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Science News Archive 2021


Page 172 of 510

Cannabis use rises during Australian COVID lockdown, but less meth on the streets

A wastewater study conducted in Australia during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown found that cannabis use surged, while methamphetamine (ice) use plummeted. The research, led by the University of South Australia, analyzed wastewater samples from 20 treatment plants across the country and showed a significant increase in cannabis use nationwide.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Novel nanoplatform to enhance therapeutic effect for cancer

Researchers have developed a novel nanoplatform to enhance therapeutic effects for cancer, using biomimetic cell membranes and pseudomonas geniculate cells as the natural source. The platform shows minimal cytotoxicity and facilitates efficient drug internalization, while accelerating reactive oxygen species generation in cancerous cells.

Mutated enzyme weakens connection between brain cells that help control movement

Researchers found a mutation in ELOVL4 enzyme impairs communication between neurons, leading to impaired motor control and coordination. The study provides new insights into the essential role of ELOVL4 in motor function and synaptic plasticity, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for patients with spinocerebellar ataxia.

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.

Fast changes between the solar seasons resolved by new sun clock

Researchers created a new sun clock to study the solar seasons. The study reveals that the switch from solar maximum to declining phase is fast, occurring within a few solar rotations. This discovery helps predict space weather events, such as violent activity on our Sun leading to extreme events on Earth.

New simulation shows how galaxies feed their supermassive black holes

A new simulation developed at Northwestern University reveals the role of galaxy spiral arms in feeding supermassive black holes with gas. The study uses high-powered computing to model gas flow across vast distances and provides insight into quasars, which are incredibly luminous fast-growing black holes.

Cancer increases future risk of kidney failure

A Korean population-based cohort study found that cancer, particularly multiple myeloma and leukemia, is associated with an increased risk of kidney failure. The study included approximately 825,000 patients with cancer compared to twice as many without cancer, matched on other characteristics.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New epidemiology study reveals clues that can help combat HIV/AIDS in China

A new epidemiology study reveals crucial trends in HIV/AIDS progression in China from 1990 to 2017. The study highlights the need for effective strategies to reduce mortality rates, especially among men, by intensifying targeted efforts including early identification and diagnosis, high-quality treatment services, and patient retention.

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.

From self-interest to the social enterprise

Researchers studied 13 social enterprises in Munich after refugee arrival, finding two types of founders: idealistic and self-interested. Idealists prioritized rapid support, while self-interested ones focused on long-term business success with flexible organizational structures.

New method developed to solve plastics sustainability problem

Researchers have developed a new type of polymer that can be broken down into its constituent parts, reducing waste and promoting a circular use of materials. The polymers exhibit excellent thermal stability and versatile mechanical properties, making them an attractive candidate to replace traditional plastics.

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.

Gender revolutions in who holds the purse strings

Research from Lancaster University finds that low-earning and high-earning women are taking more control of their finances, with high-earning women 'going solo' in money management. Meanwhile, low-earning women are seeing a relaxation of male control over household finances.

Sharing the love helps male acorn woodpeckers father more chicks

A new study finds that male acorn woodpeckers breeding in polygamous groups with one or two other males sire significantly more chicks over their lifetimes than males breeding alone. In contrast, females in polygamous groups leave behind fewer offspring than those in monogamous pairs.

Using bioinspired microvasculature to control material properties

The researchers created a new vascular metamaterial that can be reconfigured to modify its thermal and electromagnetic properties. The microvasculature is made using 3D printing technologies, allowing engineers to create networks of tiny tubes in various shapes and sizes.

Scalable quantum computing research supported by $2 million grant

A UC Riverside materials scientist has received a $2 million grant to improve the scalability of quantum computers, allowing them to operate at room temperature. The project aims to create design guidelines and manufacturing strategies for hybrid organic-inorganic structures that can produce quantum computers on a larger scale.

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.

$6.1 million grant will establish institute focused on virus research

The University of Arkansas has established a research institute focused on virology and virus ecology, receiving a $6.1 million grant from the NSF. Researchers will study diverse virus systems across domains of life, including Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryotes, to establish fundamental rules of life.

Infrared detector for smartphones and autonomous vehicles

The new infrared detector can make two technically important ranges of infrared radiation visible, previously not covered by conventional photodiodes. The sensor can distinguish between substances based on their different absorption properties in the NIR and SWIR range.

Refugees especially vulnerable to mental health toll of COVID-19

A recent study has shown that COVID-19 stressors are negatively impacting resettled refugees' mental health, with links to PTSD, depression, and poorer daily functioning. Refugees' past experiences may heighten the impact of the pandemic due to traumatic events and challenges in the post-migration environment.

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.

LGBTQ+ youth face increased anxiety amid COVID-19 pandemic

New research from UC Davis reveals LGBTQ+ teenagers experience disproportionate psychological adversity and exhibit increased anxiety on the popular r/LGBTeens subreddit during the pandemic. The study linked this trend to 10 key conversation topics, including discrimination, education, and exploring sexuality.

US health systems must adopt unified vision to succeed according to a new survey

A new survey by University of Colorado Denver researchers found large disparities in virtual care models across US health systems. Smaller and low-burdened health systems adopted analytics and customer-oriented digital technologies, while larger and higher-revenue systems used futuristic and growth-oriented digital technologies.

Unique insight into the interior of the Arabidopsis photosynthesis machine

Scientists have produced a detailed structure of the central complex of photosynthesis in the model plant Arabidopsis, revealing information about chlorophyll and lipid molecules. The high-resolution image was obtained using cryogenic electron microscopy, enabling a comparison of plants' photosystem II complexes with unprecedented detail.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New clean energy tech extracts twice the power from ocean waves

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a wave energy converter that doubles the power harvested from ocean waves, overcoming technical challenges and unlocking vast untapped potential. The dual-turbine design is cost-effective and requires no special syncing technology.

Study: As cities grow in size, the poor 'get nothing at all'

A new study found that larger cities produce more income inequality, with the poor experiencing a decline in quality of life. The researchers analyzed data from municipal areas across the US and found that the top 10% of earners gain an increasingly large portion of wealth as cities grow.

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.

Wash your hands for 20 seconds: Physics shows why

A physics model simulates hand-washing to estimate the time scales on which particles like viruses and bacteria are removed from hands. The study finds that vigorous movement for about 20 seconds is necessary to dislodge these particles, consistent with traditional guidelines.

Antibodies elicited by COVID-19 vaccination effective against delta variant

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that COVID-19 vaccination antibodies are effective against the delta variant. The study analyzed antibodies generated by people in response to the Pfizer vaccine and found that 12 out of 13 antibodies recognized both alpha and delta variants, while one antibody failed to rec...

Elder abuse impacts over 10% of older adults in NY

A new study from Cornell University finds that elder mistreatment is a highly prevalent problem in New York state, affecting nearly 1 in 10 older adults over the next decade. The research team identified poor health as a major risk factor and noted that people who transition to living alone are more likely to suffer financial abuse.

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.

Majority of climate change news coverage now accurate

A recent study found that print media have achieved a 90% accuracy rate in covering climate change over the past 15 years, with most outlets presenting factually accurate information. However, conservative media outlets were found to be less accurate in their coverage, highlighting ongoing biases in the industry.

Boron quantum dots surpassing graphene with excellent thermal properties

Researchers have successfully prepared boron quantum dots with excellent thermal stability, outperforming graphene in thermal conductivity. The new material has been applied to all-optical modulators and laser engineering, showing potential for nonlinear frequency conversion and all-optical communication fields.

Nanocluster discovery will protect precious metals

Researchers from the University of Nottingham have developed a novel catalyst that combines homogeneous and heterogeneous features, defying traditional categorization. The discovery holds promise for increasing the active surface area available for catalysis, leading to more efficient and sustainable production of molecules.

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.

Do backer affiliations help or hurt crowdfunding success?

Researchers found that backers with prior affiliations decrease the amount of funds raised for crowdfunded ideas. The study suggests that social language and moral licensing contribute to this effect. Creators may need to adjust their strategies to maximize crowdfunding success.

Prediction models may reduce false-positives in MRI breast cancer screening

Researchers developed prediction models to distinguish true-positives from false-positives in MRI screenings, reducing recalls and biopsies without missing cancers. The models, based on clinical characteristics and imaging findings, could have prevented 45.5% of false-positive recalls and 21.3% of benign biopsies.

Gestational diabetes by race, ethnicity in US

Gestational diabetes rates in the US have increased among certain racial and ethnic groups between 2011 and 2019, highlighting persistent health inequities. The study found that Hispanic women had significantly higher rates of gestational diabetes compared to non-Hispanic white, black, or Asian women.

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.

Benefits of time-restricted eating depend on age and sex

A new study by Salk scientists found that time-restricted eating (TRE) confers multiple health benefits, including reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and sepsis, regardless of age and sex. TRE may also protect against infectious diseases like COVID-19 and improve insulin resistance.

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B volume 11, issue 7 publishes

This issue of Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B features innovative research on pharmacologically targeting molecular motor for anti-cancer, novel PGAM5 inhibitor LFHP-1c protecting blood-brain barrier integrity in ischemic stroke, and a versatile tool for anchor pharmacophore steered drug discovery. Additionally, the journal publishes revie...

NIH makes substantial new investment in HIV cure research

The National Institutes of Health has awarded $53 million in annual funding to 10 research organizations to accelerate HIV cure research. A new grant focuses on HIV cure research in infants and children, while expanding international collaborations and exploring innovative approaches such as CRISPR gene-editing technology.

Study: Candidates’ pro-gun stances, NRA funding influence voters

Researchers found that candidates' pro-gun messages and NRA funding influence voters' evaluations, with racial resentment moderating the effects. Voters who own guns or are racially resentful were more likely to support candidates with similar views, while those low in racial resentment preferred pro-gun control candidates.

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.