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Science News Archive September 2021 - Page 6


Page 6 of 40

simple thermoset plastic recycling using a peptide solution

A new recycling system has been developed to decompose epoxy resins in an aqueous solution of glutathione, allowing for the recovery of recyclable materials. The system shows promise for promoting the reuse of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) and reducing environmental pollution.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalScience and Technology of Advanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021

Counting cells may shed light on how cancer spreads

MIT engineers create system to measure generation rate and survival time of CTCs in real-time, revealing variability between different tumor types. The study suggests that small cell lung tumors can shed up to 100,000 CTCs per hour, while non-small cell lung tumors and pancreatic tumors shed fewer cells.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 28, 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.

Wireless strain sensors cracked up to be better

Researchers at KAUST have developed a new type of wireless strain sensor that offers improved sensitivity and accuracy. The sensor uses fragmented electrodes to detect changes in electrical resistance or capacitance, allowing for real-time monitoring of material strains.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021

Great ape’s consonant and vowel-like sounds travel over distance without losing meaning

Scientists from the University of Warwick found that orangutan call signals, similar to precursors to human language, can travel far without losing meaning. This contradicts current mathematical models predicting sound degradation with distance, suggesting a new approach to understanding language evolution.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBiology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 28, 2021

It's rattling in the box! Game app "Kitty Q" runs warm

The game app 'Kitty Q' combines science and entertainment to introduce children and teenagers to quantum physics, with a focus on attracting girls to STEM fields. The app features over 20 puzzles based on scientific facts from quantum physics, designed to awaken curiosity and encourage trying things out.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateSep 28, 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.

Antidepressants inhibit cancer growth in mice

Researchers found that antidepressants inhibit the growth of pancreatic and colon cancers in mice by blocking a mechanism used by cancer cells to evade the immune system. The findings suggest a promising approach for combining antidepressant drugs with immunotherapy to treat incurable cancers.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 28, 2021

New finding offers promise in researching depression together with obesity

Problem-solving therapy led to short-term changes in the amygdala, a key region for emotion regulation, in individuals with comorbid depression and obesity. The study suggests that neural target changes at two months predicted improved behavioral outcomes after 12 months.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021

Researchers uncover signs of ecosystem collapse in significant PNG wetland

A new study by ANU researchers has found human impacts such as deforestation and mining have significantly transformed Lake Kutubu's algal and geochemical compositions. The lake is now showing signs of ecosystem collapse, including plumes of chemicals and health issues for local communities.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2021

New radionuclide therapy identified for HER2-positive breast cancer patients

A promising radionuclide treatment has been identified for HER2-positive breast cancer patients, combining radioactive iodine therapy with single-domain antibodies targeting the HER2 antigen. The treatment demonstrates safety and efficacy in a phase I study, paving the way for further clinical development.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 28, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Small but mighty: Microgreens go from trendy vegetables to functional food

A new study suggests microgreens can be grown in small spaces indoors with minimal inputs, providing a reliable source of essential nutrients and antioxidants. Microgreens offer great potential as an efficient food-resilience resource for addressing malnutrition issues and nutrition-security inequality.

SourcePenn State·JournalActa Horticulturae·DateSep 28, 2021

TTUHSC technology leads successful clinical trial to treat dry eye disease

A clinical trial conducted by TTUHSC researchers found that corneal epithelial stem cell-derived eye drops significantly improved symptoms of severe dry eye disease, with patients experiencing a 23% improvement in SPEED questionnaire scores and a 17.1% improvement in OSDI scores. No adverse reactions were reported during the 12-week tr...

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Ophthalmology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 28, 2021

Study explores remarkable negative thermal expansion seen in layered ruthenates

A recent study reveals the physical properties responsible for Ca2RuO4's negative thermal expansion (NTE), a phenomenon where materials shrink when heated. The research proposes a new route to designing unconventional NTE materials, which could lead to the creation of composites showing no overall thermal expansion.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 28, 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.

Penn State to play key role in Mid-Atlantic NSF I-Corps Hub

The National Science Foundation has awarded Penn State $1.5 million as part of the Mid-Atlantic NSF I-Corps Hub, enabling entrepreneurial training and research commercialization across the region. The hub will foster collaboration among eight universities to identify promising research and support diverse innovators.

SourcePenn State·DateSep 28, 2021

When it comes to reporting on sexual assault in media, words matter

A study by University of California, Davis researchers analyzed hundreds of Twitter and Reddit posts after news coverage of sexual assaults. They found that language in news reports can contribute to uncivil social media posts, including blaming victims and defending perpetrators. The study suggests that journalists may need to change ...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 28, 2021

“They do not care about us. They have forgotten us.” New research shows disability organisations were ‘unsung heroes’ of the COVID-19 pandemic

Research shows that people with disabilities were disproportionately excluded from pandemic planning and relief efforts, but representative disability groups provided life-saving support. Disability organisations worked tirelessly without funding to plug gaps, highlighting the need for inclusive disaster responses.

SourceSightsavers·DateSep 28, 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.

Rapid, continuous projection multi-photon 3D printing

Researchers at Purdue University developed a new method for rapid, continuous projection multi-photon 3D printing, allowing for the creation of complex structures in under a second. This technique uses spatiotemporal focusing to print entire layers instantly, enabling the production of smooth and complex shapes without layering artifacts.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateSep 28, 2021

UK-wide facility to test for future health nanotechnologies

A new UK-wide facility will analyze innovative nanotechnologies for healthcare applications, enabling improved understanding of their performance and safety. The Multiscale Metrology Suite will provide access to world-leading technology for scientists across the UK.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·DateSep 28, 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.

Light can compute any desired linear transform without a digital processor

Researchers have developed an all-optical processor that uses spatially-engineered diffractive surfaces to compute arbitrary linear transforms, eliminating the need for digital processors. The processing speed is comparable to light propagation, and the system consumes no power except for illumination.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateSep 28, 2021

Scientists have proposed effective ways to reduce metal cavitation damage

Researchers developed a WC-20CrC-7Ni coating with high anti-cavitation resistance, extending the life of aquatic environment mechanisms. The coating's fine structure increases surface area, requiring more energy for crack formation. This innovation can protect critical equipment parts in power engineering, metallurgy, and shipbuilding.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalJournal of Thermal Spray Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 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.

New research links tree health to how birds respond to climate change

Researchers found that great tits nesting near healthy oak trees advance their egg-laying timing more than those near unhealthy oaks. The variation in timing is linked to the health of nearby oak trees and reveals patterns masked by population-wide studies.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2021

Intense workouts before bedtime won’t guarantee a good night’s rest, new research shows

A new meta-analysis found that intense exercise before bedtime can negatively impact sleep quality if done too close to bedtime. In contrast, exercising in the early evening can promote better sleep duration and onset. The study's authors emphasize the importance of considering individual sleep patterns and schedules.

SourceConcordia University·JournalSleep Medicine Reviews·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 28, 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.

A monolithic InP/SOI platform for integrated photonics

A new platform enables simultaneous meeting of three critical requirements: low defect density, large dimension, and efficient light coupling with Si-waveguides. The monolithic InP/SOI platform features sub-micron wires and membranes grown using lateral aspect ratio trapping.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateSep 28, 2021

Studies using ‘model’ organs show how SARS-CoV-2 can infect wide range of cell types and even change function of cells, including the insulin-producing cells of pancreas

Researchers used human pluripotent stem cells and organoids to study SARS-CoV-2 infection, finding that it can infect multiple cell types, including lung, colon, heart, liver, and pancreatic cells. The virus alters cellular function, including reducing insulin production in pancreatic beta cells.

SourceDiabetologia·DateSep 28, 2021

AI may predict the next virus to jump from animals to humans

A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that machine learning models using viral genomes can predict the likelihood of an animal-infecting virus infecting humans. The researchers identified generalizable features in viral genomes that are independent of taxonomic relationships and developed models to identify candidate zoonoses.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 28, 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.

USPSTF recommendation on aspirin use to prevent preeclampsia

The USPSTF updates its recommendation to include low-dose aspirin use, which demonstrates reduced risks of perinatal death, and is consistent with its previous 2014 recommendation. Preeclampsia affects approximately 4% of pregnancies in the US and is a serious health complication.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 28, 2021

Researchers’ novel mind-body program outperforms other forms of treatment for chronic back pain

A new 12-week mind-body program has been shown to be highly effective in treating chronic back pain, with 64% of participants reporting being completely pain-free after six months. The program, called Psychophysiologic Symptom Relief Therapy (PSRT), addresses underlying stressors and psychological contributors to persistent pain.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalPAIN Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 28, 2021

Microscopic metavehicles powered by nothing but light

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have created microscopic metavehicles that can be controlled and maneuvered using light. By layering an optical metasurface onto a particle and using a light source to control it, the vehicles can move in complex patterns and even transport other objects.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021

Major ocean current could warm greatly, new study reveals

A new study reconstructed the Kuroshio Current Extension's past behavior, finding it was sensitive to global climate change during the Pliocene era. The current's sensitivity to CO2 levels is a concern for its potential impact on ecosystems, weather patterns, and regional climates.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalPaleoceanography and Paleoclimatology·DateSep 28, 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.

Lifestyle changes and adhering to treatment targets can greatly reduce excess dementia risk in people with type 2 diabetes, study from UK and the Netherlands suggests

A large study of over 88,000 participants found that addressing key risk factors such as smoking, diet, and blood pressure can lower dementia risk in those with type 2 diabetes. The study also showed improvements in cognitive function and brain structure with greater adherence to treatment targets.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetes Care·DateSep 28, 2021

Study maps immune system genes involved in resistance to SARS-CoV-2

A study analyzed genetic material from 86 discordant couples infected by SARS-CoV-2 and found associations between certain genetic variants and efficient activation of natural killer cells. These cells play a crucial role in the innate immune response, destroying infected cells to prevent disease development.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateSep 28, 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.

How to haggle

Researchers found that a low opening offer can be effective if it's within a 'fair game' window, avoiding negative emotions, but not so low that it backfires. A balance must be struck to achieve a better outcome in negotiations.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalTheory and Decision·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021

Liquid metal coating creates effective antiviral, antimicrobial fabric

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a simple, cost-effective method to deposit liquid metal copper alloy nanoparticles onto fabrics, creating an effective antiviral and antimicrobial coating. The coating eradicated over 99% of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, within five minutes.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021

Higher price for CO2 lowers Europe’s CO2 emissions during the pandemic

The study found that countries with high CO2 prices experienced significant reductions in CO2 emissions, while those without saw less of an impact. Countries heavily reliant on coal saw the most noticeable drop in emissions, as expensive certificates replaced 'dirty' electricity with alternative energy sources.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalEnergy Policy·DateSep 28, 2021

In Guatemala, archaeologist from Brown helps to uncover hidden neighborhood in ancient Maya city

A recent discovery at Tikal reveals a previously unknown neighborhood designed to replicate Teotihuacan's citadel, sparking new insights into the interaction between the two civilizations. Excavations found evidence of occupation and surveillance, as well as artifacts linking Tikal to Teotihuacan's imperial power.

SourceBrown University·JournalAntiquity·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 28, 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.

Study reveals extent of impact of human settlement on island ecosystems

Research finds that human settlement led to increased fires and soil erosion, altering unique island ecosystems in Macaronesia. The study also shows that colonial-era settlers had a greater impact on vegetation than aboriginal settlers.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCase study·DateSep 28, 2021

Dynamic twists and loops can enable DNA to modulate its function

A study by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine reveals that supercoiling and looping in DNA can transmit mechanical stress along the backbone, promoting separation of strands and exposure of DNA bases. This phenomenon, known as 'action at a distance,' suggests a new perspective on how DNA activities are regulated.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021

Will twisted superconducting flakes make better components for quantum computers?

Researchers have developed ultra-thin, defect-free superconducting flakes for use in quantum computing. The twist angle of the flakes is used to modulate the maximum supercurrent, creating an extremely sensitive magnetic field sensor. This breakthrough has potential applications in healthcare and mineral exploration.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 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.

Targeting a rare secondary cancer in children

Pediatric oncologist Adam Green and his team have discovered genetic mutations that may predict the development of these secondary tumors, allowing for early detection and alternative treatments. They are also exploring FDA-approved chemotherapy drugs as potential treatments.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 28, 2021

Past suffering can affect future praise

A study by the University of Missouri found that people are more likely to praise someone for good deeds if they know the person has also faced suffering earlier in life. This discovery sheds light on how humans process and react to positive behaviors, such as giving praise.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021

Scientists find vital link to identify people at risk of aneurysms

A study published in BMJ Open found a significant link between asymmetric brain arteries and the likelihood of developing a cerebral aneurysm. The research suggests that MRI and CT angiograms can be used to screen people with asymmetrical brain arteries for cerebral aneurysms, providing a new tool for monitoring those at risk.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBMJ Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2021

Memetics and neural models of conspiracy theories

A neural model suggests that conspiracy theories are a result of the brain's tendency to simplify complex information and associate it with emotional experiences. This theory challenges traditional views on the origins of conspiracy theories, proposing a link between genetic determinism and neuronal activity.

SourceNicolaus Copernicus University in Torun·JournalPatterns·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 28, 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.

Elephants strive to cooperate with allies, until the stakes get too high

A study published in PLOS Biology found that Asian elephants successfully cooperated in 80% of trials, using strategies like fighting back or moving sides to prevent cheating. However, cooperation quickly broke down when one partner could monopolize the reward, revealing a complex dynamic in their social behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021