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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 233


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.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·DateJun 29, 2021

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.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 29, 2021

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 29, 2021
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateJun 29, 2021

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.

SourceTohoku University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateJun 29, 2021

Hot nights confuse circadian clocks in rice, hurting crop yields

Researchers found that warmer nights alter the rice plant's biological schedule, causing hundreds of genes to be expressed earlier or later than usual. This disrupts the finely tuned timing necessary for optimal yield, leading to crop losses.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 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.

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.

SourceAarhus University·JournalInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJun 29, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 29, 2021
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.

Hackensack Meridian CDI scientists discover new tuberculosis treatment pathway

Scientists from Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation have uncovered the mechanism of action of a novel anti-tuberculosis drug, triaza-coumarin, which is effective in inhibiting TB disease from within by boosting its on-target activity by two orders of magnitude.

SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2021

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.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalUtilities Policy·DateJun 29, 2021

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.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·DateJun 29, 2021

AAFP releases updated feline senior care guidelines to the veterinary community

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) has released updated feline senior care guidelines, which provide emerging advances in feline medicine with respect to the aging cat. The guidelines emphasize the individual senior patient and recognize the impact caring for an aging cat has on the cat owner.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateJun 29, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalGeothermics·DateJun 29, 2021

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.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalVaccine X·DateJun 29, 2021

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPest Management Science·DateJun 29, 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.

A 50% rise in the level of CO2 could reduce rainfall in the Amazon more than deforestation

A new study suggests that a 50% increase in atmospheric CO2 could lead to a 12% annual drop in Amazon rainfall, surpassing the impact of complete forest replacement with pasture. The researchers ran simulations showing that reduced transpiration and leaf area would result in less water vapor emission, leading to decreased rainfall.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiogeosciences·DateJun 29, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior·DateJun 29, 2021

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.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJun 29, 2021

Cancer neuroscientists identify a key culprit behind pediatric brain cancer's spread

Research led by USC investigators reveals that the ABAT enzyme helps medulloblastoma cells feed on GABA in cerebrospinal fluid, allowing them to survive and resist treatment. The study also shows that high levels of ABAT enable medulloblastoma metastases to evade treatment and spread to other parts of the central nervous system.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 29, 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.

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.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 29, 2021

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateJun 29, 2021

Stock markets becoming increasingly networked due to high-frequency traders

Researchers studied the role of high-frequency traders in stock markets, finding that their presence increases market volatility and networked structure. The study reveals that high-frequency traders prefer to trade with other types of traders but avoid mutual trading among themselves.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2021
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.

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...

SourceDartmouth College·JournalChem·DateJun 29, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJun 29, 2021

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.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review A·DateJun 29, 2021
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateJun 29, 2021

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJun 29, 2021

'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.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 29, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateJun 29, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateJun 29, 2021

A world first! Visualizing atomic-scale structures with the optical force

Scientists at Osaka University successfully mapped the three-dimensional forces acting on quantum dots with unprecedented subnanometer resolution, opening up new avenues for nanotechnology and optical manipulation. This breakthrough could lead to advances in photocatalysts and optical tweezers.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 29, 2021
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.

Selection tool accurately predicts ovarian damage in girls with cancer

A new assessment tool has been found to predict ovarian damage in girls with cancer, helping doctors determine which patients should undergo fertility preservation. The Edinburgh selection criteria identify high-risk patients who are more likely to develop premature ovarian failure.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJun 29, 2021

Speedy nanorobots could someday clean up soil and water, deliver drugs

Researchers created self-propelled nanoswimmers that can escape maze-like environments 20 times faster than passive particles. These tiny synthetic robots have potential applications in cleaning contaminated soil and water, as well as delivering drugs to targeted areas.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Plants·DateJun 29, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 29, 2021

Diversity of tiny bobtail squid driven by ancient biogeographic events, finds new study

Researchers used genetic techniques to show that bobtail and bottletail squids share a recent common ancestor, with major biogeographic events influencing their evolution. The study found that these events led to the diversification of many species, with some lineages emerging in response to changes such as the closure of the Tethys Sea.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJun 29, 2021

CU Anschutz called a 'case study' for commercializing medical breakthroughs

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is highlighted for its record of turning discoveries into commercially viable products. The campus has developed vaccines and collaborated with industry partners to distribute them globally, improving patient care and public health.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Science·DateJun 29, 2021

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalTraffic Injury Prevention·DateJun 29, 2021
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJun 29, 2021

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJun 29, 2021