Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2021 - Page 9


Page 9 of 40

Identification of genes that cause resistance to treatment of the pathogenic fungus Candida

Researchers have identified eight genes in the Candida glabrata fungus that confer resistance to various drugs. The study allows for genetic testing to diagnose potential drug resistance, guiding treatment choices. The findings also highlight cross-resistance phenomena, where exposure to one drug can lead to resistance to another.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 25, 2021

Urinary biomarkers predict severe kidney injury in patients hospitalized with COVID-19

Researchers found that certain urinary biomarkers, including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1, were associated with increased risk of severe acute kidney injury or death in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. These biomarkers may help identify patients at high risk for adverse kidney outcomes.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateOct 25, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

‘Smart bandage’ may help solve a major problem when treating chronic wounds

A new 'smart bandage' has been developed to track wound moisture levels wirelessly, enabling doctors to monitor wounds without removing the bandage. The technology could help improve wound healing rates by detecting optimal moisture levels, reducing the risk of disruption to the healing process.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Long COVID can negatively impact physical and cognitive function, employment, and quality of life for at least one year

A new study found that Long COVID can cause symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and cognitive impairment lasting over a year. The study also showed that more than 60% of patients experienced some level of cognitive impairment, with significant impacts on employment and quality of life.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation·DateOct 25, 2021

Shortened course of radiation therapy offers similar long-term side effects following prostate removal surgery

A recent clinical trial found that a shortened course of radiation therapy after prostate removal surgery does not increase long-term side effects or lower quality of life compared to conventional treatment. Patients who underwent hypofractionated, post-operative radiation therapy experienced comparable genitourinary and gastrointestin...

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateOct 25, 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.

Publication of 500-year-old manuscript exposes medieval beliefs and religious cults

A 500-year-old English illuminated manuscript provides fresh insights into Catholic beliefs in England before the Reformation. The metre-long prayer roll contains religious verse and illustrations, including symbols of Christ's crucifixion, which were connected to a famous pilgrimage site.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the British Archaeological Association·TypeContent analysis·DateOct 25, 2021

Mason researchers conducting collaborative research on worker-AI teaming to enable ADHd workforce participation in the construction industry of the future

Researchers are developing an AI-informed training teammate to promote active, cooperative learning and demonstrate feasibility of human-AI teaming technology for ADHD workers in the construction industry. The system will assess, adapt, and respond to worker behavior, predicting potential incidents and preventing injuries.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateOct 25, 2021

Men, women ride the same emotional roller coaster

Researchers found little-to-no differences in emotional fluctuations between men and women, contradicting long-held assumptions about hormonal influences on emotion. The study's findings have implications for research participation and understanding of emotional variability.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateOct 25, 2021

New project helps people who are blind safeguard private visual content

A new project aims to empower people who are blind to independently review and protect their personal visual content from accidental privacy leaks. Researchers have developed novel computer vision algorithms that can detect sensitive information in images and videos, allowing users to blur or remove private content before sharing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois School of Information Sciences·DateOct 25, 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.

Study explores how climate change may affect rain in U.S. Corn Belt

A new Penn State study explores how climate change affects rain in the U.S. Corn Belt, finding that air humidity plays a crucial role. The research suggests that high near-surface humidity is most important for convective precipitation or rain, contrary to previous expectations that soil moisture would be the key factor.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateOct 25, 2021

Assessing the potential of major earthquakes near NEOM

Researchers using satellite geodesy and InSAR imagery found the Arabian side of the Dead Sea Transform fault has been moving steadily northwards at around five millimeters per year. The studies suggest that large earthquakes may be less frequent near the southern end of the Gulf, but more investigations are needed for a resilient city.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalGeophysical Journal International·TypeSurvey·DateOct 25, 2021

Topological valley Hall edge solitons in photonics

Researchers discovered a novel topological edge soliton that inherits topological protection from its linear counterpart, enabling robust and localized light beams. This breakthrough is achieved through nonlinear photorefractive lattices harnessing the valley Hall effect, without requiring an external magnetic field.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Clues from the ancient past can help predict abrupt climate change

Researchers used ancient climate reconstructions to improve understanding of climate system thresholds and predict abrupt changes. By applying paleoclimate information to Earth System models, they demonstrated improved accuracy in simulating past abrupt climate events.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 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.

Urban areas across the US are undercounting greenhouse gas emissions

A new study reveals that methane emissions from US cities are 2-10 times higher than recent estimates, with Boston's emissions being six times higher due to pipeline and end-use emitters. The research found that seasonal consumption-based emissions account for 56% of total natural gas emissions in Boston.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2021

Artificial intelligence sheds light on how the brain processes language

A new study reveals that high-performing AI next-word prediction models resemble the function of language-processing centers in the human brain. The models' activity patterns closely match those seen in the brain during language tasks, suggesting a potential connection between AI and human language processing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2021

Rural areas, hit hard by COVID-19, lack access to new treatment trials

A new study reveals that rural Americans face significant challenges in accessing COVID-19 treatment trials, with many living more than an hour away from the nearest trial site. Native Americans and Alaska Natives are particularly affected, with over 50% living more than 60 minutes from a trial site.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 25, 2021

Effect of guaranteed financial incentives on COVID-19 vaccination

A pilot program in North Carolina found that offering incentive cash cards to adults who receive or drive someone to receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine significantly increases vaccination rates. The study suggests that guaranteed financial incentives can be an effective strategy to promote COVID-19 vaccination.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 25, 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.

Addition of genotypic resistance testing did not improve virologic response in patients with HIV virologic failure sub-Saharan Africa

A randomized controlled trial found that adding genotypic resistance testing to routine care didn't improve virologic suppression among HIV patients with first-line antiretroviral therapy failure in public-sector clinics in Uganda and South Africa. The findings highlight the need for effective interventions for persons with virologic f...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2021

Researchers identify conformers of ethyl peroxy radicals

A research group has identified conformers of ethyl peroxy radicals using vacuum ultraviolet photochemistry, providing important data for online detection of peroxy radicals and their isomers. The results show that the gauche conformer has a favorable Franck-Condon factor in ionization transitions.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateOct 25, 2021

Urgent changes needed to global guidelines designed to stop surgical infection

A new study revealed that global guidance for preventing Surgical Site Infections (SSI) is not effective and needs revision. The FALCON trial found no superiority of interventions like alcoholic chlorhexidine skin preparation and triclosan coated sutures over lower-cost alternatives.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 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.

A big leap forward in using iron catalysts for pharmaceuticals

University of Rochester researchers have developed a novel three-component cross-coupling reaction using iron catalysts, which could potentially bring iron to the front of the class. The reaction enables faster and less expensive synthesis of previously difficult-to-make drug-like compounds in a single step.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Scientists reveal genetic secrets of stress-tolerant mangrove trees

Mangroves have evolved a remarkable resistance to stress in harsh ocean environments. Researchers decoded the genome of Bruguiera gymnorhiza and found that it regulates genes to cope with stress, using adaptive epigenetic changes to survive.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·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.

Shadow loss: Young adults cope with missing out during pandemic

A new study reveals that young adults experienced significant losses during the pandemic, including missed social events and inability to say goodbye in person. Researchers collected stories from college students who reflected on their earliest and most significant losses regarding COVID-19.

SourceWashington State University·JournalDeath Studies·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2021

A tiny molecule with a big impact

Researchers uncover nitric oxide's dual effects on pathogens: direct destruction and prevention of excessive immune response. This discovery could lead to new treatments for infections and inflammatory diseases.

SourceOtto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

New discovery about diabetes may reduce the risk of organ failure

Researchers at Aarhus University identify how type 2 diabetes alters skeletal muscle stem cells, forming fat and scar tissue that can lead to organ failure. Treatment with metformin may reduce this process, offering new hope for managing the disease's complications.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2021

Community COVID-19 infections before, after NCAA march madness tournament

A recent study reveals that social gatherings among unvaccinated students during the 2021 NCAA March Madness basketball tournament led to increased COVID-19 infections in a university community. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, suggests that these gatherings occurred eight days after the final game.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 25, 2021

White flight may still enforce segregation

Research finds that white Americans perceive a threat to their culture when presented with changing demographics in hypothetical neighborhoods and schools. This perception fuels fears of foreign cultural threat from racial and ethnic minorities, contributing to the persistence of segregation.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateOct 25, 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.

Lowering blood insulin levels could lower your risk of getting COVID-19

Researchers from Osaka University found that SARS-CoV-2 binds to a cell-surface protein whose expression is promoted by high blood insulin levels in older, obese, and diabetic individuals. Regulating blood insulin levels may help lower COVID-19 risk by reducing GRP78 expression.

SourceOsaka University·JournalDiabetes·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Sharpest images ever reveal the patchy face of living bacteria

Researchers have recorded the sharpest images of living bacteria, revealing a complex architecture that makes them harder to kill by antibiotics. The study found that bacteria with protective outer layers may have stronger and weaker spots on their surface.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Brainstem pathway modulates pain in placebo effect

A new study found that the brainstem plays a key role in modulating pain signals in the spinal cord based on expectations, with increased activity linked to the placebo effect and decreased activity to the nocebo effect.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateOct 25, 2021

Deterioration of brain cells in Parkinson’s disease is slowed by blocking the Bach1 protein, preclinical study shows

A preclinical study found that blocking the Bach1 protein slowed brain cell deterioration in Parkinson's disease. The researchers identified a potent inhibitor of Bach1 called HPPE, which protected cells from inflammation and oxidative stress, and showed promise as a potential therapeutic target.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 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.

Seagrass restoration study shows rapid recovery of ecosystem functions

A new study published in Ecological Applications demonstrates rapid expansion of restored eelgrass plots and recovery of ecosystem functions, providing improved habitat for fish and invertebrates. The study shows that restored plots can recover near or at the level seen in natural eelgrass meadows within a few years.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalEcological Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Scientists make breakthrough in understanding how penicillin works

Researchers revealed that β-lactam antibiotics like penicillin kill MRSA by forming small holes in the cell wall, which gradually enlarge and lead to bacterial death. This discovery provides new avenues for treatment developments against antibiotic-resistant superbugs.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2021

Aquatic fungus has already wiped amphibians off the map and now threatens survival of terrestrial frogs

A study in the Atlantic Rainforest detected high mortality rates among tiny frogs known as pumpkin toadlets infected with the chytrid fungus. The infection causes a physiological imbalance leading to death from a heart attack. Climate change and drought may exacerbate the threat to terrestrial amphibians.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiological Conservation·DateOct 25, 2021

Call-and-response circuit tells neurons when to grow synapses

A team of scientists led by Associate Professor Nicola Allen found that astrocyte signaling is directly related to each stage of neuronal development. The researchers determined that astrocytes respond to neurotransmitters produced by neurons to control the timing of signal production, instructing neuronal growth and development.

SourceSalk Institute·JournaleLife·DateOct 25, 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.

Marijuana vaping among adolescents

A review and meta-analysis of 17 studies found a significant increase in cannabis vaping among adolescents in the US and Canada. The study reported nearly 200,000 participants, with a doubling of reported vaping prevalence over the eight-year period.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 25, 2021

COVID-19 immunity in young Swedish adults investigated

A study of young Swedish adults found that over one in four had SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies, but fewer had measurable levels of memory B and T cells compared to other age groups. The researchers will continue to study long COVID and vaccination effects on immunity.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 25, 2021

COVID-19: Does having received the BCG vaccine as a child provide a protective effect?

A Quebec research team conducted the first-ever study to examine the long-term protective effect of the BCG vaccine against COVID-19. Despite previous studies suggesting a correlation between childhood vaccination status and lower mortality rates, the researchers found no long-term protective effect of BCG against COVID-19.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalVaccine·TypeCase study·DateOct 25, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Researchers discover a way to increase the effectiveness of antibiotics

A new research discovery at Monash University has found a way to make antibiotics more effective against 'superbugs' by attaching chemoattractants to antibiotics, enabling the recruitment of immune cells and improving killing ability. The findings have shown a 2-fold increase in effectiveness with lower doses.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Use of stimulants in older adults associated with higher risk for cardiovascular events in first month

A study by University of Toronto researchers found that using prescription stimulant medications increased the risk of cardiovascular events by 40% in older adults within the first 30 days. The risk was highest during initial use, but decreased over time as patients stopped taking the medication.

SourceUniversity of Toronto - Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 25, 2021

Redefining human diseases through the lens of your DNA

Researchers at Osaka University analyzed data from over 200 health-related traits and diseases in an Asian population to identify specific genomic loci related to medical indications. The study found 14,000 genomic loci of phenotypic significance, including 5,000 novel discoveries.

SourceOsaka University·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2021

That primate’s got rhythm!

A study on a critically endangered primate species has discovered categorical rhythms in its songs, similar to those found in human music. The researchers recorded indri songs over a period of twelve years and found both 1:1 and 1:2 rhythmic categories, as well as ritardando effects.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalCurrent Biology·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.

‘Nanozyme’ therapy prevents harmful dental plaque build-up

A study by the University of Pennsylvania and Indiana University found that a nanozyme therapy, combining ferumoxytol and hydrogen peroxide, significantly reduced the buildup of harmful dental plaque and targeted bacteria responsible for tooth decay. The treatment effectively killed Streptococcus mutans bacteria while leaving other ora...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNano Letters·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2021

BICEP3 tightens the bounds on cosmic inflation

The BICEP3 experiment has ruled out several popular inflation models, including some motivated by string theory. The findings suggest that the correct model will be slightly more complicated than those ruled out, but still offer a wide range of viable alternatives.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2021

Tiny microscopic hunters could be a crystal ball for climate change

Researchers at Duke University used mini ecosystems to test the effects of warming on bacteria-eating protists. They found that simple measurements of species traits could predict their response to temperature, shedding light on how climate change will alter microbial communities and influence the pace of global warming.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Interactive floor system makes tracks in encouraging children’s play

Researchers developed an interactive system using floor projections that respond to the player's movements to encourage children's imagination and engagement. The system was evaluated in a study, revealing that unrealistic interactions stimulate children's imaginations more than realistic interactions.

SourceKobe University·JournalInternational Journal of Child-Computer Interaction·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 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.

Groundbreaking electroceutical research on spleen function

Researchers developed a graphene-based electrode, the sutrode, to modulate spleen function and immune response in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and sepsis. The device can control different terminal nerves, increasing precision in organ function regulation.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature·DateOct 25, 2021