Ruskin University.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 7, 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.

Colorblind fish show experts how vision evolved

New research in zebrafish reveals the genetic mechanisms behind blue and green color vision loss in human ancestors. By studying gene editing tools and genome sequencing, experts understand how genes are regulated to detect different light wavelengths.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Stem cells and their role in lung transplant rejection

Researchers identified specific mesenchymal stromal cells within the bronchovascular bundle of lungs that play a crucial role in creating scarring through interaction with epithelial cells. These cells are thought to be triggered by immune cell attacks, leading to fibrotic scarring and rejection.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 7, 2021

New images lead to better prediction of shear thickening

Shear thickening occurs when particles in a low-viscosity solution behave like a solid under stress. Researchers at North Carolina State University captured microscopic images of particles as they underwent shear thickening, revealing complex networks formed between particles and their shapes dependent on particle roughness.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 7, 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.

The Hidden US COVID-19 Pandemic: Orphaned children – more than 140,000 US children lost a primary or secondary caregiver due to the COVID-19 pandemic

A new study reveals that more than 140,000 US children under age 18 lost a primary or secondary caregiver due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study shows racial and ethnic disparities in caregiver deaths, with children of minorities accounting for 65% of those who lost a primary caregiver.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 7, 2021

Poor oral health may impact COVID-19 severity, especially for cardiac patients

A study published by the American College of Cardiology found a significant inverse relationship between oral health and COVID-19 severity, as well as delayed recovery and increased inflammation in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Researchers recommend maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent or decrease COVID-19 disease severity.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateOct 7, 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.

Ancient river delta reveals past water flow in Mars’ Jezero crater

The Perseverance rover's images of the Martian river delta reveal a steady flow of water into an ancient lake about 3.7 billion years ago. The analysis also identifies promising rock layers that could preserve traces of life, if it ever existed on Mars.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2021

Fire tests show that Austria's tunnels are fit for electric cars

Fire tests in Austrian tunnels found that e-vehicles pose a lower risk than conventional cars. However, multistorey car parks and commercial vehicles like e-buses and e-trucks require further investigation. The results provide reassurance for tunnel safety.

SourceGraz University of Technology·TypeCase study·DateOct 7, 2021

Fast and easy detection of amyloid through a fluorescence fingerprinting approach

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology developed a simple and rapid method to detect amyloid protein in bovine livers using fluorescence fingerprint analysis. This approach allows for quick processing and accurate detection of AA amyloidosis, potentially leading to more efficient diagnostic tools for this disease.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalJournal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 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.

Planned home birth presents little risk where midwifery is well-integrated

A recent study analyzing over 10,000 community births in Washington state between 2015 and 2020 found that planned home births with licensed midwives are as safe as births at a licensed birth center. The research team discovered no increased risk for parents or babies associated with the birth setting.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

Sweet corn yield gain over 80 years leaves room for improvement

Over an 80-year period, marketable ear mass in sweet corn hybrids grown at high densities increased by 2.85 tons per acre, while fresh kernel mass and recovery showed minimal changes. Modern hybrids were found to be more suitable for growth at high densities due to their compact plant architecture.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateOct 7, 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.

Percutaneous image-guided microwave and cryoablation for lung sarcoma

A retrospective cohort study of 27 patients with sarcoma lung metastases found high primary technical success rates for percutaneous image-guided microwave and cryoablation. The treatment modality and tumor location did not affect local progression, and smaller tumors showed lower cumulative incidence of local progression.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 2021

Lung maintains long-term memory of COVID infection

A study published in Science Immunology found that the lung and lymph nodes of COVID survivors store the memory of the infection, which can provide long-term protection against reinfection. The discovery has important implications for designing and administering vaccines to target immune cells in these tissues.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Research shows promising results for Parkinson's disease treatment

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have found a way to make deep brain stimulation (DBS) more precise, resulting in therapeutic effects that outlast what is currently available. The new protocol uses short bursts of electrical stimulation to target specific neuronal subpopulations, providing longer-lasting benefits.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 7, 2021

A concrete solution

A new kind of concrete made from recycled waste materials could significantly reduce the industry's carbon footprint. The calcium carbonate concrete uses captured carbon dioxide and discarded concrete to create a durable and versatile building material.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Advanced Concrete Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Air pollution caused 1.1 million deaths across Africa in 2019, new study finds

A new study finds that air pollution is responsible for 1.1 million deaths across Africa in 2019, with household air pollution accounting for 700,000 fatalities. The study also reveals that air pollution is costing African countries billions in gross domestic product and hindering the intellectual development of children.

SourceBoston College·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 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.

Stem cell population identified that is key for bone regeneration

A subpopulation of mesenchymal stem cells expressing CD73 has been identified as crucial for bone regeneration, displaying enhanced proliferation and differentiation capabilities. This subgroup promotes fracture healing by forming new cartilage and bone cells, contributing to the remodeling process.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBone Reports·DateOct 7, 2021

Childhood asthma study uncovers risky air pollutant mixtures

Researchers developed a novel machine learning algorithm to identify previously unknown air pollutant mixtures linked to poor asthma outcomes in children. The study found that early exposure to individual and mixed pollutants can lead to longer-term problems with asthma, affecting about seven percent of US children.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

Extinct ground sloth likely ate meat with its veggies

A new study led by the American Museum of Natural History suggests that the extinct ground sloth Mylodon was an omnivore, contrary to previous assumptions. The researchers analyzed amino acid nitrogen values in fossil samples to determine their diet, finding evidence of meat consumption.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 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.

Stress in earth’s crust determined without earthquake data

Researchers create novel approach to map stress orientation in the Earth's crust using nonlinear elastic behavior and rock properties. This technique provides valuable insights into continental regions with limited historical geologic information.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateOct 7, 2021

Monetary incentives increase COVID-19 vaccinations

A study found that modest monetary payments increased COVID-19 vaccination rates by 4.2 percentage points, but behavioral nudges had no significant impact on actual vaccination uptake. The results highlight the potential of monetary incentives to increase vaccine take-up, particularly in countries with high baseline vaccination rates.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2021

Ranking of European cities with highest mortality due to lack of green space

A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that 62% of Europeans live in areas with less than recommended green space, leading to 42,968 premature deaths. The study suggests that European cities should focus on reclaiming urban land for green spaces and implementing nature-based solutions.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

History of alcohol offenses associated with higher suicide risk for men who bought handguns

Men with a history of alcohol charges have more than twice the risk of suicide when purchasing handguns, according to new research. The study also found that recent and repeat alcohol charges were associated with the greatest risk of suicide, suggesting that reducing firearm access or addressing alcohol use could help mitigate this risk.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateOct 7, 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.

Balanced dopamine signaling for healthy learning and memory

Researchers found that a balance between dopamine D2 receptors and RGS is crucial for normal long-term memory formation. An imbalance in these molecules is thought to contribute to the development of schizophrenia and dystonia.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 7, 2021

Oregon State microbiology research furthers understanding of ocean’s role in carbon cycling

The study tracks ocean microbes consuming different types of organic carbon produced by phytoplankton species, revealing predictable food source preferences. The findings have implications for understanding marine microbes and photosynthetic algae's impact on global carbon cycling.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 2021

A peptide-drug conjugate that targets the acidic environment of cancer cells may improve the efficacy of immunotherapy

A peptide-drug conjugate called CBX-12 has been shown to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in preclinical cancer models by targeting the acidic environment of cancer cells. The treatment exhibited significantly delayed tumor growth, improved survival, and complete tumor regressions compared to immunotherapy alone.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateOct 7, 2021

Characteristics associated with high performance in Medicare’s ESCO initiative to improve care for patients with kidney failure

An analysis of Medicare's Comprehensive ESRD Care Initiative found that factors like leaner operations, organizational experience, and community resources contribute to successful performance. The study aims to inform healthcare providers and policymakers in developing value-based payment models for kidney care.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 7, 2021

Peanut consumption: Potential benefits in young and healthy people

A study published in Clinical Nutrition Journal found that daily peanut consumption improved cognitive function and stress response in young and healthy individuals. The researchers discovered that bioactive compounds such as resveratrol and p-coumaric acid, as well as short-chain fatty acids, contributed to the health effects.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 7, 2021

How mussels make a powerful underwater glue

Researchers at McGill University have discovered how blue mussels fabricate underwater adhesives in just 2-3 minutes. The adhesive is created by mixing metal ions with fluid proteins, and its unique properties make it ideal for use in wet environments such as surgical or dental treatments.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2021

Hair analysis shows: Meditation training reduces long-term stress

A study found that meditation training reduced chronic stress by 25% through decreased cortisol levels in hair. The researchers used a 9-month training programme to measure the effect, and the results showed that only sufficiently long training leads to significant stress-reducing effects.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Do increased minimum wages matter to consumers?

A recent study analyzing online reviews of restaurants found that increased minimum wages lead to better customer perceptions of service quality. The research suggests that higher wages contribute to improved employee performance and reduced negative feedback.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2021