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Science News Archive October 2021 - Page 13


Page 13 of 40

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

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
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.

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

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

‘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
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

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

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
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.

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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
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.

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
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.

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
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.

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
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.

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
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.

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
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.

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