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Science News Archive October 2021 - Page 8


Page 8 of 40

Why some Darwin’s finch nestlings have yellow beaks

A study published in Current Biology found that a mutation affecting the expression of a key carotenoid pigment gene is responsible for the yellow color of some Darwin's finch nestlings. The genetic basis for this variation was poorly understood, but researchers were able to identify the underlying mechanism using modern genetic tools.

SourceUppsala University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational 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.

Mapping the impact of tiered pricing reform on China’s residential electricity use

A study in China finds that the country's tiered pricing reform has reduced residential electricity use by 6.5 kWh per household on a county-level basis, accounting for 6.1% of monthly usage prior to the reform. The policy change also shows promise as a tool for guiding residents to use electricity more efficiently.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalChina Economic Quarterly International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2021

A new 3D printing frontier: Self-powered wearable devices

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have developed an all-printed piezoelectric wearable device that detects hand gestures and heartbeats without an external power source. The device utilizes a new hybrid printing method combining multi-material aerosol jet printing and extrusion printing.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNano Energy·DateOct 26, 2021

How robots can rule roads

Experts say that connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) can reduce road casualties, but require a framework for ethical goals to meet their potential. The introduction of CAVs will depend on the development of new rules and regulations.

SourceFlinders University·JournalEthics and Information Technology·TypeCase study·DateOct 26, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Horse hyperimmune antibody may help the fight against COVID-19, Brazilian study finds

A Brazilian study demonstrates that a hyperimmune serum consisting of purified antibody fragments produced in horses can be an efficient approach to combat covid-19. The neutralizing activity of the sera has been proved to be high against the P.1 (Gamma) and P.2 variants, improving animal clinical conditions in hamsters.

SourceInstituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INBEB)·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Study finds genetic markers may predict severity of COVID-19 infection

Scientists at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have identified specific genetic biomarkers in blood samples that can indicate the severity of COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that these signals can be used to monitor SARS-CoV-2 status and predict clinical outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 26, 2021

Sex, drugs, and genes: Moral attitudes share a genetic basis

A new study published in Psychological Science found that moral views concerning recreational drugs and openness to noncommitted sex are approximately 50% heritable, with the remaining 50% explained by unique environment. The researchers also discovered substantial overlap in genetic effects underlying both factors.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 26, 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.

Many new college students report pet separation anxiety

A recent study by Washington State University researchers found that 75% of new first-year college students experience some level of pet separation anxiety, with one in four reporting moderate to severe symptoms. Students who treated their pets like people were more likely to experience high levels of anxiety.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAnthrozoös·TypeSurvey·DateOct 26, 2021

NTU Singapore scientists create device that uses ‘light tweezers’ to trap and move viruses

Researchers developed a device that uses light to manipulate and isolate individual viruses, enabling precise diagnosis, treatment, and study of viruses. The device has the potential to aid in vaccine development and research on SARS-CoV-2 virus, allowing for targeted analysis of specific virus mutants.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalACS Sensors·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Annual Report to the Nation Part 2: Patient economic burden of cancer care more than $21 billion in the United States in 2019

A new report reveals that cancer patients in the US bear a significant financial burden, with total out-of-pocket costs reaching over $21 billion in 2019. The majority of these costs are associated with breast and prostate cancers, which are among the most prevalent types in the country.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 26, 2021

Ancient permafrost bacteria can be resistant to modern antibiotics

Scientists found ancient bacteria in permafrost resistant to streptomycin, spectinomycin, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline. Genome analysis revealed limited differences between ancient and modern strains, suggesting a potential threat to human health due to global warming.

SourceFederal Research Centre «Fundamentals of Biotechnology» of the Russian Academy of Science·JournalBiology·DateOct 26, 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.

Tumor reasons why cancers thrive in chromosomal chaos

Researchers describe how cancer cells exploit genetic and cellular processes to promote tumor survival and growth. The study found that aneuploidy, a condition of abnormal chromosome number, intersects with the stress response mechanism in cancer cells, leading to immune cell dysregulation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEMBO Reports·DateOct 26, 2021

Main renal artery plus branch ablation in the treatment of resistant hypertension with renal denervation

A new study found that main renal artery plus branch ablation improves blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension, a condition where traditional treatments fail. The procedure, which involves denervating the kidney's sympathetic nerves, showed promising results with no significant long-term benefits.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateOct 26, 2021

Broadband spintronic-metasurface terahertz emitters with tunable chirality

Researchers developed a novel spintronic-metasurface terahertz emitter that generates broadband, circularly polarized, and coherent terahertz waves. The design offers flexible manipulation of the polarization state and helicity with magnetic fields, enabling efficient generation and control of chiral terahertz waves.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

New public health education programs to address workforce needs

The grant aims to educate diverse students for vital jobs in public health informatics and technology. UMass Lowell will offer new undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as certificates, to increase representation from underrepresented communities in the public health IT workforce.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·DateOct 26, 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.

Scientists enable blind woman to see simple shapes using brain implant

A team of scientists successfully created a form of artificial vision for a blind woman using a prosthesis hardwired into her brain. The Moran|Cortivis Prosthesis enabled Gómez to identify lines, shapes, and simple letters evoked by different patterns of stimulation.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 26, 2021

Managing water resources in a low-to-no-snow future

A new study analyzes when a low-to-no-snow future might arrive and its implications for water management. If greenhouse gas emissions continue, low-to-no-snow winters will become regular occurrences in the western U.S. in 35 to 60 years.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 26, 2021

How a natural disaster can bring couples closer

A new study found that couples in the Houston area experienced a significant increase in relationship satisfaction after Hurricane Harvey, despite previous research suggesting stress spillover would decrease satisfaction. The researchers discovered that those who were unhappy before the hurricane saw the largest jumps in satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPsychological Science·TypeSurvey·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.

Teaching robots to think like us

Researchers use physical reservoir computing to teach robots to think like humans by simulating brain signals. The system enables goal-directed behavior without additional learning, highlighting a potential breakthrough in AI development.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 26, 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.

New molecule targets, images and treats lung cancer tumors in mice

Researchers developed a molecular agent that can target lung and other cancer cells for imaging and treatment, distinguishing between healthy and cancerous cells. The new approach uses a unique chemistry method to tune the reactivity of the molecule, avoiding off-target effects.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

The path from pollutants in food to a heightened allergic response

Cadmium exposure has been linked to an increased risk of developing allergies, particularly asthma, in children. Researchers found that gut bacteria over-produce an enzyme degrading vitamin D after cadmium ingestion, mimicking a deficiency, leading to enhanced allergic reactions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMucosal Immunology·DateOct 26, 2021

Study reveals a gene crucial to sperm cell production

The study reveals that the Cdc42 gene is essential for proper alignment and function of Sertoli cells, which support sperm cell development. Disruptions in this gene can lead to reduced testicular function and infertility. Researchers hope to develop non-invasive diagnostic tests to identify specific causes of male infertility.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 26, 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.

Alzheimer’s disease may cause vicious circle between brain network and immune cell dysfunctions

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes discovered that non-convulsive epileptic activity drives chronic brain inflammation in Alzheimer's models, which can be reversed by eliminating protein tau or using the anti-epileptic drug levetiracetam. This link between brain networks and immune cells may hold promising treatments for Alzheimer's di...

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournaliScience·DateOct 26, 2021

Children with autism twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts, according to new research from Kennedy Krieger

A new study by Kennedy Krieger Institute found that children with autism spectrum disorder are twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts during routine medical screenings. The study highlights the importance of implementing suicide risk screenings for all children, especially those with neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourcePROFILES, Inc.·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateOct 26, 2021

Discovery of a new species of fish thanks to sounds

Researchers have identified a new species of damselfish, Dascyllus emamo, based on distinct sounds emitted during mating and territorial defense in different populations. The discovery was confirmed through genetic analysis, revealing significant differences between the sound-producing populations.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 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.

What causes disease outbreaks?

A study by the University of Georgia's Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases identified contaminated water as the most common driver of large-scale zoonotic disease outbreaks. The researchers analyzed over 4,400 outbreaks and found that unusual weather patterns and changes in vector abundance were also significant contributors.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateOct 26, 2021

Fermented soybeans suppress asthma-induced airway inflammation

A new study published in Nutrients found that consuming fermented soy product ImmuBalance reduces eosinophilic-related inflammation in the bronchi of asthma model mice. The researchers also discovered a suppression of proteins that induce eosinophilic inflammation, suggesting beneficial effects for allergic asthma.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalNutrients·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 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.

Fossil rivers of the Sahara tell of the threat of warming

A UNIGE-led team studied fossil rivers to reconstruct the Sahara's rainfall rates that led to a major migration of people away from the Nile valley 10,000 years ago. The research found a sharp increase in intense rainfall events, forcing riverine populations to migrate to central Egypt.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·TypeNews article·DateOct 26, 2021

Grant funds study of free-living nitrogen fixers in organic systems

Researchers will test inexpensive techniques to increase asymbiotic nitrogen fixation, aiming to reduce reliance on expensive certified organic fertilizers. The project aims to provide evidence for a cheap, effective, and sustainable form of nitrogen for organically managed crops.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateOct 26, 2021

Warmer water, less nutrition

Researchers found that warmer seawater temperatures decreased the nutritional content of giant kelp, a vital food source for many marine species. This decline could lead to population declines among consumers of kelp, including fish, invertebrates, and shorebirds, with far-reaching effects on entire ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalOikos·DateOct 26, 2021

The young plant’s pantry does more than just feed it

A UNIGE team discovered that the endosperm's role extends beyond nutrition to influence seedling development, including cuticle formation. In its absence, seedlings fail to develop normally, highlighting the tissue's crucial protective function.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeNews article·DateOct 26, 2021

D-dimer test still helpful to rule out pulmonary embolisms in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Researchers found that a screening blood test for major blood clots in the lungs is still useful for ruling out pulmonary embolism in COVID patients, with low D-dimer levels indicating no clot presence. The test can help avoid more expensive and invasive diagnostic tests, reducing patient safety risks.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 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.

Transplants for alcohol-related liver inflammation surge during pandemic

During the pandemic, registrations for alcoholic hepatitis and deceased donor liver transplants increased by over 50%, associated with rising alcohol sales. Alcoholic hepatitis can lead to permanent scarring and long-term damage if left untreated, highlighting the need for public health interventions around excessive alcohol consumption.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 26, 2021

Magnetic material 3D-printed from nonmagnetic powder

Researchers at Skoltech and their colleagues have successfully created a magnetic material by 3D printing a gradient alloy from nonmagnetic powders. The resulting alloy exhibits ferromagnetic properties, opening up potential applications in machine engineering, such as electrical motors.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Materials Processing Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

New research finds air pollution reduces sperm counts through brain inflammation

Researchers at University of Maryland School of Medicine discovered that air pollution causes inflammation in the brain, leading to reduced sperm counts in mice. The findings suggest it may be possible to develop treatments for various medical conditions caused by air pollution.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 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.

Chemists at St Petersburg University discover a compound with a laser-induced ‘switching’ of biological activity

Scientists at St Petersburg University have developed a new organic compound that can 'switch' its biological activity on demand under exposure to light, increasing precision and safety in affecting human body cells. The phosphonate can be used in various medical spheres, including ophthalmology and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalNew Journal of Chemistry·DateOct 25, 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.

Clinically significant cataract linked to increased risk of vascular death

A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that individuals with clinically significant cataracts have a higher risk of dying from strokes and heart attacks. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 participants and found that the risk of death was 36% higher for those who had undergone cataract surgery.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2021

New study helps those with depression pick antidepressant based on health history

A new study published in EClinical Medicine found that a person's existing medical conditions can significantly impact which antidepressant works best for them. The data-driven website allows patients to share their medical history and receive personalized recommendations for antidepressants.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2021

3 teens with COVID-19 developed sudden severe psychiatric symptoms. Why?

A new study found that COVID-19 can trigger severe psychiatric symptoms in adolescents, with anti-neural antibodies playing a potential role. Two patients with mild/asymptomatic COVID developed suicidal thoughts and paranoid fears, while another patient without prior psychiatric history recovered fully after treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateOct 25, 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.