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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 197


Page 197 of 510

Three dwarf spheroidal galaxies are found to rotate

Researchers from IAC and STScI discovered transverse rotation in three dwarf spheroidal galaxies using Gaia satellite data, shedding light on their evolutionary history. This finding supports the idea that these galaxies may have formed through the agglomeration of smaller systems.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 27, 2021

New strategy for drug design: Keeping copper atoms closer to keep bacteria away

Scientists at Tokyo University of Science developed a copper-containing polymer that greatly enhances the antibacterial activity of hydrogen peroxide. The use of these tailored polymers resulted in higher catalytic activity and more effective killing of bacteria, opening up new design avenues for antimicrobial drugs.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 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.

How relaxing Covid-19 restrictions could pave the way for vaccine resistance

Researchers at the University of East Anglia warn that relaxing Covid-19 restrictions prematurely could pave the way for new vaccine-resistant virus mutations. The 'arms race' between humans and the virus continues, with rising cases providing opportunities for it to evolve into more transmissible variants.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalVirulence·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 27, 2021

Under pressure, MnS2 reacts in remarkable ways

Researchers discovered MnS2 transitions into a metallic state and then back to an insulator as pressure is applied, resulting in significant decreases in resistance. This phenomenon occurs due to the interaction of electron spin states under high pressure.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 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.

Fruit fly offers lessons in good taste

Researchers discovered that individual taste neurons in fruit flies can detect compounds from multiple taste categories, influencing feeding decisions. The team found that single-taste neurons are capable of responding to more than one tastant category, and that a single tastant category can activate multiple classes of taste neurons.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2021

On the hunt for ‘hierarchical’ black holes

Recent theoretical findings and astrophysical modeling suggest that scientists can accurately interpret gravitational wave signals from these events, hinting at the existence of so-called 'hierarchical' black holes. The detection of GW190521 in 2019 is thought to be the most promising candidate for such an event.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 27, 2021

Magnetic ‘balding’ of black holes saves general relativity prediction

A team of researchers from the Flatiron Institute and Princeton University has found that the magnetic field around a black hole quickly decays when surrounded by plasma. This process, known as 'magnetic reconnection,' rapidly drains the magnetic field and could explain flares seen near supermassive black holes.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 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.

Battery research moves to next stage of commercialization

The UK has invested £10 million in the Faraday Battery Challenge to develop innovative battery technologies. Four projects, including Power-UP, GENESIS, HIPERCARB, and SABRE, aim to create high-performance batteries for electric vehicles, with applications in energy density, cost optimization, and fast charging.

SourceThe Faraday Institution·DateJul 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.

Controlling asymmetry for drug synthesis

A team of scientists has developed an iridium-catalyzed hydrogen addition method to control asymmetry in drug synthesis. This approach reduces wasteful by-products and enables targeted synthesis with high precision.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2021

Research shows engineers have a lot to learn from bees about design

Researchers discovered that honey bees plan ahead to create irregular-shaped cells and varying angles to bridge together uniform lattices when space constraints occur. By studying natural honeycombs and computer modeling, the team gained insights into how evolution can lead to multipurpose, strong, and resilient structures.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2021

Oxygen-vacancy-mediated catalysis boosts direct methanation of biomass

Researchers developed an efficient method for direct methanation of lignocellulosic biomass using Ru/TiO2 catalysts, achieving selectivity above 95% at temperatures below 200°C. The oxygen-vacancy-mediated catalysis process couples biomass oxidation with hydrogenation to produce biomethane.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJoule·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 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.

Scientists use tiny bubbles to help treat common childhood cancer

Researchers at University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Heath have developed a new way to deliver drugs that can shut down cancer-promoting mutations in neuroblastoma. The nanoparticle-based treatment successfully silenced the MYCN gene, causing tumours to grow at a slower pace and prolonging survival.

SourceWorldwide Cancer Research·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 27, 2021

Earth's vital signs worsen amid business-as-usual mindset on climate change

Scientists warn of unprecedented climate-related disasters and environmental degradation, highlighting the need for drastic reductions in greenhouse gases and transformational system changes. They advocate for a globally implemented carbon price, phase-out of fossil fuels, and strategic climate reserves to safeguard biodiversity.

SourceOregon State University·JournalBioScience·DateJul 27, 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.

Bird’s-eye view could be key to navigating without GPS

Researchers have identified a protein in bird retinas sensitive to the Earth's magnetic field, guiding migratory patterns. This discovery may lead to development of highly sensitive magnetic field sensors for navigation systems.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2021

Through the thin-film glass, researchers spot a new liquid phase

Scientists have created a new type of liquid in thin films of glass, which forms a high-density glass with distinct structures, akin to graphene and diamond. This breakthrough enables the development of new materials with improved properties, leading to potential advancements in various industries.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 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.

Reassessing recovery of global fish stocks

A study re-evaluating global fish stock recovery finds that alternative methods reveal nearly half of individual stocks are still below biomass targets and 40% are being overfished. The results suggest a cautious approach may be needed to rebuild depleted fisheries.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2021

Underground allies aid survival of the west’s largest trees

Research from Utah State University finds that large trees in western forests benefit from mycorrhizal connections to fungi, which enhance nutrient uptake and provide defense against pathogens. Diverse forest networks offer greater protection for these giant trees.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalEcology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 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.

Development of a novel technology to check body temperature with smartphone camera

A research team developed a novel sensor that can detect and convert infrared light into electrical signals at temperatures up to 100°C. The device eliminates the need for cooling devices, reducing production costs and operating speeds, making it suitable for smartphone and autonomous vehicle applications.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalApplied Surface Science·DateJul 26, 2021

Functional diversity of mangrove invertebrates

A recent study found that mangrove invertebrates exhibit extremely low functional redundancy, with most species fulfilling only one functional entity, posing a significant threat to mangrove functionality and resilience.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 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.

High percentage of positive portrayals of vaping on TikTok

Research found nearly two thirds of vaping-related videos on TikTok portray e-cigarettes positively, viewed over 1.1 billion times. Tighter regulations are needed to curb teens' potential exposure, given the platform's popularity with this age group.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·DateJul 26, 2021

Localized strategies for reducing climate change

Researchers used Project Drawdown's global strategies to estimate that a system of 20 high-impact solutions could decrease Georgia's carbon footprint by 35% in 2030 compared to business-as-usual forecasts. The study suggests that this approach can be replicated for other US states lacking state-specific plans.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2021

Plant root-associated bacteria preferentially colonize their native host-plant roots

Researchers found that plant root-associated bacteria prefer to colonize their native host plants, rather than non-native ones, with increased competitiveness and persistence. This host preference is driven by the formation of species-specific niches and differential transcriptional reprogramming of plant roots.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 26, 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.

Chronic pain might impact how the brain processes emotions

A new study found that people with chronic pain have lower levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate emotions, leading to increased negative emotions and impaired emotional regulation. The researchers hope their online emotional recovery program may provide a non-pharmaceutical solution for those affected.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalEuropean Journal of Pain·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 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.

Cultural biases impact native fish, too

A study published in Fisheries Magazine explores how colonialist attitudes toward native fishes were rooted in elements of racism and sexism, leading to overfishing and degradation of native species. The study recommends shifting to a new paradigm that's more inclusive and beneficial to all fish and people.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalFisheries·TypeSurvey·DateJul 26, 2021

Oncotarget: TERT and its binding protein: overexpression of GABPA/B in gliomas

The study confirms the upregulation of TERT in primary glioblastomas and the gradual expression of all GABP components during malignancy progression. The authors found a positive association between TERT and B1L mRNA expression, highlighting the importance of GABPA/B isoforms in mutated TERT promoter-dependent gliomas.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateJul 26, 2021

New breakthrough to help immune systems in the fight against cancer

Scientists have discovered a way to restrict the activity of Tregs, which regulate the immune system and prevent it from attacking healthy cells. Inhibition of PIP4K enzymes in Tregs allows Teff cells to function more effectively, leading to better cancer treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2021

Among effective antihypertensive drugs, less popular choice is slightly safer

A multinational observational study compared the safety and efficacy of ARBs and ACE inhibitors, finding no significant differences in cardiovascular outcomes but a lower risk of side effects with ARBs. The study analyzed data from over 3 million patients worldwide and used advanced mathematical techniques to reduce bias.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateJul 26, 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.

Anticipate a resurgence of respiratory viruses in young children

A recent warning from the Canadian Medical Association Journal cautions that relaxed COVID-19 measures could lead to a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases among young children. RSV can cause serious illness and death, affecting approximately 2.7 million children worldwide each year.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 26, 2021

Penn Medicine discovery clarifies the problem of T-cell "exhaustion"

Researchers have found that T cells, a key part of the immune system, remain exhausted even after exposure to a virus ended. This limitation affects immune-based therapy research and may require new approaches to treat chronic viral infections and cancers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 26, 2021

The mechanics of puncture finally explained

Researchers developed a mechanical theory to determine the critical force required for needle insertion in soft materials like skin, discovering that tissue toughness and needle radius play crucial roles. The model provides quantitative predictions and may impact future technology like self-administered disposable pads with microneedles.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids·DateJul 26, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Triggering autodegredation as mature cells begin regeneration

A new study finds that autodegredation, a process where mature cells break down specialized structures, enables regeneration in adult tissues. Genes Atf3 and Rab7b are upregulated during this process, allowing cells to return to the cell cycle and potentially contributing to cancer development.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalEMBO Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2021