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Science News Archive September 2021 - Page 8


Page 8 of 40

NIH-funded study shows screening device accurately detects amblyopia (lazy eye)

A new handheld screening device has been shown to accurately detect amblyopia (lazy eye) in children, with a sensitivity rate of 100% and specificity rate of 85%. Early detection is key to treating the condition, which can affect school performance and lifelong visual acuity.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJournal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2021

First reported case of anthrax in wildlife in the Namib Desert: Infected zebra most likely causes death of three cheetahs

A team of scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research found that three free-ranging cheetahs in the Namib Desert died after feeding on a mountain zebra infected with anthrax. The study highlights previously unknown risks to cheetah populations in the desert.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·TypeCase study·DateSep 27, 2021

A method to make navigation systems more accurate

Scientists from St. Petersburg Electrotechnical University LETI have developed a new method to calibrate strapdown inertial navigation systems, reducing the standard deviation by 15-fold. This breakthrough enables more accurate measurements required for reliable results in defense and space industries.

SourceSaint Petersburg Electrotechnical University LETI·JournalSensors·DateSep 27, 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.

Researchers reveal molecular mechanism of nucleolar RNA

A research group identified a series of suppressor of siRNA factors that inhibit endogenous siRNA production in C. elegans. The study found that the accumulation of misprocessed ribosomal RNA fragments induces the production of ribosomal siRNAs, which regulate rRNA levels by activating the nuclear RNA interference pathway.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateSep 27, 2021

Study: Whether journalists who left jobs chose to or were laid off predicts physical, emotional reaction

A study of former journalists found that those who left their jobs voluntarily reported positive well-being and relief, while those who were laid off experienced depression, shock, and financial difficulties. The study also found that the skills honed as a journalist are highly transferable to new careers.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalNewspaper Research Journal·TypeSurvey·DateSep 27, 2021

Prevalence of spatial neglect prompts call for screening survivors of right and left brain strokes

A systematic review found spatial neglect to be prevalent among 29% of unilateral stroke survivors, with higher rates in right brain strokes and ecological assessments. This condition impairs cognitive and motor functions, slowing rehabilitation progress and increasing risk for injury.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalAnnals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 27, 2021

Novel functional biochar composites help to treat wastewater

Researchers developed novel functional biochar composites using red mud and corn straw to treat acidic dye wastewater. The FBCs showed excellent adsorption capacity on acidic dyes due to their high surface area.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Experimental drug development approach points to better targeted therapies for treatment-resistant leukemia

Researchers have identified a way to restore the effectiveness of drugs in clinical trials for treating AML by using human alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP) as a 'decoy' to bind and inhibit FLT3-mutated leukemia cells. The approach has potential for improving patient outcomes, particularly for patients with FLT3-mutated AML.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalBlood Cancer Discovery·DateSep 27, 2021

Nano-precision metrology of X-ray mirrors

A new metrology instrument and techniques have been developed to characterize strongly curved high-quality X-ray mirrors, enabling unprecedented accuracy. The technique, known as speckle angular measurement (SAM), can push the precision of slope error measurements down to 20nrad rms.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateSep 27, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cannabis use by pregnant women increased during pandemic

A Kaiser Permanente analysis of over 100,000 pregnancies in Northern California found a significant increase in cannabis use early in pregnancy after the pandemic began. The rate of cannabis use rose from 6.75% to 8.14% during the pandemic.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA·DateSep 27, 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.

0.75 Gbit/s key distribution with mode-shift keying chaos synchronization

Researchers propose a novel key distribution scheme based on mode-shift keying chaos synchronization to overcome limitations of laser transition time, achieving 0.7503 Gbit/s rate with high security. The method uses Fabry-Perot lasers and random drive source to generate chaotic waveforms, which are then quantized to produce random bits.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateSep 27, 2021

New world record in materials research - X-ray microscopy with 1000 tomograms per second

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have achieved a new world record in materials research by using X-ray microscopy to create 1000 three-dimensional images per second. This allows for the non-destructive study of fast processes in materials, enabling researchers to gain insights into material properties and behavior.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 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.

How SNPs can be used to detect disease pathways

Researchers developed VarSAn, a computational tool that analyzes SNPs to predict disease pathways, including breast and prostate cancer. The tool uses network analysis to identify perturbed pathways, offering a new approach to understanding genetic variation.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2021

The earlier, the better

A team of researchers from FAU has investigated the timing of treatment in autoimmune diseases and found that early intervention can have a major impact on disease progression. By targeting B cells, which produce autoantibodies and influence other immune cells, researchers were able to prevent or delay severe organ damage.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournaliScience·TypeCase study·DateSep 27, 2021

Male giraffes are more socially connected than females

A new study reveals that male giraffes have higher social connectedness than females, with males forming more acquaintances and older males having shorter social paths. This complexity could impact conservation efforts for endangered giraffes.

SourcePenn State·JournalAnimal Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2021

‘Back to basics’ approach helps unravel new phase of matter

Researchers used computer modeling to study prethermal discrete time crystals (DTCs) using classical physics, not quantum physics. They found that a simpler approach can be used to understand the properties of DTCs, which are highly complex physical systems.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 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.

Late Pleistocene humans may have hatched and raised cassowary chicks

An international team of scientists suggests that early humans in New Guinea collected cassowary eggs near maturity and then raised the birds to adulthood, with evidence supporting this behavior dating back 18,000 years. The researchers used eggshells to determine the developmental stage of ancient embryos/chicks when the eggs cracked.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2021

Full color LEDs cut down to size

Researchers at KAUST developed bright red indium gallium nitride microlight-emitting diodes that emit light across the entire visible-light spectrum. The devices have a high output power of 1.76 milliwatts per square millimeter, outperforming previous devices.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 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.

Children who eat more fruit and veg have better mental health

A new study published in the journal BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health found that eating well is associated with better mental wellbeing in children. Children who consumed five or more portions of fruit and veg a day had the highest scores for mental wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2021

Amazonian protected areas benefit both people and biodiversity

Research from the University of East Anglia found that communities living within Amazonian Sustainable-Use Protected Areas enjoy better access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and electricity. These areas also lead to improved livelihoods, with household wealth and life satisfaction increasing significantly.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2021

Researchers develop new approach for efficient data processing

Researchers develop a new method to perform logic operations more efficiently and reliably using magnonics. Nanostructured antiferromagnetic wires are well-suited for this purpose, enabling quick and low-energy computation.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·Journalnpj Computational Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 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.

NSF extends Physics of Living Systems network at Rice

The NSF has renewed the Physics of Living Systems graduate research network at Rice for five years, connecting students and educators across institutions to share resources and data. The award will fund local expenses and training programs, as well as efforts to grow faculty and student numbers in the field.

SourceRice University·DateSep 27, 2021

Watching SARS-CoV-2 spread in animal models in real time

Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute developed 'reporter viruses' that allow for real-time tracking of SARS-CoV-2 spread in cells and animal models. This enables faster screening of potential anti-viral drugs, vaccines, and neutralizing antibodies.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2021

Capturing light: New ergonomic photodetector for the trillion-sensor era

Researchers at Incheon National University have developed a compact and robust optical sensor that can convert light to digital signals, suitable for flexible electronics. The new design architecture enables superior chip area efficiency and large-area scalability.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 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.

Ride-hailing services may not always increase traffic congestion, study finds

A recent study by Penn State and Boston University found that ride-hailing services may decrease or increase traffic congestion depending on the day of the week and regional public transportation use. The researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 vehicle detector station units across California, finding a 0.5% decrease in traffic cong...

SourcePenn State·JournalTransportation Science·DateSep 27, 2021

Children and youth at low risk of severe acute COVID-19 during first part of pandemic: Canadian study

A Canadian study found that children and youth are at low risk of severe acute COVID-19 during the first half of the pandemic. The study analyzed hospitalizations of 264 children and youth with SARS-CoV-2 infection and found that only half had severe disease, with underlying health conditions being a significant factor.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 27, 2021

Indigenous people and tropical forests: Lessons from the anthropocene

Ancient human societies adapted to tropical ecosystem dynamics, revealing their adaptability and resourcefulness. By studying these past interactions with the environment, scientists can better understand how to conserve tropical environments.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2021

25-million-year-old ancient eagle ruled the roost in Australia

A 63-bone fossil discovery of Archaehierax sylvestris, a 25-million-year-old eagle-like raptor, has been made in South Australia. The species is one of the oldest eagle fossils known from this period and provides insight into raptor evolution in Australia.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHistorical Biology·DateSep 27, 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.

Reducing tropical cyclone impacts: The double benefit of climate protection through both limiting and delaying global warming

Researchers found that limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius can postpone severe tropical cyclone impacts to the late second half of the century when there are fewer people at risk. Delaying warming can reduce exposed populations in countries like Japan, China, and the Korean peninsula.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 2021

AI to pave the way to increased waste-to-energy production

A new project at Lehigh University aims to improve waste-to-energy conversion processes using AI and spectroscopy. The team will develop a rapid detection and analysis system for municipal solid waste streams, enabling real-time characterization and process control.

SourceLehigh University·DateSep 27, 2021

Guidelines for the inclusion of pathology in clinical trial protocols: SPIRIT-Path

The SPIRIT-Path extension provides evidence-based guidance to standardize pathology content in clinical trial protocols, ensuring methodological rigor and adequate skills and resources. Pathology is integral to trial planning and delivery, and the new guidelines formalize pathology input into clinical trials.

SourceNational Cancer Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateSep 27, 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.

Anti-seizure medication improves cognitive function in some Alzheimer’s patients

A Phase 2 clinical trial found that levetiracetam improved cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients with epileptic activity, particularly those under 65 when symptoms began. The study demonstrated a clear benefit from the medication for this subtype of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 27, 2021

Parental income has long-term consequences for children’s health

A University of Illinois study found that parental income has a lasting impact on children's health, with lower socioeconomic status linked to increased risk of obesity and related conditions. Permanent income is associated with parents' general socioeconomic conditions, while transitory peaks during adolescence can promote better health.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2021

Reduce email stress by sending clear messages, setting response expectations

A new study from Cornell University's ILR School found that people overestimate how quickly senders expect responses to non-urgent work emails, leading to increased stress. By clearly defining response expectations, senders can alleviate this 'email urgency bias' and create a more manageable inbox.

SourceCornell University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateSep 27, 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.

Deep roots of the ‘Anthropocene’ can be found in tropical forests

Researchers explore human-forest interactions across space and time to understand the origins of the Anthropocene in tropical forests. The study reveals that traditional Indigenous land management has long-term significance in tropical regions, highlighting the need for fairer and more sustainable futures.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2021

Answering a century-old question on the origins of life

Scientists have developed a coacervate droplet that can replicate and evolve, providing a potential link between chemistry and biology. The research, published in Nature Communications, may help explain the emergence of the first living organisms on Earth.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 27, 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.

Differences in chronic kidney disease care by race, ethnicity

Researchers found significant variations in guideline-recommended chronic kidney disease care delivery based on race and ethnicity. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities and improve health outcomes for diverse patient populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 27, 2021

Finding the chemical carrier option for hydrogen storage

A high-throughput liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) performance test system was developed by KIST to downselect competitive LOHC candidates. The system allows for rapid testing of dehydrogenation in well-defined conditions, enabling comparative analyses to draw out optimal solutions.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalEnergy Conversion and Management·DateSep 26, 2021

Women with diabetes less likely to receive comprehensive cardiovascular prevention than men, international study finds

An international study involving almost 10,000 patients with type 2 diabetes found that women are less likely to reach recommended treatment targets for cardiovascular prevention, such as statins and blood pressure medications. However, women were less likely to experience adverse cardiovascular outcomes apart from stroke.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateSep 26, 2021