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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 287


Page 287 of 510

Why a vacation seems like it will end as soon as it begins

Researchers found that people anticipate positive events, such as vacations, as being both farther away and shorter in duration than negative or neutral events. This phenomenon can lead to a feeling that the vacation will end as soon as it begins, making people less likely to plan specific events during their time off.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateMay 26, 2021
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.

New findings on benign adrenal tumors could improve care

Researchers have identified specific cortisol production levels linked to increased mortality risk in patients with benign adrenal tumors. This breakthrough enables healthcare providers to concentrate efforts on high-risk patients and optimize public healthcare resources.

SourceLund University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 26, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Wireless broadband connectivity enhanced by a new communication design

Researchers have developed a new communication design that improves broadband wireless connectivity in the terahertz band, mitigating signal delay and achieving multi-Gbps speeds over short distances. The design uses multiple antennas and beamforming techniques to compensate for propagation losses and accurately estimate channels.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalIEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications·DateMay 26, 2021

To sting or not to sting?

Researchers study individual bees' decision to sting based on alarm pheromone concentration, revealing a 'stopping effect' at high concentrations. The study suggests environmental factors drove the evolution of pheromone-based communication in honeybees' defensive behaviour.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalBMC Biology·DateMay 26, 2021

Dive bombing killer flies are so fast they lose steering control

Researchers at University of Cambridge found that Killer flies can reach accelerations of over 3g when diving to catch prey, but struggle to correct course due to high speeds. The study reveals the unique flight dynamics of these insects, which beat their wings like powered flight to achieve impressive aerobatic maneuvers.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMay 26, 2021

Similar states of activity identified in supermassive and stellar mass black holes

The study reveals that supermassive black holes exhibit accretion states similar to those seen in stellar mass black holes, with properties including thermal emission by the plasma disc and intense radio emission. This new understanding helps clarify the activity cycles of supermassive black holes in galaxy centers.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 26, 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.

Unveiling what governs crystal growth

Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory and universities reveal alternating step kinetics during gallium nitride crystal growth, challenging conventional wisdom. The study uses advanced X-ray scattering techniques to monitor the rate of growth on the crystal surface steps.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2021

Warm ice may fracture differently than cold ice

Researchers at Aalto University discovered that warm ice behaves differently than previously studied cold ice, with no significant viscoelastic recovery. The team's findings suggest that warmer conditions are increasingly expected to affect infrastructure engineering in frigid regions.

SourceAalto University·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateMay 26, 2021

Immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth improves survival of pre-term babies

A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth significantly improves survival rates for pre-term babies with a very low birth weight. Continuous Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) reduced mortality by 25% and lowered the risk of low body temperature or bacterial blood poisoning.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 26, 2021

Transforming our understanding of deep learning

A team of UK scientists aims to improve understanding of Deep Learning algorithms' decision-making process, making them more trustworthy. The project will combine theory, modeling, data, and computation to unlock the next generation of deep learning.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateMay 26, 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.

Can racial identity protect black teens from racism-related stress? It's complicated

A recent study found that racial identity can influence the way Black adolescents experience anticipatory stress about racism. While high private regard was associated with less psychological stress, high centrality scores were linked to worse anticipatory stress across the board. The researchers also discovered that higher public rega...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Orthopsychiatry·DateMay 26, 2021

Global cardiovascular organizations release joint opinion on achieving the 'tobacco endgame'

Four leading cardiovascular organizations urge governments to implement the World Health Organization's MPOWER framework to reduce tobacco use. The joint opinion outlines comprehensive strategies, including lowering nicotine concentrations in combustible tobacco products and enforcing strong systems and premarket assessments of all tob...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 26, 2021

Conquering COVID-19 with antivirals

Creating an oral antiviral has the potential to fully eradicate COVID-19 by allowing early treatment, preventing hospitalizations and fatalities. However, progress in antiviral development has been slow compared to vaccine development, highlighting the need for continued research.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 26, 2021

Opiate overdoses linked to poor mental health

A national study by University of Cincinnati researchers has identified 25 geographic hot spots for fatal opioid overdoses and linked them to poor mental health. White males aged 25-29 are most at risk, followed by white males aged 30-34, with a correlation between fatal overdoses and mental distress increasing the relative risk by 39%

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 26, 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.

People who eat a plant-based dinner could reduce their risk of heart disease by ten percent

A nationwide study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that eating a plant-based dinner can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. The study, which analyzed data from over 27,000 U.S. adults, discovered that individuals who consumed more whole carbohydrates and unsaturated ...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 26, 2021

Even among the insured, cost may delay follow up care for cancer survivors

Even among insured individuals, up to 10% of cancer survivors delayed follow-up care due to financial constraints. Financial stress and anxiety hinder timely survivorship care, particularly among vulnerable populations such as racial minorities, women, and those with lower incomes.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalCancer Medicine·DateMay 26, 2021

New methods proposed to characterize polymer lamellar crystals

Researchers developed new methodologies to analyze evanescent wave-induced scattering in transmission SAXS for semi-crystalline polymers. The methods provided information on lamellar thickness and long period of lamellar stacks.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalIUCrJ·DateMay 26, 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.

Raised buildings may help reduce malaria transmission in Africa

Researchers found that houses with higher floors had significantly fewer female Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, with a 84% reduction at 3m. This could lead to comparable reductions in malaria transmission. The study suggests elevating homes may be an effective intervention in sub-Saharan Africa.

SourceDurham University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMay 26, 2021

Neotropical river otters in Brazil communicate in a rich vocal range

Researchers discovered six clearly distinguishable call types among neotropical river otters in Brazil, ranging from high-frequency 'chirps' to low-pitch 'growls'. This vocal complexity is intermediate between solitary and highly social otter species, providing new insights into their conservation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 26, 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.

Infrared imaging to detect lymphatic filariasis

Researchers developed an infrared thermal imaging camera to assess filarial lymphoedema status. The tool helps monitor disease progression and detect sub-clinical cases, improving diagnosis and care for those affected by this devastating tropical disease.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine·DateMay 26, 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.

Young adults with schizophrenia have highest suicide risk

A new study from Columbia University found that young adults with schizophrenia have the highest suicide risk and those aged 65 and older have the lowest. People with schizophrenia overall have a 4.5-fold increased risk of dying from suicide.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 26, 2021

The first blood biomarker to distinguish between myocarditis and acute myocardial infarction

Researchers at CNIC have discovered a specific blood marker for myocarditis, allowing clinicians to distinguish the disease from other cardiomyopathies. The biomarker, miR-721, was validated in numerous hospitals and has high sensitivity and specificity (>90%) for myocarditis diagnosis.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 26, 2021

Scientists find a way to detect the spectral signals of amyloid fibrils

Researchers at St. Petersburg State University have created a new theory and experimental methods to separate spectral signals from amyloid fibrils, overcoming obstacles faced by previous studies. This breakthrough may aid in the development of new drugs for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 26, 2021
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.

Accessibility, usability of state health department COVID-19 vaccine websites

Researchers analyzed state health department COVID-19 vaccine website accessibility and usability, finding challenges that create frustration and contribute to ineffective vaccination efforts. The study highlights the need for improved accessibility and usability in healthcare websites to promote equitable health outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 26, 2021

A comprehensive profile of California's 'homegrown' coronavirus

Researchers analyzed COVID-19 swab samples from California counties and found the new variant was more transmissible, infecting people who already had COVID-19. Vaccines showed higher neutralization rates against the variant than antibodies from previously infected patients.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell·DateMay 26, 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.

Primates change their 'accent' to avoid conflict

Researchers discovered that one species of tamarin adopts another's call patterns to communicate and avoid conflict in the Brazilian Amazon. The study found that red-handed tamarins adopt pied tamarins' long calls when entering their territory, potentially to identify each other more easily and avoid territorial disputes.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMay 26, 2021

Technology to monitor mental wellbeing might be right at your fingertips

Researchers developed a smart electronic platform to monitor mental wellbeing between doctor visits, using facial cues, voice patterns, and vital signs sensors. The technology provides continuous access to patient variables and status, enabling care teams to reach out to patients in need.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Practice·DateMay 26, 2021

Rare mineral from rocks found in mollusk teeth

Researchers discovered a rare iron mineral in the teeth of a large mollusk called chiton. The finding helps understand how the tooth is designed to endure chewing on rocks, and inspired the development of a bio-inspired ink for 3D printing.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Real-world flight data shows continued need for social distancing

A study using real-world air traffic control data found that vaccination programs alone may not stop the ongoing second wave of COVID-19 infections in the US. Strict social distancing measures remain necessary to prevent a new wave, according to researchers.

SourceReykjavik University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 26, 2021

Additional genetic risk variants behind bipolar disorder have emerged

Researchers from iPSYCH have identified 33 new genetic variants associated with bipolar disorder, more than doubling the number of known genetic risk factors. These variants play a role in brain functions and signalling between nerve cells, providing potential ideas for new treatments.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 26, 2021

What causes the deep Earth's most mysterious earthquakes?

A team of scientists has found that fluids play a key role in deep-focus earthquakes, which occur between 300 and 700 kilometers below the planet's surface. The research suggests that water carried down from oceanic plates was instrumental in creating these mysterious events.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalAGU Advances·DateMay 26, 2021

Synthetic breakthrough for controlling functional group assembly over chaotic mixing

A research team has developed a new synthetic approach for controlling functional group assemblies in porous solids by using cage-based framework, metal-organic polyhedra. This method yields identical functional groups on each cage unit and offers improved solvatochromic behavior compared to traditional mixing strategies.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalMatter·DateMay 26, 2021

Recent warming weakens global dust storm activity

Recent warming leads to a weakening of global dust storm activity, according to researchers from Tianjin University. The study found that changes in wind patterns and atmospheric stability are responsible for the decrease in dust storm frequency and intensity.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateMay 26, 2021
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.

Ionophobic electrode boosts energy storage performance

A new strategy using massive molecular dynamics simulations has been proposed to improve the energy density and power density of EDLCs with ILs. By introducing ionophobicity, the researchers found a significant enhancement in overall performance, particularly with an extremely ionophobic electrode.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateMay 26, 2021

Scientists use weather forecasts to direct conservation of elephants

Researchers will use accurate weather forecasts to anticipate food shortages, poaching, and other threats to elephants, allowing conservation groups to take action weeks or months in advance. The project aims to reduce human-elephant conflict and help at-risk species withstand climate change.

SourceUniversity of Reading·DateMay 26, 2021

AI with swarm intelligence

Researchers have developed a novel AI technology, Swarm Learning, to analyze big data in decentralized fashion, enabling private and collaborative analysis of scientific data. The approach combines machine learning with blockchain technology, allowing for secure information exchange and optimized parameters.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalNature·DateMay 26, 2021

Targeting plasmacytoid dendritic cells can reduce cutaneous lupus symptoms

A monoclonal antibody targeting plasmacytoid dendritic cells has shown promise in reducing cutaneous lupus symptoms. The treatment, VIB7734, significantly reduced pDC frequencies and type 1 interferon activity in patients with autoimmune diseases.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 26, 2021
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.

New research deepens mystery about evolution of bees' social behavior

A new study analyzing nearly 300 morphological traits in bees reveals strong evidence that complex social behavior developed just once in pollen-carrying bees, rather than multiple times. The research suggests a single evolutionary branch for honey bees and stingless bees, contradicting previous molecular genetic analysis.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalInsect Systematics and Diversity·DateMay 26, 2021

Electric fish -- and humans -- pause before communicating key points

Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that electric fish pause before sharing important information to increase listener response. The study reveals an underlying mechanism for how pauses allow neurons to recover from stimulation, making the following message clearer for the listener.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 26, 2021

Geological riddle solved: Roof of the World has gotten higher

New research from the University of Copenhagen reveals that the Tibetan plateau has increased in height over the past 15-18 million years due to a slow collision between the India and Eurasia tectonic plates. This finding sheds new light on Earth's evolution and provides a more accurate understanding of Tibet's geological history.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalGeophysical Journal International·DateMay 26, 2021

Significant otter helps couples communicate from the heart

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed an app called Significant Otter, which sends animated otters representing emotions and activities based on a person's heartrate. The app allows couples to communicate more authentically and easily during physical distancing.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMay 26, 2021

Non-parents expand 'facial dexterity' in caring for infants among primates

A study published in Evolution found that non-relatives can decipher facial expressions and be attuned to emotional states in infants across multiple primate species. Facial dexterity is positively correlated with the frequency of infant care by non-parents, suggesting a co-evolutionary relationship.

SourceNew York University·JournalEvolution·DateMay 26, 2021
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.

Better peatland management could cut half a billion tons of carbon

Researchers estimate that restoring all global agricultural peatlands could cut 500 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to one per cent of global GHG emissions. Raising peatland water levels could allow farmers to reduce climate impact while extending soil usage.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature·DateMay 26, 2021

Study reveals a universal travel pattern across four continents

Researchers found an inverse relationship between distance and frequency of visits, with people visiting closer places more often. The study, which analyzed cellphone data from over 4 million people in four continents, suggests that urban planning can benefit from understanding this pattern.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateMay 26, 2021