Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for September 10, 2021


Catalyst study advances carbon-dioxide-to-ethanol conversion

Researchers have discovered a three-part catalyst configuration that transforms CO2 into ethanol through a well-tuned interplay between cesium, copper, and zinc oxide sites. The study provides a fundamental understanding of the reaction mechanism and will drive further research towards developing practical industrial catalysts.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 10, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Linking US prescription drug prices to those paid in other nations could cut costs in half

A new RAND Corporation study models likely savings from legislative proposal to adopt reference pricing, which could reduce US spending on prescription drugs by at least half. The study found that caps on prices set at 120% of what is paid in six other nations could lower US spending on insulins and 50 top brand-name drugs by 52%, savi...

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2021

Treatment with gene therapy of a new rat model of Morquio A, a disease with severe skeletal dysplasia and cartilage deterioration

Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona develop gene therapy that fully corrects severe whole-body alterations in Morquio A disease, a rare condition caused by GALNS enzyme deficiency. The therapy, administered via intravenous viral vector, prevents bone malformations and life-threatening complications.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 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.

Caught in a web: study reveals that immune cells cooperate to trap and kill bacteria

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a new antibacterial mechanism where immune cells cooperate to capture and 'eat' bacteria. This cooperation enhances the killing power of macrophages, increasing phagocytosis of bacterial pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant staph

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2021

Medicaid expansion tied to improvements in blood pressure, glucose control

A new study found that Medicaid expansion is associated with reductions in uninsurance and improvements in blood pressure and glucose control measurements. The benefits were highest among Black and Hispanic patients. Longer-term investments into quality care and care management are necessary to realize these health outcomes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 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.

Do family members understand the end-of-life wishes of patients on chronic dialysis?

A study found that many family members of patients with kidney failure on chronic dialysis lack a clear understanding of their end-of-life wishes. Despite having spoken with the patient about treatment preferences, fewer than one-third had discussed specific aspects of care, such as hospice or mechanical ventilation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 10, 2021

UC San Diego leads a $12.25M grant to improve epilepsy treatment

Researchers at UC San Diego are developing higher-resolution sensor grids with increased density to improve diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. The team plans to test these grids in pigs before conducting clinical trials, aiming to provide surgeons with a clearer picture of brain regions triggering seizures.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateSep 10, 2021

When predators matter! Study of voles on Arctic island advances knowledge of small-mammal population dynamics

Researchers found that predators play a crucial role in regulating small mammal populations, contradicting previous assumptions about the importance of herbivore-plant interactions. The study's unique Arctic vole ecosystem provided a simple model to test predator-prey dynamics, shedding light on population cycles and climate variability.

SourceCanadian Museum of Nature·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 10, 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.

Largest virtual universe free for anyone to explore

Researchers created a massive virtual universe, Uchuu, consisting of 2.1 trillion particles in a computational cube spanning 9.63 billion light-years. The simulation allows for the study of dark matter and large-scale structure on an unprecedented scale.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 10, 2021

Drought – more than temperature – governs diversity of life on earth

A University of Arizona-led study found that drought and seasonal fluctuations in rainfall are larger drivers of evolutionary diversity than warm temperatures. The research team created maps of evolutionary diversity across North, Central and South America, revealing that deserts have more plant species compared to forests due to drought.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2021

The mystery of the flexible shell

A team of researchers from the Paul Scherrer Institute has discovered that the brachiopod shell can become extremely soft in water due to the absorption of liquid, allowing it to be folded without breaking. The transformation is reversible, and the shell returns to its hard state upon drying.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 2021

Only a minority of those with alcohol use disorders receives medication

A study found that only about 2-2.5% of individuals with alcohol dependence in Sweden receive alcohol medication, highlighting unequal provision of treatment across sociodemographic factors and co-morbid conditions. The research suggests low knowledge among physicians and patients, as well as preference for psychological treatment over...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeObservational study·DateSep 10, 2021

NIH scientists build a cellular blueprint of multiple sclerosis lesions

Researchers at NIH/NINDS built a detailed cellular map of chronic MS lesions, revealing gene activity patterns and interactions that could lead to new therapies. The study identified microglia and C1q as promising targets for progressive MS, potentially offering a way to halt disease progression.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateSep 10, 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.

NYU to join NSF-Backed AI-Based Climate Modeling Center

The NYU-led Learning the Earth with Artificial Intelligence and Physics (LEAP) center will combine artificial intelligence and climate modeling to better predict climate change impacts. The center aims to provide more accurate climate predictions by analyzing satellite images, large-scale observational data, and developing new algorithms.

SourceNew York University·DateSep 10, 2021

Researchers reconstruct major branches in the tree of language

A team of researchers used a novel approach called onomasiological reconstruction to analyze 5,000-year-old Indo-European and Altaic macrofamily languages. The study confirmed well-documented genealogies and identified relationships between major branches, providing insights into the evolutionary paths of human languages.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalLinguistics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 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.

Meteorologists release a 70-year potential risk index dataset for landfalling tropical cyclones affecting the Chinese mainland

Scientists compiled a 71-year potential risk index dataset to estimate TC impact severity on the Chinese mainland, showing increased damage over time. Recent upward trends in precipitation and wind values contribute to larger TC impacts along coastal China.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 10, 2021

Acoustic illusions

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a system that can manipulate the acoustic field in real time, creating illusions of objects disappearing or being simulated. The technology uses field-programmable gate arrays to control the augmentation of sound waves, enabling potential applications in sensor technology, architecture, and commu...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 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.

Gut microbes are key to health benefit delivered by hops compound

A new study by Oregon State University finds that xanthohumol improves glucose metabolism in mice only when the gut microbiota is present. The researchers discovered that three specific bacteria, Akkermansia muciniphila, Parabacteroides goldsteinii and Alistipes finegoldii, are responsible for XN's health benefits.

SourceOregon State University·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2021

Signs of dementia are written in the blood, reveals new study

A new study published in PNAS has identified 33 metabolic compounds associated with dementia, which could aid in diagnosis and treatment. The researchers found that levels of these metabolites differed significantly between patients with dementia and healthy elderly individuals.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2021

Ultra-efficient tech to power devices of tomorrow and forge sustainable energy future

Researchers from Australian National University developed a system to transport data using atomically-thin semiconductors, achieving highly promising signs of requiring less electricity to run. This breakthrough technology has the potential to reduce wasted energy consumption and pave the way for sustainable future growth in computing.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 2021

Personality matters, even for squirrels

Researchers found that boldness, aggressiveness, activity level, and sociability are key personality traits in golden-mantled ground squirrels. These traits impact their access to food, territory, and predators, highlighting the importance of understanding animal personalities in wildlife conservation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAnimal Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 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.

Racial, ethnic differences in opioid prescribing

A study analyzing Medicare data found that racial and ethnic minority groups received fewer opioid prescriptions for new low back pain compared to white patients. This disparity persisted during the first wave of the opioid epidemic, despite growing awareness of its adverse effects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateSep 10, 2021

Health care experts propose policies to encourage shared responsibility between electronic health record developers and users

Researchers from UTHealth and Baylor College of Medicine recommend that EHR developers annually assess their products to ensure safety recommendations are met. The authors suggest three strategies to complement the new CMS rules, aiming to distribute responsibility for safety improvements evenly between designers, developers, and users.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 10, 2021

Study explores link between earthquakes, rainfall and food insecurity in Nepal

A study by Penn State researchers found that regions exposed to both heavy earthquake shaking and abundant rainfall in Nepal are more likely to experience food insecurity. The findings suggest that climate change is exacerbating the impact of compound events, such as earthquakes and heavy rainfall, on agriculture and human health.

SourcePenn State·JournalWorld Development·DateSep 10, 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.

Memory killer T cells are primed in the spleen during influenza infection

CD8+ T cell priming in the spleen generates long-lived, stem-like memory T cells with enhanced ability to differentiate into T effector cells. Spleen-primed T cells have superior capacity to respond to rechallenge infection and expand into infection-fighting T effector cells.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2021

The relationship of education and income to brain and cognition varies across groups of people

A large study found that education and income have varying relationships with brain volume and cognitive scores across different populations. The associations were strongest in childhood development, suggesting socioeconomic status may not specifically protect the brain from aging effects.

SourceUniversity of Oslo, Department of Psychology, Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition·JournalCerebral Cortex·TypeObservational study·DateSep 10, 2021

Vaccines effective against Delta variant

A national study found COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing hospitalizations and emergency department visits caused by the Delta variant. The Moderna vaccine is significantly more effective than Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, with unvaccinated individuals being 5-7 times more likely to need emergency care or hospitalization.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalMMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2021

Fungi could help to prevent landslips

A new study at the University of Strathclyde investigates using fungi to strengthen soil and reduce rainwater infiltration, aiming to prevent landslips. The research, funded by £1.3 million from UKRI, explores fungal growth in different soil types to improve natural soils' engineering performance.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·DateSep 10, 2021

Following the bouncing eyeball in augmented reality

Researchers have integrated holographic optical elements to create a waveguide eye-tracking system that can track eye movements in near-infrared wavelengths. This design enables the development of more efficient and powerful augmented reality systems.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalOptical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 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.

Emissions from computing and ICT could be worse than previously thought

A new study suggests that computing and ICT could be responsible for a greater share of greenhouse gas emissions than previously thought, potentially surpassing the aviation industry. The researchers argue that historical evidence shows ICT's footprint has increased despite efficiency gains.

SourceLancaster University·JournalPatterns·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 10, 2021

Active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer: New data on risk factors for switching to active treatment

A study analyzing 6,775 patients with low-risk prostate cancer found that cancer-related factors such as tumor grade and size are key risk factors for conversion to active treatment. The study also found that higher Gleason grade, PSA level, tumor stage, and number of positive biopsy cores are related to shorter conversion times.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateSep 10, 2021

Meat-heavy diets restricted hunter-gatherer population sizes

A new study by the ICTA-UAB establishes that populations of hunter-gatherer groups with strong seasonal dependence on meat had fewer people per square kilometer than those relying on abundant plant foods. This result is based on a complex set of calculations showing how diet composition influenced population density.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 10, 2021

Who’s in cognitive control?

A new study published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience found that differences in cognitive control are not absolute, but rather a matter of degree. The research team, led by Todd Braver, used functional MRI to examine brain activity and behavior across four tasks in three conditions. Consistency was found in brain regions and b...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 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.

New method reveals minimum heat for Leidenfrost effect

Physicists developed an electrical technique to study the Leidenfrost effect, revealing the temperature at which vapor layers form and collapse. The results show that stable vapor layers can be sustained at 240 degrees Celsius, with a minimum heat of 140 degrees Celsius required for their existence.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2021

USC Institute launches worldwide study of Parkinson’s disease

The USC Institute is launching a $3 million global consortium study to analyze brain imaging, genetics, and clinical data from 20 countries. The study aims to understand how Parkinson's disease progresses in the brain and explore genetic factors contributing to risk.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·DateSep 10, 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.

Regular exercise may lower risk of developing anxiety by almost 60%

Researchers found that physically active lifestyle reduced the risk of developing anxiety disorders by almost 60% over a period of up to 21 years. The association was seen in both men and women, but with a noticeable difference between male and female skiers.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateSep 10, 2021

Time to shine: scientists reveal at an atomic scale how chlorine stabilizes next-gen solar cells

Researchers have solved the mystery of chlorine's role in perovskite solar cells by imaging atoms at the surface. The team found that chlorine is incorporated into the material through grain boundaries, increasing stability and efficiency. An optimal concentration of chlorine was discovered to deliver high stability.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2021

Cheaper hydrogen production

Researchers have developed a novel electrode material based on cobalt and nickel that can efficiently produce hydrogen through water and urea electrolysis. The phosphorus-doped cobalt-nickel-sulfide nanoparticles demonstrate high activity and stability, reducing the overall voltage of the electrolysis cell.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2021

AI can make better clinical decisions than humans: Study

Researchers developed a machine learning model that produced fewer decision-making errors than human behavior analysts. The AI system showed improved consistency and predictability in treatment decisions, with potential applications in diagnosing and treating autism, ADHD, anxiety, and depression.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Applied Behavior Analysis·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 10, 2021

Study: Canadians most at risk for respiratory death from wildfire

An international study found Canadians have the highest relative risk of respiratory mortality resulting from wildfire pollution. Exposure to fine particulate matter from wildfires increased risks of all causes, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality, with about 0.4 percent of total mortality attributable to wildfire smoke.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 10, 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.

Dartmouth receives $3 million NSF grant to expand PhD innovation programs and advance sensor technology entrepreneurship

Dartmouth has received a $3 million NSF grant to increase its PhD Innovation Programs by 50% and develop new multidisciplinary pathways for STEM graduate students focused on entrepreneurship and research translation. The funding will support 19 additional graduate students and enhance the development of sensor technology applications.

SourceThayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth·DateSep 10, 2021

Not (just) a shock: ECT reduces suicides in depressed elders

A new study found that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) significantly reduces deaths by suicide among older adults with depression in the months following hospitalization. The therapy may also improve overall health and cognitive functioning.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 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.

New research proves diet can put Type 2 diabetes into remission

A 12-week study showed that a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate diet managed by pharmacists can eliminate Type 2 diabetes medications and improve glucose control for over one-third of participants. This approach promotes Type 2 diabetes remission and highlights the potential role of community pharmacists in overall diabetes care.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 10, 2021

Association of population screening for breast cancer risk with mammography among women in medically underserved racial/ethnic minority groups

Individualized breast cancer risk estimates led to a significant increase in annual mammography rates among women at high risk. The study found that nearly all Hispanic or Black women who received personalized risk assessments used mammography more frequently, with rates rising from 37% to 51%.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 10, 2021

Making (and breaking) eye contact makes conversation more engaging

Research from Dartmouth College reveals that making and breaking eye contact during conversations can create a dynamic balance between shared attention and individual expression. Pupillary synchrony decreases after eye contact breaks, allowing for creativity and new thoughts, while also signaling shared understanding.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 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.

Researchers observed association between standing and insulin sensitivity – standing more may help prevent chronic diseases

A Finnish study discovered a positive association between standing and improved insulin sensitivity in adults with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The researchers found that increasing daily standing time can help prevent chronic diseases, even if physical activity recommendations are not met.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 10, 2021

Identifying activity origin of single-atom catalyst through atom-by-atom counting

A new methodology, EMARS, was developed to directly identify the activity origin of Pt/Al2O3 industrial reforming catalyst by analyzing over 18,000 Pt atoms. The study found that density of supported Pt1 single atoms and Pt-Pt distance larger than 0.38 nm are correlated with aromatic production activity.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 10, 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.