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Science News Archive September 2021 - Page 26


Page 26 of 40

Engineers grow pancreatic “organoids” that mimic the real thing

Researchers at MIT developed a new way to grow pancreatic organoids using synthetic gel, allowing for study of interactions between tumors and environment. The gel can also be used to grow other types of tissue, including intestinal and endometrial tissue.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 13, 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.

UMass Amherst infectious disease forecaster gets renewed funding

The UMass Amherst Reich Lab, led by biostatistician Nicholas Reich, will continue to advance real-time forecasting methods during infectious disease outbreaks thanks to a five-year NIH grant renewal. The lab's flu forecasting collaborative has been designated as one of two national Influenza Forecasting Centers of Excellence.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateSep 13, 2021

Air pollution exposure during pregnancy has long-term impact on children’s health, development

Research reveals that air pollution exposure during pregnancy can have a lasting impact on children's health and development. Studies show a link between prenatal exposure to fine and ultrafine particulate matter and adverse outcomes such as low birth weight, asthma, cognitive and behavioral issues, obesity, and diabetes.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalEnvironmental Health and Preventive Medicine·TypeNews article·DateSep 13, 2021

Study describes new procedure that successfully treated patients with congenital intestinal malrotation

A new surgical procedure called Kareem's procedure has been introduced to treat congenital intestinal malrotation, a condition where the intestines twist, causing serious complications. The study shows favorable outcomes in patients with intact gut and disabling symptoms, with significant improvement in digestive symptoms after surgery.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateSep 13, 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.

Researchers develop new tool for analyzing large superconducting circuits

Researchers developed a new tool to analyze large superconducting circuits, allowing for the extraction of quantitative information previously inaccessible. The method uses a variational tight-binding approach to simulate circuit behavior, paving the way for further advancements in quantum computing.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 13, 2021

Light does the twist for quantum computing

Researchers generate circularly polarized light at room temperature, a breakthrough for optical quantum information processing. The device uses strained semiconductors to produce twisting 'chiral' valley-polarized light, promising vast data storage capabilities.

SourceNagoya University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2021

Jet stream changes could amplify weather extremes by 2060s

Research suggests that climate-caused disruptions to the jet stream's position and intensity could lead to severe weather-related consequences. The study's findings imply that continued warming could cause significant deviations from the norm, rendering the jet stream drastically different within a matter of decades.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

$25M center will use digital tools to ‘communicate’ with plants

The Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems (CROPPS) will develop technologies connected to the internet and cloud to listen to and learn how plants sense and respond to their environments. This two-way communication system aims to help scientists improve crop management by better understanding plant biology.

SourceCornell University·DateSep 13, 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.

Rerun of supernova blast expected to appear in 2037

Astronomers predict a supernova, dubbed Supernova Requiem, will reappear in the sky around 2037. The rebroadcast is expected to be visible through advanced telescopes, providing an opportunity for scientists to study its behavior.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 13, 2021

Mimicking nature to provide long-lasting local anesthesia

A new biomimetic system mimics the body's own receptors for anesthetics, providing prolonged nerve blockade with minimal toxicity. The system consists of nanostructures that bind to tetrodotoxin and slowly release it, allowing for long-lasting pain relief without systemic toxicity.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2021

Breast cancer ‘ecotypes’ present new path to personalised treatment

Researchers have discovered 50 distinct breast cancer subtypes and nine 'ecotypes', each linked to different clinical outcomes, offering a potential framework for personalized treatments. The study's findings could inform therapy strategies and identify patients most likely to respond to specific treatments.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 13, 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.

Largest population-based study of "lazy eye" reveals public health’s blind spots

A recent study of 1.5 million Israeli teens found that approximately 1% have lazy eye, with a decline in incidence over the past two decades. Socioeconomic factors and ultra-orthodox upbringing are linked to increased risk, while immigrants from certain countries have a higher prevalence

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2021

Covid-19 pandemic dramatically increased maternal mortality in Mexico

A study from Texas A&M University found that COVID-19 was the leading cause of maternal death, with a lethality rate higher than in the US. Maternal mortality also increased due to deaths related to hemorrhage and hypertension. The pandemic's impact on healthcare access and care quality highlighted the importance of timely prenatal care.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeNews article·DateSep 13, 2021

How genetic islands form among marine molluscs

A new study explains how genetic islands can occur in marine molluscs by studying the limpet Nacella concinna. The researchers found that an entire generation of offspring descended from a limited number of parents and were carried by ocean currents to one location.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 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.

Eye conditions linked to heightened risk of dementia

A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and diabetes-related eye disease are independently associated with an increased risk of dementia. In contrast, glaucoma was not linked to Alzheimer's disease but was associated with a higher risk of vascular dementia.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 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.

Astronomers spot the same supernova three times — and predict a fourth sighting in 16 years

Researchers used gravitational lensing to observe the same exploding star in three different locations and predict a fourth image will appear in the sky by 2037. This study provides an opportunity to explore the expansion of our universe and sheds light on cosmological riddles, including the expansion rate.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 2021

Neoadjuvant atezolizumab in combination with cisplatin/pemetrexed and as maintenance for resectable pleural mesothelioma meets safety criteria

Research presented at the IASLC 2021 World Conference on Lung Cancer found that neoadjuvant cisplatin and pemetrexed plus atezolizumab followed by surgical resection and maintenance atezolizumab met safety criteria for patients with resectable pleural mesothelioma. Sixty percent of eligible patients proceeded to maintenance therapy.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateSep 12, 2021

Star attraction: Magnetism generated by star-like arrangement of molecules

A new study reveals the emergence of magnetism in a 2D organic material due to strong electron-electron interactions in its unique star-like atomic-scale structure. The findings have potential applications in next-generation electronics based on organic nanomaterials.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 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.

World-leading pharma collaborates call for plain language summaries of peer-reviewed medical journal articles

Pharmaceutical companies in the Open Pharma collaboration recommend developing plain language summaries of peer-reviewed medical research articles. The summaries should be understandable, unbiased, non-promotional, and easily accessible. This move aims to make medical publishing more open and inclusive for all audiences.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCurrent Medical Research and Opinion·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 12, 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.

Observation of quasi-equilibrium phase coexistence in supercritical fluids

A Korean research team has observed a long-lasting non-equilibrium phase coexistence in supercritical fluids, lasting several hours. The phenomenon is explained by a mass transport model at the phase coexistence interface, where nano-sized clusters facilitate transport.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 12, 2021

Better in pairs: Proteins can help each other bind to DNA

Researchers found that Atf1 and Rst2 transcription factors reciprocally bind to DNA in fission yeast cells responding to glucose scarcity. This unique mechanism prevents both proteins from binding alone and integrates independent activation pathways.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2021

UK lung cancer trial shows screening at-risk groups lowers mortality rates

The UK Lung Screening Trial (UKLS) found a significant reduction in lung cancer mortality among high-risk groups through low-dose CT screening. The study, which included over 4,000 participants, showed a 16% relative reduction in lung cancer deaths.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 11, 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.

Catalyst study advances carbon-dioxide-to-ethanol conversion

Researchers have discovered a three-part catalyst configuration that transforms CO2 into ethanol through a well-tuned interplay between cesium, copper, and zinc oxide sites. The study provides a fundamental understanding of the reaction mechanism and will drive further research towards developing practical industrial catalysts.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 10, 2021

Linking US prescription drug prices to those paid in other nations could cut costs in half

A new RAND Corporation study models likely savings from legislative proposal to adopt reference pricing, which could reduce US spending on prescription drugs by at least half. The study found that caps on prices set at 120% of what is paid in six other nations could lower US spending on insulins and 50 top brand-name drugs by 52%, savi...

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2021

Treatment with gene therapy of a new rat model of Morquio A, a disease with severe skeletal dysplasia and cartilage deterioration

Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona develop gene therapy that fully corrects severe whole-body alterations in Morquio A disease, a rare condition caused by GALNS enzyme deficiency. The therapy, administered via intravenous viral vector, prevents bone malformations and life-threatening complications.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 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.

Caught in a web: study reveals that immune cells cooperate to trap and kill bacteria

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a new antibacterial mechanism where immune cells cooperate to capture and 'eat' bacteria. This cooperation enhances the killing power of macrophages, increasing phagocytosis of bacterial pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant staph

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 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.

Medicaid expansion tied to improvements in blood pressure, glucose control

A new study found that Medicaid expansion is associated with reductions in uninsurance and improvements in blood pressure and glucose control measurements. The benefits were highest among Black and Hispanic patients. Longer-term investments into quality care and care management are necessary to realize these health outcomes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2021

Do family members understand the end-of-life wishes of patients on chronic dialysis?

A study found that many family members of patients with kidney failure on chronic dialysis lack a clear understanding of their end-of-life wishes. Despite having spoken with the patient about treatment preferences, fewer than one-third had discussed specific aspects of care, such as hospice or mechanical ventilation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 10, 2021

UC San Diego leads a $12.25M grant to improve epilepsy treatment

Researchers at UC San Diego are developing higher-resolution sensor grids with increased density to improve diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. The team plans to test these grids in pigs before conducting clinical trials, aiming to provide surgeons with a clearer picture of brain regions triggering seizures.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateSep 10, 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.

When predators matter! Study of voles on Arctic island advances knowledge of small-mammal population dynamics

Researchers found that predators play a crucial role in regulating small mammal populations, contradicting previous assumptions about the importance of herbivore-plant interactions. The study's unique Arctic vole ecosystem provided a simple model to test predator-prey dynamics, shedding light on population cycles and climate variability.

SourceCanadian Museum of Nature·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 10, 2021

Largest virtual universe free for anyone to explore

Researchers created a massive virtual universe, Uchuu, consisting of 2.1 trillion particles in a computational cube spanning 9.63 billion light-years. The simulation allows for the study of dark matter and large-scale structure on an unprecedented scale.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 10, 2021

Drought – more than temperature – governs diversity of life on earth

A University of Arizona-led study found that drought and seasonal fluctuations in rainfall are larger drivers of evolutionary diversity than warm temperatures. The research team created maps of evolutionary diversity across North, Central and South America, revealing that deserts have more plant species compared to forests due to drought.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2021

The mystery of the flexible shell

A team of researchers from the Paul Scherrer Institute has discovered that the brachiopod shell can become extremely soft in water due to the absorption of liquid, allowing it to be folded without breaking. The transformation is reversible, and the shell returns to its hard state upon drying.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 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.

Only a minority of those with alcohol use disorders receives medication

A study found that only about 2-2.5% of individuals with alcohol dependence in Sweden receive alcohol medication, highlighting unequal provision of treatment across sociodemographic factors and co-morbid conditions. The research suggests low knowledge among physicians and patients, as well as preference for psychological treatment over...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeObservational study·DateSep 10, 2021

NIH scientists build a cellular blueprint of multiple sclerosis lesions

Researchers at NIH/NINDS built a detailed cellular map of chronic MS lesions, revealing gene activity patterns and interactions that could lead to new therapies. The study identified microglia and C1q as promising targets for progressive MS, potentially offering a way to halt disease progression.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateSep 10, 2021