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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 264


Page 264 of 510

Molecular coating enhances organic solar cells

Researchers at KAUST developed a new molecular coating that significantly enhances the performance of organic photovoltaic cells, outperforming current materials like PEDOT:PSS. The coating increases efficiency by reducing electrical resistance, improving hole transport, and allowing more light to pass through.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalChemSusChem·DateJun 10, 2021

Study examines the effects of COVID-19 on human kidney cells

Researchers found that COVID-19 virus can enter and replicate in human kidney cells, but does not typically cause cell death. However, infected cells with pre-existing injury are more susceptible to additional damage.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 10, 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.

The rocky road to accurate sea-level predictions

A new study on Petermann Glacier found that the way under-ice landscape is represented in models can significantly impact future sea-level rise predictions. The researchers discovered that a warmer ocean could trigger the break-up of the glacier, leading to increased mass loss from Earth's polar ice sheets.

SourceStockholm University·DateJun 10, 2021

Declining growth rates of global coral reef ecosystems

A Southern Cross University study reveals global coral reef ecosystem calcification is declining at a rate of 4.3% yr-1, with consequences for ecosystem survival. The decline may be linked to stress events and reduced coral cover, potentially impacting food and habitat production.

SourceSouthern Cross University·DateJun 10, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cloud computing expands brain sciences

The Brainlife.io platform uses cloud technologies to democratize neuroscience research, allowing scientists to process, visualize, and manage large amounts of data. The platform provides a suite of web services to support reproducible research, with over 1,600 scientists from around the world accessing it thus far.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 10, 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.

Clearer and refocused SEM images

A joint research team from POSTECH and KIMS developed a deep learning-based refocusing method to detect and improve SEM images without human oversight. The technology demonstrated improved image quality on blind settings, moving closer to commercializing AI-based material analysis equipment.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalActa Materialia·DateJun 10, 2021

Fashion for pointy shoes unleashed plague of bunions in medieval Britain

A new study suggests that pointed shoes, popular in medieval Britain, led to a sharp increase in bunions, particularly among the wealthy and clergy. The researchers found that those buried in richer sites had a higher prevalence of hallux valgus, highlighting the fashion trend's significant impact on foot health.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalInternational Journal of Paleopathology·DateJun 10, 2021

Study shows when people with cerebral palsy are most likely to break bones

Researchers found that middle-aged men with cerebral palsy are up to 5.6 times more likely to suffer fractures than men without the disorder. The study also revealed that critical periods of bone health vary across the lifespan for individuals with cerebral palsy, particularly affecting females and males at different times.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBone·DateJun 10, 2021

How butterflies make transparent wings: MBL scientists see the invisible

Researchers discovered the glasswing butterfly's unique wing structure, creating transparency through a lower density of scale cells and nanostructures. The findings also revealed an anti-glare coating made of waxy hydrocarbon nanopillars, making butterflies nearly invisible to predators.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 10, 2021
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.

Observing quantum coherence from photons scattered in free-space

Scientists have successfully transferred and recovered quantum coherence from photons scattered in free-space for the first time, paving the way for new applications in quantum communication, imaging, and sensing. The novel technique uses custom hardware to maintain coherence even after scattering from a diffuse surface.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJun 10, 2021

Microscopic imaging without a microscope?

Researchers developed Seq-Scope technology to visualize all gene expression from a tissue sample, offering ultra-high-resolution imaging. The method, using high-throughput sequencing and barcode-based spatial coordinates, enables diagnosis of diseases at the microscopic scale.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell·DateJun 10, 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.

LIM domain only 1: One gene, many roles in cancer

The LMO1 gene codes for a protein that regulates RNA production and is implicated in cancer formation. Researchers found that overexpression of LMO1 is associated with poor patient outcomes in different cancers. Further study of LMO1 may lead to targeted therapies for various types of cancer.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·DateJun 10, 2021

Cell Phone Use While Driving May Be Tied to Other Risky Road Behaviors in Young Adults

A study found that frequent cell phone use while driving is associated with other risky driving practices in young adults, including impulsivity and sensation seeking. The study suggests that targeting all risky behaviors rather than just cell phone use may be more effective in preventing crashes.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJun 10, 2021

Binding of a second CO molecule observed

Researchers at University of Freiburg discover how vanadium-dependent nitrogenase binds two CO molecules simultaneously, enabling reductive process for industrial applications. This breakthrough sheds new light on the mechanistic principles behind nitrogenase's ability to reduce toxic gas carbon monoxide.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 10, 2021

Hydrogen sulfide critical to innate ability of bacteria to survive antibiotics

Researchers discovered that blocking bacterial H2S biogenesis strengthens antibiotics by inhibiting persister formation and biofilm growth, offering a novel alternative to traditional antibiotic discovery. The study suggests using small molecule potentiators to enhance the effect of major classes of clinically important antibiotics.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJun 10, 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.

Model shows sharp decrease in HIV incidence in England

Researchers used a novel statistical model to estimate new HIV infections among adult MSM in England between 2009 and 2018. The results suggest that testing and treatment strategies have been effective in reducing new infections, with a significant decrease in the number of new infections from 2,770 in 2013 to 854 in 2018.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateJun 10, 2021

'Disagreeable' married men who shirk domestic responsibilities earn more at work

A recent study from the University of Notre Dame found that disagreeable married men who do not contribute equally to household chores often have higher salaries due to increased focus on their careers. This phenomenon suggests that imbalanced social exchanges at home, particularly with spouses, play a crucial role in determining indiv...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPersonnel Psychology·DateJun 10, 2021

Novel liquid crystal metalens offers electric zoom

Researchers from Cornell University and Samsung create a first-of-its-kind metalens that can focus light using voltage instead of mechanically moving its components. The innovation allows for an ultrathin, electrically tunable lens with continuous zoom capabilities.

SourceCornell University·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 10, 2021

Bacteria hijack latent phage of competitor

Researchers have discovered a highly selective phage activation mechanism based on signal molecules in bacterial ecosystems. The study reveals that a specific bacterium produces a signal molecule that triggers the conversion of a latent phage into an active parasite, offering new possibilities for phage therapies and biotechnology.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 10, 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.

Could naked mole rats hold key to curing cancer and dementia?

Researchers at the University of Bradford say naked mole rats' long lifespan and resistance to cancer could lead to new treatments for degenerative diseases like cancer and dementia. The animals' unique DNA repair mechanism may provide insights into preventing these conditions, with potential applications in humans.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateJun 10, 2021

World-first discovery could fuel the new green ammonia economy

A team of Monash University scientists has discovered a new process based on phosphonium salts to produce green ammonia from renewable energy. The process represents a major contribution towards the development of a sustainable fuel for the future, with potential applications in fertiliser production and as an energy carrier.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience·DateJun 10, 2021

Study of harvey flooding aids in quantifying climate change

A new study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory uses a hydraulic model to quantify the impact of climate change on flooding in Houston, Texas during Hurricane Harvey. The research reveals that 14% to 15% of the cost of flooding was due to climate change.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalClimatic Change·DateJun 10, 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.

Say goodbye to your camera bump: uOttawa researchers miniaturize optics by discovering counterpart to lens

Researchers from uOttawa propose a new optical element called spaceplate, which simulates light spreading in a small device, enabling the miniaturization of optical systems. This technology has potential applications in fields like healthcare, where thin cameras or endoscopes could be used to visualize internal organs.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 10, 2021

Decoded genome of little-known disease offers hope for citrus

UC Riverside researchers have decoded the genome of a benign infection, potentially sending medicine into citrus trees. The discovery could harness its unique properties to deliver antibacterial and antiviral agents into plants' vascular systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJun 10, 2021
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.

A study shows the unexpected effect of black holes beyond their own galaxies

A study reveals that black holes have an unexpected effect on galaxy evolution, influencing the formation of stars in satellite galaxies at vast distances. The research found a clear modulation of star formation rates depending on a galaxy's orientation with respect to its central black hole.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalNature·DateJun 9, 2021

Investigators examine brain tests of patients with COVID-19

Researchers analyzed brain scans of 193 COVID-19 patients, finding a link between brain imaging and the virus's presence in cerebrospinal fluid. The study suggests hyperintense lesions and leptomeningeal enhancement are indicative of inflammation rather than infection.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Neuroimaging·DateJun 9, 2021

Normal breathing sends saliva droplets 7 feet; masks shorten this

Researchers found that normal breathing indoors without a mask can transport virus-laden saliva droplets up to 7.2 feet in just 90 seconds. Masks significantly restrict this movement, reducing the distance to less than 6 feet after two minutes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJun 9, 2021

Protein in prostate cancer may inhibit tumor growth

Researchers identified glypican-1 protein that prevents cancer cells from spreading to bone, reducing aggressiveness. The study provides a potential new target for future treatments and supports previous findings suggesting the protein's role in preventing tumor growth.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 9, 2021

Innovation projects can reinvent the UN

Researchers at UNIGE found that digital initiatives within country offices have the strongest impact on changing ways of working, embedding new skills, and restructuring teams across the UN. The study highlights the power of bottom-up innovation, where ideas can spread from country to country, achieving scale and changing the organizat...

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Management Studies·DateJun 9, 2021
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.

Scientists use public databases to leap over scourge of publication bias

Researchers from Hiroshima University used a meta-analysis of publicly available transcriptome databases to identify four new genes associated with hypoxia. By combining transcriptomic and bibliometric analyses, they found previously unknown genes that were not well studied in relation to hypoxia.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalBiomedicines·DateJun 9, 2021

Asteroid 16 Psyche might not be what scientists expected

New research from the University of Arizona suggests that asteroid 16 Psyche may not be as dense or metallic as previously predicted. The findings propose an alternative origin story where 16 Psyche is composed of 82.5% metal, 7% low-iron pyroxene, and 10.5% carbonaceous chondrite.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·DateJun 9, 2021
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.

Study suggests unmedicated, untreated brain illness is likely in mass shooters

A new study analyzing medical evidence on domestic mass shooters in the US finds that a majority of perpetrators have psychiatric disorders without treatment, increasing risk of violence. The researchers identified signs and symptoms of brain illness in 32 out of 35 perpetrators, with most having schizophrenia or other diagnoses.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychopharmacology·DateJun 9, 2021

New light on making two-dimensional polymers

Researchers develop a new method to create ultrathin functional materials with highly defined structures, using self-organization and photopolymerization. The process produces porous two-dimensional polymers with nearly perfect order, opening up potential applications in filtration, membranes, and other contexts.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 9, 2021

Scientists create unique instrument to probe the most extreme matter on Earth

Researchers at PPPL have designed a novel X-ray crystal spectrometer to measure fine structure in HED plasmas, revealing their state of matter under extreme conditions. The new spectrometer addresses design challenges such as reducing statistical errors and improving energy resolution for NIF-produced HED plasmas.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateJun 9, 2021

Study shows new links between high fat diets and colon cancer

A new Arizona State University study has shown that high fat diets can trigger a molecular cascade of events leading to colon cancer through intestinal stem cells. The research found that PPARs, specifically PPAR delta and alpha, play a crucial role in elevating cancer risk by stimulating the metabolism of fats.

SourceArizona State University·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 9, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Achieving UV nonlinearity with a wide bandgap semiconductor waveguide

Researchers achieved giant nonlinearity of UV hybrid light-matter states up to room temperature in a wide bandgap semiconductor material. This breakthrough enables the development of new on-chip ultrafast spectroscopy devices with unprecedented sensitivity.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 2021

New study presents tip-induced nano-engineering of strain, bandgap, and exciton funneling in 2D semiconductors

Researchers at UNIST have successfully controlled the physical properties of naturally-formed nanoscale wrinkles in 2D semiconductors. The team developed a hyperspectral adaptive tip-enhanced photoluminescence spectroscopy approach to investigate and control the nano-optical and excitonic properties of wrinkles.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 9, 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.