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Science News Archive October 2021 - Page 19


Page 19 of 40

SwRI scientists curate special exoplanet issue of Elements Magazine

The special issue covers observations of exoplanet geology, composition, atmosphere, and potential habitability. SwRI researchers Dr. Natalie Hinkel and Dr. Cayman Unterborn collaborated with Dr. Oliver Shorttle to create a diverse overview of exoplanets, making it accessible to a wide community of scientists.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalElements·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 18, 2021

Using game theory to analyse the metastasis process

Researchers from UPV/EHU and Biocruces pathologists use game theory to study tumor cell interactions, finding that higher cell diversity may be beneficial for patients. This approach reveals the importance of collective stability in tumor cells' pursuit of better environments.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalCancers·DateOct 18, 2021

3D imaging study reveals how atoms are packed in amorphous materials

A UCLA-led research team directly observes how atoms are packed in samples of amorphous materials using 3D imaging. They found that the most commonly seen arrangement is groups of seven, with five in one central layer, leading to a network structure with shared edges.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 18, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers successfully build four-legged swarm robots

Dr. Yasemin Ozkan-Aydin successfully built four-legged swarm robots that can navigate challenging environments and overcome obstacles collectively. The robots were tested on various terrain types, including grass, leaves, and rough surfaces, with individual units sending signals to others for support when needed.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalScience Robotics·DateOct 18, 2021

Meningitis: Researchers find possible treatment strategy without antibiotics

A new study suggests that a novel treatment involving the administration of an enzyme that degrades neutrophil nets may prevent brain swelling and improve waste clearance in rats with bacterial meningitis. The treatment could be combined with antibiotics if needed.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalAnnals of Neurology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

How the brain navigates cities

A new MIT study suggests that pedestrians choose routes that point most directly toward their destination, even if those routes are longer. This strategy, known as vector-based navigation, may have evolved to allow the brain to devote more power to other tasks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Computational Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 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.

The 2nd International BioDesign Research Conference

The 2nd International BioDesign Research Conference will showcase the latest advancements in Biosystems Design and Synthetic Biology, featuring plenary talks, keynote presentations, and poster sessions. The conference aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists and promote interactions between academia and industry.

SourceBioDesign Research·DateOct 18, 2021

Cheers! Wine’s red grape pulp offers nutritional bounty

A new study by Cornell University researchers reveals that the pulp from red grapes used in wine production contains beneficial stilbenes that can positively affect human intestines and the stomach's microbiome. The findings suggest a potential link between grape consumption and reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

SourceCornell University·JournalNutrients·DateOct 18, 2021

Filling half of kids' plates with fruits and veggies helps increase consumption

Adding more fruit and veggie side dishes resulted in a 24% increase in veggies and 33% more fruit, while substituting produce for other foods led to a 41% boost in veggies and 38% more fruit. The study suggests ways parents and caregivers can encourage healthy eating by experimenting with different fruits and vegetables.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 18, 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.

Anticorrosion coating sets new benchmark

Researchers created a sulfur-selenium alloy that outperforms traditional coatings in protecting steel from corrosion and oxidation. The material's self-healing properties allow it to recover from scratches and damage, making it suitable for infrastructure applications.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

HSE ISSEK Researchers Analyse Opportunities for Scientific Cooperation between Developing Countries in BRICS + Global South Format

The study identifies promising topics for scientific collaboration, including medicine, engineering, computer science, and agricultural sciences. BRICS Plus countries have significant growth potential in research and development, with some already ranking among the top 30 countries globally.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalScientometrics·DateOct 18, 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.

Medical providers less able to detect authentic pain among Black people than White people, study finds

A new study by E. Paige Lloyd found that medical providers are better at discerning real from fake pain expressions for White people than Black people. This disparity in pain detection could contribute to racial disparities in pain care and treatment recommendations.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 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.

Europe is a puzzle piece in US’s China policy

A VUB researcher analyzed US foreign policy towards Europe over the past two decades, finding that Europe is increasingly seen as a tool for achieving American interests elsewhere. The study highlights the shift in US priorities and the impact on European policymakers.

SourceVrije Universiteit Brussel·JournalEuropean Security·DateOct 18, 2021

Breakthrough proof clears path for quantum AI

Convolutional neural networks can now be trained on quantum computers without the threat of 'barren plateaus' in optimization problems, according to a new study. This breakthrough enables researchers to analyze large data sets and extract insights from quantum systems.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review X·DateOct 18, 2021

Building a better dipstick

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a flow control technology to overcome limitations of traditional dipstick tests. This technology enables complex biomedical assays and can detect multiple pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalACS Sensors·DateOct 18, 2021

Mother’s occupational exposure to cleaning products and disinfectants could cause asthma in future children

A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that mothers who worked with cleaning agents and disinfectants before conception had a 71% higher risk of their child developing asthma. The study investigated 3318 offspring-mother pairs and suggested that exposure to these chemicals may influence health outcome...

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 18, 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.

Exploring the global environmental impacts of China's growing demand for food

A study by IIASA researchers and Chinese colleagues highlights the need for sustainable food production in China to avoid environmental destruction. The global impact of China's increasing food demand is expected to be substantial, with significant challenges facing trading partners, particularly those involved in livestock products.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Sustainability·DateOct 18, 2021

Moffitt researchers use computer modeling to predict patient tumor responses to radiation therapy

Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute use computer modeling to study the relationship between tumor-immune environment and radiation response. They discover that tumor cells will either escape immune predation or be eradicated based on the numbers of immune effector and suppressor cells present. The model hel...

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNeoplasia·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2021

Interferon does not improve outcomes for hospitalized adults with COVID-19

A clinical trial found that interferon beta-1a plus remdesivir was not superior to remdesivir alone in improving health outcomes for hospitalized adults with COVID-19. Interferon beta-1a was associated with more adverse events and worse outcomes in patients requiring high-flow oxygen.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateOct 18, 2021

Treated jute bags boost grain storage and other green goals

Researchers at KAUST developed a simple surface treatment for traditional jute storage bags, preventing moisture-induced damage to stored grains. The treated bags showed up to 7.5% reduction in seed moisture content and up to 35% higher seed germination efficacy compared to ordinary jute bags.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

HKU Biologists' artificial chromosomes study sheds light on gene therapies

Researchers at HKU have discovered the cellular proteins used to process foreign DNA fragments into an artificial chromosome. The study provides insights into the mechanisms of DNA assembly and centromere formation, facilitating the engineering of artificial chromosomes for cloning and gene therapy.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateOct 18, 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.

Mammalian motivation circuits: Maybe they’re born with it

Researchers found that mice have innate circuits for processing positive and negative stimuli in the amygdala brain region. The study suggests that an imbalance in these circuits may contribute to depression and other mental health issues.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 18, 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.

The positive impact of sharing negative research results

Researchers highlight the importance of sharing well-conducted studies with negative or irreproducible results, even if they disprove a hypothesis. The Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases special issue on 'The Null Hypothesis' presents eight articles that contribute valuable information to the scientific record.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Neuromuscular Diseases·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 18, 2021

How marsh grass protects shorelines

A new MIT study provides detailed information on the wave-damping benefits of marsh plants, enabling coastal restoration planners to determine the area needed for mitigation. The analysis incorporates plant morphology and interactions with currents and waves, providing a more quantitative way to estimate the value provided by marshes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review·DateOct 18, 2021

Researchers determine optimum pressure to improve the performance of lithium metal batteries

The study found that a stack pressure of 350 kilo Pascal increases lithium particle deposition in neat columns, improving stability and reducing the risk of short circuits. Additionally, partial discharge during cycling can also boost performance without affecting the solid electrolyte interphase structure.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

New study explores maize diversity for fall armyworm resistance in a warming world

A new study explores maize diversity for fall armyworm resistance, revealing clear evidence of FAW resistance in diverse mechanisms across various landraces and crop wild relatives. The research calls for strategies to develop FAW-resistant maize varieties as a way forward to secure maize production and smallholder farmers' livelihoods.

SourceCABI·JournalCrop Science·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 18, 2021

Fasting is required to see the full benefit of calorie restriction in mice

A new study from University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers reveals that fasting is essential for mice to derive full benefit from calorie restriction. Fasting alone improves insulin sensitivity and reprograms metabolism, reducing frailty in old age and extending lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 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.

Developing a treatment for vision loss through transplant of photoreceptor precursors

Researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed a treatment for vision loss through the transplantation of photoreceptor precursors. This innovative approach holds great promise as an alternative to gene therapy, which has limited efficacy due to genetic heterogeneity and advanced retinal degeneration.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateOct 18, 2021

Patients hospitalized for COVID-19 this year could pay thousands of dollars, study suggests

A new study analyzed 4,000 COVID-related hospitalizations and found that patients with private insurance could face $3,800 bills, while those with Medicare Advantage plans might owe $1,500. The lack of waivers for hospitalization costs could lead to increased financial burden on patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 2021

Study reconstructs 232-year history of prairie fire in Midwestern US

Researchers analyzed historical documents to understand the timing, causes, and consequences of prairie fires in the Midwest. The study reveals that Native Americans intentionally set fires for hunting and land management purposes, while Europeans feared fire but also cleared land using controlled burns.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNatural Areas Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 18, 2021

High Immunoscores may help some win the battle against cancer

Researchers found that high levels of immune cells in tumors correlate with better outcomes for esophageal cancer patients. The study used the Immunoscore to evaluate tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and found a strong association between high scores and long-term survival rates.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAnnals of Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateOct 18, 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.

US ranked world No 2 for salt content of processed meat/fish products

A 5-country study found that the US has high salt levels in processed meat and fish products, ranking second globally. China leads with the highest salt content, while the UK ranks last. The study highlights significant variations in salt content among countries and brands.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·TypeObservational study·DateOct 18, 2021

Duration on ART, alcohol use and HIV stage predicts risky sexual behavior

A cross-sectional study found that recent commencement of ART, late HIV stage, and alcohol use are associated with high-risk sexual behavior among HIV patients. The study suggests prioritizing intervention strategies for these individuals to mitigate risky behaviors in HIV-endemic environments.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent HIV Research·DateOct 18, 2021

Sim City for food science takes on Listeria outbreaks

A new study from Cornell University uses digital twins to identify optimal times and locations for detecting Listeria bacteria in produce facilities, reducing the risk of contamination. The researchers' model provides a novel way for food safety managers to visualize microbial contamination risks and experiment with different sampling ...

SourceCornell University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 18, 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.

Life’s a beach: Finding trends in marine debris across Australia

A UNSW-led study analyzing 10 years of citizen science data found that almost half of marine debris can be linked to land-based sources. Plastic accounts for 84% of the rubbish found on Australian beaches, with a significant portion coming from external sources such as stormwater drains near capital cities.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 2021

New active agent against parasites

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute have identified a chemical compound, parabulin, that can inhibit the protein tubulin in unicellular parasites, including those that cause malaria and toxoplasmosis. The substance blocks successful cell division by preventing tubulin from forming long, stable protein filaments.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

3D imaging study reveals how atoms are packed in amorphous materials UCLA-led research could revise a 70-year-old model of how the fundamental building blocks of substances are assembled

Researchers used 3D atomic imaging to directly observe atom packing in amorphous materials. The findings show that pentagonal bipyramids, not icosahedral groups of 13, are the most prevalent motif for atom arrangement.

SourceCalifornia NanoSystems Institute·JournalNature Materials·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 18, 2021

Lakes are changing worldwide

Research led by VUB team shows that global changes in lake temperature and ice cover are caused by human-induced climate change, posing a threat to water quality and native fish species.

SourceVrije Universiteit Brussel·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2021

Climate change and human pressure mean migration may be “no longer worth it”, say researchers

Researchers warn that climate change and human pressure have eroded benefits of long-distance migration for animals, leading to lower reproductive success and higher mortality. This has serious consequences for ecosystem structure and function, with many species unable to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 18, 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.

Two new studies examine rising cancer drug spending in the US

Two new studies examine rising cancer drug spending in the US, finding that many patients receive treatments with no documented overall survival benefit. The studies suggest that the combination of regulatory, pricing, and reimbursement policies contributes to wasteful healthcare spending.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 2021

Could computer games encourage people to adhere to COVID-19 measures?

A study from Lancaster University found that a serious game, 'Point of Contact', increased players' awareness of Covid-19 transmission risk and favorability towards health over livelihood. The game's impact was significant, with 87% of participants saying they would be more careful in following Covid-19 preventative guidance.

SourceLancaster University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 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.

Depression history written in the reactions of the brain

Researchers found that patients with more severe depression histories showed less brain activity in areas processing emotions, while those who had remitted from depression showed a normal level of activity. This suggests that serious depression may change the way the brain responds to emotion over time, or that people with stronger emo...

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeObservational study·DateOct 18, 2021