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Science News Archive September 2021


Page 1 of 40

Connecting the dots between material properties and qubit performance

Scientists discovered structural and surface chemistry defects in superconducting niobium qubits that may cause loss. The study pinpointed these defects using state-of-the-art characterization capabilities at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials and National Synchrotron Light Source II.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalCommunications Materials·DateSep 30, 2021

New metamaterial with unusual reflective property could boost your Wi-Fi signal

Researchers at University of Toronto have developed a new metamaterial that can channel light to enable more wireless data transmission over a single frequency, potentially doubling the capacity of existing networks. The 'full-duplex' intelligent metasurface has the potential to revolutionize wireless communication.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 30, 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.

Optically generated quantum fluids of light reveal exotic matter-wave states in condensed matter physics

Scientists from Skoltech and the University of Southampton created an all-optical lattice that houses polaritons, quasiparticles with half-light and half-matter properties. They demonstrated breakthrough results for condensed matter physics and flatband engineering.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

Study: Aerobic exercise after a sport-related concussion speeds recovery in adolescent athletes

A new study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that daily aerobic exercise within 10 days of getting injured reduced the risk of prolonged recovery by 48%. This approach is non-pharmacological, safe and effective, with benefits experienced by both genders equally.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 30, 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.

OSU study on African buffalo offers insights on persistence of highly contagious pathogens

A new OSU study on African buffalo offers insights into the persistence of highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease pathogens. Researchers found that carrier transmission among certain strains can allow them to persist in populations, highlighting the need for public health interventions to limit transmission and endemicity.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

Tobacco and alcohol may increase likelihood of using illegal drugs, new study shows

A new study suggests that tobacco and alcohol use may lead to an increased risk of using cannabis and other illicit drugs. The research also found a possible gateway effect between tobacco use and subsequent cannabis use, as well as opioid dependence leading to increased alcohol consumption.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 2021

Bigleaf maple decline tied to hotter, drier summers in Washington state

A new study found that bigleaf maple trees are declining due to warmer, drier summers in Western Washington. The research team discovered that the trees' growth is sensitive to dry weather conditions, leading to smaller leaves and reduced overall mass.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalForest Ecology and Management·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 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.

Achieving plastics with net-zero emissions

A new study suggests that combining circular technologies can help achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the production of plastics. By using recycling, biomass utilization and carbon capture, it is possible to reduce the lifecycle emissions of plastics, making them a more sustainable option.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 30, 2021

Immigration boosts US life expectancy, according to USC/Princeton study

A new study estimates that immigration adds 1.4 to 1.5 years to U.S. life expectancy at birth, with foreign-born life expectancy reaching 81.4 and 85.7 years in 2017. Immigrants are responsible for approximately half of the recent U.S. gains in life expectancy.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalSSM - Population Health·DateSep 30, 2021

Active-learning approaches support more effective learning and development

Active learning approaches are gaining traction as a way to engage learners and deepen understanding through discussions, interactive technologies, and other strategies. Research shows that these approaches can lead to cognitive benefits, academic success, socioemotional support, better comprehension, and improved memory.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 30, 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.

Study explores how women handle stigma of staying with imprisoned men

Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 women who dated or were married to incarcerated partners, analyzing the impact of courtesy stigma and women's coping strategies. The study found that despite disapproval from loved ones, women chose to remain in their relationships, highlighting benefits such as deeper communicat...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalCriminal Justice Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 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.

New nanomaterial for treatment of skin infections

Researchers at IOCB Prague have developed a novel antibacterial material called NANO-LPPO that can prevent infection and facilitate treatment of skin wounds. The material combines lipophosphonoxins with a nonwoven nanotextile, which releases active substances in response to bacterial presence.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

Toxic DNA buildup in eyes may drive blinding macular degeneration

Researchers have discovered toxic DNA buildup in the eyes of patients with geographic atrophy, a devastating form of age-related macular degeneration. Common HIV drugs or safer alternatives, such as Kamuvudines, may block inflammation and protect against retinal cell death, offering new hope for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 30, 2021

Sexual minority identity impacts career trajectory among medical students

A study analyzing data from the Association of American Medical Colleges Graduate Questionnaire found that sexual minorities, particularly female, are underrepresented in undergraduate medical training and certain specialties. The researchers concluded that standardized data collection and consideration of diversity in recruitment are ...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Older adults who receive additional supportive care services experience fewer side effects from chemotherapy, City of Hope study finds

A City of Hope clinical trial showed that patients over 65 experiencing significantly fewer treatment-related side effects when a multidisciplinary team analyzed each case and introduced personalized interventions. The completion of advance directives was also higher in the experimental group.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 30, 2021

Safer treatment for deep-seated tumors

Researchers have developed a new cancer photodrug that can treat deep-seated tumors more effectively and with reduced toxicity. Copper cysteamine photosensitizers allow the production of reactive oxygen species to kill cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy cells.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalMaterials Today·DateSep 30, 2021

Scientists use the glowing properties of plant cells to capture stunning images

Researchers developed a cost-effective protocol for plant sample preparation and visualization, eliminating the need for stains and dyes. The new method harnesses the natural autofluorescence of tissues in plants, allowing for rapid visualization of plant anatomy across diverse taxa.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 30, 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.

Satirical essay critiques power imbalances in global health research

A satirical opinion article by Iruka Okeke critiques the extractive and exploitive aspects of health research partnerships between high-income and low-income countries. The author highlights twenty problematic practices that maintain and exacerbate inequities in global health biomedical research.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 30, 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.

Quantum photonics based on metasurfaces

Researchers discuss the recent development of quantum optics based on micro/nano structures, including metasurfaces, which offers rich light field control function to discover new quantum physics. Metasurfaces has great potential in quantum optics, enabling the exploration of quantum technologies with strong stability and high efficiency.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·DateSep 30, 2021

Researchers identify and clear efficiency hurdle for organic solar cells

A team of researchers identified a key mechanism responsible for lower organic solar cell efficiencies and demonstrated a way to overcome this hurdle. By manipulating molecules inside the solar cell, they prevented a process called recombination that leads to lost current, potentially achieving efficiencies comparable to silicon-based ...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateSep 30, 2021

Virtual care with remote monitoring catches drug errors and reduces patient pain

A national study led by McMaster University researchers found that patients using take-home technology following non-elective surgery had significantly greater detection and correction of drug errors, and reduction in patients' pain. The study also showed a reduction in acute-hospital care as the result of virtual care and remote autom...

SourceMcMaster University·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 30, 2021

How fine-root traits fit in plant form and function

A global study of thousands of plant species reveals that fine-root traits are fundamentally decoupled from aboveground traits, suggesting that plants employ different strategies to acquire nutrients and water. This discovery challenges the 'plant economics spectrum hypothesis' and highlights the need for further research into the rela...

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 30, 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.

Wildfire bees on the brink

A new study finds that the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires increased the number of threatened Australian native bee species by nearly five times. The research assesses the long-term environmental damage from the natural disaster and highlights the need for urgent conservation action.

SourceFlinders University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 30, 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.

Army backs bid to ‘flash’ waste into useful materials

The Army has pledged $5.2 million to Rice University's research on flash Joule heating, a process that turns waste into graphene and other valuable materials. The technology can recover precious metals from electronic waste and toxic metals from contaminated soil.

SourceRice University·DateSep 30, 2021

Among the ocean's slowest swimmers, seahorses snag prey at exceptional speed

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered seahorses can move their head up to catch prey at incredible speeds, facilitated by a powerful flow of water and spring-like mechanism. This study sheds light on the ecology of seahorses, revealing that longer noses enable stronger suction currents for catching smaller prey.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalExperimental biology·DateSep 30, 2021

Preventing child malnutrition and promoting healthy development

A small sachet of a fortified food-based supplement added to young children’s daily diets has shown remarkable results in preventing child mortality and malnutrition while promoting healthy development. The intervention resulted in lower prevalence of stunted growth, anemia, and adverse language and motor development outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 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.

Hagfishes break the cell size limit to make large slime threads

Researchers found that large hagfishes grow extremely large cells to produce stronger slime threads used in defensive attacks. The thread cells are highly dependent on body size and show a scaling factor of 0.55, much larger than other vertebrates.

SourceChapman University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2021

Novel approach to 3D image segmentation delivers ‘jaw-dropping’ demonstration

Researchers developed a novel approach to 3D image segmentation, segmenting the gaps between parts instead of contours, to automate tedious tasks. The technique demonstrates promising results in diagnosing TMJ-related issues and has potential applications in other fields.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 30, 2021

New drug combination effective against SARS-CoV-2 infection

Researchers at NTNU have developed a promising new drug combination that effectively suppresses SARS-CoV-2 infection by targeting the TMPRSS2 factor. The combination of nafamostat and Pegasys (IFNα) shows great potential in treating COVID-19, with low doses needed for clinical advantages.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalViruses·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

Review concludes managing weight and preventing obesity in people with type 1 diabetes is a difficult but not impossible balance

A new review concludes that people with type 1 diabetes can manage their weight, but more research is needed to understand the specific needs of this patient group. The review explores strategies such as nutrition education, adjunct therapies like metformin and GLP-1 receptor agonists, and obesity surgery.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateSep 30, 2021

Defence system protects African salmonella from attack by viruses

Researchers have identified a new prophage-mediated defence system in Salmonella Typhimurium ST313 called BstA, which efficiently suppresses phage attacks. This discovery opens up a new avenue of research and could potentially lead to the development of new biotechnologies.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 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.

Primordial ‘hyper-eye’ discovered

A team of researchers has found a 390-million-year-old hyper-facet eye system in trilobites that is unique to the animal kingdom. The discovery suggests that this ancient eye may have been an adaptation for life in low light conditions, and could provide insights into the evolution of visual systems.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2021

Expert report indicates neural harm of marine parks on cetacean brains

A new report published in De Gruyter exposes the neural impact of marine parks and other impoverished environments on cetaceans. The authors conclude that these environments cause significant neurobiological harm, leading to abnormal behavior such as repetitive swimming patterns and social isolation.

SourcePeople for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)·JournalReviews in the Neurosciences·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 30, 2021

HKU theoretical chemists develop a breakthrough quantum chemistry technique for illuminating new opportunities towards computational design and optimisation of organic photofunctional materials

The University of Hong Kong researchers have developed a novel quantum chemistry technique to reveal complex electron and energy transfer pathways in photophysical processes. The study reveals that strong electron-electron correlations and electron-vibration couplings govern the efficient singlet fission process in organic materials.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalChemical Science·DateSep 30, 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.

More effective treatment of Alzheimer’s

Researchers at Uppsala University have designed new antibodies that bind to both large and small aggregates of the amyloid-beta protein, potentially providing a more effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The new antibody format is stronger in binding to clumps and can also target smaller aggregates.

SourceUppsala University·JournalTranslational Neurodegeneration·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

Associations between historically redlined districts, current obstetric outcomes

Researchers analyzed a nine-county birth certificate database in New York state from 2005 to 2018, finding associations between redlined areas and increased risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality. The study's findings highlight the ongoing impact of historical racism on current health disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 30, 2021

A kagome lattice superconductor reveals a “cascade” of quantum electron states

Boston College physicists uncover novel charge density waves and symmetry-broken phases in the topological kagome metal CsV3Sb5, leading to superconductivity at low temperatures. The study reveals a 'cascade' of correlated electron states driving electrical conduction and potential implications for unconventional electron pairing.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021