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Science News Archive 2021


Page 107 of 510

Researchers improve method to map brain cell connectivity

Scientists have developed an improved technique to trace brain connections between neurons in zebrafish using vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), enabling the visualization of connected neurons up to five days after infection. This breakthrough could provide insights into brain network connectivity repair after injury or disease.

Video games can have similar health benefits to jogging

Active video games have been shown to give similar physiological effects to traditional exercise, such as jogging, in type 1 diabetics. The studies found that playing these games could help lower blood glucose levels and improve cardiovascular health.

Otago researcher discovers first brain marker for an anxiety disorder

Researchers at the University of Otago have identified a brain signal that can improve diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders. The 'theta' rhythm in the right frontal lobe was found to be associated with specific types of anxiety disorders, offering new insights into their causes and potential treatments.

Think a census of humans is hard? Try counting their brain cells!

Researchers from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have published a comprehensive census of cell types in the primary motor cortex of human, mouse, and monkey brains. This milestone could lead to breakthroughs in studying and treating conditions like schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer's, and traumatic brain injuries.

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.

Machine learning helps reveal cells’ inner structures in new detail

A new machine learning algorithm has enabled researchers to automatically identify and map the inner structures of cells, including organelles, with unprecedented precision. By processing tens of thousands of high-resolution images, scientists have gained insights into how these structures interact and are arranged within the cell.

Beavers benefit fish by building dams in Scottish rivers

A new study found that beaver dams in Scottish streams increase the availability of suitable habitat and abundance of food for brown trout, benefiting their growth and abundance. The research showed that beaver-modified streams had larger trout populations with greater sanctuary from predators.

Dwarf planet Vesta a window to the early solar system

Researchers have successfully sampled Vesta's mantle using meteorites derived from the dwarf planet, resolving the 'missing mantle problem' and providing a record of the earliest era in solar system formation. This breakthrough pushes back our knowledge to just two million years after the beginning of solar system formation.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Skyrmion research: Braids of nanovortices discovered

Researchers from Germany, Sweden, and China have discovered braided structures of nanoscale skyrmions in alloys of iron and germanium, offering new insights into their properties and potential uses. These complex shapes stabilize the magnetic structures, making them interesting for applications in information processing.

New Jersey’s tidal marshes in danger of disappearing, study shows

A Rutgers University study finds that New Jersey's tidal marshes are losing elevation and may disappear by the next century due to sea level rise. The researchers suggest four strategies for preserving the marshlands, including managed retreat, reed management, sediment addition, and living shorelines.

UArizona engineer awarded $5M to build quantum-powered navigation tools

The Quantum Sensors project aims to create ultrasensitive gyroscopes and accelerometers using quantum states, enabling precise measurements for self-driving cars and spacecraft. This technology could capture information not provided by GPS, improving navigation and stability in various environments.

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.

Research reveals mechanisms behind “COVID toes”

A new study reveals that COVID toes symptoms are caused by an immune response involving high levels of autoantibodies and type I interferon. Endothelial cells also play a crucial role in the development of the condition, according to the research published in the British Journal of Dermatology.

Maternal emergencies without a safety net

The MOMENTUM Study reveals high maternal and neonatal mortality rates in East Africa, particularly on Mfangano Island. The study highlights the need for streamlined hand-off systems, community-based care coordinators, and policy-level interventions to address recurrent health worker strikes and facility closures.

LEONARDO, the bipedal robot, can ride a skateboard and walk a slackline

LEONARDO, a bipedal walking robot developed at Caltech, has successfully demonstrated its ability to ride a skateboard and walk on a slackline. The robot's advanced robotic capabilities make it a promising candidate for various applications in fields such as search and rescue, environmental monitoring, and more.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

You are your brain map; here’s how it forms

Researchers analyzed genetic expression profiles of developing brain cells, finding that early tissue holds a pre-set map that develops into the cerebral cortex's characteristic topography. A new method for predicting cell fate has also been established, using chromatin structure to determine lineage before gene expression is possible.

Omega-3 supplements could elevate risk of atrial fibrillation

Research by Christine M. Albert and team found that the risk of developing atrial fibrillation is dependent on the dose of omega-3 fatty acids, contradicting previous studies. High doses may increase risk, while lower doses appear to be safe for most patients.

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.

Peeling back the layers of the onion genome

Researchers at Yamaguchi University have successfully assembled the genetic map of the onion genome, revealing over 540,000 possible genes. The findings also suggest that functional gene regions are evenly distributed across the genome, highlighting the need for careful examination to determine gene functionality.

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.

How ‘ice needles’ weave patterns of stones in frozen landscapes

Researchers discovered that ice needles growing on frozen ground can push up rocks into regular patterns through a combination of experiments and computer modeling. Over time, stones cluster together, leaving bare patches stone-free, as the size of the stones, soil moisture, and ice needle growth interact.

New insights on the diversity of the Iberian wild goat

A new study found that Iberian wild goat populations exhibit very low genetic diversity due to drastic population reductions and habitat destruction. The research also identified the existence of rare hybrids between Iberian wild goats and domestic goats.

A sharp look into tiny ferroelectric crystals

Scientists have developed a method to precisely map the polarization pattern in thin ferroelectric layers, revealing new insights into the physics of these objects. The technique, combined with machine learning, allows for the spatial resolution of ferroelectric domains below 10 nanometers.

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.

New catalyst helps combine fuel cell, battery into one device

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a bifunctional catalyst for the oxygen electrode, enabling high round-trip energy efficiency in unitized regenerative fuel cells. The catalyst, Pt-Pyrochlore, has a bifunctionality index of 0.56 volts and achieved a RTE of 75%.

Hesitancy over the HPV vaccine has stabilized or risen in some subgroups

A recent study found that HPV vaccine hesitancy has either stabilized or increased in some ethnic and age groups, highlighting the need for targeted campaigns to encourage hesitant families. The study also identified several reasons why parents hesitate to vaccinate their children with the HPV vaccine.

Extinction and origination patterns change after mass extinctions

Scientists at Stanford University have discovered a pattern in how life reemerges after mass extinctions. In the past half-billion years, smaller marine genera were substantially more likely to be wiped out during mass extinction events, but during recovery intervals, originators tended to be tiny compared to holdover species.

Novel quantum effect discovered in naturally occurring graphene

Researchers have found a way to stabilize the novel quantum effect in graphene at room temperature, which could lead to breakthroughs in data storage and computer components. The discovery was made using standard microfabrication techniques and showed that the material can generate its own magnetic field.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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.

Toxic fatty acids to blame for brain cell death after injury

A new study found that toxic fatty acids produced by astrocytes can trigger cell death in damaged neurons, which may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma and Alzheimer's. Blocking the production of these fatty acids in mice preserved 75% of neurons, suggesting a promising target for treatment.

Do opinions regarding climate change adjust to economic conditions?

A new study published in Economic Inquiry finds that economic conditions affect climate change beliefs only among those in the labor force, while retired individuals and students remain unaffected. The analysis resolves conflicting results on the determinants of popular support for climate change initiatives.

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.

Study gauges healthcare worker stress during pandemic

A new study found that healthcare workers, especially those under age 50 and women, experienced exceptionally high levels of stress during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers analyzed data from an international questionnaire and discovered that paramedical staff had even higher stress levels than medical doctors.

Intelligence emerging from random polymer networks

A team of researchers from Osaka University has designed a sulfonated polyaniline network for reservoir computing, achieving 70% accuracy in speech recognition tasks. The device uses an electrochemical approach and has potential applications in the development of artificial intelligence devices.

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.

Line and hook fishing techniques in Epipaleolithic Israel

A study at Jordan River Dureijat site in northern Israel uncovered a wide variety of hook shapes and sinkers, indicating humans had profound knowledge of fish behavior. The findings coincide with the beginning of agriculture in the region, highlighting the importance of aquatic resources for human subsistence.

Two new pit vipers discovered from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Researchers have identified two new species of venomous snakes, the Nujiang pit viper and the Glacier pit viper, found in the high-altitude regions of southwest China. The discovery suggests that glaciers may play a key role in isolating and speciating alpine pit vipers.

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.

End-stage kidney disease and the power of decision-making

A new patient decision aid developed by Duke-NUS Medical School's experts empowers patients with ESKD to choose care strategies consistent with their values and goals. The tool provides a balanced overview of dialysis, kidney supportive care, and other treatment options.

A high-risk, high-reward approach to ALS

Researchers will compare blood samples from 400 patients with ALS to a control group to determine the impact of environmental exposures on the disease. The team aims to develop personalized treatments by understanding how environmental toxins trigger ALS progression.

The microbiome: Battle of the bugs

A new study reveals that E. coli bacteria can prevent Salmonella infections by competing with them for sugar substrates in the gut. The research team found that specific strains of Lachnospiraceae anaerobic bacteria are essential for E. coli to effectively exclude Salmonella.

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.

Moffitt researcher receives NIH director’s New Innovator Award

Ana Gomes, a Moffitt researcher, has been awarded the NIH Director's New Innovator Award to investigate how aging affects cancer development and treatment resistance. She aims to develop new strategies for personalized cancer treatment based on cell changes that occur with aging.