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Science News Archive September 2021 - Page 11


Page 11 of 40

Novel small molecule potently attenuates neuroinflammation in brain and glial cells

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham discovered a small molecule that potently attenuates neuroinflammation in brain and glial cells. This finding presents a promising new approach to treat neurological diseases driven by neuroinflammation, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and neuropathic pain.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalGlia·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2021

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Task Force on Reassessing the Inclusion of Race in Diagnosing Kidney Diseases has released its final report

The NKF-ASN Task Force recommends adopting a new eGFR 2021 CKD-EPI creatinine equation to estimate kidney function without a race variable. This new approach may alter the stage of kidney diseases in some people, emphasizing the importance of patient education and consultation with healthcare professionals.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 23, 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 may be set to reveal climate-change tipping points

Researchers developed an AI algorithm that can assess climate change tipping points, predicting rapid or irreversible change in systems. The new approach can detect features of tipping points common to various complex systems, including ecology, epidemiology, and markets.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2021

Diversity matters

Researchers found that high biodiversity enhances ecosystem functions by 20%, with environmental heterogeneity significantly boosting this positive impact. Species richness was more important for ecosystem functioning than species turnover in African ecosystems along Mount Kilimanjaro's elevational gradient.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateSep 23, 2021

Life support cooked up from lunar rocks

Engineers have successfully extracted water and oxygen from lunar soil using a two-step process, which could support future human exploration of the Moon. The system uses a mineral mixture that mimics lunar soil and produces gases through electrolysis, making it scalable and self-sustained.

SourceEuroplanet·DateSep 23, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ageing the unageable: UEA researchers develop new way to age lobsters

Scientists at UEA have identified a way to determine the age of lobsters using DNA. The method is based on quantifying DNA changes that accumulate with age within a lobster. This breakthrough could help manage lobster fisheries more sustainably by providing accurate estimates of lobster ages.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateSep 23, 2021

New online tool to help residents reduce the impact of traffic-related air pollution

The Hedge Design for the Abatement of Traffic Emissions (HedgeDATE) online tool offers personalized recommendations for reducing traffic-related air pollution. By inputting their environment details, users can receive tailored advice on how to improve air quality through simple and effective actions.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 23, 2021

An estrogen receptor that promotes cancer also causes drug resistance

UCSF researchers found that Erα plays a crucial role in overcoming innate anti-cancer mechanisms and developing resistance to treatment. Inhibiting Erα RNA-binding activity restored tamoxifen's potency against breast cancer tumors, making the cells more sensitive to stress and apoptosis.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateSep 23, 2021

Future fertility of obese boys may be protected by early weight loss

A study found that early weight loss in obese boys can improve reproductive function and reverse alterations in Leydig cell function, which could help prevent future fertility problems. The research suggests that managing childhood obesity may be necessary to prevent reproductive issues and lower the risk of other diseases.

SourceEuropean Society for Paediatric Endocrinology·JournalHormone Research in Paediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateSep 23, 2021

Effect of micellization studied for inhibition of hydrate formation

Researchers from Kazan Federal University discovered that micelle-forming polyurethane inhibitors can effectively inhibit hydrate formation. The study found that the presence of surface-active properties and ability to form micelles can hinder hydrate formation, providing a new mechanism for gas storage and flow assurance.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 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.

Mapping words to colors

A team of researchers developed an algorithm that infers the communicative needs of different linguistic communities regarding colors. The study found that warm hues like reds and yellows have a higher demand for language, while less prominent colors are underrepresented.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 23, 2021

Bioinspired steerable catheter for brain surgery is first of its kind

Researchers developed a soft robotic steerable micro-catheter for precise brain surgery, enabling targeted treatment of cerebral disorders. The innovative catheter uses biomimicry to navigate and maneuver within the brain's complex anatomy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2021

Holding algorithms responsible in public policy

A team of researchers, led by University of Houston associate professor Ryan Kennedy, has received a $750,000 NSF grant to create an algorithm-accountability benchmark. The project aims to establish general ways of analyzing algorithms and studying their impact on public policy decisions.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateSep 23, 2021

A call for research on food insecurity among migrants on the move

Food insecurity among migrants on the move is a pressing issue, with limited scientific literature documenting its prevalence and severity. A new study proposes a definition of migrants in active mobility and recommends interdisciplinary actions to inform policy and strategies guaranteeing access to food.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Immigrant and Minority Health·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 23, 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.

Eliminating beef cattle pregnancy loss with CRISPR/Cas9 technology

A Texas A&M AgriLife Research project aims to eliminate beef cattle pregnancy loss using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The researchers are studying the role of glycoproteins in embryo loss, with a focus on gene knockout technology, and aim to develop management strategies to prevent reproductive inefficiency in the beef industry.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateSep 23, 2021

Study identifies mechanism by which nicotine withdrawal increases junk food consumption

A University of Minnesota Medical School study found that nicotine withdrawal can lead to overeating high-calorie foods, possibly linked to the brain's opioid system. This connection may hinder smoking cessation and increase the risk of relapse, emphasizing the need for better understanding the factors driving cravings for unhealthy food.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 23, 2021

From Alpha to Epsilon: Consortium study illuminates surfaces of Spike most resistant to antibody escape

A global collaboration has identified three groups of antibodies resistant to mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, which could target vulnerable sites on the protein. The study provides a framework for selecting durable antibody cocktails for COVID-19 treatment and will guide the development of more effective antibody therapies.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 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.

Fewer than one in 20 people living with HIV in England expected to be unaware of status by 2025

Researchers estimate that by 2025, fewer than one in 20 people living with HIV in England will be unaware of their status. The study suggests that combination prevention strategies, including HIV testing and early treatment, are working effectively in reducing undiagnosed HIV cases. However, gaps persist, particularly among heterosexua...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateSep 23, 2021

Making starch faster than field crops do, without using living cells

Scientists have created a novel method for synthesizing starch from carbon dioxide and hydrogen without using living cells. This breakthrough could revolutionize industrial biomanufacturing of starch, which is used in paper, bioplastics, and animal feed.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 23, 2021

If endangered primates disappear, so will their parasites. That's actually a problem

A Duke University-led study finds that if endangered primates disappear, up to 250 parasites could go extinct, including those with no other suitable hosts. This potential extinction cascade could have significant consequences for biodiversity and human health.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 23, 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.

How robots can tell how clean is ‘clean’

SUTD researchers develop sensor that assigns dirt score to areas based on visual and tactile analysis, allowing for more efficient exploration of complex spaces. The sensor is integrated with a smart algorithm that directs the robot to focus on areas with high dirt probability.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalSensors·DateSep 23, 2021

Public procurement used for political purposes in the United States

Research reveals that US government agencies award contracts to companies with ties to the President's party, especially in battleground states. This politicization of procurement can lead to non-competitive bidding and favoritism towards certain companies.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 23, 2021

Improving gender diversity in leadership by ‘opting-out’ of the default

Researchers found that women were less likely to participate in leadership selection under the 'opt-in' mechanism, but this gap disappeared when competitiveness was removed. The 'opt-out' mechanism effectively eliminates gender gaps and helps employees avoid stress associated with negotiating for leadership roles.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Leadership Quarterly·TypeObservational study·DateSep 23, 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.

Micro-scale opto-thermo-mechanical actuation in the dry adhesive regime

Researchers develop a theory and experimentally demonstrate micro-scale opto-thermo-mechanical actuation using nanosecond laser pulses, enabling sub-nanometer resolution and controllable motion. The technique has potential applications in lab-on-a-chip technologies and optical modulation.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateSep 23, 2021

Peering into the Moon's shadows with AI

A machine learning algorithm called HORUS has improved the resolution of images of lunar shadowed regions, allowing scientists to better understand the geology and potential hazards. The algorithm achieved a resolution of about 1-2 meters per pixel, revealing small geological structures such as boulders and mini-craters.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Solar System Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateSep 23, 2021

Active Living After Cancer program improves physical functioning of breast cancer survivors

The study found that participants who completed the Active Living After Cancer program showed significant improvements in physical activity, six-minute walk distance, and mental health. The program is effective for minority and medically underserved cancer survivors and can be implemented through a community-based model.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer·DateSep 23, 2021

Hopkins Med news update

Researchers discovered that new mutations in the BRAF gene can lead to gliomas growing back after treatment, suggesting personalized approaches to therapy. The study also explored potential impacts of COVID-19 vaccines on menstruation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateSep 23, 2021

Bat guts become less healthy through diet of 'fast food' from banana plantations

Research reveals that nectar-feeding bats foraging in intensively managed banana plantations have less diverse gut microbes compared to those feeding in natural forest habitats or organic plantations. This association between habitat alteration and sustainable agriculture on bat gut microbiota is a significant finding.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 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.

Fiber-tip polymer clamped-beam probe for high-sensitivity nanoforce measurements

A novel fiber-tip-polymer clamped-beam probe micro-force sensor was developed using femtosecond-laser-induced two-photon polymerization technique. The sensor exhibited an ultrahigh force sensitivity of 1.51 nm/μN and a detection limit of 54.9 nN, opening avenues for high-precision biomedical and material science examination.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateSep 23, 2021

Therapy using dual immune system cells effectively controls neuroblastoma

Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the UNC School of Medicine developed a dual-threat CAR-T immunotherapy that effectively controls neuroblastoma in animal models. The new therapy targets two antigens on cancer cells, restricting tumor regrowth and preventing evasion by immune cells.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Cancer·DateSep 23, 2021

Polarisation optics for biomedical and clinical applications

Polarisation optics offers sensitive sub-cellular structure analysis and compatible imaging/sensing for in vivo applications. The Stokes-Mueller formalism and Mueller matrix describe polarisation states, enabling various measurement approaches and information extraction techniques.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateSep 23, 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.

Antibody-producing b cells may be "predestined" for their fates

A study by Weill Cornell Medicine identified Oct2 as the key determinant of B-cell humoral immune response, suggesting that the destiny of antibody-producing cells is predetermined. This discovery may lead to new insights into tissue development and cancer development.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateSep 23, 2021

Are too many Phase III cancer clinical trials set up to fail?

A recent study published in JNCCN found that four out of five cancer therapies tested in Phase III trials did not achieve clinically-meaningful benefits in prolonging survival. The researchers analyzed 362 industry-sponsored trials and found that 87% were either false-positive or true-negative for meeting overall survival goals.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateSep 23, 2021

Brought into line

Researchers from FAU and TU Darmstadt have developed a method to control electron pulses over long distances using 'alternating phase focusing', which can be used to guide electrons in three dimensions. The technology has the potential to miniaturize particle accelerators, making them more efficient and powerful.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature·DateSep 23, 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.

Phosphatidylglycerol-DNA complex shown as a stable structure

Researchers reveal stable phosphatidylglycerol-DNA complex formation with strong van der Waals and hydrophobic interactions. The complex's structural parameters are determined, providing insight into the differences between DNA-phospholipid interaction and fatty acid binding.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalBiointerface Research in Applied Chemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 23, 2021

Cloud-spotting on a distant exoplanet

Clouds have been detected on the distant exoplanet WASP-127b, and their altitude has been measured for the first time. The observations reveal that water vapor is present at lower levels but screened by clouds opaque to visible light, while sodium is found in an unexpected place.

SourceEuroplanet·DateSep 23, 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.

Infection hinders blood vessel repair following traumatic brain or cerebrovascular injuries

Researchers found that viral, fungal, or bacterial infections impact blood vessel repair in the brain after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and cerebrovascular injury. Infected animals took longer to repair damaged blood vessels, leading to permanent cognitive dysfunction and brain damage.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2021

Researchers translate insect defense chemicals into eerie sounds

Researchers Boevé and Giot translated insect defense chemicals into sounds, measuring human reactions. The study found that the responses by ants and humans are correlated, indicating that sonification can approximate real-world predator-prey interactions.

SourceCell Press·JournalPatterns·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2021

European Green Deal: carbon border adjustment mechanism could hit some trade partners hard

The EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism could significantly impact countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Morocco, and Mozambique due to their high exposure and vulnerability to the mechanism. To mitigate this, the EU should provide financial and technical support to these countries to aid in decarbonisation efforts.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalEnergy Research·TypeCase study·DateSep 23, 2021

First observation of energy-difference conservation in optical domain

A research team at POSTECH observes synchronized oscillations of optical intensity and symmetry-breaking transitions at an exceptional point. They also discover energy-difference conservation for the first time in the optical domain using APT symmetry platforms based on nonlinear four-wave-mixing.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 23, 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.

Scientists ID sterol essential for oil accumulation in plants

A team of scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory has identified a key component of the assembly line responsible for oil droplet formation. The study suggests new ways to engineer plant tissues for increased oil accumulation, which could lead to sustainable oils for biofuels and other commodity products.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Serum biomarker of fibrosis predicts kidney function decline

A serum biomarker, polyubiquitinated phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), was associated with a four-fold higher risk of kidney function decline. This modified form of PTEN was linked to severity of lesions in kidney structure, indicating early manifestations of diabetic kidney disease.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateSep 22, 2021

New avenue for study of diseases like multiple sclerosis

Scientists at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago discovered a surprising link between growth factor receptor PDGFRA and hypomyelination in mouse models. The study suggests that blocking this receptor could be a novel strategy to treat myelination disorders like multiple sclerosis.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalBrain and Behavior·DateSep 22, 2021

Some animal species can survive successfully without sexual reproduction

Scientists prove Meselson effect in ancient asexual species, showing survival without sexual reproduction is possible. The study of beetle mite Oppiella nova reveals genetic variance and adaptation through independent genome evolution.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Skoltech scientists use supercomputer to probe limits of Google’s quantum processor

Researchers used a supercomputer to emulate Google's quantum processor and discovered a reachability deficit, a performance limitation induced by a problem's constraint-to-variable ratio. The study showed that future experiments will require significantly more quantum resources to overcome this limit.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalQuantum·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.