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Science News Archive October 2021 - Page 6


Page 6 of 40

Survival similar for younger and older patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, study finds

A new study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that younger patients with metastatic colorectal cancer have a similar overall survival time as older patients, defying expectations. The study included data from the CALGB/SWOG 80405 clinical trial and compared survival times in 514 younger patients under 50 with 1,812 older patients.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2021

How employers can keep experienced older workers from retiring

A study of over 750,000 federal employees aged 50+ found that those in high-quality jobs were more likely to delay retirement, especially if they lacked a college degree or managerial experience. Employers can attract these workers by investing in autonomy, training opportunities, and good benefits.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPersonnel Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 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.

Profound ecological change in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea

Recent study reveals that non-indigenous tropical species are occupying 'empty niches' in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, altering ecosystem functioning. The findings suggest that these species are successful invaders due to their distinct biological traits, rather than direct competition with native species.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateOct 27, 2021

Giving disadvantaged kids a sporting chance

A new study by Flinders University highlights the importance of organized activities for disadvantaged youth, finding they are almost three times more likely to miss out on such opportunities. Participation in these activities can help reduce socio-economic disparities by promoting better mental health and improved educational outcomes.

SourceFlinders University·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2021

Higher education must prepare graduates to adapt to changing labor conditions

A recent special issue of Human Systems Management explores how higher education can prepare students for the modern labor market. The research highlights the importance of developing knowledge-driven competitiveness, entrepreneurial thinking, and human rights for education and work.

SourceIOS Press·JournalHuman Systems Management·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 27, 2021

Making Martian rocket biofuel on Mars

Researchers at Georgia Tech have created a bioproduction process to produce rocket fuel on Mars, reducing mission cost and generating excess clean oxygen. The bio-ISRU strategy uses cyanobacteria to convert CO2 into sugars, which are then converted by E. coli into a Martian propellant.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 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.

Sweet! How glycogen is linked to heat generation in fat cells

A recent study by the University of California - San Diego team discovered that glycogen regulates and promotes fat metabolism, helping to balance energy intake and expenditure. The research suggests modulating glycogen metabolism in fat cells could provide new approaches for weight loss and improved metabolic health.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateOct 27, 2021

Researchers map best conditions for forage fishes in the Chesapeake

A new study by Virginia Institute of Marine Science researchers maps the conditions most suitable for key species of forage fishes in the Chesapeake Bay, offering guidance for protecting or restoring their habitats. The analysis reveals that factors such as water depth and temperature affect the abundance of forage fish, with some spec...

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Biodiversity collections address science workforce needs

A new module in biodiversity collections addresses the need for scientists to have both foundational biological skills and data acumen. The module was implemented in 10 courses across four universities and showed strong learning results, with students feeling well-prepared to collect and archive specimens, as well as deposit digital da...

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2021

Certain brain rhythms coordinate cognitive map in human spatial navigation

Researchers found that theta oscillations in the medial prefrontal cortex and entorhinal cortex coordinate spatial computations, guiding human navigation behavior. Grid-like representations were identified in both regions, with synchronization between them predicting navigational performance.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2021

Membrane vesicles studied as carcinoma treatment

Researchers from Kazan Federal University have developed a gene-cell preparation that uses membrane vesicles to target and kill cancer cells. The technology has shown promise in treating various types of cancer, including breast, lung, and colon cancer.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalTissue and Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 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.

Optimal concentrations of enzymes and their substrates

Researchers found that optimal cellular efficiency occurs when substrate mass equals free enzyme waiting to convert it into products. This relationship was confirmed with E. coli experimental data, offering insights into biochemistry and cellular physiology.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 27, 2021

The surprising origins of the Tarim Basin mummies

A genomic study of the Tarim Basin mummies in western China found that they were direct descendants of a once widespread Pleistocene population known as Ancient North Eurasians. The mummies show no evidence of admixture with other Holocene groups, forming a previously unknown genetic isolate.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature·DateOct 27, 2021

An old drug saves lives of COVID-19 patients

A study co-led by McMaster University found that fluvoxamine can save the lives of COVID-19 patients and reduce hospital admissions by up to 30%. The treatment was effective in preventing COVID-19 from becoming a life-threatening illness when administered early.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 27, 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.

Moving past conflation of race and genetics

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing argue that conflating race and genetics leads to misdiagnoses and reinforces racist beliefs. The conflation is perpetuated in medical research, such as studies on neonatal abstinence syndrome, which can result in inequitable treatment according to race.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 27, 2021

A novel solution to a combinatorial optimization problem in bicycle sharing systems

Researchers develop an algorithm to find optimal or near-optimal solutions in the space of 'infeasible solutions' to speed up search, alleviating traffic congestion and improving city living. A novel solution to a combinatorial optimization problem in bicycle sharing systems is proposed.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalApplied Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 27, 2021

Researchers uncover new links between arts programming and social action

A study by NYU researchers reveals that participating in arts programming enhances critical consciousness among youth of color and white youth alike, promoting greater awareness of social inequity. This breakthrough finding highlights the significance of arts programming as a site for developing critical consciousness.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 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.

Tiny pterosaurs dominated Cretaceous skies

Researchers found that tiny pterosaur juveniles, known as flaplings, dominated the Late Cretaceous period due to their exceptional growth rates and feeding ecology. These findings suggest that the smaller species of pterosaurs were overshadowed by their giant parent's offspring.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalCretaceous Research·DateOct 27, 2021

Exploiting cancer’s sweet tooth

Researchers discovered that acute myeloid leukemia (AML) depends on a transporter to bring in inositol, a sugar required for cells to survive. By blocking this transporter, cancer cells would starve without inositol. This method leaves normal cells unharmed as they can produce their own inositol.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCancer Discovery·DateOct 27, 2021

Model of predator-prey relationship helps predict spread of COVID-19

Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict the spread of COVID-19, taking into account restrictions and containment policies. The model successfully calculated the total number of infected and peak infection days in the 2014-2015 Ebola virus epidemic.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalEurasian Economic Review·DateOct 27, 2021

Study captures, quantifies decline in military surgeon readiness

A recent study found that the number of surgical procedures contributing to military surgeon readiness decreased by approximately 25% between 2015 and 2019. This decline, attributed to reduced surgical volumes at military hospitals, poses a potential gap in care for deployed settings.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateOct 27, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

ASTRO: Optimizing preoperative radiation therapy in high-risk sarcoma

A phase 2 single-institution study found that dose-equivalent preoperative radiation therapy delivered in five days rather than over the conventional five weeks produced similar benefits and treatment side effects. The study showed excellent local control rates with acceptable toxicities and wound complications.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateOct 27, 2021

A mathematical model to help optimize vaccine development

A mathematical model has been developed to better understand the immune response to vaccines, which could improve vaccine design and simplify technical challenges. The model shows that antibodies and cytotoxic T cells cooperate multiplicatively, providing vaccine developers with options for their design.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalTrends in Immunology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 27, 2021

Researchers film fundamental life process

Researchers at the University of Bonn have successfully filmed the nuclear export of protein-building machines, or ribosomes, from the nucleus to the rest of the cell. The study provides new insights into this complex process, which is crucial for understanding how cells produce proteins.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2021

The upside-down orbits of a multi-planetary system

Exoplanets HD3167b and two mini-Neptunes orbit in planes perpendicular to each other, with the innermost planet still in the equatorial plane. The discovery suggests an unknown celestial body responsible for this disorder is likely at play.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeNews article·DateOct 27, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Gastric cells—Plant substance from wine influences acid secretion via a bitter receptor

A study by Veronika Somoza's team found that gallic acid stimulates gastric cells to secrete acid via the bitter receptor TAS2R4. The plant substance affects acid secretion regardless of whether it is added to water or red wine. This discovery provides new insights into the functions of bitter receptors in food ingredients.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2021

Hazardous levels of alcohol consumption identified in African hunter-gatherer group

Researchers found that 44.3% of the Mbendjele BaYaka population had hazardous alcohol consumption, associated with mental and physical health harms like high blood pressure and increased diarrhoea rates. The study emphasizes the need for community involvement and socioeconomic changes to address the underlying drivers of poor health.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2021

Pandemic’s effect on scientists may be long lasting, study finds

A Northwestern University-led study found that while researchers' productivity levels have returned to pre-pandemic highs, scientists who did not pursue COVID-19-related research initiated 36% fewer new projects in 2020 compared to 2019. This decline suggests the pandemic's impact on science may be longer-lasting than commonly imagined.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·TypeSurvey·DateOct 26, 2021

The health risks of cancelling daylight saving time

A study by José María Martín-Olalla suggests that cancelling daylight saving time could result in increased early morning activity in winter, negatively impacting human health. This is due to the UK's alignment with sunrise during winter mornings, which has helped regulate daily activity.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalChronobiology International·DateOct 26, 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.

New battery technology could power wearable, self-sustaining fever detector

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a wearable, self-sustaining fever detector that uses thermal energy harvesting to power its electronic device. The device can generate an unprecedented 87 millivolts per degree Celsius, making it large enough to operate typical wearable electronics.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateOct 26, 2021

Cells move by controlling the stiffness of their neighbours

Researchers discovered cells can regulate neighboring cell stiffness to facilitate movement, a finding that could aid in understanding developmental disorders and cancer metastasis. This novel mechanism may provide a strategy for slowing or preventing cancer spread by altering tissue stiffness.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Breastfeeding protects babies from bacteria resistant to antibiotics

A study found that infant formula is associated with a 70% higher occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes in newborns. Breastfeeding, on the other hand, reduces the proliferation of opportunistic pathogens, potentially lessening the risk of difficult infections.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 26, 2021

Project aims to improve accuracy of climate change models

A new project led by Cornell University's Flavio Lehner will improve climate models to reduce uncertainty in future water projections. The research aims to assess the sensitivity of models to changing environmental factors, such as temperature and greenhouse gases.

SourceCornell University·DateOct 26, 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.

Citizen scientists’ contributions a boon to snowpack modeling, OSU research shows

Researchers from Oregon State University have found that citizen scientist contributions significantly improve snowpack modeling, particularly in high mountain environments. The study leverages data collected by thousands of citizen scientists through the NASA-funded Community Snow Observations project.

SourceOregon State University·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 26, 2021

The signatures of peritoneal metastases

Researchers developed two model systems to study peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer patients. Biomarkers were identified, including severe mutations of the BRCA2 gene, which predict therapy response. These findings offer new hope for treating advanced cases.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalMolecular Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

It's never too late to treat progeria

Researchers from the CNIC and CIBERCV have created an animal model of HGPS, allowing them to study its effects and test treatments. They found that suppressing progerin expression and restoring lamin A can increase life expectancy by up to 84.5% in mice with mild symptoms, even if treatment is started late.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 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 fate of vegetable and endogenous indoles in our body

A recent study has identified the superior antitumor efficacy of LTr1 over commercialized compound DIM, revealing new insights into the metabolism of indole-3-carbinol. The research team discovered that LTr1 is formed through the Michael addition of 3-methyleneindolium to DIM in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 26, 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.

Kick-start of a new generation of climate scientists

The CriticalEarth project is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Innovative Training Network preparing 15 PhD students for studying critical transitions and tipping points in the Earth system. The network aims to investigate how complex mathematics can be used to predict and avoid irreversible climate change.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·DateOct 26, 2021

Psychologists create first-ever body-maps of hallucinations

Researchers at the University of Leicester created novel body-maps of hallucinations, documenting feelings and sensations in the body during psychosis. These maps revealed recurrent concentrations of feelings like pain, heat, or tension in specific body areas.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2021

Emerging optics advances next-generation AR/VR displays

Recent advances in holographic optical elements, surface relief gratings, metasurfaces, and micro-LEDs offer new optical architectures to break the etendue limitation in AR/VR displays. These innovations have led to improved system performance, reduced size, and increased weight tolerance.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateOct 26, 2021

A rare quaternary compound FeO2H2He stabilized under high pressure

Researchers have discovered a rare quaternary compound FeO2H2He that can be stabilized at high pressures. The study reveals a novel superionic state of the compound, hosting liquid-like hydrogen in its sublattice, which promotes close coalescence of hydrogen and helium.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 26, 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.

Advancing agriculture threatens the livelihoods of forest-dependent people

A new study reveals that deforestation in the Gran Chaco has led to the disappearance of over 20% of homesteads inhabited by forest-dependent people. The research highlights the significant social impacts of agricultural expansion on these communities, who rely on the forests for their livelihoods.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2021