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Science News Archive 2021


Page 239 of 510

NUST MISIS scientists create unique alloy for air, rail transports

Researchers developed a unique alloy with improved durability, made possible by casting and annealing regimes producing thermally stable nanoparticles. The new alloy offers high-strength, heat-resistance, and could replace expensive copper conductors in aircraft and rail transport.

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.

Emissions cause delay in rainfall

Human activities contribute to a four-day delay in seasonal rainfall, threatening crop production and exacerbating heatwaves. The delayed onset of monsoon rainfall also jeopardizes the livelihoods of large populations in regions like India.

How brain cells compensate for damage from a stroke

Researchers found that undamaged neurons do not change their function after a stroke, contradicting the 're-mapping' hypothesis. Surround-responsive cells, which react to neighboring whiskers, also failed to take over damaged neurons' functions.

Throwing an 'axion bomb' into a black hole challenges fundamental law of physics

A research team from Imperial College London proposes a way that singularities could violate the law of conservation of charge by introducing axions, hypothetical particles that may explain dark matter. They show that temporary singularities in black holes could destroy electric charge, challenging a fundamental law of physics.

Age-related hearing impairment, physical functioning in older adults

Researchers found that age-related hearing impairment is associated with poorer physical functioning and reduced walking endurance in older adults. The study suggests that addressing hearing loss could be crucial in preserving physical function and quality of life in older individuals.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Muscle's smallest building blocks disappear after stroke

Researchers at Northwestern University and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have discovered that muscles lose sarcomeres -- their smallest building blocks -- after a stroke. This loss results in shorter muscle fibers and tighter muscles, making it harder for patients to regain function.

Elephants solve problems with personality

Researchers found that elephants' personality traits, such as aggressiveness and activity, were important predictors of problem-solving success. However, the personality traits measured did not significantly predict learning ability. The study used a comprehensive approach to assess elephant personalities and solve novel problems.

Study finds structural changes in the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha and Beta variants

A new study reveals structural changes in the Alpha and Beta SARS-CoV-2 variants, suggesting reduced effectiveness of current vaccines against the Beta variant. The research found that mutations in the Beta variant change the shape of the spike surface, making it less bind to neutralizing antibodies.

Can a calculator predict your risk of dementia?

A new online calculator can predict an individual's risk of dementia in the next five years by assessing factors such as age, physical activity, diet, and stress. The tool, developed by Canadian researchers, aims to empower individuals to modify their lifestyle and reduce their risk.

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.

Performance-enhancing substance use: A link to criminal offending

A new study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that both anabolic steroid and legal performance-enhancing substance use are longitudinally associated with criminal offending among U.S. adults, particularly during young and middle adulthood. The study highlights the need for research on performance-enhancing substances to un...

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.

Scientists discover key player in brain development, cell communication

Researchers led by Katie Baldwin found that the loss of hepaCAM disrupts astrocyte territories and gap junction coupling, leading to impaired communication between brain cells. This study has implications for understanding MLC and other neurodegenerative disorders, and may lead to therapeutic breakthroughs.

Pitt faculty, students capture top awards at 2021 CALPHAD Global Conference

University of Pittsburgh researchers received prestigious awards for their work on phase diagrams, thermodynamic properties, and uncertainty quantification in alloy powder production. Assistant Professor Wei Xiong won the inaugural CALPHAD Young Leader Award, while graduate student Xin Wang received the Best Poster Award.

Makowski, Pierre publish findings on obesity and response to cancer therapy

Researchers at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center have found that obesity in mice models led to accelerated tumor growth, but anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade successfully blocked this progression. The study suggests that obese patients with breast cancer may respond better to immunotherapies like checkpoint inhibitors.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Babies can see things that adults cannot

Infants younger than 7 months can perceive faces even when they are followed by a mask image, but this ability disappears in older infants. The study found that visual backward masking occurs due to interference with feedback processing, which develops in the second half of the first year of life.

Horizon 2020: EU funding for developing animal-free methods

The Horizon 2020 projects RISK-HUNT3R and TOX-Free aim to develop animal-free strategies and tools for chemical risk assessment, combining in vitro and computational approaches. The projects will improve the accuracy and efficiency of safety assessments, enabling the development of sustainable alternatives.

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.

Lighting the LAMP to reveal mystery of lysosomes

A new study using expanded genetic code technologies uncovers the structural aspect of how one protein functions in lysosomes for intracellular clearance. The research reveals that the homophilic interaction between LAMP2 molecules is crucial for their function on the lysosome membrane.

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.

Market exit: Divestment or redeployment?

A new study published in the Strategic Management Journal found that business relatedness has a significant effect on market exit, with greater potential for resource redeployment leading to faster exits. The research analyzed 3,082 retail chains across 106 countries and suggests that internal redeployment is a key driver of market exit.

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.

When pandemic hit, some people wanted more sexual activity

A new study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that some people, particularly older men with erectile dysfunction, were having more sex during the pandemic. Sales of daily-use erectile dysfunction drugs skyrocketed after March 2020, indicating an increase in spontaneous sexual activity.

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.

Hard-working enzyme keeps immune cells in line

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that TET enzymes play a crucial role in keeping immune cells on a healthy track, suggesting potential new avenues for controlling cardiovascular disease. The study also identified the minor but important role of TDG enzyme in immune cell demethylation.

Controversies and consensus in thyroid cancer care

The joint statement aims to address current controversies and evolving concepts in thyroid cancer care. Key findings include the use of molecular theranostics for refining management recommendations and indicators of response to RAI therapy. The statement was led by Seza Gulec, MD, and published in the peer-reviewed journal Thyroid.

AI breakthrough in premature baby care

Researchers created a hybrid neural network called NAIMS that accurately predicts premature baby mortality risk using demographics and vital signs. The technique has shown strong performance in predicting an infant's risk of mortality within 3, 7, or 14 days, with potential to analyze responsiveness to treatment.

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.

Seven students selected for national research program

Seven PhD students at DGIST have been chosen for a two-year research project funded by Korea's National Research Foundation. They will focus on developing new materials and nano-structural designs to overcome existing solar cell limitations.

Small-scale engineering could bring big progress in medical care

Researchers have developed a method to control the degradation of messenger RNA, which could lead to more efficient biotechnological functions and improved medical outcomes. This breakthrough has potential applications in vaccine development, genome engineering, and therapeutic treatments.

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.

Quantum simulation: Measurement of entanglement made easier

Researchers have developed a more efficient method for measuring entanglement in quantum simulators, allowing for new insights into the structure of the quantum state. The new protocol uses insights from quantum field theory to perform tomography with significantly fewer measurements.

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.

Research team discovers Arctic dinosaur nursery

A research team from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Florida State University has found evidence that nearly all types of Arctic dinosaurs reproduced in the region and likely remained there year-round. The discovery contradicts previous hypotheses that the animals migrated to lower latitudes for the winter, suggesting they were ...

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.

Ethane proxies for methane in oil and gas emissions

A recent study using ethane proxies has found that oil and gas wells contribute significantly to greenhouse warming, exceeding EPA estimates by 48-76%. The researchers tracked ethane and methane emissions across the US over three seasons, providing new insights into fossil fuel sources.

When did the first COVID-19 case arise?

A new study suggests that the first COVID-19 case arose in China between early October and mid-November 2019, with November 17 being the most likely date of origin. The analysis reveals a more rapid spread than previously confirmed cases imply, with the disease spreading globally by January 2020.