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Science News Archive September 2021 - Page 12


Page 12 of 40

Artificial intelligence brings better hurricane predictions

A new machine learning approach has been developed by researchers at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to improve hurricane intensity predictions. The model uses artificial intelligence techniques and can run on a commercial laptop, offering more accurate forecasts than existing models. It also enables th...

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalWeather and Forecasting·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2021

A sedentary lifestyle can lead to more nighttime hot flashes

A new study suggests that sedentary behavior can increase the likelihood of nighttime hot flashes in midlife women. The research found that sedentary behavior independently predicts objective and subjective hot flash experience, even when accounting for moderate-to-vigorous activity levels.

SourceThe Menopause Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 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.

Buck researchers provide a framework to study precision nutrigeroscience

Researchers at Buck Institute for Research on Aging provide a framework for precision nutrigeroscience to study the need for individualized dietary interventions. Studies in fruit flies show that lifestyle and genetics impact lifespan and healthspan, leading researchers to challenge the field to adopt a more nuanced approach.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 22, 2021

Researchers mimic how water and wind create complex shapes in nature

Researchers at Aalto University created intricate shapes like letters by manipulating tiny metal balls with vibrating plates and energy fields. The smart algorithm efficiently guided the particles to achieve desired shapes, inspired by natural phenomena like wind and water.

SourceAalto University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 22, 2021

Majority of ‘#alcohol’ videos on TikTok portray drinking in a positive light

A new study found that 98% of popular TikTok '#alcohol' videos have positive portrayals, while only 4% describe negative alcohol-related consequences. The research highlights the need for age verification and responsible content creation on social media platforms.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeObservational study·DateSep 22, 2021

Hubble finds distant galaxies that ran out of fuel

A team of astronomers has observed six massive galaxies in the early universe that have mysteriously stopped forming stars due to depleted gas reserves. The discovery was made possible by the Hubble Space Telescope's high resolution and gravitational lensing, allowing researchers to study these galaxies in unprecedented detail.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateSep 22, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Contact-tracing apps could improve vaccination strategies

Mathematical modeling suggests that contact-tracing apps can help achieve herd immunity by identifying individuals with greater exposure to others and targeting them for vaccination. The approach, known as 'hot-spotting,' could reduce the number of vaccine doses needed by up to half.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2021

Dog parasite is developing resistance to treatments

Researchers find hookworms resistant to multiple drugs used to treat them, with high prevalence in racing greyhounds. The study's results highlight the importance of regular deworming and caution against dog parks as potential breeding grounds for drug-resistant parasites.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal for Parasitology·DateSep 22, 2021

SARS-CoV-2 screening in an urban public school district

Weekly saliva polymerase chain reaction testing in asymptomatic staff and students in an urban public school district significantly increased SARS-CoV-2 case detection, surpassing county-level infection rates. This study highlights the effectiveness of targeted screening strategies in reducing COVID-19 transmission.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 22, 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.

The circadian rhythm of the liver is regulated by muscle activity

Skeletal muscle secretes a molecule that regulates around 35% of liver functions, with the remaining basal functions independent of muscle activity. Ageing alters this communication, leading to non-optimal functions and accelerated ageing.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Wind energy can deliver vital slash to global warming

New research from Cornell University suggests that accelerating wind-energy technology deployment can achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, with potential to reduce global warming atmospheric average temperatures of 0.3 to 0.8 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. The study confirms that advancing wind energy...

SourceCornell University·JournalClimate·DateSep 22, 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.

Dr. Sofia Sheikh awarded National Science Foundation Fellowship for Research & Education at the SETI Institute’s Allen Telescope Array

Dr. Sofia Sheikh has been awarded a Mathematical and Physical Sciences Ascending Postdoctoral Research Fellowship to focus on fast radio bursts and develop improved technosignature detection methods. She will also mentor underrepresented students in physics and astronomy, leveraging the Allen Telescope Array's unique qualities.

SourceSETI Institute·DateSep 22, 2021

First glimpse of hydrodynamic electron flow in 3D materials

A team of researchers from Harvard, MIT, and the Max Planck Institute developed a theory to explain how hydrodynamic electron flow could occur in 3D materials. They observed it for the first time using a new imaging technique, providing evidence of strong interactions between electrons in high-density materials.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 22, 2021

Over 120 scientific experts’ global ocean report shows unprecedented climate change impact, as Arctic registers record low ice levels

The Copernicus Ocean State Report reveals record low Arctic ice levels, with a 90% reduction in average sea ice thickness in the Barents Sea. The report also highlights extreme variability in ocean temperatures and oxygen levels, posing significant challenges for marine ecosystems.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Operational Oceanography·DateSep 22, 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.

Metals supercharge promising method to bury harmful carbon dioxide under the sea

Researchers from University of Texas at Austin have discovered a way to accelerate the formation of CO2 hydrate structures that can store billions of tons of carbon for centuries. By adding magnesium, these structures form 3,000 times faster than current methods, offering a promising alternative to reduce climate change.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateSep 22, 2021

Could a novel light therapy help people with Alzheimer's?

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital are testing a novel light therapy to slow Alzheimer's debilitating effects, aiming to improve both cognition and sleep. The treatment involves flashing pulses of light designed to enhance electrical brain waves and reset the sleep-wake cycle.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateSep 22, 2021

Winged microchip is smallest-ever human-made flying structure

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a flying microchip that can monitor air pollution, airborne diseases, and environmental contamination. The device, about the size of a grain of sand, uses wind to generate flight, stabilizing its trajectory through aerodynamic optimization inspired by nature.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Methamphetamine-involved overdose deaths nearly tripled between 2015 to 2019, NIH study finds

Overdose deaths involving methamphetamine rose 180% from 2015 to 2019, outpacing increases in methamphetamine use. Riskier patterns of use, including frequent use and co-use with other substances, contributed to the surge. Diverse populations, particularly American Indians/Alaska Natives and young adults, are disproportionately affected.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateSep 22, 2021

COVID-19 infection increases risk for preeclampsia reported by WSU and PRB investigators

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of developing preeclampsia. Women with SARS-CoV-2 infection had a 62% higher odds of developing preeclampsia than those without the infection.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 22, 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.

Phyllotaxis-inspired nanosieves with multiplexed orbital angular momentum

Researchers developed phyllotaxis-alike vortex nanosieves that can generate multiple optical vortices within a single nano-device, enabling compact and efficient multiplexing of orbital angular momentum. The design uses judiciously arranged nanoholes on metal films to create multiple spiral patterns, each contributing to a specific OAM...

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournaleLight·DateSep 22, 2021

Social robots may be more persuasive if they project less authority

A new study from the University of Toronto suggests that social robots could be more persuasive if they project less authority. The research found that people are more likely to accept advice or instructions from a robot when it is presented as a peer helper rather than an authoritative figure.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalScience Robotics·DateSep 22, 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.

Phase 3 trial results: mRNA-1273 vaccine continued to be safe and efficacious more than five months after second dose

The mRNA-1273 vaccine has demonstrated sustained efficacy in preventing COVID-19 and severe disease, with consistent high levels of protection observed across various subgroups. Researchers have also found a marginal improvement in reduced cases among those vaccinated more recently during the Delta variant surge.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 22, 2021

Recording roman resource exploitation and urban collapse

The Roman occupation of Carthage resulted in environmental degradation and economic collapse, as evidenced by the abandonment of the city of Zita in AD 200. Archaeological analysis indicates a shift from agricultural goods like olive oil to metal production, which led to unsustainable economic practices and eventually urban collapse.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateSep 22, 2021

Theory of bubbles lifts cell biology into a new, more quantitative era

Researchers adapted classical nucleation theory to understand protein assembly in cells, predicting precise locations and times for droplet formation. The approach offers a new understanding of cell biology and potential control over complex soft materials.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Quantum cryptography Records with Higher-Dimensional Photons

A team at TU Wien developed a new quantum transmission protocol using eight different paths for each photon, generating a record-breaking entanglement-based quantum key. This protocol is more robust against interference and allows for faster data transmission.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 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.

Wide heads help sperm swim together

Researchers used machine learning to discover that sperm with a wide head relative to length are more likely to clump together and swim collectively, a rare behavior that sometimes helps them reach an egg faster. The study provides a new method for understanding how form and function are related in cells with complex behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2021

Expanding teleworking would reduce pollution by up to 10%

A study by ICTA-UAB finds that implementing teleworking two, three or four days a week would reduce nitrogen dioxide levels by 4%, 8% and 10%. This is achieved through a decrease in traffic-related emissions, with the greatest reduction expected when all employees in the service sector work from home.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·Journalnpj Urban Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2021

Pregnant women who receive COVID-19 vaccination pass protection from the virus to their newborns

A new study found that COVID-19 vaccinated pregnant women pass high levels of antibodies to their babies, providing protection against infection. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines trigger the production of protective antibodies in mothers, which are then transferred to newborns.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM·DateSep 22, 2021

Researchers find human learning can be duplicated in solid matter

Rutgers researchers have found that learning can be mimicked in synthetic matter, which could lead to new algorithms for artificial intelligence. The study involved changing the environment of nickel oxide material and observing its response.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 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.

Early-stage drug candidate diminishes deficits in Parkinson's disease

Researchers have identified a molecule that slows cells' production of alpha-synuclein, a protein forming toxic aggregates in Parkinson's brains. The compound, A-443654, also reduces cell stress and may help degrade existing alpha-synuclein aggregates.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 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.

Unveiling galaxies at cosmic dawn that were hiding behind the dust

Researchers used ALMA to observe distant galaxies and discovered two new, dusty galaxies near original targets, challenging our understanding of early galaxy formation. The discovery suggests that a significant portion of early galaxies may be hidden from view due to cosmic dust.

SourceWaseda University·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2021

Adults with neurologic conditions more likely to have experienced childhood trauma

A study published in Neurology Clinical Practice found that adults with neurologic conditions are more likely to have had adverse childhood experiences such as abuse or neglect. The study suggests that early recognition of these high adverse childhood experiences may improve health outcomes for individuals with neurologic conditions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology Clinical Practice·DateSep 22, 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.

Early Homo sapiens groups in Europe faced subarctic climates

Researchers at Max Planck Institute found that early human groups in Europe endured cold climatic conditions for over 7,000 years. The team used archaeological materials to generate climatic data, revealing a higher degree of climate flexibility than previously believed.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 22, 2021

Hidden mechanisms of apple watercore formation

Single-cell analyses reveal turgor-associated metabolic modifications in watercored apples, leading to increased production of volatile compounds. A significant concentration of these compounds is detected at the border region, where a water potential gradient facilitates water transport to the watercore area.

SourceEhime University·JournalHorticulture Research·DateSep 22, 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.

Gene RARA surfaces as potential drug target in pediatric AML

Researchers have identified a specific gene, RARA, associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in children that is sensitive to the treatment tamibarotene. Studies found that AML cells with high levels of RARA are more responsive to tamibarotene, suggesting its potential as a new treatment for pediatric AML.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalBlood Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Researchers use breakthrough method to answer key question about electron states

Scientists have developed a new method to distinguish electron properties in atomic orbitals using X-ray generators and high magnetic fields. This breakthrough could lead to novel directions for engineering atomic-scale devices, including quantum computers and ultra-dense magnetic hard drives.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 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.

Color coding molecular mirror images

Scientists at Kanazawa University have discovered a new method for determining the chirality of amines, which involves reactions with 'color indicator' molecules that produce different colors depending on the enantiomer present. The approach enables easy naked-eye differentiation between enantiomers and could be used to quantify enanti...

SourceKanazawa University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 22, 2021

Model advances understanding of incorporating 3D printing into supply chains

Researchers developed a computational model to optimize the use of additive manufacturing in spare parts supply chains, finding that centralized systems are more efficient for less frequent demand with high variability. The study's findings provide a step forward in understanding how to incorporate AM technologies into supply chains.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Defense Analytics and Logistics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2021

Sex and the symbiont: Can algae hookups help corals survive?

Researchers at Rice University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the reproductive habits of dinoflagellate algae, which can help coral reefs adapt to climate change. By studying sex in these tiny creatures, scientists hope to breed strains that are more tolerant of environmental stress.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Ultrasound assessment of size, number changes for incidental gallbladder polyps

A recent study published in AJR found that gallbladder polyps can fluctuate significantly in size and number over time. The authors suggest revising guidelines to reflect this variability, with no cases of gallbladder carcinoma identified in patients who underwent cholecystectomy.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 22, 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.