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Science News Archive September 2021 - Page 35


Page 35 of 40

Scientists achieve magnetic topology controlled by electrical pulses

Researchers have achieved current-controlled topological magnetic transformations in a nanostructured Kagome magnet, overcoming the need for magnetic field methods. The transformation between skyrmions and magnetic bubbles is attributed to spin transfer torque and Joule heating effects.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2021

Rescue and recovery workers and volunteers who arrived early at the World Trade Center site face higher risk of developing COPD

A study of 18,000 workers and volunteers found that those who arrived on the site soon after the Twin Towers collapsed face the greatest risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD often follows an earlier diagnosis of asthma, and its development can take many years to emerge. The research highlights the importance of mo...

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 6, 2021

Astronomers nail down the origins of rare loner dwarf galaxies

Researchers used detailed simulations to detect and study 'quenched' UDGs, which are rare dwarf galaxies that have stopped generating stars. They found these galaxies were not in clusters but rather isolated in voids, with unique orbits that stripped away their star-forming gas.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 6, 2021

Microplastics from recyclable plastics on the rise

Researchers found most microplastic particles were from recyclable products, highlighting the need for improved waste management practices. The study also suggests higher levels of microplastic pollution in urban areas, including NSW, Queensland, WA, and Victoria.

SourceFlinders University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeObservational study·DateSep 6, 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.

X-ray street vision

A team of researchers at Osaka University created a custom dataset to train an AI algorithm to digitally remove unwanted objects from building façade images. The algorithm achieved high accuracy in inpainting occluded regions with digital inpainting.

SourceOsaka University·JournalIEEE Access·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 6, 2021

Science is based on promises, not on mere rules

The removal of the 14-day rule from international guidelines on embryo research has sparked concerns among bioethicists about the lack of consideration for potential consequences. The authors argue that countries should not automatically amend their laws without thoughtful discussions involving stakeholders and citizens.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEMBO Reports·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 6, 2021

Educated women increasingly likely to have 1st baby before marriage

A new study by Johns Hopkins University sociologist Andrew Cherlin found that college-educated women are increasingly likely to have a first child before marriage. The study suggests that the role of marriage in starting families is shifting among young adults, with many opting for cohabitation instead.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 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.

Ninth-grade ethnic studies helped students for years, Stanford researchers find

A Stanford study finds that ninth-grade ethnic studies classes have a lasting positive impact on students, increasing overall engagement, probability of graduating and likelihood of enrolling in college. The course provides targeted psychological interventions promoting sense of belonging, affirming personal values and forewarning abou...

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2021

As more US adults intend to have covid vaccine, national study also finds more people feel it’s not needed

A national study of 75,000 US adults found a near 18 percentage point increase in those willing to get vaccinated, but also a rise in skepticism among certain groups. Disparities persist in vaccine confidence, particularly among younger adults, non-Hispanic Black or multiple races, and lower socioeconomic status.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAnnals of Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 6, 2021

Volcano analysis in real time

A new algorithm detects small surface deformations in satellite images, allowing for earlier warnings of volcanic eruptions. This enables more precise monitoring of over 1,500 active volcanoes worldwide, providing a significant basis for improving eruption forecasts.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 6, 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.

Eight percent of Austrians suffer from pathological insomnia

A recent Austrian study found that approximately 7.8% of Austrians between the ages of 18 and 67 suffer from chronic insomnia, with symptoms affecting around 50% of respondents. The low rate of help-seeking behavior highlights a need for better public health initiatives and patient education to address this widespread issue.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalSleep Epidemiology·DateSep 6, 2021

Increased CO2 in the atmosphere makes dung beetles smaller

A recent study by Wits University scientists reveals that elevated atmospheric CO2 has detrimental effects on dung beetle development. The findings suggest that increased CO2 levels may contribute to the decline in insect populations.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2021

HKU Engineering team develops a useful framework to identify high-risk antibiotic resistance genes

A research team at HKU has developed a framework to evaluate the risks of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) based on three factors: human-associated environments, gene mobility, and host pathogenicity. The framework provides a risk hierarchy for ARGs, allowing for informed decision-making on tackling environmental ARGs.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 6, 2021

Large rise in depression symptoms amongst UK over-50s during the COVID-19 pandemic, study finds

A significant overall rise in depression symptoms was found among UK over-50s during the COVID-19 pandemic. 26% of participants met the criteria for clinical depression, compared to 14% prior to the pandemic. The study identified key risk factors, including living alone, long-term health conditions, and urban environment.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalBJPsych Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 6, 2021

Researchers reveal a novel metal where electrons flow with fluid-like dynamics

A team of researchers from Boston College has created a new metallic specimen where electron motion flows in a fluid-like manner, fundamentally changing particle-like to hydrodynamic dynamics. The discovery confirms theoretical predictions and opens up new possibilities for material exploration and potential applications.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ultraviolet light helps to realize light-controlled enhancement and fast stabilization of hot-electron photocurrent

Researchers developed all-optical-input transistors that use ultraviolet light to control hot-electron photocurrent, overcoming the limitation of small electron numbers and low energies. This enables fast response rates and stable states, making these devices promising for energy-efficient and low-carbon applications.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2021

Messengers from gut to brain

Researchers at TUM have successfully tracked immune cells from the gut and skin into the central nervous system for the first time. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Immunology·DateSep 6, 2021

Hearing sensitivity of bats may explain their great diversity in tropical forests

Researchers found that bats with high hearing sensitivity to low frequency sounds are more sensitive to prey sounds, such as frog and katydid calls. This suggests that differences in hearing abilities may be a key factor in the diversity of bat species in tropical forests.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 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.

NIH study illuminates origins of lung cancer in never smokers

A genomic analysis of lung cancer in people with no smoking history identified three molecular subtypes, including the slow-growing 'piano' subtype and the aggressive 'forte' subtype. The study aims to guide clinical treatments based on these subtypes, which may have different prevention and treatment approaches.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2021

Seven personality and behaviour traits identified in cats

A new questionnaire revealed seven distinct feline personality and behavior traits, including activity playfulness, fearfulness, and aggression. Breed-specific differences were also found, with some breeds exhibiting more fearful or passive tendencies.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalAnimals·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 6, 2021

Diamonds in the sky

Researchers used granular physics to explain the diamond shapes of asteroids Bennu and Ryugu. The models, which previously failed to predict the shape, were improved by adding the concept of material deposition, resulting in a more accurate explanation.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalGranular Matter·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 6, 2021

Research shows ethnic studies increases student engagement and high school graduation

New research from UMass Amherst found that enrolling academically struggling 9th graders in an ethnic studies course significantly increases their chances of graduating from high school and enrolling in college. The study, which analyzed nearly 1,400 students, also showed improvements in attendance and engagement.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 6, 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.

Schizophrenia study suggests advanced genetic scorecard cannot predict a patient’s fate

A Mount Sinai study found that polygenic risk scores were no better at predicting worsening symptoms than written reports in schizophrenia patients. The results raise questions about the use of polygenic risk scores in real-world situations, suggesting a doctor's report may be an untapped source of predictive information.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 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.

How birds, mammals and children learn sounds

Researchers investigate how birds, mammals, and children learn sounds to understand the development of animal communication and human speech. Studies show that animals like parrots and bats can mimic sounds with varying degrees of accuracy, highlighting the complexities of vocal learning.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateSep 5, 2021

Corals roll with the punches

A new study reveals corals have a high ability to pass on adaptive traits, helping them cope with climate change stress. However, reducing global warming is crucial for making the most of this adaptation capacity.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 5, 2021

New tool to predict polymer properties

Researchers developed a mathematical modelling tool to predict polymer network connections and properties, enabling design of new materials for various applications. The tool combines theoretical modelling and experimental chemistry expertise.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2021

A fluid-supported 3D hydrogel bioprinting method

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has developed a Fluid-supported Liquid Interface Polymerization (FLIP) 3D printer that can rapidly print hydrogel structures with complex geometry. This approach addresses the key nutrient supply issue in bioprinting, enabling the rapid fabrication of complex geometrical shapes.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 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.

Four independent studies show rovalpituzumab tesirine ineffective against small cell lung cancer

Recent studies published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology have found that rovalpituzumab tesirine is not effective against small cell lung cancer, despite initial promise shown in early clinical trials. The therapy has been plagued by high rates of side effects and lack of survival benefits.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 5, 2021

Fabrication of single-layer tetracene molecular crystals

A research team has successfully fabricated single-layer tetracene molecular crystals using two-dimensional inorganic crystals as substrates. The resulting material exhibits extraordinary photostability and Davydov splitting, making it a promising candidate for OLEDs and organic photoelectric energy conversion.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 5, 2021

Zirconium hydride catalyzed hydroboration of amides

Researchers developed an earth-abundant Zr-H catalyst for selective hydroboration of primary, secondary, and tertiary amides. The reaction pathway involves unusual C-N bond cleavage-reforming followed by C-O bond cleavage, enabling efficient amine synthesis.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateSep 5, 2021

The Lancet journals: "Emergency action on climate and nature crisis cannot wait for the pandemic”, says unprecedented joint editorial from health journals

Health professionals call for world leaders to take emergency action to transform societies and limit climate change, restore biodiversity, and protect health. The editorial urges governments to intervene with short-term plans to reduce emissions, conserve nature, and support low-income countries.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 5, 2021

Baby birds tune in from egg

Researchers at Flinders University found that embryos of three bird species can distinguish between their parents' calls and non-specific sounds, building on complexity of vocal learning. This study paves the way for new insights into evolutionary and developmental timescales.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 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.

Physical activity during pregnancy is linked to lung function in offspring

A study of 814 babies found that those born to physically inactive mothers had lower lung function compared to those born to active mothers. Regular physical activity during pregnancy may reduce the risk of impaired infant lung function, potentially improving respiratory health later in life.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 5, 2021

Researchers prove global smoothness for Monge-Ampère equation

Experts in the field have long believed that uniform convexity of domains was essential for the optimal transport map to be smooth. The new study removes this condition, reducing the regularity assumption and providing a significant breakthrough in the field.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalAnnals of Mathematics·DateSep 4, 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.

Researchers reveal suboptimal conditions of platform bundling strategy

The study found that upstream suppliers increase retail prices to compel platforms to use bundling strategies, reducing profits and social welfare. The researchers propose not bundling sales in advance to mitigate this effect and improve consumer value.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProduction and Operations Management·DateSep 4, 2021

High-intensity rehabilitation boosts recovery after a stroke

A new study found that high-intensity rehabilitation significantly improves motor function in stroke patients compared to low-intensity therapy. Implementing high-intensity therapy sooner after a stroke can overcome the detrimental effects of starting late, according to researchers.

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·DateSep 4, 2021

Bisexual adults more than twice as likely to have asthma as straight adults

A new national study published in Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that bisexual Americans had over two times the rates of asthma and other lung diseases compared to heterosexual adults. Higher levels of discrimination experienced by bisexual people may lead to increased stress, inflammation, and worsened asthma.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 3, 2021

Actuator discovery outperforms existing technology

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed an electrochemical actuator that utilizes organic semiconductor nanotubes, exhibiting high performance and tunable dynamics in liquid and gel-polymer electrolytes. The device demonstrates excellent stability, low power consumption, and fast response time.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 3, 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.

Gut bacteria influence brain development

Researchers identify biomarkers that indicate early brain injury in premature infants, highlighting the importance of gut microbiome and immune system balance. The study provides a starting point for developing therapies to prevent or mitigate brain damage.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateSep 3, 2021

Algorithm developed by Lithuanian researchers can predict possible Alzheimer’s with nearly 100 per cent accuracy

A deep learning-based method developed by Kaunas University of Technology researchers can predict the possible onset of Alzheimer's disease from brain images with an accuracy of over 99%. The algorithm was trained on functional MRI images from 138 subjects and performed better than previously developed methods.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalDiagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 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.

Think bad news before it's delivered, new research suggests

Researchers found that individuals who anticipated positive outcomes in potentially bad situations experienced less negative emotion and greater contentment during waiting periods. This pre-emptive benefit finding strategy may help mitigate the emotional suffering associated with bad news.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 3, 2021

UChicago Medicine study reveals underreporting of domestic violence in Black communities during Chicago’s stay-at-home order

A recent study found that domestic violence reporting declined by 10-fold in Black communities compared to White neighborhoods during Chicago's COVID-19 stay-at-home order. The researchers attribute this underreporting to a lack of resources and mistrust in law enforcement among Black communities.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 3, 2021

Climate change adaptation brings health co-benefits, researchers find

Urban climate change adaptation measures can improve human health and wellbeing, reducing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, heat stress, and exposure to food-borne diseases. Early warning systems and policy changes can deliver immediate benefits.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 3, 2021

Large-scale phase retrieval

A team of scientists has developed an efficient large-scale phase retrieval technique for realizing high-fidelity complex-domain phase imaging. The new method combines conventional optimization algorithms with deep learning techniques, achieving robustness to measurement noise and strong generalization. By comparing the reported method...

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournaleLight·DateSep 3, 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.