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Science News for October 8, 2021


Most Americans resumed travel or leisure before COVID-19 vaccines became available

A Texas A&M study found that over half of American adults resumed risky social and travel activities before vaccines were widely available. The survey also revealed that younger individuals, those with lower socioeconomic status, and fiscally conservative respondents were more likely to engage in such behaviors.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalINQUIRY The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing·TypeNews article·DateOct 8, 2021

Aging-US: Protein processing impairment in Parkinson’s disease

A study published in Aging-US reveals that protein processing impairment in Parkinson's disease is mediated by chromogranin/secretogranin, leading to decreased candidate proteins and peptides. This finding suggests a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of PD.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·DateOct 8, 2021

TTUHSC researcher investigates ways to enhance neurolysin activity in the brain

Researchers at TTUHSC have identified novel targets for treating stroke, focusing on enhancing neurolysin activity. The study discovered small molecules that can selectively enhance the activity of neurolysin, which showed promise in reducing damage to the brain after a stroke.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 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.

Astrophysicists explain the origin of unusually heavy neutron star binaries

A new study reveals how supernovae explosions of massive stars can form heavy neutron star binaries, resolving a puzzle from gravitational wave observatories LIGO and Virgo. The team's results show that the explosion energy determines whether a stripped star forms a neutron star or black hole.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 8, 2021

Sequencing the unknown made easy: Metaplatanus improves metagenome assembly

A novel metagenome assembler called MetaPlatanus has been developed to improve DNA sequence accuracy, including those of uncultured organisms. The tool uses accurate short DNA sequence reads to assemble contigs and scaffold larger chromosome-scale structures.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2021

Sharp flu rebound expected after lifting of COVID distancing measures

Researchers at Columbia University predict a large-scale influenza outbreak in the US after lifting public health measures, followed by worsened seasonal flu outbreaks. The study suggests that greater population-wide immune susceptibility to influenza could lead to more severe outbreaks.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 8, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Accidental burns increased for children at home during pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a marked increase in accidental burns among children, with burn injuries growing significantly between 2019 and 2020. School-aged children accounted for the largest difference in burn injuries, and flame burns increased by 7% during this period.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 8, 2021

Engineers 3D-print personalized, wireless wearables that never need a charge

Researchers at the University of Arizona have created custom-fitted wearable devices that can monitor physiological parameters without needing recharging. The biosymbiotic devices use wireless power transfer and compact energy storage to enable continuous operation, providing accurate data on body temperature, strain, and muscle deform...

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 8, 2021

Team discovers invasive-native crayfish hybrids in Missouri

A study of crayfish in the Current River watershed found that virile crayfish were interbreeding with native spothanded crayfish, potentially altering their genetics and ecology. The discovery highlights the challenges of detecting invasive species' impacts, which can lead to substantial harm to unique ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAquatic Invasions·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 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.

Recurrent lockdowns are not necessary for pandemic control

A stable regime can be achieved at low case numbers through non-pharmaceutical interventions, but a fast and efficient 'test-trace-and-isolate' system is crucial for maintaining freedom without lockdowns. This approach has been proven effective in containing disease spread during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 8, 2021

NIST, collaborators develop sensitive new way of detecting transistor defects

Researchers developed a sensitive new way to detect and count transistor defects, which limit performance and reliability. The method works with traditional Si and SiC materials, identifying defect type and number with simple DC measurement.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 8, 2021

A novel neural network to understand symmetry, speed materials research

A novel machine learning approach has been developed to understand symmetry and trends in materials, enabling researchers to group similar classes of material together. The technique uses a large, unstructured dataset gleaned from 25,000 images to identify structural similarities and trends.

SourceLehigh University·Journalnpj Computational Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 8, 2021

More than 6,500 children injured by golf carts each year

A nationwide study found over 63,000 golf cart injuries in children and adolescents from 2010-2019, with a steady increase each year. The majority of injuries were superficial, but fractures and dislocations also occurred, often in the head and neck region.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 8, 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.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia-led study finds that biggest share of US obstetric hospitals deliver fewer than 500 babies per year

A Children's Hospital of Philadelphia-led study found that most US obstetric hospitals deliver fewer than 500 babies per year, with approximately 2.5 million infants born at low-volume hospitals between 2010 and 2018. Nearly a fifth of these low-volume hospitals are isolated from other obstetric hospitals, with over half located in rur...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 8, 2021

Chemical probe created to better understand immune response

Researchers have developed a new sensor that can detect chemical changes in immune cells during the breakdown of pathogens. The breakthrough could lead to early diagnosis and better treatment of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, which claims about 1.5 million lives annually.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2021

Researchers find more severely COVID-19 infected mothers more likely to have preterm birth

A study by researchers at Wayne State University found a dose-response relationship between SARS-CoV-2 severity and the risk of preterm birth, with severely infected mothers more likely to experience early birth. The study also linked severe COVID-19 infection to an increased risk of preeclampsia.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 8, 2021

Artificial intelligence suggests a new narrative for the Out of Africa process

Researchers used a new AI method to refine the Out of Africa scenario, suggesting a population turnover event in East-West Africa that homogenized West and East Africans. This event may account for up to 90% of contemporary West African gene pool, explaining lower separation times between Africans and non-Africans.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 8, 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.

Molecules for building stronger antibodies

Researchers at Kyoto University have identified Tox2 as a crucial regulator of T follicular helper cells (TFH), which produce high-affinity antibodies. The study found that Tox2 promotes the long-term survival and functional maintenance of TFH cells, enabling potent and durable antibody responses in vaccines.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2021

What makes us human? The answer may be found in overlooked DNA

Researchers at Lund University discovered a previously overlooked part of our DNA that appears to contribute to the development of human and chimpanzee brains. The study found that humans and chimpanzees use a structural variant of DNA in different ways, which plays a significant role in brain evolution.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 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.

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.

Physics meets democracy in this modeling study

A new study models election dynamics using physics, accounting for conformist, contrarian, and inflexible voters. The model finds that short-term campaigns are effective in electorates with only conformist agents, while long-term campaigns are more effective in electorates with strong local dominance.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPhysica A Statistical Mechanics and its Applications·DateOct 8, 2021

Biblical burning

A Middle Bronze Age city in the Jordan Valley was destroyed by a high-temperature fire, likely caused by a meteorite impact. The site contains evidence of shocked quartz, melted pottery, and diamond-like carbon, supporting a cosmic airburst hypothesis.

SourceEast Carolina University·JournalNature·DateOct 8, 2021

Strike-slip faulting may be active deformation mechanism on Saturn’s largest moon, Titan

A recent study suggests that strike-slip faulting is an active deformation mechanism on Titan's surface, driven by diurnal tidal stresses and pore fluid pressures. The researchers found that shallow faults near the equator are optimally oriented for potential failure, which could facilitate material transport and affect habitability.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalIcarus·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 8, 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.

To flee or not to flee

The study found that lack of knowledge about debris flows contributed to a false sense of security among residents. Public awareness programs can help keep residents and emergency management offices informed about rare but potentially lethal natural events in their area.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateOct 8, 2021

Tripartite origins of Japanese populations revealed by paleogenomics

A study published in Kanazawa University reveals the tripartite origins of Japanese populations through paleogenomics, separating Jomon, Yayoi, and Kofun periods. The research suggests that modern Japanese populations have ancestry derived from both East Asian continental populations and Northeast Asia.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 8, 2021

Mixopterid found in China for the first time

A new species of mixopterid, Terropterus xiushanensis, has been found in South China's Lower Silurian deposits. The discovery expands our understanding of the morphological diversity and geographical distribution of mixopterids.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Bulletin·DateOct 8, 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.

BU researchers develop breast cancer prediction tool for black women

Researchers from Boston University developed a risk prediction model tailored to U.S. Black women, using epidemiologic data from three case-control studies and follow-up data from the Boston University Black Women’s Health Study. The model is simple to use and can be easily incorporated into primary care settings.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 8, 2021

Charting hidden territory of the human brain

Researchers at TU Dresden developed a new imaging-based method to investigate the visual sensory thalamus, a key structure in brain function and disease. The technique uses high spatial resolution MRI data to detect distinct compartments within the thalamus, which are characterized by varying amounts of white matter.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNeuroImage·TypeObservational study·DateOct 8, 2021

Change in rate of weight-loss surgery after Medicaid expansion

A new study finds that bariatric surgery increased among lower-income white adults, but remained unchanged for Hispanic and Black adults following Medicaid expansion. The increase in weight-loss surgery rates is a significant finding with implications for health policy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateOct 8, 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.

CCNY researchers announce photon-phonon breakthrough

Researchers at City College of New York have combined topological photons with lattice vibrations to manipulate their propagation in a controlled manner. The study has broad implications for advancing Raman spectroscopy and studying chemical substances through vibrational spectroscopy.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 8, 2021

Race and ethnicity of children enrolled in clinical trials not representative of the United States as a whole: study abstract

A study found that pediatric clinical trials in the US were underrepresented by Black children, Hispanic/Latino children, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, and Native Pacific Islander children. Researchers are calling for improvements to enrollment processes to increase diversity and generalizability of trial results.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 8, 2021

Productive cascade

A German team led by Thorsten Bach successfully synthesized agarozizanol B, a complex sesquiterpene with potential pharmaceutical applications. The researchers developed a photochemical reaction cascade to form the molecule from an indanone derivative, achieving both enantiomers of the natural product.

SourceWiley·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2021

Injuries due to family violence involving alcohol, drugs or weapons increased during pandemic stay-at-home months

New research found that family violence-related injuries in youth ages 10-15 significantly increased during the pandemic stay-at-home order, with over half of patients reporting an event involving a family member. The study also revealed that alcohol, illegal drugs, and weapons were involved in more cases during the pandemic period.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 8, 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.

Killer T cells could be recruited to ignite immune response against cancer, new study suggests

Researchers have discovered a way to bring cancer-killing T cells to bear against a specific type of colorectal cancer, showing promising results. The findings may represent a therapeutic strategy to target other types of cancers, and the next step is to further explore how T cells become activated in the tumor environment.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 8, 2021

Toronto researchers create mirror-image peptides that can neutralize SARS-CoV-2

Researchers at the University of Toronto have created D-peptides that can neutralize SARS-CoV-2 and several of its variants, stopping infection in cultured human cells. The mirror-image peptides are stable, inexpensive to produce, and may be formulated as a nasal spray to prevent infection.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 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.

Ruling electrons and vibrations in a crystal with polarized light

Scientists from Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a new method to manipulate quantum vibrations in solids using polarized light pulses. The research demonstrates the importance of polarization in controlling these vibrations, which could lead to breakthroughs in quantum control and material properties.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 8, 2021

Studies find mixed results from sage grouse hunting restrictions

Research found mixed effects of hunting regulations on sage grouse populations, with some areas experiencing increased growth rates after discontinuing harvest. State wildlife agencies have adjusted hunting seasons to conserve the species, but more work is needed to understand patterns and focus conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 8, 2021

Research finds significant reduction in depression, suicidality in youth receiving gender-affirming care or puberty blockers

A study of 104 transgender and non-binary youth found a 60% decrease in moderate and severe depression and a 73% decrease in suicidality after receiving puberty blockers or gender-affirming hormones. The study suggests that access to gender-affirming medical care is critical for ensuring the well-being of young people.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 8, 2021

Excess deaths in people with mental health conditions increased during the COVID-19 pandemic

The study found that deaths from COVID-19 among people with learning disabilities were nine times higher than the general population, while those with eating disorders saw a five-fold increase. The research highlighted the need to prioritize vaccination and physical health care for vulnerable groups during the pandemic.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 8, 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.

The Lancet: COVID-19 pandemic led to stark rise in depressive and anxiety disorders globally in 2020, with women and younger people most affected.

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a stark increase in major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders worldwide, affecting 246 million cases globally in 2020. Women were disproportionately impacted, accounting for over 35 million additional cases, while younger people were also more severely affected.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateOct 8, 2021

Researchers demonstrate vaccination approach in mice that could prevent future coronavirus outbreaks

Researchers in Japan developed a vaccination approach that promotes the production of antibodies neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. The new strategy involves genetically engineering the spike protein receptor-binding domain to shield its head region, boosting antibody production against the core region.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 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.

Children’s ingestion of tiny magnets, button batteries increased significantly during pandemic, new research shows

A recent study has found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in cases of children ingesting small magnets and button batteries, which can cause serious harm or even death. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that emergency departments saw a higher proportion of battery and magnet ingestions during the pandemic.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 8, 2021

Frontrunner target for Parkinson’s Disease may only be relevant for small fraction of patients

A recent study suggests that targeting alpha-synuclein protein in Parkinson's disease may not be sufficient to cure most patients. Instead, resolving brain inflammation caused by dysfunctional interferon-beta receptor signaling may hold the key to developing more effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateOct 8, 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.

COVID-19 stay at home orders brought uptick in child abuse

Research found a significant increase in non-accidental child injuries during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, attributed to economic and emotional stress. The study analyzed data from nine pediatric trauma centers and found that the number of child abuse victims over age 5 tripled during the pandemic period.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 8, 2021

Taking steps toward more effective fitness trackers, more physical activity

A team of researchers at Penn State developed a new approach to personalize fitness tracker messages to improve motivation and physical activity. They used control systems engineering tools to tailor motivational messages based on individual user behavior, weather, and goals. The study aimed to establish the effectiveness of precision ...

SourcePenn State·JournalHealth Psychology·DateOct 8, 2021

Italian sailors knew of America 150 years before Christopher Columbus, new analysis of ancient documents suggests

Ancient Italian writings suggest that Genoese sailors were aware of North America 150 years before Columbus' famous voyage. The discovery, made by Professor Paolo Chiesa, refers to an area known as 'Markland'/ 'Marckalada', mentioned in Icelandic sources and identified as part of the Atlantic coast of North America.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalTerrae Incognitae·DateOct 8, 2021

A visit from a social robot improves hospitalized children’s outlook

A new study from UCLA finds that a social companion robot, Robin, provides comfort to young patients during hospital visits. Children and their parents reported significant improvements in positive affect and reductions in negative affect after interacting with Robin compared to tablet-based interactions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateOct 8, 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.

Roman noblewoman’s tomb reveals secrets of ancient concrete resilience

Researchers discovered that volcanic aggregate and chemical interactions strengthen Caecilia Metella's tomb, exceeding male contemporaries' monuments. The study, published in the Journal of the American Ceramic Society, shows how leucite crystals dissolve over time to remodel concrete cohesion.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of the American Ceramic Society·TypeObservational study·DateOct 8, 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.

Doctor training and other supports promote lifesaving firearm safety conversations in pediatrics offices

Research shows that staff training programs and gun safety educational materials increase doctor/parent conversations about gun safety, leading to safer storage practices and reduced firearm injuries. Pediatricians who received training and support were more likely to counsel parents on gun safety, resulting in improved firearm screeni...

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 8, 2021

COVID-19 leads to African agricultural innovation

Farmers in East Africa better adapted to COVID-19 due to differences in arrival times of lockdown measures, access to technology, and cultural factors. In contrast, southern African countries faced significant disruptions in supply chains, leading to reduced access to inputs and markets.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalAdvances in Food Security and Sustainability·TypeSurvey·DateOct 8, 2021

Virtual fitting room

A team of researchers has created a virtual fitting room system using AI and a bespoke robotic mannequin. The system can digitize garments in two hours and synthesize photorealistic images, allowing users to try on clothing in real-time.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2021

Study looks at pandemic changes, health care worker burnout

A survey of healthcare providers found that technology changes during the pandemic may contribute to burnout, with negative perceptions of telehealth visits increasing the odds of reporting burnout. The study highlights the need for adequate institutional resources to promote provider well-being and combat burnout.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 8, 2021