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Science News for September 17, 2021


Now we’re cooking with lasers

Researchers developed a method to precisely control food attributes using lasers, resulting in up to 50% less shrinkage, double the moisture content, and similar flavor development compared to conventional cooking methods. The technology has the potential to revolutionize meal creation with customizable options.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·Journalnpj Science of Food·DateSep 17, 2021

B cells of the immune system discovered in the meninges

Researchers found large numbers of B cells and their immature progenitors in the outer layer of the meninges, a surprising discovery that suggests these cells play a special immune system function there. The study used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the genes active in each individual cell and confirmed the finding in human tissue.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New nano particles suppress resistance to cancer immunotherapy

Scientists at Hokkaido University have developed a lipid nanoparticle that delivers immune-signaling molecules into liver macrophage cells to overcome resistance to anti-tumor immunotherapy. This approach has shown promise in mice experiments and could lead to the development of an adjuvant treatment for cancer patients.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2021

How do cells acquire their shapes? A new mechanism identified

A multidisciplinary team discovers a new mechanism by which fission yeast cells acquire their tubular shape through secretion-induced plasma membrane flows. This process involves the coupling of exocytosis and protein motion, creating a self-sustaining pattern that establishes cell polarity.

SourceLehigh University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 17, 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.

HPV vaccine safety concerns of parents

Increasing concerns about HPV vaccine safety among parents are linked to misinformation and a lack of understanding of the vaccine's benefits. Despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting its safety, survey results indicate a growing number of parents are hesitant to vaccinate their children.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 17, 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.

Artificial intelligence helps diagnose leukemia

Researchers at the University of Bonn used artificial intelligence to analyze flow cytometry data from patients with B-cell lymphoma, increasing speed and objectivity in diagnoses. The AI can now be easily accessible to smaller laboratories without bioinformatics expertise, enhancing the quality of diagnostics.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPatterns·DateSep 17, 2021

Walking patterns of movement disorders shared among worms, mice, and humans

Researchers at Osaka University used machine learning to analyze locomotion data from diverse species, revealing common features associated with dopamine deficiency. The study found that worms, mice, and humans exhibit similar movement disorders when lacking dopamine, despite their evolutionary differences.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 17, 2021

The microbial molecule that turns plants into zombies

Parasitic bacteria manipulate plant development by hijacking molecular machinery, causing abnormal growth and reprogramming the plant's lifecycle. Researchers identified a key protein that facilitates this process, opening doors to genetic editing technologies for durable resistance against phytoplasmas.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2021

Antimicrobial coating for orthopedic implants prevents dangerous infections

Researchers at Duke University developed an antibiotic coating that can be applied to orthopedic implants before surgery, eliminating the risk of infection. The coating, made from two polymers and an antibiotic, prevents bacterial colonization and can be personalized for individual patients.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 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.

Advanced imaging reveals breast cancer’s Achilles’ heel

A new treatment approach investigated by researchers at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research may help stop breast cancer cells from spreading. By targeting a signalling molecule called Rac1, the study found that breast cancer cells became more vulnerable to physical stresses in the bloodstream and less likely to survive the journey.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 17, 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.

High-spatial-resolution interferometry enters the multi-wavelength era

Researchers from USTC successfully measured two laser sources of different wavelengths using a chromatic intensity interferometer, surpassing the diffraction limit by about 40 times. This breakthrough expands applications to diverse fields like astronomy and space remote sensing.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 17, 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.

Discovery highlights the complex lifestyles of frontline immune cells

Scientists discovered that deleting specific proteins in immune cells affected certain populations, leading to their disappearance from skin and lungs. This suggests that drugs targeting these components could have unintended consequences for the immune system.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalScience Immunology·DateSep 17, 2021

Droplets with coronaviruses last longer than previously thought

Research by TU Wien found that small droplets with coronaviruses can remain airborne for an order of magnitude longer than assumed due to high humidity. This means that even short-range exposure poses a significant risk, highlighting the need for scientifically sound guidelines on mask-wearing and safety distances.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2021

Gamechanger for clean hydrogen production, Curtin research finds

Researchers have discovered a new method to produce clean hydrogen by adding nickel and cobalt to inexpensive catalysts, reducing energy requirements and increasing hydrogen yield. This breakthrough could pave the way for large-scale clean energy production and make Australia a leader in renewable energy research.

SourceCurtin University·JournalNano Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 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.

Two-hour glucose tolerance test predicts decline in episodic memory

A two-hour glucose tolerance test is linked to cognitive decline in a 10-year follow-up study. Higher blood glucose levels measured in the test were associated with weaker performance in a memory test and a greater decline in results.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 17, 2021

Researchers release first-of-its-kind quantitative assessment for sustainable agriculture

The Sustainable Agriculture Matrix provides a comprehensive assessment of agricultural sustainability at a national level, considering environmental, economic, and social impacts. The framework helps governments and organizations evaluate progress, identify priorities for improvement, and inform policies towards sustainable agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalOne Earth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 17, 2021

Promising autologous cell candidates identified as potential delivery vehicles for Hemophilia A treatment

A recent study found that amniotic fluid-derived, neonatal, and adult cells can be used to deliver long-lasting Factor VIII protein for Hemophilia A treatment. The researchers identified cells from umbilical cord tissue as the most promising candidates, which yielded high levels of Factor VIII mRNA and blood clotting activity.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateSep 17, 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.

New cell type in human skin discovered to contribute to inflammatory skin diseases like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis

Researchers identified a new cell type in human skin contributing to AD and psoriasis, highlighting potential therapeutic targets. The study revealed CD14+ type 3 dendritic cells co-producing IL1B and IL23A, essential for PSO pathogenesis.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2021

Study: Ignoring black peers leads whites to poor decisions

A study by University of Texas at Dallas researcher Dr. Sheen S. Levine found that white Americans are prone to making poor decisions when they ignore their Black peers. When given the opportunity to witness Black peers' accomplishments, however, the racial attention deficit subsides, suggesting a remedy for diversity efforts.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2021

You aren’t always what you eat

Researchers compared 156 species' skulls to understand diet's impact on skull shape. Despite similar diets, distantly related animals retain unique ancestral shapes, with some developing unique adaptations.

SourceNatural History Museum of Los Angeles County·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateSep 17, 2021

Studying thermophoresis in space

A multidisciplinary team of Lehigh University researchers will conduct experiments on thermophoresis in complex fluids for bioseparations at the International Space Station. The team hopes to understand how temperature gradients affect particles and improve virus separation techniques with potential societal impact.

SourceLehigh University·DateSep 17, 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.

MD Anderson Research Highlights: ESMO 2021 Special Edition

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center presented new findings on novel therapeutic approaches, including cell therapy for solid tumors and antibody drug conjugates targeting TROP2. The therapies achieved partial responses in six patients, with an overall response rate of 35.3% and disease control rate of 70.6%.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 17, 2021

Ancient DNA rewrites early Japanese history -- modern day populations have tripartite genetic origin

New study finds that modern Japanese populations have a tripartite genetic origin, with contributions from Jomon hunter-gatherers, Yayoi farmers, and Kofun peoples. The analysis reveals a complex history of population dynamics, including assimilation rather than replacement during the agricultural transition.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 17, 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.

COVID-19, who to vaccinate first among workers?

A new study proposes prioritizing COVID-19 vaccination for essential workers, the unemployed, and those at high unemployment risk to facilitate return to work and reduce future job losses. The study found that lockdowns reduced excess mortality but also increased unemployment risk.

SourceIMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 17, 2021

Species extinction seen also in literature

Researchers analyzed 16,000 literary works and found a hump-shaped trend in the frequency of biological terms until the mid-19th century, then decreasing steadily. The study suggests that increased awareness of biodiversity loss is closely linked to industrialization and urbanization.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalPeople and Nature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 17, 2021

News on fine cocoa flavor

Scientists at TUM and LSB developed a new methodology to quantify the flavor profile of cocoa samples. The method provides quantitative data on 66 taste-decisive substances using a single mass spectrometric platform, allowing analysis of 200 samples per week.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 17, 2021

Sex Ed curriculum elevates pregnancy prevention skills among Native American teens

A new sex education program, Respecting the Circle of Life, has been shown to improve pregnancy prevention skills among Native American teens. The program, delivered through a summer basketball camp, significantly increased condom use self-efficacy, intention, and negotiation skills.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 17, 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.

Unlimited digital sensing unleashed for imaging, audio, and driverless cars

Scientists have developed a technique to enhance digital sensor capabilities beyond current limits, enabling applications in consumer photography, medical imaging, and space exploration. The new approach uses 'modulo' sampling to process a wider range of information, unlocking high dynamic range for sensors.

SourceImperial College London·JournalIEEE Transactions on Signal Processing·DateSep 17, 2021

Race, not job, predicts economic outcomes for black households

Research from Duke University's Samuel DuBois Cook Center for Social Equity found that Black households lost more wealth than white families during the decade-long economic recovery following the Great Recession. The study also showed that Black working-class families remained in the worst overall economic position, entering the COVID-...

SourceDuke University·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 17, 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.

Chemical discovery gets reluctant seeds to sprout

A new chemical discovered by a UC Riverside team helps dormant seeds germinate, increasing crop yields and food supply. The compound, Antabactin, blocks ABA hormone receptors, allowing seeds to sprout in response to environmental stressors.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2021

Scientific paper urges nutrition scientists to advocate for sustainable food systems

The scientific paper highlights challenges in global food systems, including climate change, production of unhealthy foods, and inadequate nutrition. The authors propose rebalancing agriculture research towards healthy crops, nutrient-rich foods, and nature-positive technologies to create a more sustainable future.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 17, 2021

AI standards in biomedical research

A set of guidelines published in Nature Methods provide recommendations for better reporting standards in AI methods used to classify biomedical data. The guidelines aim to ensure the quality and reproducibility of predictive methods, addressing issues such as accuracy, bias, and reproducibility.

SourceVrije Universiteit Brussel·JournalNature Methods·TypeNews article·DateSep 17, 2021

Cutting edge 3D facial scans could give genetic clues to autism

Researchers analyzed facial asymmetry in 5000 points of 192 parents of autistic children and found they had more asymmetric faces than other adults. This study contributes to understanding the genetic causes of autism, which are known to play a major role in the condition.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalAutism Research·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 17, 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.

Infants exposed to domestic violence have poorer cognitive development

A recent study by University of Missouri-Columbia professor Linda Bullock found that infants of mothers with only one abusive partner had worse cognitive outcomes compared to those with multiple male partners, including some who were abusive. This suggests that the absence of support from a father figure can hinder a child's development.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 17, 2021

More sleep boosts teens’ ability to cope with pandemic

A new study from McGill University reveals that delaying school start times can help reduce stress and improve coping skills in teenagers during times of crisis. The research found that allowing teens to follow their natural sleep-wake cycle led to improved mental health outcomes.

SourceMcGill University·JournalChild and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health·TypeObservational study·DateSep 17, 2021

Gut bacteria might be an indicator of colon cancer risk

A recent study published in Cell Host & Microbe found that certain gut bacteria are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer. Researchers discovered a correlation between the presence of non-enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis and inflammation in small polyps. The study suggests that normally healthy gut bacteria may adapt to...

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2021

First-of-its-kind study: Use of computer-assisted colonoscopies reduces rate of missed lesions

A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that computer-aided detection can improve colonoscopy quality by reducing the miss rate, with a relative reduction of nearly a third when used in conjunction with standard-of-care colonoscopy. The study suggests that artificial intelligence may be an important tool...

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateSep 17, 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.

When organoids meet coronaviruses

Researchers have established an organoid biobank to search for genes essential for SARS-CoV-2 replication and spread. The study identified TMPRSS2 as a potential therapeutic target for the coronavirus, with specific inhibitors recently developed.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2021

Fiber tracking method delivers important new insights into turbulence

A new experimental method tracks the motion of fibers instead of particles to reveal previously hidden information about turbulent flows. The researchers developed an innovative solution using rigid fibers, which allowed them to measure the speed and direction of flow at two points a fixed distance apart.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 17, 2021

How we age, as told by spit

Researchers identified 99 saliva metabolites related to energy synthesis, digestion, growth, and cell health, with 21 metabolites differing between young and elderly individuals. Age-linked salivary metabolites reflect biological aging, including a 1.96-fold increase in ATP production in the elderly.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 17, 2021

Deep-sea biodiversity off New Zealand higher than assumed

Researchers have discovered six new species of glass sponges and two previously unknown species in the waters off New Zealand, revealing a more diverse ecosystem than previously thought. The findings provide important data for protecting these unique habitats from deep-sea mining and fishing.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalZooKeys·DateSep 17, 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.

White Americans pay less attention to Black peers, says a new study

A study of over 2,500 participants found that white Americans are more likely to dismiss information from Black peers and rate them as less skilled. However, when given the chance to work alongside Black peers, the bias disappeared, highlighting the importance of direct interaction in overcoming racial disparities.

SourceColumbia University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2021

New engine design could muffle roar of fighter jets

A new nozzle design for F-18 fighter planes has shown promise in reducing jet noise in lab tests, with potential benefits for both commercial and military aviation. The design features triangular fins that significantly reduce noise levels, making it a significant improvement over current technology.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateSep 17, 2021

Study finds surprising early COPD risks for US Hispanics/Latinos

A new study found a 7.6% prevalence of COPD in US Hispanics/Latinos under 50, with asthma being the most important early COPD risk factor. Chronic sinusitis and smoking status also increase the risk of developing COPD before age 50.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 17, 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.

NIH funds effort to customize treatment of movement impairments

A Rice University professor has received a $2.4 million grant from the NIH to develop open-source software for designing personalized treatments for movement impairments using computational modeling and simulation. The software will create customized computer models of individual patients, optimizing treatment solutions.

SourceRice University·DateSep 17, 2021

Researchers measure the bond strength of thin coatings

A research group employed ultra-small testing technologies to measure the interfacial bonding strength of coated materials. The study successfully measured the shear strength of a tungsten coating on ferritic steel, contributing to the safe application of multi-material technology in industrial components.

SourceTohoku University·JournalMaterials Science and Engineering·DateSep 17, 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.

Study identifies key risk factors for early COPD among US Hispanic/Latinos

A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital identifies asthma, history of smoking, and chronic sinusitis as key risk factors for early COPD among US Hispanics/Latinos. The prevalence of early COPD was found to be 7.6 percent in this population, suggesting younger individuals are also susceptible to the disease.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateSep 17, 2021

Yeast and bacteria together biosynthesize plant hormones for weed control

Scientists have developed a method to produce strigolactones, a group of plant hormones that prevent excessive budding and branching. By combining yeast and bacteria, researchers can synthesize these hormones from microbes, providing a promising alternative to traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2021

Disparities in SARS-CoV-2 vaccination-to-infection risk during pandemic

A study analyzed SARS-CoV-2 vaccination distribution in Massachusetts, finding lower vaccine coverage and infection risk in communities with increased socioeconomic vulnerability. The analysis also revealed larger proportions of Black and Latinx individuals in these areas, highlighting disparities in COVID-19 vaccination access.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateSep 17, 2021