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Science News Archive September 2021 - Page 28


Page 28 of 40

Scientists discover that taste cells can control a whole animal’s foraging strategy

Researchers developed a computer model revealing how single brain cells in nematode worms sense and process environmental information to drive decision-making. The study found that sensory cells use salt cues as 'navigation beacons' to direct foraging behavior, controlling the animal's search strategy.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2021

Off-target immune response could predict COVID-19 severity

A new study found that people hospitalized with COVID-19 have elevated levels of autoimmune antibodies in their blood, which are strongly linked to disease severity. Patients with high levels of these autoantibodies were five to seven times more likely to develop severe disease than those with stable antibody levels.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

Less invasive saliva PCR test proves accurate in detecting COVID-19

A study conducted by RCSI has demonstrated that a saliva PCR test is almost as accurate as the standard nose and throat swab, enabling greater capacity for frequent testing. The saliva screening represents a less invasive alternative with the potential to increase compliance with screening.

SourceRCSI·JournalHRB Open Research·DateSep 9, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Can medical marijuana effectively treat childhood epilepsy?

Researchers emphasize the importance of high-quality evidence for efficacy and safety when evaluating cannabis-based medicinal products in pediatric epilepsies. The authors caution that unlicensed products pose risks to children with epilepsy and warn against using them as a Trojan horse for the cannabis industry.

SourceWiley·JournalDevelopmental Medicine & Child Neurology·DateSep 9, 2021

Study finds racial-ethnic differences in sleep health

A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found significant racial-ethnic differences in sleep health, with white adults having the best sleep outcomes and Black adults facing the worst. The research used data from over 1,700 adults and identified factors such as irregular timing and duration, insufficient sleep duration, and high ...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateSep 9, 2021

Large herbivore can reduce fire risks

Researchers found that large herbivores can reduce wildfire damage by mitigating fire-prone vegetation. Effective solutions depend on factors such as herbivore population density and diet. Integrating extensive grazing into land management policies could help mitigate wildfires.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 9, 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.

When wolves are at the door – what communities need to get on with new neighbors

New research explores conditions for humans and wolves to coexist peacefully in rural communities. Successful approaches to supporting communities have been identified, highlighting the importance of recognizing and celebrating traditional knowledge and skills in living alongside large carnivores.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·TypeCase study·DateSep 9, 2021

When everyone works remotely, communication and collaboration suffer, study finds

A new study of 61,000 Microsoft employees found that working from home causes workers to become more siloed in how they communicate, engage in fewer real-time conversations, and spend fewer hours in meetings. The study's findings suggest that a full-time remote workforce may have a harder time acquiring and sharing new information.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 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.

Increased serotonin prevents cocaine addiction in mice

Researchers have discovered that elevated levels of serotonin can prevent the development of compulsive cocaine seeking and addiction in mice. This is achieved through the activation of serotonin receptors and inhibition of synaptic transmission between key brain regions, thereby reducing the risk of addiction.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 9, 2021

After 20 years of trying, scientists succeed in doping a 1D chain of cuprates

Researchers have synthesized the first 1D cuprate material that can be doped, providing systematic data to understand its behavior. The study suggests that the Hubbard model, a prominent theoretical framework, is missing a key ingredient: an unexpectedly strong attraction between neighboring electrons.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

Effect of school-based vision program on reading, academic performance

A randomized clinical trial found that students who received eye exams and glasses through a school-based vision program showed improved reading scores and academic achievement over one year. However, these positive effects were not sustained at two years after the program ended.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateSep 9, 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.

Warmer bottom water temperatures increased methane seepage in the NW Barents Sea

Researchers reconstructed the bottom water temperature record in the Northwest Barents Sea over the last 18,000 years and found that warmer temperatures led to increased methane seepage. The study suggests that these events played a key role in driving the retreat of the former ice sheet and destabilizing gas hydrates.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateSep 9, 2021

Video fake news believed more, shared more than text and audio versions

A study by Penn State found that people are more likely to believe fake news in video format, with 58% of participants believing a fake video was real, compared to 33% who read the article and 48% who heard an audio version. The researchers suggest that this is due to the perceived realism of videos, which can lead to a

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateSep 9, 2021

Misinformation on twitter adversely affects adults’ health decisions

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Bristol found that exposure to false tweets about e-cigarettes' harm can deter adult smokers from quitting. The study recruited 2,400 UK and US adults who were not using e-cigarettes and showed them different health-related information on Twitter.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalBMJ Open·DateSep 9, 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.

Giving websites a human touch: Researcher of Mainz University receives SERVSIG Best Service Article Award of the American Marketing Association

A study by researchers at Mainz University found that digital presence of service employees improves customer loyalty. The study, published in the Journal of Marketing Research, showed that customers perceive websites with images or videos of service employees as more attractive and memorable, leading to increased customer loyalty.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateSep 9, 2021

Surprisingly high emissions from fuel-powered auxiliary heaters in cars

Researchers discovered that particulate emissions from auxiliary heaters can be significantly higher than those of idling gasoline vehicles, raising concerns about their environmental impact. The study highlights the need for further research on the use and development of heaters to reduce emissions.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAtmosphere·DateSep 9, 2021

Hydraulic jump drives stratospheric hydration above supercell thunderstorms

Scientists have discovered a hydraulic jump mechanism that injects water vapor from the troposphere to the stratosphere above supercell thunderstorms. This process, which can occur several kilometers above the storm, drives intense hydration of the lower stratosphere and may play a major role in severe weather events.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 9, 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.

Office air quality may affect employees’ cognition, productivity

A one-year study found that increased concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and lower ventilation rates were associated with slower response times and reduced accuracy on cognitive tests, affecting employees' productivity.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2021

New guideline provides clinical recommendations for surgical referral of obstructive sleep apnea patients

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has released a new clinical practice guideline recommending referral to upper airway or bariatric surgery for adults with obstructive sleep apnea who are intolerant of CPAP therapy. The guideline provides strong recommendations for treatment, considering factors such as BMI and patient adherence.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateSep 9, 2021

GaN-on-diamond semiconductor material that can take the heat - 1,000℃ to be exact

Researchers have successfully bonded gallium nitride and diamond without intermediate layers using surface-activated bonding. The resulting GaN-on-diamond material demonstrates stability even at extreme temperatures of up to 1,000℃, enabling the development of highly conductive semiconductors for high-power devices.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

Amazon community transforms residues into resources

In the Brazilian Amazon, small towns are practicing a self-sustaining circular economy by converting waste into inputs for production. The Carauari community produces 100 metric tons of processed fish per year, generating resources from waste that fuel other activities.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·Journalnpj Urban Sustainability·DateSep 9, 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.

Impaired T cell function precedes loss of natural HIV control

A study found that the ability to lose control over HIV is linked to a decrease in proliferative and cytolytic ability of immune cells, years before actual virus loss. In contrast to other infections, T cell dysfunction here impairs their response only to HIV.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

Disease genes help developing brains

Scientists have identified two new candidate genes, ULK4 and PTTG1, that positively influence the development of an embryo by restoring a strong Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway. This finding provides new insights into the causes of holoprosencephaly, a congenital malformation affecting around one to four in every 1,000 unborns.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalDevelopment·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 9, 2021

Duke/UNC awarded grant to establish joint Alzheimer’s disease research center

The new center will focus on identifying age-related changes that impact the development, progression, and experience of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Researchers will also investigate how factors such as race, age, female sex, and genetic predisposition contribute to racial and geographic disparities in dementia.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateSep 9, 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.

Lurbinectedin does not improve overall survival in SCLC -- some positive action in combination with doxorubicin after chemotherapy

A multicenter clinical trial tested the use of lurbinectedin in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which did not meet its primary end point of overall survival. However, the combination of lurbinectedin and doxorubicin was found to be active in patients with SCLC after one prior platinum-based chemotherapy.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateSep 9, 2021

Social groups, status play large role in health controversies

A study by Indiana University researchers found that individuals' socioeconomic status and social networks play a significant role in shaping their decisions about health controversies. Higher-status people faced fewer consequences for resisting medical guidelines, while those with lower statuses experienced more scrutiny. The study em...

SourceIndiana University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateSep 9, 2021

Enzyme could be major driver of preeclampsia

Researchers discovered that protein phosphatase 2 (PP2A) is a key player in the development of preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine. Inhibiting PP2A with a drug may be a viable treatment option for preeclampsia.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCirculation Research·DateSep 9, 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.

Graphene made with lasers for wearable health devices

A Penn State-led international research team developed laser-induced graphene (LIG) for wearable health devices, offering superior conductivity and heat resistance. The LIG foam exhibited electrical properties, while fibrous structures showed better performance, opening possibilities for sensing devices.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience China Technological Sciences·DateSep 9, 2021

Mothers’ diabetes may induce premature aging of neural tissue leading to birth defects

Researchers have found that maternal diabetes can cause premature aging of neural tissue, leading to birth defects such as neural tube defects. A study published in Science Advances suggests that treatments could be developed to prevent miscarriages and certain birth defects in babies born from mothers with diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

Culture determines the likelihood of unhappy employees becoming entrepreneurs

A new study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that cultural context greatly affects the likelihood of unhappy employees becoming entrepreneurs. Countries with low uncertainty avoidance and high social acceptance of entrepreneurship have a stronger link between job satisfaction and entrepreneurial intent. In contrast, countri...

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalInternational Small Business Journal Researching Entrepreneurship·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 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.

Between hope and reservations: Study on what students expect of remote learning

A study by University of Cologne researchers found that negative student expectations outweighed positive ones regarding remote learning during the pandemic. Students feared a decrease in social interaction, quality of teaching, and feedback, while hoping for increased flexibility and improved media competency.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 9, 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.

What AI analysis of 100 million social media interactions can teach product managers

A new study in the Journal of Marketing uses big data from over 100 million social media user engagements to derive marketing insights. The research captures latent relationships among thousands of brands and across many categories, revealing a highly precise market structure. This allows product managers to identify potential threats ...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 9, 2021

Brain molecule helps ‘wake up’ cells that could help tackle MS and similar diseases, study shows

Researchers have identified a molecule called fractalkine that can boost the production of brain cells producing myelin, a key factor in diseases such as multiple sclerosis. The study's findings suggest that fractalkine could be used to treat certain neurodegenerative disorders by restoring lost myelin.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateSep 9, 2021

Keep on moving: Sports relieve tumor-associated anemia

Researchers have shown that physical exercise normalizes metabolic abnormalities caused by cancer, reducing anemia and associated fatigue. Exercise regenerates metabolism, blunting excessive blood cell formation and destruction, leading to improved tolerance of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 9, 2021

Science Journals' new site enlivens communication of leading research and elevates scientist voices

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has launched a revamped website, integrating its six journals and elevating scientist voices through improved navigation and visuals. The new platform offers readers a more immersive experience, with features such as interactive study images and customizable reading modes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 9, 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.

NSF to fund revolutionary center for optoelectronic, quantum technologies

The Center for Integration of Modern Optoelectronic Materials on Demand will develop new semiconductor materials and scalable manufacturing processes for applications in displays, sensors, and quantum communication. The center aims to connect academic research with industrial and governmental needs, educating a diverse STEM workforce.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateSep 9, 2021

Small, mighty robots mimic the powerful punch of mantis shrimp

Researchers built a robot that mimics the movement of mantis shrimp, which can deliver impressive forces. The study sheds light on the biology of mantis shrimp and reveals how they control their movements using geometry.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2021

An insulator made of two conductors

A team of scientists at ETH Zurich has discovered a new correlated state in twisted double layers of graphene, where negatively charged electrons and positively charged holes pair up to form an electrically neutral state. This state can transmit information or conduct heat without conducting electric current.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

EU, US regulators apply similar mindset when advising live biotherapeutic product developer

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have applied a similar mindset when advising live biotherapeutic product developer YSOPIA Bioscience. This collaboration has provided valuable regulatory feedback for the company's clinical development efforts. The review highlights the need for harmonize...

SourcePharmabiotic Research Institute (PRI)·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeCase study·DateSep 9, 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.

Have COVID-19 lockdowns affected passion and intimacy in relationships?

A study on dating and married couples in India found that relationship satisfaction and love were significantly lower post-lockdown compared to pre-lockdown. Non-traditional activities like cooking, watching movies, and sharing household chores were associated with higher levels of connectedness and intimacy.

SourceWiley·JournalFamily Relations·DateSep 9, 2021

Children at greatest risk of sexual violence in Kenya during the pandemic

A study of 541 survivors in Kenya found children were 1.6 times more likely to be attacked during the day and 1.7 times more likely to be attacked in private, compared to adults. The research highlights the need for policy-makers to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) risks in national crisis policies.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBMJ Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 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.

New flood risk prediction tool to MapOut disaster mitigation plans

Researchers developed WebFRIS, a web-based platform to provide socio-economic vulnerability analysis and simplify flood risk information. The tool can help formulate targeted solutions and enhance social capacity and resilience in flood-prone regions.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2021