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Science News Archive 2021


Page 268 of 510

Discovery of a dying supermassive black hole via a 3,000-year-long light echo

Researchers at Tohoku University have discovered a dying supermassive black hole in the Arp 187 galaxy through analyzing radio images and multi-wavelength data. The study indicates that AGN turn-off occurs within a 3000-year time scale, with the nucleus becoming over 1000 times fainter during the last 3,000 years.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Efficiently "switching on" bacteria to produce high-value chemicals

Researchers from the University of Warwick have developed a cheap way to switch bacteria into chemical production mode using a natural nutrient, drastically reducing costs. This breakthrough brings closer the realization of sustainable industrial-scale production of high-value chemicals from cheap feedstocks.

Mapping a successful recovery

Researchers mapped river ecosystems' responses to remediation efforts, revealing strategies that improved some of the biggest problems of mining contamination. The team's methodology showed that restoration can improve water quality, but regulations need to consider all contaminants together.

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.

Feeling hot and bothered? It's complicated

Researchers analyzed thermal discomfort index levels across Saudi Arabia and neighboring regions to combat heat stress and discomfort. Most cities showed improvement, but Yanbu and Makkah regions had significant exceptions with increased heat-related deaths during the Hajj pilgrimage.

Single-particle studies point the way toward next-generation light displays

Scientists demonstrated spatial distribution of circularly polarized light emitted by micro-spherical molecular assemblies, shedding light on helical molecular structures and chirality. This finding may inspire new versatile tools for studying molecular structure to enhance computer displays and everyday technologies.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Studying wombat burrows with WomBot, a remote-controlled robot

The study used WomBot to explore 30 wombat burrows in Tasmania, finding average temperatures of 15 degrees Celsius and relative humidity of 85%. The authors suggest that environmental conditions within burrows may facilitate sarcoptic mange transmission by promoting mite survival.

Pandemic teaching transitions back to classroom with lessons learned

Educators who transitioned to remote teaching during the pandemic will retain online collaboration tools in the return to classroom instruction to increase student engagement and equity. Developing an online classroom culture is crucial for creating an environment where students feel valued and trust instructors.

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.

A genomic single-cell map explains neuronal death in epilepsy

A multidisciplinary team has developed a genomic single-cell map that identifies cell-type specific transcriptional signatures of hyper-excitability and neurodegeneration. The study provides grounds for improved diagnosis of temporal lobe epilepsy and may also shed light on Alzheimer's disease.

Porpoises seem to cooperate in surprisingly sophisticated group hunting

Researchers observed porpoises taking on six different roles during group hunts, including a distant gatherer and shepherd, which led to successful captures of fish. This collaborative hunt is more sophisticated than previously thought, with individual animals sharing information and coordinating their actions.

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.

Experiments show natural selection opposes sexual selection

Researchers found that natural selection can counteract sexual selection's effects on females, leading to better-offspring survival rates. By reducing the advantages of exaggerated male traits, predation drives evolutionary changes favoring less masculinized bodies and improved female reproductive capabilities.

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.

Harnessing healthy behaviors to prevent dementia

A national panel of experts recommends recognizing seven major modifiable risk factors for dementia and taking steps to lower risk through medication, lifestyle changes, and interventions. By controlling vascular risk factors, people can preserve cognitive function and reduce heart attack and stroke risk.

Teaching drones to hear screams from catastrophe victims

Researchers have developed a system using an array of microphones and advanced processing techniques that can detect impulsive sounds such as screams on UAVs. The technology has the potential to save lives by helping emergency crews locate survivors in disaster scenarios.

AI could soon tell you, how often to see the eye doctor

A study by Inselspital and RetinAI uses AI to predict anti-VEGF treatment demand for patients with AMD, RVO, and DME. The model achieved high accuracy in predicting treatment need, even at the initial visit or before the first injection.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Variabilities in children's speech perhaps not so concerning

Recent studies challenge the long-held assumption that variability in children's speech is solely due to developmental delays. Instead, factors such as socioeconomic status, dialects, and exposure to languages play a significant role. Experts argue that caregivers can aid in this process through conversations about different words and ...

Organic molecules reveal clues about dying stars and outskirts of Milky Way

A team from University of Arizona observes radio emissions from hydrogen cyanide, formyl ion, and carbon monoxide in five planetary nebulae, outlining their shapes for the first time. The findings support the idea that planetary nebulae seed the interstellar medium with molecules that form new stars and planets.

Internal compression stocking helps against varicose veins

Researchers developed an organ-preserving treatment method to repair damaged vein valves, achieving a success rate of 95.24% in eliminating varicose vein problems. The therapy uses a thin sheath around the defective vein to restore its normal diameter and prevent serious health issues.

Don't skip your routine check-up; here's why

A new Northwestern Medicine study found that routine check-ups have several health benefits, including better detection and treatment of chronic illnesses, increased vaccinations and screenings, and improved patient-reported outcomes. These benefits are particularly important for at-risk populations.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

To prevent delirium, increase mobility, connection and sleep

A comprehensive delirium prevention care pathway implemented at UCSF Medical Center reduced hospital stays by 2% and 30-day readmissions by 14%, with cost savings of $1,237 per hospitalization. The interventions also improved patient mobility and social connection, potentially mitigating the risk of accelerated cognitive decline.

Facemasks block expired particles, despite leakage at edges

A new study confirms that surgical masks effectively block expired particles from talking or coughing, even with leakage around the edges. The results show a significant reduction in disease transmission via expiratory particles when both infected and susceptible individuals wear masks.

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.

Saving the climate with solar fuel

Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) are investigating a method to produce synthetic methane from hydrogen and CO2, which can be used as a fuel. This process, known as methanization, has the potential to make a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions in road transport.

Men with sensory loss are more likely to be obese

Research suggests men with hearing loss are 1.78 times more likely to be obese than those without hearing loss, while inactive people with vision loss have a likelihood of obesity 1.375 times higher. Exercise plays a crucial role in preventing obesity for men with sensory losses.

COVID-19 lockdowns lead Aussie and UK women to drink more

A new study found that middle-aged women in Australia and the UK stockpiled alcohol during COVID-19 lockdowns due to anxiety and depression. The research suggests an urgent need to address mental health issues associated with the pandemic.

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.

Deforestation darkening the seas above world's second biggest reef

A new study reveals that deforestation in Central America is altering the composition of natural material washing into nearby rivers, making it less likely to decompose before reaching the ocean. This change has significant implications for global carbon and nutrient cycles, as well as coastal ecosystems.

An unprecedented survey of the 'nurseries' where stars are born

A team of researchers has conducted the first systematic survey of stellar nurseries, charting over 100,000 nurseries in 90 nearby galaxies. The study reveals that these nurseries are surprisingly diverse across galaxies, live only a relatively short time, and are not very efficient at making stars.

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.

How COVID-19 wreaks havoc on human lungs

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed an atomic-level model of the SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein bound to a human lung-cell-junction protein. The findings reveal how the virus causes extensive lung damage by hijacking cell-junction proteins, leading to a cytokine storm and promoting viral spread.

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.

Super productive 3D bioprinter could help speed up drug development

Researchers at UC San Diego developed a high-throughput 3D bioprinting technology that can produce 96-well arrays of living human tissue samples in just 30 minutes, accelerating preclinical drug screening and disease modeling. This could potentially reduce the time and cost associated with drug development.

From burglar alarms to black hole detectors

Physicists propose an experiment using entangled quantum systems in free fall to detect movements and test if gravity is a quantum phenomenon. The system can also be used to detect space debris, tectonic movements, and burglars, with potential applications for early earthquake warnings and movement sensors.

Osteoporosis detection by a simple physical function test

Researchers at Shinshu University Hospital developed a novel method to detect untreated osteoporosis through a low-cost, physical function test during routine health checks. The test measures two-step distance and body height to identify high risk individuals. Proper treatment can help avoid serious fractures and reduce mobility issues.

Keeping a closer eye on seabirds with drones and artificial intelligence

Scientists used drones and artificial intelligence to analyze over 10,000 images of seabirds in the Falkland Islands, achieving accurate counts with 97% accuracy for albatrosses and 87% for penguins. This technology increases ability to monitor seabird colonies worldwide and track marine ecosystem health.

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.

Absorbent aerogels show some muscle

Researchers at Rice University have developed a simple chemical process to create light and highly absorbent aerogels that can take a beating. The aerogels, which are customizable in shape and size, showed superior remediation properties compared to traditional COF powders.

Mechanochemical peptide bond formation behind the origins of life

Researchers at Ruđer Bošković Institute discover solid-state mechanochemical activation of amino acids leads to peptides, offering an alternative synthetic pathway to peptides without water. The study complements existing experimental procedures and provides insights into the emergence of life on Earth.