Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2021 - Page 24


Page 24 of 40

Increases in extreme humid-heat disproportionately affect populated regions

A new study by Washington State University scientists finds that people living in areas with humid-heat extremes are bearing the brunt of the impact. The researchers identify a greater increase in population exposure to humid-heat as compared to dry-heat, emphasizing the importance of understanding humidity changes in a warming world.

SourceWashington State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Immune system keeps the intestinal flora in balance

A team of scientists has found that IgA antibodies, a natural defense substance in the human body, can limit the fitness of benign bacteria in the intestine. This discovery helps maintain a delicate balance between the human organism and the intestinal flora.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 70% percent of surveyed healthcare workers in Ghana and Kenya met criteria for stress and burnout, which are associated with low job satisfaction

A study found that nearly 70% of surveyed healthcare workers in Ghana and Kenya experienced stress and burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers suggest that perceived preparedness plays a crucial role in mitigating these negative effects on job satisfaction.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateOct 13, 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.

Smoke from nuclear war would devastate ozone layer, alter climate

A new study finds that massive columns of smoke from a nuclear war would destroy much of the ozone layer over a 15-year period, with peak ozone loss averaging about 75% worldwide. This would lead to devastating effects on human health and food supplies, as well as terrestrial ecosystems.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2021

'Broken heart' syndrome is on the rise in women

A recent study by the Smidt Heart Institute found that middle-aged and older women are being diagnosed with 'broken heart' syndrome more frequently—up to 10 times more often—than younger women or men of any age. The incidence has been rising steadily since before the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting a possible link between stressors, brai...

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2021

Telehealth addiction treatment rose rapidly during pandemic; but potential benefits still unclear

New research highlights the potential of telehealth to increase patient engagement through improved access and convenience. However, studies found limited evidence that telehealth results in better retention or outcomes compared to in-person treatment. Researchers emphasize the need for more empirical work to confirm its benefits.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalPsychiatric Services·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 13, 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.

Stress on mothers can influence biology of future generations

Biologists found that a mother roundworm's response to heat stress affects not only her offspring but also their children. The researchers discovered a protein called HSF1 that collaborates with mechanisms to establish stress memory in eggs, which are then passed on through conception.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2021

A crystal ball into our solar system’s future

Researchers detected giant gas planet with Jupiter-like orbit around white dwarf star, confirming planets can exist beyond star death; study suggests Jupiter and Saturn may survive Sun's red giant phase.

SourceW. M. Keck Observatory·JournalNature·DateOct 13, 2021

Storing data as mixtures of fluorescent dyes (video)

Researchers have developed a novel data storage method using mixtures of fluorescent dyes, which can store binary information at high density with fast read/write speeds. The technique encodes sequences of 0s and 1s into dye molecules, allowing for the storage of digital information for thousands of years or longer.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateOct 13, 2021

World-first clinical trial demonstrates focused ultrasound can deliver antibody therapy to breast cancer metastases in the brain

Researchers at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre have successfully delivered antibody therapy to breast cancer metastases in the brain using focused ultrasound. The treatment, which temporarily opens the blood-brain barrier, has shown promising results with tumor size reductions of up to 21% in patients.

SourceFocused Ultrasound Foundation·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 13, 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.

Pandemic-related grief may hamper bond between mothers and babies

A recent study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that pandemic-related grief and depressive symptoms are associated with lower levels of mother-infant bonding. Higher self-efficacy and social support were also linked to better bonding outcomes, while anxiety symptoms were not a significant factor.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalPediatric Research·TypeSurvey·DateOct 13, 2021

Did Venus ever have oceans?

A team of astrophysicists led by Martin Turbet from UNIGE and NCCR PlanetS found that Venus's climate conditions prevented the formation of oceans. The study suggests that the Earth could have suffered a similar fate if it had been closer to the Sun or had weaker radiation in its youth.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateOct 13, 2021

Metamaterial eENZ can control correlations of light

A team at Tampere University has created a metamaterial eENZ mirror that can control the correlation properties of light, switching between high and low correlation states. By manipulating polarization, they achieve near-perfect coherence switching.

SourceTampere University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 13, 2021

Formula milk trials are not reliable, warn experts

A comprehensive review of formula milk trials found that only 17% were conducted independently of formula companies, and most had a high risk of bias due to selective reporting. The researchers call for substantial changes in the conduct and reporting of formula trials to protect participants from harm.

SourceBMJ Group·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 13, 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.

Penn researchers to study the impact of environmental and economic interventions on reducing health disparities in Black Philadelphia neighborhoods with nearly $10 million grant

The study will assess the impact of environmental and economic interventions on health and well-being in predominantly Black neighborhoods. Researchers will enroll 720 adults, half receiving the proposed interventions, and evaluate their overall health and wellbeing, as well as violent crime rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateOct 13, 2021

Quick test for potential probiotic in seawater may reveal health of corals

Researchers developed a quick test to identify beneficial bacteria species known to benefit coral, allowing for non-invasive assessment of coral health. The method enables rapid detection of specific bacterial species in seawater and coral samples, suggesting that the bacteria may be concentrated in coral.

SourceOsaka Prefecture University·JournalMarine Biotechnology·TypeNews article·DateOct 13, 2021

Crafting a “sponge” for adsorbing and desorbing gas molecules

A team of scientists has created a novel material composed of catenane molecules, which can adsorb and desorb gas molecules like carbon dioxide. The soft crystal exhibits unique properties, including porosity and deformability, making it suitable for applications such as capturing CO2 molecules.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2021

How long does a neutron live?

Physicists have made the most precise measurement yet of a neutron's lifetime, revealing that it lives 14.629 minutes with an uncertainty of 0.005 minutes. This result brings scientists closer to understanding why two previous methods disagree and could provide evidence for new physics.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 13, 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.

Lack of power grids sealed fate for early electric cars

A recent study from Lund University reveals that inadequate infrastructure hindered the adoption of electric cars in the early 20th century. Electric cars were cheaper to drive and emitted less CO2 than gasoline cars, but access to local electrical infrastructure was a major factor in their popularity.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Energy·DateOct 13, 2021

Quarks and antiquarks at high momentum shake the foundations of visible matter

Two independent studies illuminate unexpected substructures in fundamental components of all matter. One study presents new evidence on the EMC effect by tagging spectator neutrons, offering direct insight into its origin. Meanwhile, a team from Fermilab found evidence that antimatter asymmetry plays a crucial role in nucleon properties.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateOct 13, 2021

Fewer frogs died by vehicles in the outset of the pandemic, study finds

A new study led by a University of Maine graduate student found that 50% fewer frogs died from vehicle collisions in spring 2020 compared to previous years. This decline was part of a broader reduction in animal road fatalities during the pandemic, similar to findings in other studies worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalConservation Science and Practice·DateOct 13, 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.

Ultrasound can enable faster, more sustainable battery recycling

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology developed an ultrasound-assisted extraction method for valuable metals from electric car batteries, reducing extraction time by 50% and increasing metal ion recovery. The new process uses gentler acids and eliminates the need for harsh chemicals.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2021

Hurricane Michael damage wins 2021 DesignSafe Dataset Award

The StEER Network's post-event reconnaissance helped assess building damage from Hurricane Michael, revealing widespread wind- and surge-induced damage. The dataset has been used to develop data-driven fragilities, train machine learning applications, and inform policy and practice improvements for coastal communities.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateOct 13, 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.

The calculated costs of setting up labs to monitor antimicrobial resistance in resource-limited settings may be prohibitive without financial support

The cost of establishing laboratories to track antimicrobial resistance in Southeast Asian hospitals is substantial, making it challenging for many countries to implement such programs. Financial support is crucial to overcome these costs and provide effective antimicrobial resistance monitoring.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateOct 13, 2021

Cognitive study shows lack of bilingual education adversely affects English language learners' writing skills

A University of Kansas study examined three key cognitive functions in teaching writing to Hispanic English learners, revealing word retrieval skills, verbal language skills, and working memory are crucial for success. The research highlights the negative effects of a lack of bilingual education on these students' writing abilities.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2021

At initial cancer diagnosis, a deeply personalized assessment

Researchers conducted genomic evaluations of advanced malignancies to develop matched, individualized combination therapies. The study found that precision cancer therapy improved median overall survival rate by 3.9 months compared to standard care.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGenome Medicine·DateOct 13, 2021

Artificial intelligence-based technology quickly identifies genetic causes of serious disease

A new AI-powered algorithm, GEM, has been developed to quickly identify genetic causes of serious disease in newborns. The technology leverages machine learning and natural language processing to analyze vast amounts of genomic data and clinical records, achieving an accuracy rate of 92% compared to existing tools.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalGenomic Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 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.

Pain relief without side effects with promising technique

Researchers at Lund University have developed a promising new pain relief method using ultra-thin microelectrodes, providing effective and personalized pain relief without common side effects. The study showed that this technique can block pain signals in the brain without affecting other sensory systems or motor skills.

SourceLund University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 13, 2021

Free food provided to US households at school and work is relatively unhealthy, though food for families in the supplemental nutrition assistance program appears to be of better nutritional quality

A study published in PLOS ONE found that free food provided to US households at school and work is of poor nutritional quality. In contrast, food for families receiving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) appears to be of better nutritional value.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 13, 2021

LSU Health funded to support community health workers for pandemic response

LSU Health has been awarded funding to support community health workers in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana, enabling them to serve as liaisons between healthcare services and under-resourced communities. The grants will promote health equity and provide essential public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·DateOct 13, 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.

Solving mystery of rare cancers directly caused by HIV

A team of scientists from the University of Pittsburgh and National Cancer Institute discovered why HIV is rarely the direct cause of cancer. The research found that it requires a specific series of events involving changes in HIV and additional mutations in human genes, resulting in T cell lymphomas. However, the occurrence is rare, a...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 13, 2021

International team of astronomers report on largest-ever observed set of mysterious fast radio bursts

An international team of astronomers observed over 1,650 fast radio bursts from one source in deep space, shedding new light on the engine that powers these phenomena. The bursts were measured using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) and represent more FRBs in one event than all previous reported occurrences com...

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateOct 13, 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.

Empowering Communities through Local Monitoring

The article discusses community-based environmental monitoring, which allows local members to collect and analyze data independently. This approach has the potential to empower Indigenous rightsholders and stakeholders, and contribute to meeting contemporary sustainability challenges.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 13, 2021

Society for Endocrinology annual conference heads to Edinburgh

The Society for Endocrinology's annual conference will feature world-leading scientific and clinical research on endocrine clinical practice. The event will showcase the latest innovations in endocrine medicine, including Medal and Award lectures by renowned experts.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·DateOct 13, 2021

First global estimate of importance of pollinators for seed production in plants

A global study estimates that half of flowering plants are dependent on animal pollinators, with declines in pollinators threatening ecosystems and biodiversity. Without pollinators, many plant species would suffer reduced fertility or produce no seeds, emphasizing the importance of pollination services.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 13, 2021

Troubling birth findings show importance of timely flu vaccination

New research from an international team of scientists found that poor timing of influenza vaccination campaigns in Brazil led to increased premature births, lower birth-weight babies, and the need for more cesarean sections. The study suggests that earlier flu vaccination campaigns could better protect pregnant women and their babies.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateOct 13, 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.

Stanford-led research underscores pollution’s impact on child health

A Stanford-led study found that tiny airborne particles can cause inflammation and impair the body's ability to fight infection in children. The analysis, published in Environmental Pollution, estimates that increased particulate matter can lead to twice as many pneumonia hospitalizations as previously thought.

SourceStanford University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateOct 13, 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.

Genes and collective behaviour

Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 technique to edit genes in zebrafish larvae, altering individual behavioral responses and group behavior. The study suggests two simple visuomotor reflexes explain the collective behavior of zebrafish.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 13, 2021

Ancient poop shows people in present-day Austria drank beer and ate blue cheese up to 2,700 years ago

Researchers found evidence of two fungal species used in blue cheese and beer production in ancient feces from Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut. The findings suggest that people consumed blue cheese and beer during the Iron Age, nearly 2,700 years ago, and retained a non-Westernized gut microbiome structure until the Baroque period.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 13, 2021

HSE University researchers explain behaviour of chaotic systems

Researchers from HSE University's Laboratory of Complex Systems Modeling and Control proposed a new mechanism explaining power-law patterns in real-world systems. The discovery may improve understanding of processes leading to strong earthquakes, forest fires, financial market crashes, and social network synchronization.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 13, 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.

Center for Innovation in Mental Health at CUNY SPH awarded NIH grant for Harlem Strong Collaborative

The CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy has received a nearly $2 million NIH grant to develop a multisectoral coalition to implement a community-wide collaborative care model to address mental health and socio-economic risks in Harlem. The initiative aims to close the mental health treatment gap for ethnic minoritie...

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·DateOct 13, 2021

Fluorescent spray lights up tumors for easy detection during surgery

Scientists developed a fluorescent spray that specifically targets and illuminates cancerous tissue, enabling precise tumor detection and removal during surgery. The innovative approach offers a solution to the challenge of distinguishing between healthy tissue and cancerous cells.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateOct 13, 2021