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Science News Archive 2021


Page 208 of 510

Of lives and life years: 1918 influenza vs COVID-19

The 1918 influenza pandemic and COVID-19 share similar patterns in mortality comparisons due to population adjustments for average life years lost. The study assesses the cumulative health impacts of interventions and provides a basis for decision-making.

Understanding the physics in new metals

Researchers developed a new X-ray study method to understand correlated metals, promising for superconductors and quantum computers. The method, resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXs), excites electrons, providing information about electronic structure.

RNA modification may protect against liver disease

Researchers found that a chemical modification called m6A may offer protection against non-alcoholic fatty liver by slowing down the accumulation of fat in the liver. The study also suggested that this modification occurs at a different rate in females than males, potentially explaining sex differences in liver fat content.

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.

An automated flight control system for drone swarms has been developed

Researchers at the LABYRINTH project have developed an automated flight control system for drone swarms that can efficiently plan routes, communicate using 5G networks, and prevent collisions. The system aims to safely integrate drones into European airspace and address concerns around their use in cities.

A bug's life: Millimeter-tall mountains on neutron stars

New models of neutron stars show mountains only a fraction of millimetres high, contradicting previous estimates. The research used computational modelling to study the role of ultra-dense nuclear matter in supporting these tiny mountains.

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.

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.

Outcomes of patients treated by female vs male physicians

Researchers investigated whether female vs male physicians differ in patient outcomes, including mortality rates and care processes. The study found no significant differences in patient outcomes between female and male physicians, suggesting that the quality of care is not influenced by physician gender.

Organic electronics possibly soon to enter the GHz-regime

Researchers at TU Dresden introduce complementary vertical organic transistors that can operate at low voltage, have adjustable inverter properties, and demonstrate fast response times. The development of these devices could pave the way for flexible, printable electronics with GHz-regime performance.

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.

When mad AIOLOS drags IKAROS down: A novel pathogenic mechanism

Researchers at TMDU discovered a novel disorder resulting from a mutation in the AIOLOS protein, which causes immune deficiency and interferes with IKAROS protein function. The study found that the mutant protein forms a heterodimer with IKAROS, recruiting it to incorrect regions of the genome and leading to immunodeficiency.

3D "assembloid" shows how SARS-CoV-2 infects brain cells

Researchers created a stem cell model demonstrating SARS-CoV-2's entry into the human brain through blood vessels and infected pericytes. Astrocytes were the main target of this secondary infection, leading to complications like inflammation, clotting, stroke, or hemorrhages.

SUV39H2: A direct genetic link to autism spectrum disorders

A human variant of the SUV39H2 gene has been linked to autism spectrum disorders, causing cognitive inflexibility in mice and misregulated expression of genes related to brain development. The study suggests that histone methylation plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, and its absence may lead to serious problems.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

RUDN University biologists prove the anticancer potential of macrophages

Researchers identified that macrophages from different types of monocytes respond to inflammation in opposing ways, with CD14+monocytes being more prone to a pro-inflammatory response. This could lead to targeted activation of macrophages for cancer treatment by choosing the most suitable monocyte subset.

COVID-19 vaccination: Examining negative dominance on social media

A recent study published in the Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness journal explores negative dominance of COVID-19 vaccine-related information online. The researchers found that compared to all other content, posts focused on adverse events pale in comparison to posts promoting positive messages about vaccines.

Swimming at the mesoscale

Researchers from FAU and partners discover a microswimmer propelled by symmetrical oscillations, contradicting the Scallop theorem. The system uses the principle of inertia to move through fluid, with smaller beads reacting faster to spring force, causing asymmetrical motion.

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.

Study finds vaccine hesitancy lower in poorer countries

A new study published in Nature Medicine reveals that willingness to get a COVID-19 vaccine is higher in developing countries, with personal protection being the main reason for acceptance. Concern about side effects was the most common reason for vaccine hesitancy, but health workers were considered trusted sources of information.

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.

Enabling the 'imagination' of artificial intelligence

USC researchers develop AI that can simulate human imagination by recombining learned knowledge of attributes. This technique enables controllable novel image synthesis, a key step towards overcoming the generalization problem in AI. The approach has potential applications in medicine, autonomous vehicles, and fairness in AI.

New discoveries and insights into the glass transition

Research from Tohoku University and Johns Hopkins University sheds new light on the glass transition in metallic glasses, influenced by high configuration entropy. The study introduces a novel glass-forming system with unprecedented thermodynamic and dynamic characteristics.

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.

New web platform for planning flood prevention in cities

The SaferPlaces web service uses open data to identify areas at risk and plan protection measures, such as building modifications and new dikes. By mapping hazards and damages, users can simulate the effects of measures on the platform, ensuring user-friendliness and efficiency.

How a butterfly tree becomes a web

A new study in Genome Biology and Evolution reveals extensive gene flow among butterfly lineages, resulting in a network of related species rather than a simple tree. This challenges traditional models of evolution and highlights the importance of adaptive introgression in shaping species diversity.

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.

The paradox of a free-electron laser without the laser

Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have developed a new method to produce coherent radiation using a short undulator and attosecond duration electron bunches. This approach could revolutionize light sources by making them compact, table-top size and capable of producing ultra-short duration pulses of light.

Climate change to bring more intense storms across Europe

A new study by Newcastle University and the Met Office predicts a significant increase in slow-moving intense rainstorms across Europe by the end of the century, potentially leading to devastating flooding. The research estimates that these storms could be 14 times more frequent, with increased rainfall accumulations and flash flood risk.

Bats are kings of small talk in the air

Researchers found that bats can compress their echoes by up to 90% without losing essential information for sonar-based tasks. This efficient encoding strategy allows bats to navigate complex environments with minimal neural machinery, enabling them to detect location and movement with high accuracy.

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.

Invention: The Storywrangler

Researchers developed the Storywrangler, a data-driven tool analyzing over 150 billion tweets, providing insights into global conversations, popularity, and emerging trends. The tool reveals potential predictors of geopolitical risk and demonstrates its potential to index everyday conversations.

Artificial sweeteners enable delivery of carbon monoxide to treat organ injury

Researchers at Georgia State University have developed an oral prodrug that delivers carbon monoxide via artificial sweeteners, showing promise in treating acute kidney injury. The study demonstrates the protective effects of CO against organ damage and suggests potential applications for transplantation and other conditions.

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.

Researchers surprised to find bacterial parasites behind rise of 'super bugs'

Phages play a key role in initiating rapid bacterial evolution and the emergence of treatment-resistant superbugs, according to new research from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The study reveals that phages interact with bacteria and facilitate adaptation, allowing resistant strains to gain an evolutionary advantage.

Watching the ultrafast dance moves of a laser plasma

Researchers at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research developed a novel method to capture ultrafast motion of plasma at different transverse locations. The team's experiment shows that different portions of the plasma move in and out at different times, contrary to previous expectations.

Race, politics divide Americans on sports issues

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found sharp divisions among Americans on whether college athletes should be paid and whether it's acceptable for pro athletes to protest racial injustice during the national anthem. The study analyzed opinions from over 1,400 Americans, revealing strong links between race, ethnicity, and...

Scientists get to the bottom of deep Pacific ventilation

A new study by University of New South Wales scientists has shed light on the pathways of ocean circulation that supply newly ventilated surface water to the deep Pacific. The research finds that diffusive transport plays a leading role in ventilating the shadow zone, which is crucial for biological production and climate regulation.

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.

Psychiatric patients at increased risk of COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality

A large meta-analysis of 33 studies from 22 countries found that psychiatric patients are twice as likely to die or be hospitalized after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with psychotic disorders, mood disorders, and those receiving antipsychotic or anxiolytic treatments are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19-associated mortality.

From genes to memes: Algorithm may help scientists demystify complex networks

A new algorithm can help researchers understand how simple actions lead to complex behaviors in biological systems, such as cancer growth and voting patterns. The algorithm analyzes Boolean networks, which are collections of nodes that are either on or off, to identify attractors that correspond to stable long-term behaviors.

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.