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Science News Archive 2021


Page 233 of 510

Identifying a topological fingerprint

A team of researchers has identified an unconventional Hall effect driven by the Berry curvature, which is exclusive to semiconductor hole systems. This discovery is a major breakthrough in the search for topological effects in non-equilibrium systems.

Decline of dinosaurs underway long before asteroid fell

Dinosaurs were in decline 76 million years ago due to extinctions outpacing speciations, with herbivores being particularly affected. The asteroid impact may have been the final blow, triggered by a 7°C drop in global temperature and changes in oceanic circulation patterns.

How a COVID-19 infection changes blood cells in the long run

Researchers found that COVID-19 significantly changes the size and stiffness of red and white blood cells, which may contribute to impaired circulation, oxygen transport, and increased risk of vascular occlusions. These changes can last for months after an infection, explaining long COVID symptoms.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Leicester expert leads ground breaking invention on battery recycling

Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a new method to recycle electric vehicle batteries using ultrasonic waves, which separates valuable materials from electrodes more efficiently. The technique recovers around 80% of original material in a purer state than current methods, making it faster and greener.

Success in reversing dementia in mice sets the stage for human clinical trials

Researchers at Tohoku University have identified a novel disease-modifying therapeutic candidate SAK3 that rescues neurons in most protein-misfolding neurodegenerative diseases. SAK3 administration significantly prevented progression of neurodegenerative behaviors, including cognitive impairment and motor dysfunction.

COVID-19: Reduced sense of taste and smell lingers

A new study from Aarhus University found that patients with mild COVID-19 infections experience a significantly increased longer lasting reduced sense of taste and smell, which is also the case for long-term shortness of breath. Women and the elderly are particularly affected by these symptoms.

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.

Fruit flies lose their virginity lightly - and then become choosy

Female fruit flies undergo a behavioral change after mating, becoming more selective towards males with higher levels of aphrodisiac pheromone. This preference is induced by the juvenile hormone and reduces their sensitivity to pheromones, leading them to prefer males with more attractive scents.

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.

Data-driven approach for a more sustainable utility rate structure

A new rate plan aims to benefit individuals who use less power or utilize solar power, while those with high peak usage pay more. The system uses electric smart meters and a grid access fee to approximate the impact of end-users' time-varying demand on local distribution networks.

Making seawater drinkable in minutes

Researchers developed a stable performance electrospun nanofiber membrane to turn seawater into drinking water without wetting issues. The membrane can operate for 30 days with high salt rejection rates, making it suitable for long-term membrane distillation applications.

Sustainable mining of raw materials from thermal springs in Chile

The BrineMine project develops strategies and technologies to extract valuable resources while minimizing environmental impact. Researchers have identified a method for efficient silica removal, enabling simultaneous extraction of drinking water and mineral resources.

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.

Strategies to speed global vaccine availability

A new paper proposes actions to increase access, speed time to market, and decrease costs of vaccines globally. Regulatory harmonization, manufacturing capacity building, and streamlined IP arrangements are key opportunities to address challenges in vaccine development and deployment.

Study shows effectiveness of suppressing female fruit flies

Researchers developed transgenic strains of Drosophila suzukii that produce only males, using a common antibiotic as an off switch. The study found that releasing excess transgenic males into laboratory cage trials effectively suppressed female offspring.

Cooked crustaceans, cannabis and a budder way

A study by University of California San Diego researchers found that lobsters can absorb vaporized THC through their gills and exhibit reduced locomotor activity. However, the effects on detection of hot water stimuli were minimal, leaving it unclear whether this constitutes feeling pain.

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.

Journalism fellowships will highlight new developments in aging

The Gerontological Society of America's Journalists in Aging Fellows Program aims to educate journalists about issues in aging and disseminate information on new scientific findings. The fellowship program has supported over 700 news stories, equipping reporters with accurate fact-based coverage for diverse audiences.

How environmental factors could provide for a young brain

Researchers discovered that stimulating environments preserve a young DNA methylation landscape in the aged mouse hippocampus, leading to greater neuroplasticity. This finding suggests that active lives may help preserve mental fitness in old age, with implications for human brain health and disease prevention.

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.

Steering wind turbines creates greater energy potential

Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign designed controllers to optimize wind turbine performance by considering downstream effects, resulting in noticeable gains. The study demonstrates that incorporating networked wind farms and time-dependent wind estimation models can improve power extraction.

Dartmouth research turns up the heat on 3D printing inks

Researchers at Dartmouth College have created a novel process for 3D printing inks that can be activated by heat and moisture, allowing for the creation of complex objects with varying mechanical strengths. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the field of 3D printing by enabling the creation of single-ink solutions for...

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 work showcases the chemistry of an upcoming fuel cell electrolyte

Researchers from University of Tsukuba have demonstrated successive proton transport mechanism in a material that may be a future source of reliable primary and backup power. The study reveals the chemistry underlying this phenomenon, which has implications for improving fuel cell efficiency and stability.

A new piece of the quantum computing puzzle

Research from Washington University in St. Louis has found an efficient two-bit quantum logic gate that uses a new form of light, increasing efficiency by orders of magnitude. The discovery was made possible by the unique features of measurement and the existence of photonic dimers.

Scientists mine the rich seam of body wearable motion sensors

A new study from the University of Bath finds that strategically placed garment seams with conductive yarn can accurately track body motion, identifying subtle movements not picked up by popular fitness trackers. This technology has potential applications in physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and sports performance.

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.

Turning plastic into foam to combat pollution

A team of researchers from the University of Canterbury has developed a method to turn previously non-recyclable biodegradable plastic into a foam that can be used as insulation in walls or flotation devices. The process involves dissolving carbon dioxide into the plastic, creating foaming.

'Edge of chaos' opens pathway to artificial intelligence discoveries

Scientists at the University of Sydney and Japan's National Institute for Material Science discover an artificial network of nanowires can be tuned to respond in a brain-like way when electrically stimulated. By keeping the network at the edge of chaos, it performs tasks at an optimal level, suggesting neural intelligence is physical.

Using light to treat drug-resistant tumors

Researchers have developed a chemical compound that produces a powerful oxygen reaction when exposed to light, selectively killing cancer cells while leaving surrounding tissue intact. The photodrug is currently in clinical trials for patients with recurring bladder cancer resistant to traditional therapies.

Study seeks to understand, prevent ice recrystalization

Scientists at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture are working on developing biobased peptides to restrict ice crystal growth in freezing temperatures. Successful methods could improve frozen food quality, increase crop resistance to freezing temperatures, and enhance biomedical research.

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.

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.

New findings to boost barley yields at higher temps

A team of researchers discovered a novel barley protein, HvMADS1, that regulates flower production in response to high temperatures. The study found that introducing a genetic modification to the protein can convert an unbranched spike into a branched structure with more flowers, potentially increasing grain production.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Europe's first large-scale wastewater treatment research facility using bacteria

The Biological Engineering: Wastewater Innovation at Scale (BEWISe) facility, launched by Newcastle University and Northumbrian Water, will host researchers to explore new low-carbon alternatives for sewage treatment. This £1.2 million EPSRC-funded facility operates with a quadrillion microbes, enabling experimentation with different t...

More efficient tests may one day replace endoscopy

Researchers have discovered several stool proteins that can detect colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, potentially replacing invasive endoscopy. These novel biomarkers were identified using aptamer-based screening and showed promise in early diagnosis and predicting disease progression.

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.

Computer training program for seniors can reduce hazardous driving

A recent NC State University study found that a low-cost computer training program called Drive Aware can significantly reduce unsafe incidents among older adults. The program, which provides cognitive training to detect road hazards, was tested on 27 senior participants and showed a 25% reduction in accidents.

Microbes feast on crushed rock in subglacial lakes beneath Antarctica

A pioneering study reveals subglacial lakes in Antarctica harbor thriving microbial life through the erosion of ancient sediments, providing a new source of nutrients and energy for microorganisms. The research found that crushing sediments can produce key gases, including methane and hydrogen, essential for microbial processes.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Polymers in meteorites provide clues to early solar system

Researchers have discovered polymers in CV3 meteorites, providing clues to the early solar system's space chemistry. The polymers, composed of glycine and other elements, formed organized structures with a high deuterium-to-hydrogen-isotope ratio, confirming their extraterrestrial origin.