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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 14


Page 14 of 510

Digital microscale electrochemical energy storage devices helps to build a fully connected and intelligent world

Researchers highlight importance of digital microscale electrochemical energy storage devices in building a fully connected and intelligent world. They discuss design principles, material selection, and fabrication processes for these devices, which are crucial for seamless integration with various electronic systems.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 15, 2021

Study of Antarctic ice’s deep past shows it could be more vulnerable to warming

A new study led by Imperial College London scientists has found that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) was larger than previously thought during colder periods in the Miocene, contributing significantly to sea-level rise events millions of years ago. This insight will help researchers predict the future of the WAIS as the world warms.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateDec 15, 2021

‘Forever chemicals’ latch onto sea spray to become airborne

A field study found that sea spray aerosols contain pollutants like perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), potentially harmful compounds known as "forever chemicals". The researchers estimated global emissions of PFAAs from oceans to air could be up to 756 U.S. tons annually.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 15, 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.

Daylight causes road damage

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have discovered that visible light, particularly in the blue and green range, accelerates the oxidation of bitumen, leading to cracking and damage to asphalt. This unexpected finding highlights the importance of considering solar radiation in estimates for road durability.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

How oral cancer acquires radioresistance

A recent study has identified a new mechanism by which oral cancer cells acquire radioresistance through the transfer of microRNA, specifically miR-503-3p. This discovery brings hope for the development of new treatments for radiation-resistant oral cancer.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A mathematical model may give more efficient climate talks

Researchers at Linköping University developed a mathematical model to describe global climate target achievement and predict unanimity in climate talks. The model shows how countries influence each other over time, highlighting the importance of inclusive plenary sessions and informed parties.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 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.

Children's books still show bias toward male protagonists, analysis finds

A recent analysis of children's books over the last 60 years reveals a persistent bias towards male protagonists, with slighter gaps in more recent decades. The study highlights concerns that such representation may contribute to biases in society, particularly for girls.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2021

A potential protector against a mild heart attack’s aftereffects on metabolism

A study in mice suggests that transplanted brown fat can reduce type 2 diabetes risk factors after a heart attack by dampening gene activation linked to negative effects. The transplantation method could help researchers understand the mechanisms behind this protective effect and potentially lead to therapeutic applications.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Overactive bladder and urinary incontinence worsen with age

A new study published in Menopause found that postmenopausal women aged 45-54 are more likely to develop overactive bladder syndrome. Stress urinary incontinence symptoms, however, increased with obesity and multiple births. The study suggests a significant association between age and menopause status with increased urinary symptoms.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 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.

“Drink your peas!” – Benefits of supplementing cow milk with plant protein

Researchers from The Ohio State University developed a novel method to supplement cow milk with vegetable protein using readily available dairy processing equipment. This innovation combines the benefits of casein micelles with pea protein to create functional, multisourced dairy products that can help bolster declining fluid milk sale...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Welsh kids' self-reported wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic differed by gender, ethnicity and deprivation, with younger children reporting the need for playing with friends and older students wanting support with anxiety and educational pressures

Younger children report need for social interaction, while older students seek support for anxiety and educational pressures. The study surveyed 6291 young people in Wales to understand factors influencing their wellbeing during the pandemic.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 15, 2021
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.

3D printing leads to light-weight knee brace for the elderly

A lighter, more robust knee brace for the elderly has been developed through a collaboration between Delsson and Nanyang Technological University. The X-Brace uses lightweight plastic and assistive springs to reduce weight by 30%, making it easier for patients to walk with less pain.

SourceNanyang Technological University·DateDec 15, 2021

Winter is coming: Researchers uncover the surprising cause of the little ice age

A new study reveals that the Little Ice Age was triggered by an unusually warm episode in the late 1300s, with strong northward transfer of warm water and high solar activity contributing to the phenomenon. The researchers found that this warming event led to rapid arctic ice loss and subsequent cooling of North Atlantic waters.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 15, 2021

UC study: Mindfulness can get wandering thoughts back on track

A recent University of Cincinnati study investigated how mindfulness affects mind wandering and found that while it can be effective in reducing mind-wandering thoughts, the results differ depending on the research methodology. The study suggests using computer-based testing methods to measure mind wandering for more reliable findings.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Cognitive Enhancement·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 15, 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.

Identifying schools with high lead levels in drinking water

Researchers analyzed 47,727 lead measurements from 1,094 schools in Massachusetts to identify schools with high lead levels. They found that 12% of fixtures had lead levels above 15 parts per billion, with most problematic fixtures concentrated in just 34% of schools.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateDec 15, 2021

ALS among NFL players

A study of 19,000 NFL players found a significantly higher incidence of ALS diagnosis and death among players compared to the U.S. male population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 15, 2021

How diet influences taste sensitivity and preference

A University of California, Riverside study found that diet impacts taste sensitivity and food choice in fruit flies, using macronutrients like sugars and amino acids for survival. Flies adjusted their taste preferences based on dietary imbalances, influencing food choices to regain a balanced diet.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 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.

Masks activate corona fear

An international study found that masks can evoke fears of Covid-19 in anxious individuals, leading to avoidance behavior. Younger people are more cautious than older counterparts, suggesting media consumption plays a role. Policymakers should focus on reducing mask-related dread to promote public acceptance.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCognitive Research Principles and Implications·DateDec 15, 2021

Extensive use of smartphones by parents might damage toddler’s development and have far-reaching consequences

A recent study from Tel Aviv University found that mothers' smartphone use reduces toddler interaction by a factor of four. Reduced interaction can have far-reaching consequences on child development, including language and social skills. The study also found no significant difference between browsing smartphones and reading magazines.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalChild Development·DateDec 15, 2021

How to transform vacancies into quantum information

Scientists have made a breakthrough in controlling the formation of vacancies in silicon carbide, a semiconductor material. The team's simulations tracked the pairing of individual vacancies into a divacancy and discovered the optimal temperatures for creating stable divacancies. This discovery could lead to highly sensitive sensors an...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2021

Innovative textile vents to release heat when you sweat

Researchers at Duke University developed a lightweight material that traps thermal energy when dry but opens tiny vents to let heat escape when a person starts sweating. The material has potential as a patch on clothing to help keep the wearer comfortable, expanding thermal comfort zones by 30%.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 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.

Brood X Cicadas left their mark on soils

A new study found that Brood X cicada emergence holes significantly increased water infiltration rates in undisturbed areas but not in disturbed sites. The holes filled with sediment and debris over time, causing a rapid decrease in infiltration at disturbed locations.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateDec 15, 2021

Lundquist Institute investigator helps chart progress in clinical trial of patients with chemoresistant triple-negative breast cancer

A phase 1/2 clinical trial tested an L-NMMA and taxane combination in patients with chemoresistant TNBC, showing a remodeling of the immune environment in responders. The study's results warrant further investigation in larger trials to identify potential biomarkers for predicting response.

SourceThe Lundquist Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 15, 2021

Biased signalling for better drugs

Researchers at PSI have developed a platform to measure biased signalling in G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), enabling selective therapeutic effects and fewer side effects. By testing specially designed bivalent ligands, they can bias signalling towards desired pathways.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 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.

Global loss of floristic uniqueness

Researchers found that global databases revealed a net loss of regional floristic uniqueness due to the spread of alien plants. The study highlighted biogeographic factors like climate distance and anthropogenic factors such as shared administrative history contributing to homogenization of regional floras.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2021

Exotic quantum particles — less magnetic field required

A team of researchers from Harvard University has observed exotic fractional states at low magnetic field in twisted bilayer graphene for the first time. The discovery could lead to robust quantum bits and new types of quantum computing applications.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateDec 15, 2021

Picture perfect X-ray capture

Researchers at KAUST have developed a nanocomposite that absorbs X-rays with near-perfect efficiency and re-emits the energy as light. This innovation improves high-resolution medical imaging and security screening, with detection limits up to 142 times lower than traditional methods.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalMatter·DateDec 15, 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.

Pandemic-related shifts in alcohol sales explored across 16 US states

An analysis of data from 16 US states reveals a major increase in wine and spirit sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, accompanied by changes in the relationship between alcohol sales and business visits. Sales of spirits and wine increased by as much as 20-40% in some states, while beer sales declined overall.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2021

Study: Social connectedness essential for successful mental health interventions

Researchers found that successful mental health programs built on social connectedness, accountability, trust, and resilience can effectively address the needs of individuals with chronic health conditions. These elements are interconnected and crucial for developing effective interventions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 15, 2021

Why do prolonged high temperatures affect plant fitness and flower color?

A recent study found that high temperatures inhibit the accumulation of flavonoids in plants, leading to reduced plant fitness and altered flower color formation. The researchers identified a novel transcription factor CmMYB012 as responsible for suppressing flavone biosynthesis and anthocyanin content.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateDec 15, 2021

UTEP receives $917K grant to advance semiconductor technology

The University of Texas at El Paso has received a $917,000 grant from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research to develop advanced materials for national defense, power electronics, and security. UTEP students will perform cutting-edge research on gallium oxide-based semiconductors.

SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·DateDec 15, 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.

Flawed diamonds may provide perfect interface for quantum computers

Researchers at Yokohama National University have developed an interface approach to control diamond nitrogen-vacancy centers, allowing direct translation to quantum devices. This enables remote quantum entanglement and secure information exchange over long distances.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalCommunications Physics·DateDec 15, 2021

French bulldogs have higher risk of 20 common health disorders

A recent study published in Canine Medicine and Genetics found that French Bulldogs have a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with 20 common health disorders compared to other breeds. The authors propose breeding towards more moderate characteristics to reduce these risks.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCanine Medicine and Genetics·DateDec 15, 2021

Deep mantle krypton reveals Earth’s outer solar system ancestry

A new study found that krypton isotopes in the deep mantle reveal a clearer picture of Earth's formation, contradicting the popular theory of volatile elements arrival. The research suggests that planetesimals from the cold outer solar system bombarded the Earth early on.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 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.

Research published in AACR journal and presented at ASH identifies potential approach to mitigate CAR T-cell therapy toxicity

A novel approach may reduce the serious adverse effect of cytokine release syndrome associated with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. Supressing interferon gamma (IFNγ) appears to prevent activation of macrophages and other immune cells that drive the syndrome without impacting CAR T-cell efficacy.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalBlood Cancer Discovery·DateDec 15, 2021

Why don’t all politicians use antidemocratic tactics to stay in power?

A team of political scientists argues that a self-enforcing democracy requires parties to refrain from exploiting electoral rules, citing fear of retaliation and partisan sorting. The study highlights the threat of gerrymandering and voter suppression to democratic representation.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 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.

What if we have to talk without moving our hands? A study shows whether there is any effect on speech

A study led by Alice Cravotta examined the impact of restricting hand gestures on speech. The researchers found that gesturing did not affect the fluency or acoustic characteristics of speech, but participants produced speech with different prosodic features when gesture production was prevented.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalSpeech Communication·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2021

Are older people more likely to fall for Covid-19 scams than younger people?

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that older adults are less susceptible to Covid-19 scams due to their higher receptivity to 'bullshit', which prevents them from perceiving false statements as valid. This contradicts the common perception that older adults are more likely to fall victim to fraud.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Greenland’s nutrients changing, with global impact

Phytoplankton are critical to life in ocean waters, and their seasonal availability is shifting due to climate change. Researchers found that carbon produced by phytoplankton is sinking into the deep ocean, impacting global nutrient availability and ocean ecosystems.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalProgress In Oceanography·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 15, 2021

A study shows reactive electrolyte additives improve lithium metal battery performance​

Researchers from KAIST have developed a new technology to stabilize the electrode-electrolyte interface of lithium metal batteries, leading to improved performance and lifespan. The technology uses fluorine- and nitrogen-donating ionic additives to create a dual-layer solid electrolyte interphase.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 15, 2021