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Science News Archive October 2021 - Page 38


Page 38 of 40

Black patients’ Lyme disease often diagnosed late, possibly due to missed signs

A UCLA study found that Black patients with Lyme disease are more likely to have neurological complications, such as meningitis and neuropathy, when diagnosed late. The study analyzed data from 2015-16 and found that approximately 1 in 3 Black patients had these complications, compared to less than 1 in 10 white patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2021

CAR-T immunotherapy could be improved to kill solid tumors

Researchers found that CAR-T cells require a high number of antigens to kill melanoma cells, but TCR-T cells are more effective in detecting and killing tumor cells with lower levels of target molecules. This study could lead to better immunotherapies for solid tumors.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

Chemists develop new technology that detects algae crop health

Researchers developed a real-time measurement technique to detect algae health issues, detecting threats 37-76 hours earlier than traditional methods. This could save hundreds of millions of dollars in algae biomass losses and protect the world's most promising sustainable product source.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

Quantum mechanics affects light emission

Researchers found that quantum mechanics' influence on particles affects light emission, demonstrating wavefunction collapse and altering interference patterns. The study sheds new light on the counter-intuitive phenomenon, revealing a direct connection between light emission and quantum entanglement.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 4, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Differences in brain structure between siblings make some more susceptible to developing severe antisocial behaviour

Researchers discovered structural differences in brain regions responsible for decision-making and empathy in adolescents with conduct disorder compared to their unaffected siblings. These findings suggest that small changes in brain function may contribute to the development of antisocial behavior in some siblings.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPsychological Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 4, 2021

Comparable survival for pacemaker wearers after heart valve replacement

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet studied long-term outcomes of patients with pacemakers after transcatheter aortic valve replacement and found no significant difference in mortality. The study included over 3,400 patients, with 481 receiving permanent pacemakers within 30 days of surgery.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJACC Cardiovascular Interventions·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2021

6 out of 10 patients in England with ‘red flag’ symptoms not given urgent cancer referral

Research published in the journal BMJ Quality & Safety found that six out of ten patients in England with 'red flag' symptoms indicative of possible cancer didn't receive an urgent referral for specialist assessment within two weeks. Nearly four percent of these patients were diagnosed with cancer within the next 12 months.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Quality & Safety·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 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.

First European map of the insulating effect of forests

A European map has been created to show the insulating effect of forests, which cool the air by 2.1°C in summer and keep temperatures 2°C higher than ambient air in winter. This finding highlights the crucial role of forests in regulating temperature and provides shelter for wildlife.

SourceCNRS·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateOct 4, 2021

A look back into record-breaking 2020 Mei-yu rainfall and flooding throughout China: Magnitude, scale, and dynamics

Heavy precipitation affected a significant portion of China, with the Yangtze River basin experiencing extreme flooding and multi-day rain events. The study found that the East Asian Summer Monsoon front played a dominant role in bringing persistent precipitation to the region.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateOct 4, 2021

How apples get their shapes

Using observations, lab experiments, theory, and computation, researchers have developed a simple theory to explain the form and growth of apples' cusp-like features. The team found that mechanical instability and underlying fruit anatomy play joint roles in giving rise to multiple cusps in fruits.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 4, 2021

Aging-US: Cellular senescence in lymphoid organs and immunosenescence

Recent studies suggest that aging is a malleable process influenced by physiological, genetic, dietary, and pharmaceutical interventions. The relationship between cellular senescence and immunosenescence has been largely explored, with the goal of developing improved therapeutics to conserve vitality as we age.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·DateOct 4, 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.

Our DNA is becoming the world’s tiniest hard drive

A new method for recording information to DNA has been proposed by Northwestern University researchers, taking minutes to complete instead of hours or days. This method, called TURTLES, uses a novel enzymatic system to synthesize DNA that records rapidly changing environmental signals directly into DNA sequences.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 4, 2021

T-cell tests unreliable in establishing previous COVID-19

Researchers found that T-cell tests are prone to false-positive responses due to cross-reactive reactions with other infections. The study suggests that these tests should not be used for individual diagnosis, but may still have a role in research and studies.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2021

Shear-wave elastography for interventional monitoring of pediatric Budd-Chiari syndrome

A prospective study found that liver stiffness measurements obtained by shear-wave elastography decreased significantly after image-guided intervention for chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome in children. Disease recurrence was typically associated with an increase in liver stiffness measurements compared to prior assessments.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 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.

HKU Engineering makes breakthrough in droplet manipulation

Researchers have discovered an innovative way to navigate liquids on a surface without external force or energy. The breakthrough enables controllability, versatility and performance in delivering and transporting liquids, offering potential solutions for thermal management, desalination and other applications.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 4, 2021

Exposure to deadly urban heat worldwide has tripled in recent decades, says study

A new study found that urban heat exposure has tripled worldwide since the 1980s, affecting nearly a quarter of the global population. The study revealed that city dwellers are exposed to extreme heat and humidity for more person-days, with 1.7 billion people affected on multiple days.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2021

When the western US burns, the east also gets sick

A new study reveals that while Western US wildfires contribute more health problems, they affect a greater number of people in the Eastern US due to higher smoke concentrations. The researchers estimated 6,300 extra deaths annually from long-term smoke exposure, with most occurring in populous states.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeoHealth·DateOct 4, 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 reveal the growing threat extreme heat poses to urban populations

A new study reveals that exposure to extreme heat in urban areas has increased by 200% globally since the mid-1980s, with population growth contributing two-thirds of the increase. The study found that almost one in five people on Earth experienced increases in exposure to urban heat over the past 30 years.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2021

The case of the aquarium's disappearing medicine

Researchers at Shedd Aquarium and Northwestern University discovered a family of microbes responsible for disappearing anti-parasitic medicine in the aquarium's quarantine habitats. The microbes, which were using the medicine as a source of nitrogen, were found in outlet pipes and were identified as belonging to various phyla.

SourceNorthwestern University·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 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.

Growing droplets in the matrix

The study models biomolecular condensates using oil droplets and polymer mesh, revealing temperature modulation's impact on droplet growth and size distribution. The results provide insights into the formation of microscopic patterns in biological systems.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2021

Peritoneal dialysis: Cause and solution for complications found

Researchers at Medical University of Vienna discovered that lithium chloride can reduce peritoneal thickening, fibrosis markers, and αB-crystalline expression in mesothelial cells. This innovative solution aims to preserve the peritoneum for longer, allowing patients to live a normal life or wait for a transplant.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeCase study·DateOct 4, 2021

Convalescent plasma futile as treatment for critically ill COVID-19 patients

A clinical trial found that convalescent plasma did not improve survival rates in most critically ill COVID-19 patients. However, immunocompromised patients showed a slight improvement with the treatment. The researchers speculate that too few high-quality antibodies and a runaway inflammatory immune response may be to blame.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA·DateOct 4, 2021

Epigenetics predicts the efficacy of T-lymphocyte treatments in hematological malignancies

Researchers found a genetic regulation profile associated with improved overall survival and reduced disease relapse in patients treated with CAR-T cells. The epigenetic pattern is typical of young T lymphocytes, suggesting they may be ideal for selection and administration.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 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.

Urban mining for metals flashes forward

A new process recovers rhodium, palladium, gold and silver from electronic waste in seconds, producing a byproduct clean enough for agricultural land. The flash Joule heating method uses significantly less energy than traditional lab methods, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

Non-melanoma skin cancers increased 30% over 15 years in Ontario, Canada

Non-melanoma basal and squamous cell skin cancers saw a 30% rise in Ontario over 15 years, mostly among people under age 35. The annual mortality rates increased by almost 5-fold, with males experiencing higher rates than females.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2021

Cell “quakes” may help cells respond to the outside world

Researchers discovered that cytoquakes, rapid rearrangements of the cytoskeleton, occur due to slow buildup and sudden release of mechanical energy. These disturbances may aid cells in responding quickly to signals from their environment.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 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.

Study: New Pacific Ocean circulation findings may hold key to better predicting impact of El Niño and La Niña

Researchers at York University have discovered a conveyer-like motion of heat across the equator in the Pacific Ocean called the Cross Equatorial Cell (CEC), which influences El Niño and La Niña. This finding may lead to improved prediction of year-to-year disruptions to weather patterns, benefiting countries worldwide.

SourceYork University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Oceans·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2021

JILA’s comb breathalyzer is now a thousandfold more sensitive to disease biomarkers

Researchers at JILA have enhanced the sensitivity of their decade-old frequency comb breathalyzer to detect four biomarkers of disease in human breath. The upgraded system can also identify six additional chemicals, with potential implications for COVID-19 testing and real-time health monitoring.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 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.

Mount Sinai opens The Charles Lazarus Children’s Abilities Center

The Charles Lazarus Children’s Abilities Center at Mount Sinai offers cutting-edge treatments for children with disabilities, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The center features state-of-the-art equipment and a multidisciplinary team of experts providing comprehensive care to children from birth to age 21.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·TypeNews article·DateOct 4, 2021

Treating severe depression with on-demand brain stimulation

Researchers created a customized device that targets unique brain circuits associated with depression, providing immediate relief. The approach uses neural biomarkers to personalize therapy and has shown long-term efficacy in treatment-resistant patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 4, 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.

Reducing plastics in gardens

A new study by Flinders University and The University of Newcastle reveals that microplastics from various sources can contaminate garden soil after seven years, posing a risk to household environments. The research suggests that careful design and gardening practices can reduce contamination in suburban backyards.

SourceFlinders University·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 4, 2021

Restructuring biology: New study shows protein hydrophobic parts do not hate water

A new study by Okayama University scientists shows that proteins' hydrophobic parts do not repel water as previously thought. The researchers used computational methods to find that the van der Waals force between hydrophobic parts stabilizes the unfolded structure, leading to folding.

SourceOkayama University·JournalProtein Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2021

At-risk teens may face increased online threats

Research finds that at-risk teen girls who have experienced sexual abuse are more likely to be cyberbullied and experience heightened offline sexual activities. Targeted intervention strategies using algorithm-based approaches could help these teens navigate the Internet safely.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 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.

Travelling fires pose an underestimated risk to open building spaces

Travelling fires, which burn locally and spread across entire floors over time, can cause significant structural damage in large open-plan spaces. Researchers at Imperial College London have found that these lesser-known fires are a concern for buildings with fuel-rich environments, such as warehouses and offices.

SourceImperial College London·JournalFire Technology·DateOct 4, 2021

More memory B cells exist in those fully vaccinated with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, study says

A study by University of Minnesota Medical School researchers found that fully vaccinated individuals with a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection have a stronger immune response, producing more memory B cells. This increased immune response may reduce the risk of breakthrough infections and potentially fewer doses needed for booster shots.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 4, 2021

Specific UV light wavelength could offer low-cost, safe way to curb COVID-19 spread

A specific wavelength of Far ultraviolet-C light has been discovered that is both safe for humans and highly effective in killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This breakthrough could lead to affordable systems for reducing viral spread in crowded public spaces, complementing ventilation, mask wearing, and vaccination.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 4, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Why extinctions ran amok in ancient oceans, and why they slowed down

A new Stanford University study suggests that rising oxygen levels may have slowed down ancient ocean extinctions. The research found that oxygen levels beyond 40% of present atmospheric levels expanded viable ocean habitat and reduced extinction rates. This discovery has implications for understanding the fate of ocean creatures in to...

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2021

Supercomputers reveal how X chromosomes fold, deactivate

Researchers used supercomputer-driven dynamic modeling to study the process of X chromosome inactivation in female mammal embryos. The model revealed the role of RNA and chromosome structure in regulating gene expression, providing new insights into epigenetics and potential pathways for drug treatments.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2021

Do ‘Dear CEO’ letters make a difference?

A study by University of Georgia researchers found that BlackRock's 'Dear CEO' letters have a significant effect on portfolio firms, influencing their language in financial disclosures. The research suggests that institutional investors are impacting corporate decisions through broad-based public engagement.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalReview of Accounting Studies·DateOct 4, 2021

Legacy of racism in housing policies continues to impact maternal health

A new study by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that historic redlining policies continue to impact maternal health, with higher rates of pre-terms birth and maternal complications in Black women. The study used digitized HOLC maps to examine the relationship between housing policies and health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateOct 4, 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 first neuroscience evidence of team flow as a unique brain state

Researchers found a unique signature of team flow in brain activity, characterized by increased beta and gamma waves in the middle temporal cortex. This study provides a framework for understanding and enhancing team performance through objective neural methods.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournaleNeuro·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 4, 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.