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Science News Archive September 2021 - Page 14


Page 14 of 40

Continental growth is not a continuous process

Researchers found that continents have always been rich in silica, contradicting previous models. Continental growth occurred in six major periods every 500-700 million years over the past 3.7 billion years.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 22, 2021

Can a sexual assault jeopardize a woman's brain health?

A new study suggests that traumatic experiences like sexual assault are associated with indicators of cerebrovascular risk, potentially leading to dementia and stroke. Women who experienced trauma had greater white matter hyperintensities, a marker for brain small vessel disease.

SourceThe Menopause Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2021

DNA sensor quickly determines whether viruses are infectious

A new DNA sensor can detect both the presence and infectivity of viruses in minutes, providing a significant improvement over current methods that only detect genetic material. This breakthrough could aid in tracking and containing viral outbreaks, as well as understanding mechanisms of infection.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental 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.

New therapies offer hope for minimizing hair loss in midlife women

Common hair loss patterns in women include progressive ponytail thinning, increased scalp visibility, and easy sunburn. New therapies such as platelet-rich plasma injections offer promise for stimulating hair growth and minimizing thinning, while treatments like minoxidil and finasteride may also be effective.

SourceThe Menopause Society·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 22, 2021

Intermittent fasting can help manage metabolic disease

Researchers explore science behind time-restricted eating, finding it improves sleep quality and reduces obesity, diabetes, and heart disease risk. By aligning daily habits with internal rhythms, intermittent fasting can optimize health and reduce chronic disease burden.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrine Reviews·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.

Setting global targets could cut impact of diabetes in developing countries

A new global study found that setting targets for treating diabetes patients with cholesterol or blood pressure medication can significantly improve cardiovascular outcomes. Achieving these targets could save up to 6% of healthy lifetime lost to diabetes over 10 years, mainly due to reduced cardiovascular conditions.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateSep 22, 2021

“Second-hand” psychological stress can lead to depression in mice, finds study

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discover that vicarious social defeat can cause psychological stress in mice, leading to depression and decreased neurogenesis. The study sheds light on the pathophysiology of depression and may lead to the development of novel antidepressants.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalBehavioural Brain Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Immune cells in the brain share the work

Microglial cells form networks to degrade alpha-synuclein aggregates, preventing neuron damage. However, certain Parkinson's disease mutations disrupt this process.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 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.

Nasal drugs show promise for slowing Parkinson’s disease progression in lab study

Researchers at Rush University Medical Center have developed potential new treatments for Parkinson’s disease that showed success in slowing its progression in mice. The lab-developed peptides helped slow the spread of alpha-synuclein, a protein that occurs in abnormal deposits in the brain.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2021

Telehealth may help smokers in rural prisons quit tobacco smoking

A Rutgers University study suggests that video conferencing with tobacco treatment specialists can aid smokers in rural prisons in quitting tobacco smoking. The study also found that providing nicotine replacement therapy patches was effective in aiding the cessation process.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Telemedicine and Telecare·TypeObservational study·DateSep 21, 2021

River research reveals scale of macroplastic pollution

New research from the University of Leicester shows that macroplastics travel much slower through river systems than previously believed, remaining in place for significant periods. The study suggests existing estimates of riverine plastic flux to the ocean may have been overestimated, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalFrontiers in Water·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Wistar scientists identify new therapeutic target in ovarian cancer subtype with poor prognosis

Scientists at The Wistar Institute discovered that loss of ARID1A function enhances a cellular stress response pathway that promotes survival of cancer cells, making them sensitive to pharmacological inhibition. This finding points to a new therapeutic opportunity for ovarian clear cell carcinomas with ARID1A mutations.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2021

Repeated injury to airway stem cells could be major factor in chronic lung disease

Researchers link repeated injury to airway stem cells with chronic lung disease, suggesting that biological aging of these cells may contribute to the development of this condition. The study found that injury caused activation of a subset of stem cells, leading to their premature aging and loss of functional capacity.

SourceAlphaMed Press·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2021

Maya rulers put their personal stamp on monumental complexes

Researchers found that Maya rulers altered their cities' structures and alignments to reflect their own desires and authority. Many temples were built on top of existing ones or abandoned altogether, shifting the focus from community ritual to ruler-centric politics.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAncient Mesoamerica·TypeCase study·DateSep 21, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Living donor liver transplants: Better outcomes for children

Children who receive living donor liver tissue for transplants have nearly twice the survival rate and reduced risk of organ rejection compared to those receiving deceased donor livers. Living donation also shortens wait times for pediatric patients.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalTransplantation Direct·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 21, 2021

Rates of infectious disease linked to authoritarian attitudes and governance – study

A new study reveals a strong connection between infection rates and strains of authoritarianism in public attitudes and politics. The research found that the more infectious US cities and states had more authoritarian-leaning citizens, with correlations between higher disease rates and conservative voting patterns.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Social and Political Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 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.

Racial/Ethnic Disparities Persist in Lung Cancer Screening Eligibility

A new study finds that racial/ethnic minorities remain less likely to be eligible for lung cancer screening under the revised guidelines, highlighting the need for more nuanced risk models. Incorporating social determinants of health and family history could help address disparities in lung cancer screening eligibility.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateSep 21, 2021

Discovery of a universal system for transporting nucleic acids into cells

A team of researchers from IOCB Prague has discovered a new type of nanoparticles capable of safely transporting various types of nucleic acids used for therapeutic purposes into cells. The universal nature of their system sets it apart from existing solutions, allowing for efficient transport of mRNA and other RNA molecules into cells.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 21, 2021

Eating less fat may save your hair

A recent study published in Nature found that a high-fat diet or genetic obesity can deplete hair follicle stem cells, leading to hair thinning and loss. The researchers discovered that inflammation signals block hair follicle regeneration, ultimately resulting in loss of hair follicles.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalNature·DateSep 21, 2021

Bringing real-time, fine-scale, subsurface quality control to 3D printing

Researchers from Osaka University introduced a non-contact quality control technology to 3D printing by detecting fine-scale defects below the surface of 3D-printed metal assemblies. They used laser ultrasonics to uncover small defects that are frequently difficult to image.

SourceOsaka University·JournalUltrasonics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2021

Developmental biology: Factors of cell division

Researchers at LMU Biocenter have discovered that PCMD-1 is an essential functional bridge between centrioles and the surrounding matrix, ensuring proper spindle pole integrity. This finding highlights the critical role of protein interactions in maintaining cell division accuracy and preventing diseases such as cancer.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalDevelopment·DateSep 21, 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.

Researchers study recurrent neural network structure in the brain

Scientists discovered that recurrent neural networks (RNNs) play a crucial role in the frontal cortex, responsible for decision-making, expressive language, and voluntary movement. The research also found that RNNs are more complex than previously thought, with a unidirectional structure.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalCell Reports·TypeObservational study·DateSep 21, 2021

Canada’s nitrogen footprint shows great regional variation

A study by McGill University reveals significant regional variation in Canada's nitrogen footprint, with Ontario and Quebec contributing the most. The research highlights the importance of understanding local drivers of nitrogen pollution to develop targeted solutions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 21, 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.

Predicting a riot: Social inequality leads to vandalism in experiments

A new study by UCL researchers found that social inequality can incite collective violence, including vandalism, even with weak social identification. The findings suggest that reducing economic inequality could play a role in maintaining public safety.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2021

CU researchers awarded NIH grant for new center to study autoimmune diseases

A new center will be established at CU Anschutz Medical Campus to investigate rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis, with the goal of identifying new treatments and preventing disease. The center will combine resources from over 40 researchers and provide funding for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateSep 21, 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.

40 simple steps to reduce deaths from critical illness

A new study by Karolinska Institutet outlines a baseline bundle of care interventions that could save millions of lives globally. The Essential Emergency and Critical Care (EECC) concept describes life-saving practices with low complexity and cost, benefiting critically ill patients.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalBMJ Global Health·DateSep 21, 2021

Transforming science communication through the power of film

The Science Communication Lab has received a 3-year NSF grant to create new films and virtual workshops about novel breakthroughs and techniques in science. The lab aims to expand its work across filmmaking and education to reach broad and diverse audiences, emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

SourceScience Communication Lab·DateSep 21, 2021

Sensitivity to painful external stimuli preserved in all phases of Alzheimer’s disease in mice

Researchers studied mice with Alzheimer's disease and found that pain sensitivity is maintained throughout the disease progression. Females are more sensitive to pain, while males experience greater emotional distress, highlighting age- and sex-specific responses to pain in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2021

Antibiotic levels measurable in breath for first time

A team of engineers and biotechnologists has developed a biosensor that measures antibiotic levels in breath, mirroring blood concentrations. This breakthrough enables on-site, personalized dosing to minimize resistant bacteria strains.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 21, 2021

Japanese Knotweed extract could cut cancer risk of processed meat

Researchers have developed a new type of red meat that replaces nitrite with natural alternatives from plants and fruits, including Japanese Knotweed. The results showed significantly lower levels of nitrite content in participants' faeces compared to conventionally processed red meat.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 21, 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.

Treating polycystic ovary syndrome costs $8 billion a year in US alone

A new study estimates that treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) costs the US $8 billion a year, primarily due to long-term metabolic health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The analysis also found pregnancy-related costs contribute significantly to the total burden.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateSep 21, 2021

Simulated microgravity system created to experiment with materials

Researchers at the University of Barcelona have developed a simulated microgravity system that simulates conditions found in space, allowing for the study of 2D crystalline molecular structures. The system enables the growth of unique materials with unprecedented effects on orientation, compactness and generation.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 21, 2021

Elephants benefit from having older siblings, especially sisters

A study of semi-captive Asian elephants found that calves raised with older sisters had higher long-term survival rates and reproduced earlier than those without a sibling. In contrast, male elephants raised with older sisters experienced lower survival but increased body weight.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 21, 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.

NJIT expert trains robots to use their hands, earns NSF CAREER grant

Cong Wang aims to develop a two-fingered robot that can perform everyday tasks with precision manipulation, using artificial intelligence and crowdsourcing. The robot will be taught by human volunteers through the Amazon Mechanical Turk system, with the goal of creating a physically intelligent being.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateSep 21, 2021

NIAID scientists find a key to hepatitis C entry into cells

Researchers identify structure and interaction between HCV E2 protein and CD81 receptor, revealing acidic conditions enhance binding and facilitate cell entry. This discovery provides new leads for developing an HCV vaccine by targeting specific antibodies against the virus.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateSep 21, 2021

"Ultra-potent” antibody against COVID-19 variants isolated

A Vanderbilt University Medical Center technology has led to the discovery of an 'ultra-potent' monoclonal antibody that neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. The antibody's unique characteristics make it a valuable addition to therapeutic candidates.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 21, 2021

“Beach ball” representations calculated for US underground nuclear tests can aid monitoring

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory calculated moment tensors for 130 underground nuclear and 10 chemical tests to aid explosion monitoring. The study's database of carefully documented explosions will be useful for researchers, allowing them to distinguish explosions from earthquakes and estimate yield.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 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.

Danes’ oral health has improved but social inequalities have not changed

Danish adults have made significant strides in preserving their natural teeth and visiting the dentist more frequently. However, social disparities in dental health persist, with those from lower-income backgrounds receiving less preventive care.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalEuropean Journal Of Oral Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateSep 21, 2021

Study: Catheter-based valve replacement helps more heart patients

A new study published in JAMA shows that minimally invasive aortic valve replacement can help patients with a wide range of heart conditions, offering a new hope for those affected by aortic dissections and aneurysms. The procedure, pioneered at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, has been shown to be effective in treating complex cases.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2021

Human whistled languages may offer model for how to study dolphin communication

A multidisciplinary team of scientists is using human whistled languages as a model to understand how dolphins encode complex information in their whistle communication. By studying the structure and attributes of human whistled speech, researchers aim to develop new techniques for analyzing dolphin whistles.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 21, 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.

From amateur to expert

Researchers used mice to demonstrate that acquired knowledge is stored in early visual areas of the brain, highlighting the widespread storage of semantic memories. The study showed that part of category knowledge is already present in the visual cortex.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 21, 2021

Scholars Gain New Data on Heavy Exotic Hadrons

Researchers have measured the energy dependence of e+e- -> B-anti-B, B-anti-B* and B*-anti-B* reactions in a new energy range, providing insight into exotic Upsilon mesons. The data was collected by the Belle experiment and has the potential to shed light on the structure of highly excited states.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of High Energy Physics·DateSep 21, 2021

New technique boosts cryo-electron microscopy clarity, safety

Researchers have developed a new method for preparing cryo-electron microscopy samples using liquid nitrogen, which cools at rates roughly 50 times slower than ethane. This results in sharper images with reduced beam-induced motion and simplified workflows.

SourceCornell University·JournalIUCrJ·DateSep 21, 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.