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Science News Archive October 2021 - Page 15


Page 15 of 40

Traffic study finds a public health ‘silver lining’ amidst the pandemic

A new study by University of Miami researchers observed immediate reductions in both alcohol-related crashes and DUI arrests following the March 2020 lockdown. The analysis showed a staggering reduction of over 800 fewer DUI arrests and almost 150 fewer alcohol-related motor-vehicle crashes.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalDeviant Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 2021

New galaxy images reveal a fitful start to the Universe

A team of astronomers used Hubble and Gran Telescopio Canarias data to study faint galaxies, revealing a 'fitful' start to the Universe. The first stars likely formed in bursts, followed by long periods of inactivity.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Two vaccine doses boost antibody levels in the airways after COVID-19

A new study from Karolinska Institutet finds that two vaccine doses increase antibody levels in the airways after COVID-19, while a second dose after recovery also boosts levels. The results highlight the importance of completing vaccination with a second dose to achieve optimal immune responses and reduce transmission.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 20, 2021

Timing of US school desegregation, late-life cognition in Black Adults

A study of 699 Black participants found that transitioning to an integrated school between grades 1-6 was associated with improved cognitive aging outcomes. Those who attended integrated schools had statistically significant advantages in executive function and semantic memory compared to those who only attended segregated schools.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 20, 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.

Cleveland Clinic study of deep brain stimulation for post-stroke rehabilitation shows upper extremity functional improvement

A first-in-human study at Cleveland Clinic found that targeting the dentate nucleus with deep brain stimulation was safe and feasible for promoting post-stroke rehabilitation, enabling significant functional improvement in upper extremity hemiparesis. The study's adaptive design allowed for extended treatment duration if patients conti...

SourceCleveland Clinic·DateOct 20, 2021

The disappearance of women researchers in times of pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, women researchers faced increased domestic duties and homeschooling, leading to a drastic drop in scientific production. The study found a 20% decrease in women first authors, 12% decrease in last authors, and 20% decrease in corresponding authors compared to pre-pandemic data.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe BMJ·TypeNews article·DateOct 20, 2021

Computer model aims to aid with planning during epidemics

Researchers created EpiPolicy software system to model epidemics, maximizing public health protections while minimizing economic and social costs. The model uses Monte Carlo and reinforcement learning techniques to design intervention strategies automatically, taking into account risk and uncertainty.

SourceNew York University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 20, 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.

Potential immunization strategy to protect against future coronavirus outbreaks

Researchers at Osaka University developed a vaccine that offers cross-protection against SARS coronaviruses by targeting the conserved core region of the spike protein receptor-binding domain. This approach has the potential to protect against future outbreaks, including those caused by novel viruses.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Weight-loss drugs, revisited

About 42% of U.S. adults are considered clinically obese due to increased risk of health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. New weight-loss drugs like Wegovy (semaglutide) show promise in safely aiding weight loss, but long-term side effects and sustainability remain concerns.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 20, 2021

National study aims to document relationship between language and cognition in childhood language disorders

Researchers aim to understand language development in children with developmental language disorder (DLD) and Fragile X syndrome by examining grammar skills and executive functions. The study will gather data on a two-year developmental window, providing comprehensive insights for families and potential improvements in communication.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateOct 20, 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.

Crop diversity is needed today for tomorrow’s food security and nutrition

A global review found that 80% of crop diversity loss is due to economic, agricultural, technological, climatic, and political changes. Conservation efforts can mitigate losses by strengthening ex-situ repositories and duplicating unique collections.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 20, 2021

Zapping untreated water gets rid of more waterborne viruses

Researchers found that a coagulation method using electricity effectively removes and inactivates nonenveloped viruses from untreated water. The process involves the use of iron electrodes to produce hydroxyl radicals, which aggregate with viruses, making them easier to remove.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeNews article·DateOct 20, 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.

Quantum material to boost terahertz frequencies

A new study elucidates the fundamental response of topological insulators to terahertz radiation, revealing rapid energy transfer between electrons and crystal lattice. The results hold promise for faster mobile data communication and high-sensitivity detector systems.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·Journalnpj Quantum Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Fusarium wilt of cotton more aggressive and diverse than previously understood

A recent study has revealed that Fusarium wilt of cotton is more aggressive and diverse than previously understood, affecting Pima and Upland varieties. The researchers identified a population shift towards FOV4, a fourth race of the fungus, which has overcome some resistance in commercial Pima varieties.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Treatment enhances anti-leukemia effect of bone marrow transplant, reduces recurrence, study finds

Researchers found that adding interferon to bone marrow transplant significantly reduced leukemia relapse among high-risk patients, improving outcomes. The study suggests a potential new strategy for treating advanced acute myeloid leukemia, with further research needed to confirm the findings.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBlood Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 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.

Europeans in the Americas 1000 years ago

A team of scientists discovered that Europeans were present in the Americas in 1021 AD, marking the earliest known point of Atlantic crossing. This date also signifies humanity's circumnavigation of the planet.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Plugging into ocean waves with a flexible, seaweed-like generator (video)

Researchers have developed a flexible triboelectric nanogenerator that mimics the movement of seaweed to efficiently convert surface and underwater waves into electricity. The device has been shown to generate power even at low water pressures, making it suitable for powering marine sensors in coastal zones.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 20, 2021

How an enriched environment fires up our synapses

A postgenomic study reveals that an enriched environment stimulates sensory perceptions by regulating synapses and altering lipid metabolism. The researchers found 178 proteins and 20 lipids to be significantly regulated depending on the environmental condition.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 20, 2021

How political partisanship governed in-person schooling during pandemic

A study from Michigan State University found that partisan politics played a significant role in local decisions about in-person schooling during the pandemic. In heavily Democratic counties, schools were nearly three times more likely to open fully remote, while Republican counties were nearly 1.8 times more likely to offer in-person ...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEducational Researcher·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 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.

'Considerable' risk of skull deformity in infants conceived by in vitro fertilization

A recent study suggests that infants conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be at a higher risk of developing craniosynostosis, a type of skull deformity. The four percent prevalence rate among IVF-conceived infants is considerably higher than the estimated one case per 1,800 to 2,200 births. Further studies are needed to c...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Craniofacial Surgery·DateOct 20, 2021

Glial cells crucial to maintaining healthy gut immunity

Researchers found that glial cells are activated by interferon gamma in response to pathogen invasion, releasing signals to attract immune cells to fight infection. In the absence of disease or injury, blocked activation led to tissue inflammation, highlighting their role in maintaining healthy intestinal tissue.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Students who felt that their university let them down during the COVID-19 pandemic ("institutional betrayal") were more likely to experience trauma symptoms

A study published in PLOS ONE found that students who felt their university failed them during the pandemic were more likely to experience trauma symptoms. The authors analyzed data from a large group of undergraduate students and discovered a significant association between institutional betrayal and trauma symptoms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 20, 2021

Genetic trigger for type-1 diabetes may be in lung

Researchers found that genes in the lung are associated with the largest impact on type-1 diabetes risk, potentially linking respiratory viral infections to disease onset. The study suggests a new target for drug development and could lead to a vaccine to prevent the condition.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 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.

Nanotwinned titanium forges path to sustainable manufacturing

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a new path forward for processing titanium. Cryo-forging at ultra-low temperatures produces extra-strong nanotwinned titanium with improved strength and ductility. The material maintains its structure and properties at extreme temperatures, demonstrating its versatility.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Depression, anxiety may be linked to c-section risk among pregnant women

A Michigan Medicine study found that perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are associated with significantly higher rates of first-time cesarean deliveries among low-risk pregnant women. The study suggests that identifying and treating these disorders in pregnant women may help reduce the risk of cesarean section deliveries.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 20, 2021

ImCheck publishes comprehensive overview of the development results of its first-in-class cancer immunotherapeutic targeting BTN3A to activate Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in Science Translational Medicine

ImCheck's ICT01 selectively activates Vγ9Vδ2 T cells through all three isoforms of BTN3A, overcoming prior limitations. The therapy demonstrates anti-tumor activity in solid and hematologic cancer models.

SourceTrophic Communications·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 20, 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.

Scientists publish first large-scale census of coral heat tolerance

A study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences provides immediate actions for the world's largest coral restoration program. Researchers found significant variation in the heat tolerance of staghorn corals, with certain strains exhibiting higher resistance to warming oceans.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

How cultural differences shape responses to COVID-19

A study of cross-cultural differences in COVID-19 knowledge and attitudes found that people in Europe and the US had the lowest knowledge and adherence to safety measures. In contrast, people in the Middle East and Asia were more aware of COVID-19 and took greater precautions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health and Addiction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 2021

Anionic Nickel

Researchers discovered that nickel can catalyze the cross-coupling of aryl ethers through a nickelate anion. This reaction pathway relies on the formation and stability of the catalyst, providing an alternative to traditional palladium-catalyzed cross-couplings.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 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.

Choosing ‘good migrants’ for ‘Global Britain’

The UK's new visa for Hong Kongers is framed as a haven for Britain's former colonial subjects, but Professor Michaela Benson warns of 'undoubtedly colonialist overtones'. The visa scheme has been criticized for its selective nature and perceived biases towards certain migrants.

SourceLancaster University·JournalCurrent Sociology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 20, 2021

Hit the sleep ‘sweet spot’ to keep brain sharp

A multi-year study found that both short and long sleepers experience greater cognitive decline than those who slept a moderate amount. Researchers separated out the effects of poor sleep and Alzheimer's disease on cognition, suggesting a middle range or 'sweet spot' for total sleep time where cognitive performance is stable over time....

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalBrain·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2021

Characteristics of bone loss in postmenopausal women

The study of 686 Finnish women found that postmenopausal bone loss is approximately 10% over a 25-year period. Taking hormone replacement therapy and gaining weight during follow-up were linked to lower postmenopausal bone loss rates.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateOct 20, 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.

Discovery of a potential new therapy for inflammatory arthritis

A study published in Science Translational Medicine reveals that blocking the excess production of MIF could lead to disease remission and prevent disability and mortality linked to SpA. Researchers have successfully tested a MIF blocker, called MIF098, in pre-clinical models.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 20, 2021

Citizen scientists help assure quality of coastal biodiversity monitoring

A study in Brazil's Santos city showed that citizen science collaboration between civil society and academia can achieve progress toward ocean conservation goals. The project developed a methodology for integrating civil society and academia, including training and validation of monitoring protocols.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateOct 20, 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.

What drove the invention of military technologies?

The study found that advances in iron metallurgy, horse riding, and agricultural productivity played a significant role in the development of military machines. Mega-empires emerged as societies supporting tens of millions of inhabitants and covering vast territories.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 2021

Does a lifetime of vigorous exercise increase the risk of developing ALS?

A new study suggests that vigorous exercise during leisure time is not associated with an increased risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, intense physical activity at work hours was linked to a higher risk, possibly due to repetitive motion or exposure to chemicals. Moderate exercise, even after symptoms begi...

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 20, 2021

COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in adolescents

The study shows that COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness is substantial in adolescents, with a 93% decrease in symptomatic cases and a 90% decrease in documented infections after the second dose. Vaccine effectiveness was lower but still significant before the second dose.

SourceClalit Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 2021

Cascade-responsive nanobomb for anti-tumor synergistic therapies

Scientists developed a cascade-responsive nanobomb that generates multiple severe ROS storms at the tumor site, effectively inhibiting tumor growth and preventing metastasis. The device uses a domino effect to activate systemic immune responses while minimizing external energy stimulation.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 20, 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.

Climate change will diminish the number of birch trees in Bavaria by the end of the century

A mathematical model based on 30 years of pollen data predicts a decline in pollination in Bavarian forests due to climate change. The study forecasts a reduction in birch trees in the region by the end of the century, with warmer summers initially favoring pollen production but ultimately leading to a decline in plant populations.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateOct 20, 2021

Vaccines offer strong protection against death from Delta, study says

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that vaccination is over 90% effective in preventing deaths from the Delta variant of Covid-19. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines were found to be highly effective, with the former showing a 90% effectiveness rate and the latter at 91%.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 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.