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Science News Archive October 2021 - Page 2


Page 2 of 40

Uncovering how injury to the pancreas impacts cancer formation

Researchers discovered that pancreatic injury leads to the formation of new cell types that can give rise to cancerous mutations. The study provides a valuable resource for understanding the processes behind pancreatic cancer and potential therapeutic targets.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalGastroenterology·DateOct 29, 2021

Smartphone app could improve aspirin use for healthy pregnancies

A new smartphone app, MyHealthyPregnancy, evaluates preeclampsia risk and patient adherence to low-dose aspirin recommendations. The study found that 37% of high-risk patients were unaware they needed to take the medication, highlighting a need for improved communication between providers and patients.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateOct 29, 2021

Meanders help the climate

Researchers at GFZ found that undisturbed meandering sections of a river deposit and reabsorb organic carbon, transporting it into the sea. In contrast, straight river sections only pass through suspended particles, with carbon decomposing to CO2 by microorganisms.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 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.

Lithium metal batteries with diluted high concentration electrolytes to power the future

Scientists have demonstrated that diluting high concentration electrolytes can improve the cycling abilities of lithium metal batteries over a wide range of temperatures. The study found that TTE dilution significantly improved Li+ ion transport and reduced dendritic Li plating, leading to better cycling stability.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateOct 29, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

This squirrel watches its neighbor's back

Researchers found that Barbary ground squirrels in the Canary Islands rely on synchronized vigilance as their main defense mechanism against predators. They spend a significant amount of time watching each other and scanning their surroundings to detect threats.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 29, 2021

Innovative chip built by UCPH physicists resolves quantum headache

Researchers at University of Copenhagen have developed a new quantum circuit that can operate and measure all four qubits simultaneously. This breakthrough resolves a significant engineering headache in the development of large functional quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalPRX Quantum·DateOct 29, 2021

Dogs learn about word boundaries as human infants do

A new study by Hungarian researchers finds that dogs use complex computations and brain regions similar to humans to learn word boundaries in speech. Dogs can recognize syllable patterning, such as frequent words with consistent syllables, and use this information to extract words from continuous speech.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 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.

Blasting the zombie out of water-saving tech

A team of scientists found that technology adoption as a water-saving method for improving irrigation efficiency is ineffective and can worsen water scarcity. The study suggests that modern irrigation technologies may only achieve a 10-20% saving under ideal conditions.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateOct 29, 2021

Placebo-inspired project wins $12 million grant to help Parkinson’s patients

Researchers will investigate brain circuits involved in the placebo effect and paradoxical kinesia, a phenomenon where Parkinson's patients exhibit normal motor function under specific circumstances. The study aims to identify new locations for deep brain stimulation placement and discover new treatments for Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateOct 29, 2021

Nearly 300 scientists ask the WTO to ban harmful fisheries subsidies

Two hundred ninety scientific researchers from 46 countries urge the World Trade Organization (WTO) to ban harmful fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing. The signatories cite research showing that such subsidies lead to unsustainable fishing practices, contravening UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2021

Hollings collaborates on two studies showing how to boost immunotherapy effectiveness for patients with oral-cavity squamous cell carcinoma

Researchers from MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Winship Cancer Institute discovered that pre-surgical anti-PD-1 immunotherapy is safe and effective for OCSCC patients. The studies identified potential molecular biomarkers in blood and tumors to predict treatment response.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateOct 29, 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.

Morro Bay seagrass loss causes change in fish populations

Researchers at California Polytechnic State University found that seagrass loss in Morro Bay led to changes in fish species, with increasing numbers of flatfish like speckled sanddab and staghorn sculpin. The study highlights the importance of protecting remaining seagrass habitats to maintain biodiversity.

SourceCalifornia Polytechnic State University·JournalEstuaries and Coasts·DateOct 29, 2021

“Towards Straintronics: Guiding Excitons in 2D Materials” -- CCNY & partners make breakthrough

A team of physicists and their collaborators created an excitonic wire, a one-dimensional channel for electrically neutral quasiparticles called excitons. This breakthrough could lead to innovative devices that operate at room temperature and replace certain tasks performed by standard transistor technology.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 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.

Study of destructive California fire finds resilience planning must account for socially vulnerable

A recent study by Oregon State University researchers highlights the importance of considering the needs of socially vulnerable populations in disaster resilience planning. Schools and healthcare facilities play a crucial role in supporting student, teacher, and staff mental health, as well as providing essential services to the commun...

SourceOregon State University·JournalNatural Hazards·TypeCase study·DateOct 28, 2021

How to help consumers reduce interest payments across multiple credit card accounts

Researchers found that minimum payment requirements cause consumers to spread repayments evenly, leading to less paid to higher-interest debts. By displaying interest rates clearly, companies can help consumers make better repayment choices. Fintech products and policy changes can also aid in reducing interest payments.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateOct 28, 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.

Heatwaves like ‘the Blob’ could decrease role of ocean as carbon sink

Researchers found that the 2013-2015 heatwave known as 'the Blob' reduced the Pacific Ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide, leading to a decrease in its role as a carbon sink. Microbial communities responded by shifting towards more nutrient-limited conditions, hindering the ocean's biological pump.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCommunications Biology·DateOct 28, 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.

Scientists discover two coexisting pseudo-mirror heteromolecular telomeric g-quadruplexes differentially recognized by thioflavin T

Researchers describe two coexisting pseudomirror heteromolecular telomeric G-quadruplexes with distinct loop progressions differentially recognized by thioflavin T. The study highlights the impact of a single altered flanking base on mutual recognition between G-rich oligomers.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2021

On-water creation of conducting MOF nanosheets

Scientists at Osaka Prefecture University developed a novel method for creating uniform, electrically conductive nanosheets using oil and water interfaces. The approach resulted in highly organized three-dimensional nanostructures with high electrical conductivity, offering potential applications in energy devices and sensors.

SourceOsaka Prefecture University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeNews article·DateOct 28, 2021

Engineers devise a way to selectively turn on RNA therapies in human cells

Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have developed a way to selectively turn on gene therapies in target cells by detecting specific messenger RNA sequences. This technology can fine-tune gene therapies for applications ranging from regenerative medicine to cancer treatment, potentially reducing side effects and increasing efficacy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 28, 2021

Machine learning may be the right tool for predicting success of opioid dispensing outcomes

A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health uses machine learning to predict successful opioid dispensing models in U.S. counties. The analysis reveals that prescription drug monitoring program access provisions are the most consistent predictors of high-dispensing and high-dose dispensing counties.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEpidemiology·DateOct 28, 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.

Urgent action needed to reduce uncertainty on CO2 storage prospects

Researchers at Princeton University urge for increased policy support and investment in carbon capture and storage (CCS) to reduce energy sector emissions. Current storage capacity is insufficient to meet ambitious decarbonization targets, highlighting the need for strategic planning and characterization capabilities.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 28, 2021

New dataset reveals effects of land dispossession and forced migration on Indigenous peoples in North America

A new dataset compares historical tribal lands to present-day tribal land, revealing a 99% reduction in Indigenous land density since European colonization. The analysis shows that Indigenous populations were forced into lands with fewer natural resources and are now inhibited from managing their own lands.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 28, 2021

Lifting the veil over mysterious desert truffles: Terfezia’s ecology and diversity towards cultivation

Researchers from the University of Évora discovered seven new species of Terfezia fungi in Portugal, including two previously unknown to science. The study provides valuable insights into their ecological range and potential hosts, enabling the development of truffle cultivation techniques that can positively impact local communities.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalMycoKeys·DateOct 28, 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.

How legumes give oxygen to symbiotic bacteria in their roots

Researchers identify two transcription factors regulating leghemoglobin production in legume nodules, critical for symbiotic bacteria relationships. The discovery offers potential to improve nitrogen fixation and reduce synthetic fertilizer use.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2021

Sending up the bat signal on forest use by endangered species

A team of scientists tracked individual endangered Indiana bats and northern long-eared bats to understand their foraging behaviors and habitat preferences. The results show that most timber harvest strategies are neutral or even positive for the bats, with smaller patch cuts and thinning being compatible with conservation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateOct 28, 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.

Biased tech could determine who gets life saving therapy

A study found that racial bias in oxygen readings during the pandemic can lead to unequal access to life-saving ECMO therapy. The analysis, using a comprehensive international database, revealed higher rates of discrepancies in Black patients compared to white patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCHEST Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 28, 2021

Donors long to be heard: New Ben-Gurion University study reveals the key to successful fundraising

A new study by Ben-Gurion University researchers found that soliciting an opinion about a campaign before asking for a donation is more effective than simply asking for a donation. Donors who were encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings about a cause were more likely to contribute online over the long term.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateOct 28, 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.

The goal in mind

Researchers found that future goals are represented by a pattern of neural activity resembling previous visits, and this activity can re-emerge upon decision to target a location. The orbitofrontal cortex plays a key role in representing future goals during navigation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2021

New immunotherapy insights for kidney cancer

Researchers found immune cell patterns within tumours that can predict if patients with kidney cancer will respond to immunotherapy. The study identified a specific 'clonal' T cell receptor pattern linked to a greater chance of positive immunotherapy response.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalCancer Cell·TypeObservational study·DateOct 28, 2021

Special issue: Sleep

Recent research highlights the significance of sleep in maintaining physiological health and promoting healthy cognition. The special issue explores the complex mechanisms underlying sleep and its role in memory consolidation, neuronal activity, and fluid flow.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 28, 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.

Otago researchers identify best water treading technique to prevent drowning

A new study from the University of Otago has found that the 'egg-beater' technique is the most effective water treading method for preventing drowning. The technique, which involves alternating breaststroke kicks, was deemed more energetically and cognitively efficient than other methods.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 28, 2021

Behavioral synchronization in complex societies of feral horses

Research at Kyoto University using drones and a multi-agent system found that feral horses synchronize their behavior not only within unit groups but also across different parts of the herd. The study's results suggest that individual horses can recognize the behavior of distant individuals, averaging a nearest distance of 39.3m.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 28, 2021

Intriguing insect fossils preserved in amber

The discovery of insect larvae with elongated appendages and early flying insects shed light on ecology, developmental biology, and the evolutionary history of insects. The findings suggest that lacewings played a more prominent ecological role in the Cretaceous Period and challenge traditional assumptions about developmental constraints.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 28, 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.

One plus one does not equal two

Researchers from FAU investigated G protein-coupled receptors, finding that tailor-made substances can affect receptor dimer formation and behavior. The study revealed the dopamine D3 receptor migrates into the cell interior when bound to a bivalent ligand, altering signal transmission.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalCommunications Biology·DateOct 28, 2021

Researchers identify core genetic networks driving human embryonic stem cell behavior

A genome-wide screening technique reveals the interrelated activities of genes controlling pluripotency and apoptosis in human embryonic stem cells. The study provides new insights into cancer genetics and a novel approach for regenerative medicine research, enabling the systematic mapping of genetic networks involved in tissue formation.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 28, 2021