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Science News for September 24, 2021


Blue mussel habitat is decreasing

Climate change is linked to the decline of blue mussels in shallow waters along Sweden's west coast. Overfishing and invasive species are also contributing factors. The study found that warmer temperatures have led to an increase in freshwater input, making it harder for mussels to settle on natural substrates.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Shellfish Research·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 24, 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.

A 3D printed vaccine patch offers vaccination without a shot

Scientists at Stanford and UNC Chapel Hill developed a 3D-printed vaccine patch that provides greater protection than traditional vaccines. The patch applies the vaccine directly to the skin, triggering a potent immune response and potentially leading to dose sparing and higher vaccination rates.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2021

Ancient humans traded dogs for their usefulness

Researchers found that ancient Siberian human populations interacted with outside dog populations at least 2,000 years ago, suggesting dogs were traded as goods. The study reveals that modern dog breeds like Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies maintain significant ancestry from a lineage established prior to 9,500 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeNews article·DateSep 24, 2021

Earth and Venus grew up as rambunctious planets

The study proposes a novel 'hit-and-run-return' scenario, where pre-planetary bodies crash into each other, slow down, and then merge again. This led to the formation of Venus as having had a very different experience in its growth compared to Earth.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 24, 2021

Artificial intelligence tool improves accuracy of breast cancer imaging

A new study shows an artificial intelligence tool improved radiologists' ability to correctly identify breast cancer in ultrasound exams, with a 37% increase in accuracy. The tool also reduced the number of tissue samples needed to confirm suspect tumors by 27%.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 24, 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.

Shrinking waveforms on electrocardiograms predict worsening health and death of hospitalized COVID-19 and influenza patients

Researchers found that shrinking waveforms on electrocardiograms can help identify high-risk patients with COVID-19 or influenza, allowing for more aggressive monitoring and treatment. The study also showed that this technique may be particularly useful in overwhelmed systems where timely intervention is crucial.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe American Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2021

Organic molecule remnants found in nuclei of ancient dinosaur cells

A team of scientists has isolated exquisitely preserved cartilage cells from a 125-million-year-old dinosaur, revealing nuclei with remnants of organic molecules and chromatin. This discovery provides preliminary data suggesting that original dinosaur DNA may still be preserved, challenging traditional fossilization theories.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCommunications Biology·DateSep 24, 2021

New potential factor contributing to severity of COVID-19 identified

Researchers have found a protein called CD47 on the surface of infected cells that may protect them from immune system recognition, resulting in more severe disease. High CD47 levels are associated with higher risk factors for severe COVID-19, including age and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalCurrent Issues in Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The origin and legacy of the Etruscans

A recent study using genome-wide data from 82 ancient individuals in central and southern Italy has clarified the origins of the enigmatic Etruscans. The results show that despite their unique cultural expressions, the Etruscans were closely related to their Italic neighbors, with genetic transformations associated with historical events.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 24, 2021

New imaging method for the detection of gastric lymphomas

A new imaging technique using PET/MR and a PET tracer directed against CXCR4 shows high accuracy in detecting MALT lymphomas of the stomach, potentially reducing the need for repeated gastroscopies. The study found that [68Ga]Pentixafor PET/MR achieved 97% accuracy in detecting tumours compared to gastroscopy.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalBlood·DateSep 24, 2021

New technique speeds measurement of ultrafast pulses

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a time-domain single-pixel imaging technique that detects ultrafast light pulses with high accuracy and speed. The new method can capture 5 femtojoule pulses with temporal sampling sizes as low as 16 femtoseconds, outperforming existing methods.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2021

Unusual visual examination of objects may indicate later autism diagnosis in infants

A new study found that unusual visual inspection behavior in infants aged 9 months and older is predictive of a later diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. This behavior, characterized as an over-focus on objects, was most prominent and present earliest in infants who developed ASD.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 24, 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.

During the pandemic survivors of domestic violence and abuse have been at an increased risk of contracting suspected or confirmed COVID-19, study finds

Women with recorded exposure to domestic abuse were found to be at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 during the first two waves of the pandemic. The researchers recommend increasing vaccination rates in vulnerable groups and reconsidering COVID-19 vaccine prioritization.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2021

Living with spinal cord injury: Resilience leads to better health outcomes

Research by James Krause and his team has shown that people with spinal cord injuries who develop resilience tend to have better health outcomes and live longer. This resilience allows them to adapt and thrive in the face of difficult circumstances, including neuropathic pain and feelings of isolation.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateSep 24, 2021

Decoding human history with ancient DNA

Ancient DNA research has revealed multiple waves of introgression between archaic humans and modern humans, as well as genetic continuity with present-day populations. Genetic data support an origin of early modern humans in Africa, while Eurasian populations show several early human lineages.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 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.

Industrial chemical PFBA does not accumulate excessively in lungs and kidneys

A BfR study confirms that perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) does not accumulate excessively in human lung and kidney tissue. Only one sample contained a measurable PFBA value, supporting the conclusion that PFBA is unlikely to cause health problems.

SourceBfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·DateSep 24, 2021

Lockdowns and less travel may have altered the behavior of birds

A new study found that 80% of bird species were reported in greater numbers in human-altered habitats during pandemic lockdowns. This increase was observed across multiple species, including Bald Eagles, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, and Barn Swallows.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 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.

New landslides on US West Coast detected by SMU scientists

Researchers detected over 600 slow-moving landslides in western US states using satellite radar imagery. Most were in mountain ranges, near towns and roads, with some at risk of shifting due to earthquakes or rainfall. Landslides cause thousands of deaths worldwide each year.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalLandslides·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2021

Social media ‘likes’ found to positively influence healthy food choices – new research

A new study by Aston University found that social media users who view images of healthy foods with high 'likes' are more likely to make healthier food choices. Participants who viewed highly liked mock Instagram posts of fruit and vegetables ate a significantly higher proportion of grapes than cookies, increasing calorie consumption b...

SourceAston University·JournalAppetite·TypeObservational study·DateSep 24, 2021

Guiding microbes along their path

Researchers found that microbes exhibit highly organized and symmetrical movement patterns in response to interface curvature. The strength of the flux depends on the curvature, enabling the prediction of microbial navigation behavior.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 24, 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.

In a gene tied to growth, scientists see glimmers of human history

Researchers have identified a shortened version of the human growth hormone receptor gene, GHRd3, which may help people survive in situations where resources are scarce or unpredictable. The study found that this variant emerged around 1-2 million years ago and was more prevalent in ancient humans and Neanderthals.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 24, 2021

New study examines association between nurses’ well-being, workplace wellness cultures and shift length during COVID-19

A new study by The Ohio State University College of Nursing found that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated clinician burnout and mental health problems among nurses. The study suggests that effective interventions such as mindfulness, health coaching, and cognitive-behavioral therapy can improve mental/physical health and well-being.

SourceMediaSource·JournalNursing Administration Quarterly·DateSep 24, 2021

Early signs of efficacy of new targeted agents and immunotherapies reported for multiple cancers at ESMO Congress 2021

New targeted therapies are being developed to target genetic alterations in cancer cells, such as the ARID1A mutation found in 10-50% of solid tumours. Early clinical trials suggest that these agents may be effective in treating multiple cancers, including breast, ovarian, and gastric cancer.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateSep 24, 2021

The European University Alliance FORTHEM welcomes new partners and strengthens its network with the university cities' administrations and chambers of commerce

FORTHEM, a European University Alliance, has welcomed two new members: the University of Agder in Norway and Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu in Romania. This expansion aims to increase student mobility, create a virtual campus, and merge research programs across member universities.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateSep 24, 2021

Protease shows promise as feed additive for poultry farming

A new study found that a subtilisin-like proteinase from Bacillus pumilus 3-19 exhibits proteolytic activity in Pichia pastoris, dependent on incubation time and signal peptide choice. The production of this enzyme makes the system promising for developing new feed additives for animal husbandry.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalBioNanoScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 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.

Tiny lasers acting together as one: Topological vertical cavity laser arrays

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have developed a way to force an array of vertical cavity lasers to act together as a single laser, overcoming previous power limit constraints. This breakthrough enables the creation of highly efficient and compact laser networks with numerous potential applications.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2021

Gamma rays and neutrinos from mellow supermassive black holes

Researchers propose that low-activity supermassive black holes are major factories of high-energy cosmic particles. They can generate gamma rays in the megaelectron volt range through plasma heating and accelerate protons to energies thousands of times higher than the Large Hadron Collider.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2021

Photobiomodulation for Alzheimer’s disease with modulated 1070-nm light

Researchers found that modulated 1070-nm light improved AD mice' memory and cognitive skills by reducing A± plaque buildup and promoting microglia responses. This non-invasive therapy may offer a novel approach to AD treatment.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateSep 24, 2021

Economists assess labor productivity of self-employed

A recent study by South Ural State University analyzed the relationship between informal employment and labor productivity in Russia. The researchers found that regions with high shares of informal employment experience volatile labor markets, which can negatively impact labor productivity and gross regional product.

SourceSouth Ural State University·JournalSustainability·DateSep 24, 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.

Backed by Penn Medicine Research, national task force recommends removing race from kidney function equation

A national task force endorses a new diagnostic equation for measuring kidney function, which removes racial data to increase access to transplantation for Black patients. The recommendation is supported by Penn Medicine research and aims to reduce disparities in healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2021

Exotic mix in China’s delivery of moon rocks

The Chang'e-5 mission brought back nearly two kilograms of lunar rocks and dust, including a mix of 'exotic' fragments that may preserve records of other lunar surface areas. The youngest geological area of the Moon's nearside has yielded insights into past volcanic activity

SourceEuroplanet·DateSep 24, 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.

RIT researchers develop new method for detecting superfluid motion

Researchers at RIT have developed a new method for detecting superfluid motion that is minimally destructive, in situ, and in real-time. The technique uses laser light to detect the frequency of superfluid rotation, enabling scientists to study superfluids without disrupting their motion.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 24, 2021

New cause of inherited heart condition discovered

A UCL-led research team has discovered a new gene causing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an inherited heart condition. The study found that variants in the ALPK3 gene are responsible for 1-2% of adults with the condition, affecting approximately 1,250-2,500 people in the UK.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 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.

3D nano-inks push industry boundaries

Mechanical engineering researchers at Michigan Technological University have created a 3D-printable nanocomposite polymeric ink using carbon nanotubes. The ink's properties, such as electrical conductivity and increased strength, make it suitable for various applications, including aerospace and electronics industries.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateSep 24, 2021

Lab grown tumor models could improve treatment for pancreatic cancer

Researchers have created a 3D pancreatic cancer tumour model using bioengineered matrix and patient-derived cells. The model exhibits patient-specific transcriptional profiles, CSC functionality, and strong tumourigenicity, enabling better reproduction of drug responses.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2021

When it comes to communication skills—maybe we’re born with it?

A study by Boston University researcher Jennifer Zuk found that the brain's organizational pathways, known as white matter, set a foundation for language learning abilities within the first year of life. This is reflected in children born with higher indications of white matter organization having better language skills five years later.

SourceBoston University·JournalDevelopmental Cognitive Neuroscience·DateSep 24, 2021

Stronger regulations needed on common obesity-promoting chemicals

A systematic review presents evidence that environmental obesogens, such as hormone-disrupting chemicals, play a significant role in childhood and adult obesity. Dr. Leonardo Trasande recommends simple policies to reduce exposure and suggests economic benefits of limiting public exposure.

SourceEuropean Society for Paediatric Endocrinology·JournalHormone Research in Paediatrics·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 24, 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.

Emerging market for Tennessee hardwoods could take root

A new grant initiative aims to increase Tennessee's hardwood exports to Vietnam, leveraging the state's top three hardwood lumber-producing status. The project will assess market opportunities and provide trade insights, with the goal of capturing increased market share in Vietnam.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateSep 24, 2021