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Science News Archive 2021


Page 278 of 510

The best strawberries to grow in hot locations

Researchers found five strawberry cultivars suitable for growing in hot, dry regions like Texas. These varieties have desirable berry characteristics, including sweetness and flavor intensity. The top performers were Albion, Sweet Charlie, Camarosa, Camino Real, and Chandler.

Stemming the leaky pipeline of females in STEM

A Singapore study explores how female students fare in STEM careers, revealing only half of graduates stay in the field. The research aims to stem the 'leaky pipeline' by investigating early exposure to female role models and group work dynamics.

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.

Activation of carbon-fluorine bonds via cooperation of a photocatalyst and tin

Researchers from Osaka University have successfully developed an organic reaction that selectively converts a specific carbon-fluorine bond in perfluorinated compounds to other functional groups. This breakthrough enables the synthesis of high-value fluorine-containing drugs, addressing a significant challenge in pharmaceutical applica...

Continuous glucose monitors help manage type 2 diabetes

The study found that continuous glucose monitors reduced emergency department visits and hospitalizations for hypoglycemia, improving blood sugar control in selected insulin-treated type 2 diabetes patients. The monitors also showed comparable results to a new diabetes medication in terms of blood sugar control.

Current global environmental law and policy are failing, experts say

Leading scholars propose new frameworks for environmental governance, citing structural problems in current laws and international law-making processes. They advocate for a new environmental charter, reviving the United Nations Trusteeship Council, and strengthening the UN Environment Programme to address pressing global challenges.

Protein disguise could be new target for cancer immunotherapy

Researchers identified a protein that interferes with the immune system's response to cancer, allowing tumours to evade killer T-cells. Lower levels of this protein in tumours have been linked to improved survival rates in patients with specific types of cancer, such as liver, head and neck, and stomach cancers.

Target protein identified for improving heart attack treatment

A new study led by Washington State University researchers has identified protein kinase A (PKA) as a potential target for improving treatment outcomes after a heart attack. The research suggests that PKA plays a role in heart muscle cell necrosis, a major type of cell death that commonly occurs after reperfusion therapy.

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.

Better popping potential for popcorn

A team of researchers has identified key characteristics related to popcorn expansion, enabling more efficient selection and breeding of high-quality popcorn. The study found that kernel outer layer thickness is a critical trait for increased popping expansion.

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.

Neuroscience doesn't undermine free will after all

A new study published in Trends in Cognitive Science argues that recent research does not challenge free will. The article highlights computational modeling and data analysis challenges to the idea that electrical activity in the brain indicates a lack of free will.

At-home COVID-19 tests: How good are they?

A recent study by the American Chemical Society tested five at-home rapid tests, finding they were relatively easy to use with accurate results compared to lab testing. The cost and access to these tests are concerns, but community programs can help offset costs and build trust in testing.

Under the microscope: SMU's experiential learning

SMU-X, a university-wide pedagogical experiential learning programme, is being rigorously evaluated to assess its impact on graduates. The study will investigate whether SMU-X effectively cultivates a learning mindset, sharpens workforce skills, and facilitates career-related advancements for SMU graduates.

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.

Mapping intermittent methane emissions across the Permian Basin

A team of researchers has identified over 1,100 unique large methane point sources across the Permian Basin using airborne imaging spectrometry. The study found that most sources were highly intermittent, but those that were persistent accounted for a significant portion of total emissions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Similarity of legs, wheels, tracks suggests target for energy-efficient robots

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory has developed a new formula that applies to a broad range of legged, wheeled, and tracked systems, showing they are as efficient as other ground mobile platforms. The findings have implications for designing future terrestrial robots for defense applications, particularly in challenging terrain.

Researchers explore ways to detect 'deep fakes' in geography

A team of researchers has developed a method to detect deep fakes in geography, including satellite images and maps. The technique uses Cycle-Consistent Adversarial Networks (CycleGAN) to identify fake images, distinguishing them from real ones with 80% accuracy.

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.

Laser physics: Two-stage particle-beam booster

Laser physicists have built the first compact two-stage plasma-based accelerator, accelerating particles to near-light speed within a few millimeters. The hybrid plasma accelerator has shown more than three orders of magnitude higher acceleration fields than conventional accelerators.

Building green finance in Asia

The Monetary Authority of Singapore launches a $2 billion green investments program to promote environmentally sustainable projects. The Singapore Green Finance Centre, launched by SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business and Imperial College Business School, aims to build a new ecosystem for sustainable investing in Asia. Researchers wil...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

DNA circuits

Scientists have created a molecular switching circuit made of DNA that can change the shape of soft matter based on pH levels. The DNA switches react differently with their surroundings, allowing for potential applications in soft robotics and logical function networks.

NIH supports mathematical optimization of tumor treatment

Researchers aim to develop a personalized approach to adaptive radiation therapy (ART) using computerized tomography (CT) technology. The goal is to balance the needs of patients, clinicians, and insurers by adapting treatment strategies in real-time.

How platelets help resolve lung inflammation

Researchers at the University of Münster discovered that platelet-white blood cell interactions resolve lung inflammation by secreting anti-inflammatory substances and eliminating excess neutrophil granulocytes. This finding has implications for developing new therapy concepts to combat acute respiratory failure.

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.

THOR: Driving collaboration in heavy-ion collision research

The THOR COST Action has enabled a large collection of papers on hot matter and relativistic heavy-ion collisions, thanks to extensive collaborations between researchers. Through the project, over 300 physicists have improved their methods by exchanging ideas and results.

Oldest human traces from the southern Tibetan Plateau in a new light

Researchers used OSL dating to directly date stone artefacts from an archaeological site in southern Tibet, revealing an age between 5,200 and 5,500 years. The analysis provides new insights into human occupation of the region and sheds light on the earliest human activities in the Tibetan Plateau.

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.

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.

Atmospheric metal layers appear with surprising regularity

Twice a day, a faint layer of metals sinks down through the atmosphere at 90 miles high above Boulder, Colorado. The discovery provides a window into the high-altitude region where interactions between the sun, earth, and magnetic field can create conditions for surface life to thrive.

Plastic waste in the sea mainly drifts near the coast

Researchers at the University of Bern found that most plastic waste does not end up in open ocean, but instead remains near coastlines or on beaches. The study suggests that regions with large sources of plastic waste, such as Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean, are disproportionately affected.

Printing a better microgrid

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new particle-free silver microgrid conductor that surpasses traditional indium tin oxide (ITO) in flexible high-performance transparent electrodes. The microgrids demonstrate better transparency, lower roughness, and mechanical durability.

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.

Hexagonal boron nitride's remarkable toughness unmasked

Researchers discovered hexagonal boron nitride's fracture resistance is about 10 times higher than graphene's, due to slight asymmetries in its atomic structure. This finding opens up new possibilities for fabricating tough mechanical metamaterials through engineered structural asymmetry.

The powerhouse future is flexoelectric

Scientists at the University of Houston have demonstrated giant flexoelectricity in soft elastomers, paving the way for improved robot movement range and self-powered pacemakers. The breakthrough could also enable human-like robots to perform physical tasks with greater flexibility.

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.

Lighting Hydrogels Via Nanomaterials

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new class of hydrogels that can be controlled by light, enabling precise drug delivery and regenerative medicine treatments. The hydrogels are responsive to near-infrared (NIR) light, which has a higher penetration depth than other light sources, allowing for more effective therapy.

Shining light on two-dimensional magnets

A team of researchers has successfully controlled the magnetic state of two-dimensional van der Waals magnets using light, enabling efficient data storage and fast data processing. By inducing 'magnetic anisotropy' with ultrashort pulses of light, the scientists can manipulate the material's magnetic properties on demand.

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.

Why short selling is good for the capital markets

A study by SMU Associate Professor Rencheng Wang found that short selling reduces opportunistic insider sales by 11% in pilot firms, deterring unethical behavior. This suggests that short sellers can play a positive role in capital market development and governance reforms across different institutional environments.

Replicating patients' tumors to test different treatments

Researchers at UNIGE create 3D spheroidal tumor models incorporating tumor cells and patient-specific immune cells to test treatment efficacy. This innovative approach enables personalized treatment options, potentially reducing reliance on animal experiments.

Gender differences exist even among university students' wage expectations

A study of university students found that despite optimistic initial expectations, women tended to decrease their expected wages after being informed about the actual wages of similar graduates. In contrast, male students increased their expected wages under the same conditions. The study suggests a persistent gender gap in wage expect...