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Science News Archive 2021


Page 250 of 510

Evolution -- two routes to the same destination

Researchers found that fruit flies Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila virilis use different mechanisms for dosage compensation. The primary components MSL2 and CLAMP are present in both species, but their binding sites on the X chromosome have evolved differently.

Princeton-led team discovers unexpected quantum behavior in kagome lattice

A team led by M. Zahid Hasan discovered a new type of ordering in electric charge in a superconducting material with a kagome lattice structure. The researchers used advanced scanning tunneling microscopy to find evidence for topological-type charge order in AV3Sb5, a previously unknown pattern of electronic charge distribution.

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.

Atomic-scale tailoring of graphene approaches macroscopic world

Scientists have successfully controlled graphene at an atomic scale using a novel experimental setup and machine learning algorithms. The breakthrough enables the creation of large-scale structures with tailored properties, opening up new avenues for materials design.

Wind and waves: A step toward better control of heavy-lift crane vessels

Researchers developed a new modeling system to enhance dynamic positioning, allowing ships to stay fixed in challenging sea conditions. The approach includes a digital observer that translates wind or wave disturbances into specific measurements, enabling the vessel to respond in a reasonable timeframe.

The end of Darwin's nightmare at Lake Victoria?

Researchers from the University of Liège found that Lake Victoria's phytoplankton biomass decreased by seven times since the 1990s, while nutrient levels remained stable. Climate conditions, including wind intensity, significantly impact phytoplankton growth and food chain dynamics.

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.

Dragonflies: Species losses and gains in Germany

A nationwide analysis of dragonflies and damselflies in Germany between 1980 and 2016 found both losses and gains, with cold-adapted species declining due to habitat loss and degradation. Meanwhile, warm-adapted species increased, likely due to climate change.

Cognitive care using medicinal plant peptides

Researchers have identified cyclic peptides from the butterfly pea plant as potential therapeutic solutions for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's. The peptides protected neurons against β-amyloid toxicity and oxidative stress in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans.

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.

Study reveals new therapeutic target for C. difficile infection

Researchers have identified a unique binding site between Clostridioides difficile toxin B and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4, revealing a potential therapeutic avenue for combating hypervirulent strains. A CSPG4-mimicking decoy could neutralize major TcdB variants, offering a superior alternative to existing antibody therapeutics.

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.

An acceleration of coastal overtopping around the world

Researchers found that coastal overtopping is set to increase exponentially by 2050, with a 50-fold increase possible under high emission scenarios. Global warming will exacerbate flooding risks in tropical areas and other hotspots, necessitating adaptation measures.

Graphene drum: Researchers develop new phonon laser design

Graphene drum technology induces coherent emission of sound energy quanta, enabling new quantum optomechanical sensors and transducers. The device amplifies external vibrations at specific frequencies, showing potential applications in classical and quantum sensing.

Sweet sorghum: Sweet promise for the environment

A new sweet sorghum variety called KIT1 has been developed by Dr. Adnan Kanbar, accumulating particularly high amounts of sugar and thriving under temperate climate conditions. The estimated sugar yield per hectare is over 4.4 tons, corresponding to almost 3,000 liters of bioethanol.

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.

Use rewards effectively to boost creativity

A new study by Rice University found that offering a set of rewards allows employees to choose the most effective incentive, leading to increased creative ideas and improved creativity levels. The study also discovered that rewards aimed at helping others can be particularly powerful in boosting creativity.

Expanding the family of quantum droplets

New research adds lattice potential to quantum droplet analysis, producing stable fundamental and vortical modes. The study improves understanding of BEC dynamics and opens door for new species creation.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Earlier flood forecasting could help avoid disaster in Japan

Researchers from The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science have developed a new flood forecasting system that can predict extreme flooding events with a 32-hour lead time. This system is based on models of land surface and river routes, combined with meteorological data and statistical analysis.

Team describes science-based hiccups intervention

Researchers from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio developed a new tool to stop hiccups, FISST, which showed nearly 92% success rate in relieving symptoms. Users reported high degrees of effectiveness and ease of use, with most finding it easy to use and very happy with results.

Organic farming could feed Europe by 2050

A study by CNRS scientists proposes a balanced coexistence between agriculture and the environment. Implementing an organic, sustainable system involves changing diet, generalizing long crop rotation systems, and bringing together crops and livestock to reduce synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

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.

Meringue-like material could make aircraft as quiet as a hairdryer

A team of researchers at the University of Bath has developed a lightweight, meringue-like material made from graphene oxide and polyvinyl alcohol that can significantly reduce aircraft engine noise. This innovative aerogel could be used as insulation within aircraft engines to improve passenger comfort and fuel efficiency.

A key player in cell death moonlights as a mediator of inflammation

Researchers from Kanazawa University found that gasdermin D forms pores in the cell membrane, allowing factors to flow in and activating IL-1® maturation. This study provides insight into the essential functions of the human immune system and the regulation of immune function.

Depression in dads of preemies deserves more attention

A large study found that depression symptoms in fathers of premature infants persist after discharge from the NICU, affecting their ability to engage in positive parenting activities. The researchers emphasize the need for increased attention to mental health support for new fathers during this critical period.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Surprising spider hair discovery may inspire stronger adhesives

A new study in Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering found that the hairs on spider legs exhibit unique adhesive properties, with each hair showing different strengths and weaknesses on various surfaces. The researchers believe this diversity may be key to how spiders can climb diverse surfaces.

Pregnancy outcomes are affected by both maternal and paternal inflammatory disease

Women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased likelihood of pre-term birth and small babies. High maternal disease activity during pregnancy strengthens these associations. In contrast, paternal inflammatory disease is associated with a higher risk of miscarriage, particularly in pregnancies conceived after the father's diagno...

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.

Undiagnosed and untreated disease identified in rural South Africa

A comprehensive health-screening program in rural northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, has identified a high burden of undiagnosed or poorly controlled non-communicable diseases. The study found that four out of five women over the age of 30 were living with chronic health conditions, highlighting the need for urgent interventions.

AI app could help diagnose HIV more accurately

Researchers developed an AI-powered app to improve the accuracy of HIV test results, particularly for laypeople. The app achieved 98.9% accuracy in classifying images, reducing errors compared to traditional interpretation.

Stop-motion photons: Localized light particles on the road

Scientists at the University of Rostock have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of quantum mechanics. Localized light particles have been observed on long optical fibers, transcending the mechanism previously considered by Phil Anderson's theory of Anderson localization. This new class of disorder allows for the abrupt transp...

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.

Paderborn University hosts 'HEART'21'

The symposium will explore the latest research findings on computer systems and methods in HPC, focusing on achieving optimal computing performance and energy efficiency. Researchers from top institutions will present their work, including keynotes and special sessions on up-to-the-minute topics.

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.

Study examines symptoms before and after kidney transplantation

Patients waiting for a kidney transplant who experienced various symptoms had a higher risk of dying while on the waitlist. However, those who underwent transplantation saw an improvement in symptoms, with overall 10% reduction and significant declines in fatigue and itchy skin.

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.

COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in people with rheumatic diseases

A population-based cohort study in Catalonia, Spain, found positive associations between RA and COVID-19 diagnosis and hospitalization. In contrast, no association was observed between RA and worsening from outpatient to hospital or death. Further research is needed to address comorbidities and immunosuppressive medications.

Separating natural and man-made pollutants in the air

A new study separated the impact of anthropogenic and natural pollutants on air quality during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers found that 72% of nitrogen oxides emissions in urban centers came from traffic and factories, while agricultural activities in rural areas contributed to faster recovery after lockdown.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Phytoplankton -- the discovery of a missing link

A team of biologists identified a family of algae as a living missing link in the microscopic domain. The discovery sheds new light on the evolution of these organisms and clarifies their evolutionary history.

Researchers dig deeper into how cells transport their waste for recycling

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys have gained insight into the process of autophagy, where cells degrade and recycle cellular components. The study reveals that a chemical modification helps direct the transport of autophagosomes to cellular recycling plants, potentially leading to new targets for age-related diseases.