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Science News Archive 2021


Page 223 of 510

NUS researchers bring attack-proof quantum communication two steps forward

Researchers from NUS have developed two methods to ensure QKD communications cannot be attacked using side-channel attacks. The first is an ultra-secure cryptography protocol that can be deployed in any communication network, and the second is a device that defends against bright light pulse attacks by creating a power threshold.

Muscle relaxants largely ineffective for low back pain

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that muscle relaxants have a small effect on reducing pain intensity in the short term, but this effect is not clinically meaningful. The use of muscle relaxants may also increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and nausea.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ancient Islamic tombs cluster like galaxies

A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that ancient Islamic tombs in Sudan are distributed according to large-scale environmental factors and small-scale social factors. The tombs cluster around central 'parent' points, likely representing older tombs of importance, with smaller scale distribution influenced by nearby older structures.

Researchers identify ultrastable single atom magnet

Researchers at Ewha Womans University have created ultra-stable single-atom magnets that can maintain their magnetic state over days. Using Scanning Tunneling Microscopy, the team achieved atomic-scale control of magnetic fields within quantum architectures.

Plant patch enables continuous monitoring for crop diseases

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a wearable sensor that monitors plant stress and disease in a noninvasive way by measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by plants. The system can alert users to specific problems, allowing growers to identify issues quickly and limit the spread of diseases.

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.

Tiny tools: Controlling individual water droplets as biochemical reactors

Researchers at Ritsumeikan University have developed a novel technique to individually select and control tiny water droplets in lab-on-a-chip applications. The method uses electrowetting-on-dielectric technology to make individual droplets stand taller, allowing for selective contact and transfer of chemicals or cells.

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.

A biological fireworks show 300 million years in the making

The study reveals that frog eggs release zinc and manganese sparks after fertilization, indicating a shared biology between humans and frogs. The research has implications for understanding the interplay of dietary zinc status and human fertility.

Diversification in supply chain crucial to avoid 'food shock' in cities

A team of researchers from Penn State and Northern Arizona University developed a statistical risk model linking supply chain diversity to the probability of a city experiencing food shocks. The study found that higher diversity in the supply chain leads to lower probabilities of food shock, highlighting the importance of diversifying ...

Mucus and mucins may become the medicine of the future

Scientists have found a way to artificially produce healthy mucus, which could lead to new medical treatments and therapies. The discovery is particularly promising for the treatment of diseases related to intestinal flora, such as infections and eye infections.

Small amount of lithium production in classical nova

A new study found a low rate of lithium production in a classical nova, indicating diversity within these events. This discovery suggests that other objects, such as supernovae, may also contribute to lithium production in the Universe.

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.

Engineered protein inspired by nature may help plastic plague

Researchers have engineered an enzyme to bind to and degrade plastic particles, potentially helping to resolve the issue of complete recycling of PET in industry. The enzyme, called PET2, was found to accelerate the reaction between PET's chemical components and water when positive charges were introduced on its surface.

Why wild African fruits can supplement low protein staple foods

Research from University of Johannesburg uncovers essential amino acids in wild African fruits. The study reveals several species exceed daily nutritional values recommended by WHO. The white olive and jacket plum are good candidates to boost immune function against viruses due to high lysine content.

Wolbachia and the paradox of growth regulation

Researchers discovered that Wolbachia's growth affects its cost for the host and its transmission efficiency. The team found that protection against viruses depends on the amount of Wolbachia at the moment of infection, while longevity relates to its speed of growth in adult hosts.

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.

New clues to why there's so little antimatter in the universe

Physicists at MIT have successfully measured a neutron's tiny effect in a radioactive molecule, revealing small nuclear effects and providing a chance to search for subtle symmetry violations related to dark matter and the Big Bang. The team used heavy radioactive molecules with extreme sensitivity to nuclear phenomena.

McMaster researchers identify how VITT happens

Researchers discovered the molecular mechanism behind vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), a rare but fatal blood clotting disorder. The findings will enable the development of rapid diagnostic tests and new strategies to prevent VITT, making vaccines safer.

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.

Not only humans got talent, dogs got it too!

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that a handful of dogs learn multiple toy names effortlessly, despite struggling with object labels. The research suggests that talent in a specific field may not be exclusively human, with gifted word learner dogs displaying exceptional learning capacity.

Open-source software to help cities plant in pursuit of clean air

A new open-source software, GI4RAQ Platform, enables practitioners to estimate pollutant concentration changes resulting from different planting schemes in streets. It focuses on key pollutants from road transport and provides a detailed analysis of the urban form and planting specified by users.

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.

New type of massive explosion explains mystery star

Researchers have found evidence of a 'magneto-rotational hypernova', a previously unknown type of cataclysm that could explain the presence of high amounts of uranium and zinc in ancient stars. The discovery, published in Nature, reveals a new pathway for the formation of heavy elements in the infant universe.

The reproductive advantages of large male fish

Researchers found that larger male mosquitofish are preferred by females and produce more sperm. They also excel at driving off rivals and using forced mating strategies due to their small size and agility. The study analyzed 36 studies and provided new insights into the relationship between body size and reproductive success in fish.

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 study shows mathematical models helped reduce the spread of COVID-19

A new study published in Emerging Infectious Diseases found that mathematical models informed early statewide policies in Colorado, avoiding 97% of potential hospitalizations. The modeling team developed a SEIR model calibrated to Colorado COVID-19 data and provided real-time estimates to policymakers.

Malaria and dengue predicted to affect billions more people

A new study predicts that climate change could increase the global population at risk of malaria and dengue by up to 4.7 billion people by 2100, particularly in lowlands and urban areas. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions could prevent millions from contracting these diseases.

Factors associated with deaths in US ICE detention facilities

A study examining US ICE detention facility deaths from 2011 to 2018 found that inadequate healthcare, poor living conditions, and mental health issues were key factors contributing to these deaths. The study highlights the need for improved healthcare and living conditions in ICE facilities to prevent unnecessary deaths.

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.

Anti-coagulant drug could treat COVID-19's emerging variants

Researchers identified a novel binding site on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein's N-terminal domain, which is targeted by heparan sulphate and its mimetics. This finding suggests that anti-coagulant drugs like heparin could be repurposed as potential antiviral treatments for COVID-19 variants.

How plants compensate symbiotic microbes

Researchers found that plants don't quite achieve 'equal pay' for microbes, instead allocating resources based on the quality of service. The plant-microbe exchanges follow a square-root model, where low-performing microbes receive more resources than expected.

Gender pay gap means fewer female candidates on the ballot

A new study finds that electoral districts with a larger gender pay gap tend to have fewer female candidates, as voters' biases against women candidates can lead to lower vote shares. The Parity Law has had limited impact in reducing this disparity, with parties strategically allocating female candidates to less competitive districts.

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.

New AI tech for early detection of prostate cancer

A new AI-powered diagnostic tool can spot asymptomatic prostate cancer in routine CT scans, allowing for earlier diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes. The technology, developed at RMIT University, has been shown to perform better than human radiologists in detecting cancerous growths.

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.

Soft shell makes hard ceramic less likely to shatter

Researchers at Rice University have created a coating made of soft polymer that can help keep knotty ceramic structures from shattering. The coating was tested on complex lattices called schwarzites, which were found to be up to 4.5 times more resistant to catastrophic fractures.

Researchers detail the most ancient bat fossil ever discovered in Asia

Researchers have discovered two ancient bat fossil teeth in Asia, dating back to the Eocene epoch and pushing the evolutionary record for bats on that continent back by 55 million years. The findings suggest that bats may have originated in Asia before spreading globally, but the exact characteristics of these early bats remain unclear.

Protein's 'silent code' affects how cells move

A University of Pennsylvania-led study found that protein actin's nucleotide sequences, not amino acid sequences, govern its functions in cells. The faster translation rate of beta-actin mRNA causes it to attach to substrates more strongly, slowing down cell movement.

Reducing the melting of the Greenland ice cap using solar geoengineering?

Climatologists tested a solar geoengineering scenario using the MAR climate model to reduce Greenland's mass loss by 6% locally. However, the researchers warn that this approach is not sufficient to stabilize the ice cap by the end of the century and poses risks to the ozone layer and water cycles.

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.

Changes in Earth's orbit enabled the emergence of complex life

Scientists discovered that changes in Earth's orbit allowed for ice-free regions to develop on 'Snowball Earth', enabling periodic survival of animal life. The research found evidence of iron-rich sedimentary rocks forming in the icy ocean near colossal ice sheets, providing a sanctuary for complex multicellular life.

Machine learning tool sorts the nuances of quantum data

A Cornell University-led team developed a machine learning tool called Correlation Convolutional Neural Networks (CCNN) to parse quantum matter and make distinctions in the data. CCNN can identify relationships among microscopic properties that are impossible to determine at the scale of quantum systems.

5 million deaths a year caused by global climate related abnormal temps

A global study found that abnormal hot and cold temperatures cause over 9.43% of global deaths, with most deaths caused by cold exposure. The study revealed geographic differences in temperature-related mortality, with Eastern Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa having the highest heat and cold-related excess death rates.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

How seeds know it's a good time to germinate

Researchers found a protein called FLOE1 that allows seeds to directly perceive their hydration state and act upon it. This discovery has major implications for understanding plant ecology and designing drought-resistant crops to combat climate change.

Microscopy technique makes finer images of deeper tissue, more quickly

A team of MIT and Harvard University researchers has developed a modified version of two-photon imaging that can image deeper within tissue and perform the imaging much more quickly than what was previously possible. This technique allows for high-resolution images of structures such as blood vessels and individual neurons within the b...

For many students, double-dose algebra leads to college attainment

A new study found that double-dose algebra significantly increased semesters of college attended and college degree attainment among median-skill students. Implementing the policy in schools with lower-skilled students led to no impact, highlighting the need for more intensive math interventions.

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.