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Science News Archive October 2021 - Page 35


Page 35 of 40

How ‘ice needles’ weave patterns of stones in frozen landscapes

Researchers discovered that ice needles growing on frozen ground can push up rocks into regular patterns through a combination of experiments and computer modeling. Over time, stones cluster together, leaving bare patches stone-free, as the size of the stones, soil moisture, and ice needle growth interact.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New insights on the diversity of the Iberian wild goat

A new study found that Iberian wild goat populations exhibit very low genetic diversity due to drastic population reductions and habitat destruction. The research also identified the existence of rare hybrids between Iberian wild goats and domestic goats.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalEvolutionary Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

A sharp look into tiny ferroelectric crystals

Scientists have developed a method to precisely map the polarization pattern in thin ferroelectric layers, revealing new insights into the physics of these objects. The technique, combined with machine learning, allows for the spatial resolution of ferroelectric domains below 10 nanometers.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Applied Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

New catalyst helps combine fuel cell, battery into one device

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a bifunctional catalyst for the oxygen electrode, enabling high round-trip energy efficiency in unitized regenerative fuel cells. The catalyst, Pt-Pyrochlore, has a bifunctionality index of 0.56 volts and achieved a RTE of 75%.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Hesitancy over the HPV vaccine has stabilized or risen in some subgroups

A recent study found that HPV vaccine hesitancy has either stabilized or increased in some ethnic and age groups, highlighting the need for targeted campaigns to encourage hesitant families. The study also identified several reasons why parents hesitate to vaccinate their children with the HPV vaccine.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateOct 6, 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.

Extinction and origination patterns change after mass extinctions

Scientists at Stanford University have discovered a pattern in how life reemerges after mass extinctions. In the past half-billion years, smaller marine genera were substantially more likely to be wiped out during mass extinction events, but during recovery intervals, originators tended to be tiny compared to holdover species.

SourceStanford University·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2021

Novel quantum effect discovered in naturally occurring graphene

Researchers have found a way to stabilize the novel quantum effect in graphene at room temperature, which could lead to breakthroughs in data storage and computer components. The discovery was made using standard microfabrication techniques and showed that the material can generate its own magnetic field.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Feather phenomenon: Radar indicates stronger hurricanes trap, transport more birds

Researchers found that stronger hurricanes trap and transport more birds due to their intense winds and thunderstorms. The study used radar data from 33 Atlantic hurricanes between 2011 and 2020, revealing a correlation between hurricane intensity and the presence of birds within the eye.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalRemote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation·DateOct 6, 2021

Study examines smoking risk factors and prevention among transgender and gender expansive adults

Researchers identified six major themes associated with smoking risk and protective factors among TGE adults, including experience of stress, gender affirmation, and environmental cues. The study aims to design culturally sensitive messaging for smoking cessation through social media and inform further community-engaged research.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateOct 6, 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.

Toxic fatty acids to blame for brain cell death after injury

A new study found that toxic fatty acids produced by astrocytes can trigger cell death in damaged neurons, which may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma and Alzheimer's. Blocking the production of these fatty acids in mice preserved 75% of neurons, suggesting a promising target for treatment.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateOct 6, 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.

How storytelling can help public health officials combat distrust, skepticism

Public health officials can use storytelling to resonate key messages with their audiences, taking into account social determinants of health and empathetic creativity. Effective storytelling highlights complexities, leading to strategies like outdoor firepits to address issues.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Lancet·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 6, 2021

Do opinions regarding climate change adjust to economic conditions?

A new study published in Economic Inquiry finds that economic conditions affect climate change beliefs only among those in the labor force, while retired individuals and students remain unaffected. The analysis resolves conflicting results on the determinants of popular support for climate change initiatives.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateOct 6, 2021

Study gauges healthcare worker stress during pandemic

A new study found that healthcare workers, especially those under age 50 and women, experienced exceptionally high levels of stress during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers analyzed data from an international questionnaire and discovered that paramedical staff had even higher stress levels than medical doctors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 6, 2021

FSU researchers find sense of purpose associated with better memory

A new study published in Memory journal found that individuals with a stronger sense of purpose reported more accessible, coherent, and vivid memories about the COVID-19 pandemic. Those with higher purpose also experienced fewer negative emotions when recalling memories.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalMemory·DateOct 6, 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.

Intelligence emerging from random polymer networks

A team of researchers from Osaka University has designed a sulfonated polyaniline network for reservoir computing, achieving 70% accuracy in speech recognition tasks. The device uses an electrochemical approach and has potential applications in the development of artificial intelligence devices.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Line and hook fishing techniques in Epipaleolithic Israel

A study at Jordan River Dureijat site in northern Israel uncovered a wide variety of hook shapes and sinkers, indicating humans had profound knowledge of fish behavior. The findings coincide with the beginning of agriculture in the region, highlighting the importance of aquatic resources for human subsistence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 6, 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.

Mapping the mouse brain, and by extension, the human brain too

Researchers create detailed atlas of mouse cerebrum, revealing distinct cell types and gene regulatory elements. The study provides insights into brain organization and function, with potential implications for human neurological diseases and traits.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateOct 6, 2021

Two new pit vipers discovered from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Researchers have identified two new species of venomous snakes, the Nujiang pit viper and the Glacier pit viper, found in the high-altitude regions of southwest China. The discovery suggests that glaciers may play a key role in isolating and speciating alpine pit vipers.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateOct 6, 2021

End-stage kidney disease and the power of decision-making

A new patient decision aid developed by Duke-NUS Medical School's experts empowers patients with ESKD to choose care strategies consistent with their values and goals. The tool provides a balanced overview of dialysis, kidney supportive care, and other treatment options.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalKidney International Reports·TypeSurvey·DateOct 5, 2021

A high-risk, high-reward approach to ALS

Researchers will compare blood samples from 400 patients with ALS to a control group to determine the impact of environmental exposures on the disease. The team aims to develop personalized treatments by understanding how environmental toxins trigger ALS progression.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateOct 5, 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 microbiome: Battle of the bugs

A new study reveals that E. coli bacteria can prevent Salmonella infections by competing with them for sugar substrates in the gut. The research team found that specific strains of Lachnospiraceae anaerobic bacteria are essential for E. coli to effectively exclude Salmonella.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 5, 2021

Moffitt researcher receives NIH director’s New Innovator Award

Ana Gomes, a Moffitt researcher, has been awarded the NIH Director's New Innovator Award to investigate how aging affects cancer development and treatment resistance. She aims to develop new strategies for personalized cancer treatment based on cell changes that occur with aging.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·DateOct 5, 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.

A robot that finds lost items

Researchers at MIT develop RFusion, a robotic system that uses data from a camera and radio frequency antenna to locate and retrieve lost items. The system relies on RFID tags and machine learning algorithms to optimize the robot's trajectory and grasp the object.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 5, 2021

Vaginal birth may be safer for pregnant women with kidney and liver transplants

A new study found that pregnant women with kidney or liver transplants can safely undergo trial of labor without increased risk to themselves or their babies. In fact, vaginal births resulted in improved outcomes for the baby without compromising maternal health. Conversely, cesarean births were associated with higher risks of complica...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 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.

Income inequality can harm children’s achievement in maths – but not reading, 27-year study suggests

A 27-year study suggests that income inequality is linked to lower maths scores among US children, with even richer students experiencing negative effects. The study found that states with higher income gaps saw poorer maths results, while reading grades were not associated with income inequality. Policymakers may need to consider redu...

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalEducational Review·DateOct 5, 2021

$18M NSF grant to build national semiconductor fabrication facility

The University of Arkansas will receive funding to build a unique production facility for silicon carbide integrated circuits, filling a void in US production. The open-access facility will provide opportunities for prototyping and device design, training the next generation of semiconductor researchers and engineers.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·DateOct 5, 2021

Worm mothers provide milk for their young

Researchers at University College London discovered that worm mothers secrete a milk-like fluid to support their offspring's growth. This unique selfless act helps explain mysteries about the biology of ageing in nematode worms, which could have far-reaching implications for understanding human ageing.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 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.

Cachexia: How do immune responses contribute to weight loss?

Cachexia is characterized by weight loss and muscle tissue shrinkage, driven by the immune system's response to chronic infections and diseases. Researchers from CeMM emphasize the need for more research into cachexia, highlighting the importance of interplay between the immune system and metabolism.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Reviews Immunology·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 5, 2021

Genes are individualists, not collectivists, during early fruit fly development

A new study published in Current Biology found that active genes do not form clusters and share resources during early fruit fly development. The researchers used high-resolution microscopy to visualize the physical position of active genes within the nucleus, observing that each gene has its own pool of transcriptional machinery.

SourceNew York University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 5, 2021

Chronic pain treatment should include psychological interventions

Psychological interventions are essential for chronic pain treatment in adults, addressing mental health and coping mechanisms that impact pain management. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating psychology into pain treatment protocols to enhance patient well-being.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateOct 5, 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.

Increase in fatal opioid overdoses after hospital discharge

Researchers investigated whether hospital admission and discharge are associated with increased risk of fatal drug overdoses. The study found that the first two days after hospital discharge is a critical moment for people who use illicit opioids.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2021

Georgia State Researchers receive $3.3 million to test novel intervention for preventing binge drinking and sexual assault

Researchers at Georgia State University have been awarded a $3.3 million grant to study a novel behavioral intervention targeting binge drinking and sexual assault among college students, tailored by gender and sexual orientation. The program, Positive Change (+Change), has shown promising preliminary efficacy in pilot studies and aims...

SourceGeorgia State University·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2021

Innovative sensor specifically and precisely detects molecule

Researchers from KIT and TU Darmstadt developed a novel sensor for gas molecules by combining a graphene transistor with a customized metal-organic coating. The sensor selectively detects ethanol and responds to neither other alcohols nor humidity.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 5, 2021

Study: Those under 40 are more likely than older adults to recover COVID-related smell and taste loss

A VCU study found that 4 out of every 5 COVID-19 survivors regain their sense of smell and taste within six months, with younger adults more likely to recover. Those with nasal congestion are more likely to recover their sense of smell, while those with head injuries or shortness of breath have a lower likelihood.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalAmerican Journal of Otolaryngology·TypeSurvey·DateOct 5, 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.

Sleep disorder linked to neurodegeneration is focus of $35 million US grant

An international team led by McGill University is developing biomarkers to identify people with REM sleep behavior disorder at risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and dementia. The team will study over 430 participants, including those with the disorder and healthy controls, to develop targeted therapies.

SourceMcGill University·DateOct 5, 2021

Soil microorganism provides clues into the breakdown of natural red dye

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have identified a soil microorganism that initiates the breakdown of carminic acid, a natural red dye extracted from insects. The discovery provides insight into the chemical reaction and its occurrence in nature.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 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.

A protein causes significantly higher risk of severe cancer progression for men

A research team at TUM has discovered that the protein TIMP1 is associated with a significantly higher risk of liver metastasis and death in male patients, particularly those with pancreatic, colon, and melanoma cancers. This finding may lead to improved diagnosis and targeted therapy options for men.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021