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Science News for September 3, 2021


Bisexual adults more than twice as likely to have asthma as straight adults

A new national study published in Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that bisexual Americans had over two times the rates of asthma and other lung diseases compared to heterosexual adults. Higher levels of discrimination experienced by bisexual people may lead to increased stress, inflammation, and worsened asthma.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 3, 2021

Actuator discovery outperforms existing technology

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed an electrochemical actuator that utilizes organic semiconductor nanotubes, exhibiting high performance and tunable dynamics in liquid and gel-polymer electrolytes. The device demonstrates excellent stability, low power consumption, and fast response time.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 3, 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.

Gut bacteria influence brain development

Researchers identify biomarkers that indicate early brain injury in premature infants, highlighting the importance of gut microbiome and immune system balance. The study provides a starting point for developing therapies to prevent or mitigate brain damage.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateSep 3, 2021

Algorithm developed by Lithuanian researchers can predict possible Alzheimer’s with nearly 100 per cent accuracy

A deep learning-based method developed by Kaunas University of Technology researchers can predict the possible onset of Alzheimer's disease from brain images with an accuracy of over 99%. The algorithm was trained on functional MRI images from 138 subjects and performed better than previously developed methods.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalDiagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2021

Think bad news before it's delivered, new research suggests

Researchers found that individuals who anticipated positive outcomes in potentially bad situations experienced less negative emotion and greater contentment during waiting periods. This pre-emptive benefit finding strategy may help mitigate the emotional suffering associated with bad news.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 3, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UChicago Medicine study reveals underreporting of domestic violence in Black communities during Chicago’s stay-at-home order

A recent study found that domestic violence reporting declined by 10-fold in Black communities compared to White neighborhoods during Chicago's COVID-19 stay-at-home order. The researchers attribute this underreporting to a lack of resources and mistrust in law enforcement among Black communities.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 3, 2021

Climate change adaptation brings health co-benefits, researchers find

Urban climate change adaptation measures can improve human health and wellbeing, reducing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, heat stress, and exposure to food-borne diseases. Early warning systems and policy changes can deliver immediate benefits.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 3, 2021

Large-scale phase retrieval

A team of scientists has developed an efficient large-scale phase retrieval technique for realizing high-fidelity complex-domain phase imaging. The new method combines conventional optimization algorithms with deep learning techniques, achieving robustness to measurement noise and strong generalization. By comparing the reported method...

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournaleLight·DateSep 3, 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.

Wired for efficiency: How methanogenic microbes manage electrons

Researchers discovered a massive enzyme complex in methanogenic archaea that directly transfers electrons from electron bifurcation to CO2 reduction, increasing efficiency. This finding may lead to sustainable biotechnological development and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 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.

Changing structures of summertime heatwaves over China during the past decades

A recent study analyzed the structure of heatwaves in China from 1961 to 2017, finding that most summertime heatwaves were compound heatwaves with both hot days and hot nights. The study also revealed the influence of urbanization on heatwave structures and provided instructions for researchers to customize heatwave indices.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateSep 3, 2021

Beckman neuroscientists define safe protocol for EEG-fMRI imaging

A team of neuroscientists at the Beckman Institute developed safety standards for multiband EEG-fMRI imaging, reducing heating risks and maintaining data quality. By establishing protocols to mitigate artifacts, they enabled the use of accelerated fMRI sequences with EEG recordings.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 3, 2021

CNIC scientists describe one of the mechanisms underlying cardiac hypertrophy

Researchers at CNIC have identified a new mechanism involved in the regulation of cardiac hypertrophy, which may spur the development of new tools for its treatment. The SRSF4-GAS5-glucocorticoid receptor axis plays a crucial role in regulating ventricular function and preventing excessive heart muscle growth.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCardiovascular Research·DateSep 3, 2021

Singapore researchers develop novel 3D model to study vascular diseases

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have developed a 3D model of the human artery blood vessel wall to study atherosclerosis. The model, called an 'arterial wall-on-a-chip', helps understand how cholesterol and inflammatory cells contribute to the disease.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 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.

Making methane from CO2: Carbon capture grows more affordable

Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a new method to convert captured CO2 into methane, reducing materials and energy needs. The new process uses EEMPA solvent, resulting in lower costs for natural gas production.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalChemSusChem·DateSep 3, 2021

Researchers confirm correlation between education expenditure and GDP growth

A study by HSE University researchers found a positive correlation between GDP and education expenditure for OECD members, with stronger effects over the long term. However, in developing economies, increased investment in secondary and professional education actually decelerates GDP growth due to labor market mismatch.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalVoprosy statistiki·DateSep 3, 2021

No serious health effects linked to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines

A comprehensive study of 6.2 million patients found no serious health effects linked to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, with some early findings previously reported at CDC meetings. The Vaccine Safety Datalink's COVID-19 rapid cycle analysis will continue tracking vaccinated patients for at least 2 years.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA·DateSep 3, 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.

Statistical model defines ketamine anesthesia’s effects on the brain

A new statistical model characterizes how ketamine anesthesia affects brain activity, including distinct states and transition patterns. This model provides a principled guide for anesthesiologists, neuroscientists, and data scientists to understand ketamine's effects on the brain.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 3, 2021

Deep recycling of supracrustal materials at 3200 million years ago

Researchers analyzed zircon grains from ancient rocks in South Africa to find evidence of supracrustal material recycling in the Archean period. They discovered that this process occurred at depths greater than 40 km, with zircon oxygen isotope values indicating interaction with low-temperature water and surface processes.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateSep 3, 2021

Texas A&M researchers apply free-flight training to parrot conservation

Researchers at Texas A&M University applied the methods of globally recognized free-flight trainer Chris Biro to establish new bird flocks in the wild. The trained birds learned to recognize natural dangers, forage for food, and navigate their environment, paving the way for parrot conservation.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalDiversity·TypeNews article·DateSep 3, 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.

Avocados change belly fat distribution in women, controlled study finds

A controlled trial found that consuming an avocado daily for 12 weeks reduced visceral abdominal fat and the ratio of visceral to subcutaneous fat in female participants. The benefits were primarily seen in females, with no impact on glucose tolerance or male participants.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 3, 2021

Changes in health insurance coverage during pandemic

The study analyzed US Census survey data to assess changes in health insurance coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant changes were found in enrollment rates and access to care, highlighting the need for policies addressing these issues.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateSep 3, 2021

Ranking apps on privacy

Researchers developed an algorithm to rank apps based on their privacy scores, allowing users to easily find and install non-intrusive apps. The system considers two scores: permission and listener access, providing a ranking of apps from least intrusive to most private.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalConcurrency and Computation Practice and Experience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 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.

Identification of plant-parasitic nematode attractant

A recent study has identified a nematode attractant in flax seeds, which can be used to develop sustainable and environmentally-friendly agriculture methods. The attractant, consisting of cell wall polysaccharides, is found to contain L-galactose sidechains that are critical for nematode attraction.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 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.

Similar neural mechanisms underlie dog-owner and infant-mother relationships

Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University discovered that dogs exhibit attachment behaviors similar to human infants, responding positively to their owner's speech. The study found that the reward center of a dog's brain is more sensitive to its owner's voice compared to a familiar person's praise.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalNeuroImage·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 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.

New model for solving novel problems uses mental map

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have developed a new model for solving abstract problems by utilizing internal cognitive maps. The study found that humans can mentally reconstruct complex social networks and use these maps to make decisions, even with limited information.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2021

Study reveals drastic decline of subtropical aquatic insects

A study published in Biology Letters reveals a drastic fall in the number of aquatic insects in the Paraná River basin due to dam construction. The research, conducted over 20 years, found that dams alter the nutrient balance and provide a clearer water environment, making insects more vulnerable to predation.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiology Letters·DateSep 3, 2021

Researchers find a way to check that quantum computers return accurate answers

Researchers have developed a method to verify the accuracy of quantum computations by having them checked against each other, enabling trust in these complex calculations. The technique works on current hardware without special requirements and can be used to check individual devices against themselves.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysical Review X·DateSep 3, 2021

Fish eyes from a petri dish

Researchers have successfully cultivated complex retinal tissue from embryonic stem cells of medaka and zebrafish. The study, published in eLife, demonstrates the feasibility of growing retina-like structures in a Petri dish, offering new insights into retinal development and potential applications for human medicine.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournaleLife·DateSep 3, 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.

Giving performers copyright over their work could protect them from deepfake technology, study shows

A new study by Dr Mathilde Pavis from the University of Exeter Law School proposes reforming performers' rights to include copyright over their performances. This would provide better protection against unauthorized deepfakes and simplify the structure of intellectual property law.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalConvergence The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 3, 2021

Wet-chemical synthesis of two-dimensional metal electrocatalysts

Recent research advances in wet-chemical synthesis of two-dimensional metal nanomaterials have improved the efficiency and stability of electrocatalysts. The authors reviewed various synthetic methods and explored their applications in different electrochemical reactions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateSep 3, 2021

Enhanced ambient ammonia photosynthesis by Mo-doped Bi5O7Br nanosheets with light-switchable oxygen vacancies

Researchers have developed Mo-doped Bi5O7Br nanosheets that significantly improve nitrogen reduction to ammonia under ambient conditions. The material's oxygen vacancies and Mo dopant facilitate N2 capture, activation, and fixation, leading to enhanced photoactivity.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateSep 3, 2021

Young adults at highest risk of weight gain

A new study found that young adults aged 18 to 24 are four times more likely to become overweight or develop obesity over the next 10 years than those aged 65 to 74. The study suggests that age is the most important sociodemographic factor for BMI change, and that targeted interventions for young adults may be necessary to prevent obes...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 3, 2021

Study shows tiger sharks have social preferences for one another

A study by the University of Miami found that tiger sharks form social groups and exhibit social preferences, but interactions become more random when fed by dive tourism. The researchers tracked tiger sharks over three years and used Social Network Analysis to examine their behavior.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 3, 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.

Drug cocktail reduces aging-associated disc degeneration

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a drug cocktail that can mitigate disc degeneration associated with aging, reducing chronic back pain. By targeting senescent cells, the treatment slowed disc degeneration when administered early in life.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2021

Imaging single spine structural plasticity at the nanoscale level

Scientists have developed a powerful new imaging strategy capable of visualizing the fine, ultrastructural changes to dendritic spines during structural plasticity. They found that the postsynaptic density region underwent significant growth and reorganization on a rapid timescale.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2021

Global warming threatens the existence of an Arctic oasis

The North Water Polynya, an Arctic oasis, is susceptible to climate change, with its high rate of primary production maintaining a diverse ecosystem. The polynya's stability has varied over the last millennia, with periods of instability linked to warmer climate periods and low productivity rates.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 3, 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.

Persistent pinging and push-notifications: Study uncovers pros/cons of constant connectivity in the workplace

A Simon Fraser University study reveals that workers who use mobile technology to actively connect with colleagues experience higher levels of communication effectiveness and better work performance. However, these same technologies can also impair performance due to interruptions. The study highlights the importance of finding a balan...

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateSep 3, 2021

The first cells might have used temperature to divide

A new study proposes that protocells, the putative ancestors of modern living cells, used temperature differences to divide. This simple mechanism could underlie the growth and self-replication of these early cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 3, 2021

Linking humans with blue carbon ecosystems

A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that seagrass ecosystems are more vulnerable to loss and degradation than mangrove ecosystems. Communities with greater reliance on fisheries and tourism income have higher socio-economic sensitivity due to low adaptive capacity, leading to limited alternatives to fishing. Improving acce...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeSurvey·DateSep 3, 2021

Subscription-based payment models may improve access to hepatitis C medications

A new study found that subscription-based payment models increased HCV prescription fills by 534% in Louisiana and improved population health. The model incentivizes states to treat as many individuals who benefit from HCV treatment, aligning with the WHO's goal to eradicate the virus by 2030.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeObservational study·DateSep 3, 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.

Practice makes perfect

Scientists from the University of Tsukuba analyzed video from top-level judo matches to systematically determine the aspects of posture that lead to success. The study found that the distance between competitors is a key factor in correct technique, which may assist in automating athletic training methods.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalSensors·DateSep 3, 2021

Study reveals threat of catastrophic supervolcano eruptions ever-present

A study found magma continued to ooze out from an ancient supervolcano in Indonesia for 5000 to 13,000 years after the super-eruption. This discovery challenges existing knowledge and requires re-evaluation of eruption hazards. Supervolcanoes remain a threat for thousands of years after a super-eruption.

SourceCurtin University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateSep 3, 2021