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Science News Archive September 2021


Page 3 of 40

Movement of genes within cells helps organisms tell time

Researchers visualize key proteins in Drosophila brains, revealing their daily oscillations and spatial organization. The study highlights the importance of clock proteins in regulating circadian rhythms, which control sleep-wake cycles, metabolism, and cancer risk.

Looking beyond DNA to see cancer with new clarity

Researchers mapped cancer through protein interactions, revealing biomarkers and potential new treatments for breast and head and neck cancers. The study provides a new definition of biomarkers based on large, multi-protein complexes, offering a more precise way to explain mutation effects.

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.

Pruning the dendritic tree

Researchers at the University of Bonn have discovered that the enzyme SLK plays a vital role in maintaining inhibitory synapses, which help regulate neuronal excitability. Without SLK, neurons become increasingly excitable and less responsive to inhibitory signals, potentially leading to increased seizure frequency.

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.

An algorithm to predict psychotic illnesses

Researchers developed an AI tool using longitudinal network analysis to identify predictive symptoms of psychotic illnesses in children with a microdeletion of chromosome 22. The study found that anxiety and feelings of guilt were significant warning signals, enabling early treatment and prevention.

How mercury gets into the sea

An analysis by the University of Basel has revealed that mercury enters seawater primarily through gas exchange, not rainfall. The study found that approximately half of the mercury in the ocean originates from gaseous emissions, rather than precipitation.

How sepsis need not be fatal

A team of scientists has identified molecular biomarkers associated with sepsis, which could be used to predict patient outcomes and guide treatment. The study found that changes in CD52 expression were linked to good outcomes, while S100A9 acted as a driver of fatal sepsis.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists target next pandemic with ‘map’ to victory over viruses

Researchers developed an Internet information system, virusMED, to provide a comprehensive picture of viruses' most important regions. The database contains over 800 strains from 75 different families, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, Ebola, and HIV-1, enabling scientists to respond quickly and effectively against the next pathogen.

Entire genome of common forest pest now revealed

The mapping of the entire genome of the Eurasian spruce bark beetle has provided new insights into its biology and behavior. The analysis reveals that the species has an unusually large number of genes involved in breaking down plant cell walls, but lacks genes to remove toxic substances.

Newly approved PET imaging agent solves clinical dilemmas in breast cancer patients

A new PET imaging agent has been shown to solve 87% of diagnostic dilemmas in breast cancer patients, providing valuable information for personalized treatment decision-making. The agent's ability to visualize estrogen receptor expression across the body may improve patient outcomes and support broader implementation in clinical practice.

Scientists discover a host of reasons for the evolution of social parasites in ants

A team of researchers led by Christian Rabeling has discovered the origins and evolution of social parasitism in ants. The study reveals that social parasites evolved from an ancestor that lost the ability to establish new colonies independently, and that highly specialized parasites can evolve from less complex social parasite syndromes.

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.

When to break from the herd to make a better decision

Researchers found that people are twice as likely to break from the group and make a different choice when they see others hesitating. This hesitation can reveal conflicting information within the group, leading to better outcomes. The study's findings have implications for various situations with herd behavior.

On the trail of ocean mercury

A new study published in Nature suggests that rainwater is not the primary deposition vector of oceanic mercury, but rather the ocean itself absorbs mercury through gas exchange. The research also indicates that the ocean receives less atmospheric mercury than previously estimated.

Stigmatization prevents lessons from the HIV pandemic

Researchers at Bielefeld University argue that stigmatization prevented lessons from the HIV pandemic from being adopted by broader parts of society. This has consequences for dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. The study highlights the importance of including marginalized groups' perspectives in research to learn from their experiences.

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.

Fathers’ type of debt matters for teenagers’ mental health

A Rutgers University study found that teenagers whose fathers are behind on paying child support suffer from more behavioral problems than those with other types of parental debt. Child support debt can lead to negative consequences for adolescent outcomes, including increased conflict and reduced physical and mental health.

Human behavior sabotages CO2-reducing strategies

A new study by University of Utah researchers found that energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy investments had limited impact on reducing CO2 emissions. However, policies aimed at improving energy efficiency had no effect, while investment in renewable energy sources led to increased levels of CO2 emissions in the residen...

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.

Marshall University researchers to study health risks during pregnancy

The study aims to identify the health complications and modifiable risk factors of women with MetS and substance use disorder. By analyzing decade-long data from a research database, researchers hope to develop interventions that improve maternal health and reduce related pregnancy complications.

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.

Melting glasses from unmeltable compounds

Researchers at Friedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena have created a way to melt normally unmeltable metal-organic framework compounds, or MOFs, into glasses. This process enables the production of glass components for various industrial applications, including energy and environmental technology.

New study suggests that aquaporin could be key to repairing corneal defects

A new study provides evidence supporting the involvement of aquaporins in corneal cell proliferation and nerve regeneration, suggesting AQP5 induction as a potential therapy to accelerate corneal defect resurfacing. The study found that AQP5 deficiency can slow down corneal epithelial repair, but its specific mechanism remained unclear.

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.

Hippocampus is the brain’s storyteller

Researchers used functional MRI to image the hippocampus of volunteers learning and recalling short stories, finding that coherent memories are woven together. The study suggests the hippocampus brings pieces together across time to form connected, narrative memories.

Extending the power of attosecond spectroscopy

Researchers develop new theory for attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy of polyatomic molecules, revealing electron-nuclear dynamics. The technique provides sufficient resolution to study decoherence of electron motion caused by nuclear rearrangement.

COVID-19 lockdowns have major impact on diabetes control, international study finds

A comprehensive analysis of 33 studies reveals that COVID-19 lockdowns lead to improved blood sugar control in individuals with type 1 diabetes, while glycaemic control deteriorates and weight gain increases among those with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that lockdown measures may have allowed people with type 1 diabetes to bette...

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.

From recycling to upcycling: A smarter way of dealing with plastic

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a clean and cost-effective way to upcycle used plastic into high-value products such as carbon nanotubes and clean liquid fuel. The two-step process converts organic waste into charcoal, which is then used as a catalyst to upcycle the plastic.

Extra spacing can boost children’s reading speed

A new study from Anglia Ruskin University found that increasing space between letters can improve reading speed for both dyslexic and non-dyslexic children. Dyslexic children showed a 13% increase in reading speed, while non-dyslexic children saw a 5% improvement.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

What are ideal blood sugar levels for preventing repeat strokes, heart attacks?

A new study published in Neurology suggests that people with diabetes who have had a stroke may benefit from maintaining blood sugar levels between 6.8% and 7.0% to lower the risk of future vascular events. The study found that those admitted to the hospital with A1C levels above 7.0% were at increased risk for heart attacks and strokes.

Robust gene networks from the depths of our evolutionary history

Researchers have identified a series of genetic switches, called enhancers, that ensure the correct amount and distribution of Gremlin1 protein during embryonic development. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of human limb development and highlights the importance of robust gene networks in shaping our body's form.

Melbourne-made COVID-19 treatment could future-proof Australia

Scientists have discovered antibodies that block the SARS-CoV-2 virus from entering cells in preclinical models. The discovery paves the way for clinical trials of monoclonal antibody treatments to prevent severe COVID-19 infection, and could provide immediate protection against the virus.

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.

Researchers identify and clear efficiency hurdle for organic solar cells

A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge has identified a key loss pathway in organic solar cells that reduces their efficiency. By manipulating molecules inside the solar cell, they found a way to suppress this pathway and potentially overcome the hurdle for organic solar cells to compete with silicon-based cells.

Quantum dots enable infrared lasing at room temperature for silicon photonics

Colloidal quantum dot technology enables infrared lasing at room temperature, paving the way for low-cost solution-processed and CMOS integrated lasing sources. The breakthrough discovery may facilitate fully integrated silicon photonics, enabling lower power consumption, higher data rates, and multi-spectral 3D imaging capabilities.

Scientists first to achieve Wannier-Stark localization in polycrystals

Researchers from Paderborn University and Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research have successfully demonstrated Wannier-Stark localization in polycrystalline substances. This achievement marks a significant step towards developing affordable optical modulators with broad applications in telecommunications and other fields.

Staying on long-term antidepressants reduces risk of relapse

A new study by UCL researchers has found that staying on long-term antidepressants reduces the risk of relapse by 39% compared to those who stop taking them. The study involved 478 primary care patients and found that 56% experienced a relapse within a year if they discontinued their medication, while only 26% did so after a full year.

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.

Mars’ surface shaped by fast and furious floods from overflowing craters

Researchers found that lake breach floods played a crucial role in shaping the Martian surface, creating river valleys with nearly a quarter of the Red Planet's total volume. The study's findings suggest that these floods had a lasting impact on the surrounding landscape, influencing the formation of other nearby river valleys.

Extending LIGO's reach into the cosmos

A new study by LIGO reveals a new type of mirror coating made of titanium oxide and germanium oxide reduces background noise in mirrors by a factor of two. This allows for an eight-fold increase in the volume of space that can be probed, enabling more frequent detection of gravitational waves.

New tool predicts changes that may make COVID variants more infectious

Researchers at Penn State have created a novel framework to predict amino-acid changes in the virus' spike protein that may improve its binding to human cells and confer increased infectivity. The tool can aid in early implementation of public health measures to prevent the virus's spread.

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.

Notifying pharmacies of discontinued prescriptions helps reduce safety events

A study by Intermountain Healthcare found that notifying pharmacies of discontinued prescriptions can prevent almost 200 safety events over two months. By using a CancelRX functionality in their electronic medical record system, the team was able to avoid these events and ensure patients only receive correct medications.