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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 300


Page 300 of 510

Grant to accelerate AI materials discovery for emissions-free driving

Researchers at Cornell University are using artificial intelligence to discover new materials that could help achieve emissions-free driving. The four-year project combines data-driven deep learning with knowledge-driven reasoning and optimization techniques to accelerate the discovery of new clean energy materials.

SourceCornell University·DateMay 18, 2021

Global food security: Climate change adaptation requires new cultivars

Researchers found that locally adapted cultivars can increase crop yields by up to 20% even under moderate warming, and that strong warming threatens adaptation. Innovative breeding methods like CRISPR-Cas may help develop required cultivars quickly and targetedly.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMay 18, 2021
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.

Portable, affordable, accurate, fast: Team invents new COVID-19 test

Researchers at University of Illinois developed a rapid, highly sensitive, and accurate COVID-19 test using saliva samples that can detect as little as one viral particle. The device, called Scalable and Portable Testing (SPOT), is estimated to cost less than $78 and can be operated by anyone with minimal training.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 18, 2021

PNNL invention reduces risk of battery explosions

A sensor system developed by PNNL can prevent buildup of flammable gases in outdoor battery enclosures, reducing the risk of explosion. The technology, IntelliVent, responds to smoke, heat, or gas alarms and automatically opens cabinet doors.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateMay 18, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New antimicrobial surface reduces bacteria build-up on medical instruments

Researchers at Monash University have engineered a new antimicrobial surface that significantly reduces bacterial attachment and biofilm formation on medical instruments, including urinary catheters. The surface, with smooth 3D micro features, effectively combats the three most common UTI-causing bacteria.

SourceMonash University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 18, 2021

How to become 'ant-i-social'

Researchers sequenced the genomes of three socially parasitic ant species, finding evidence of widespread genomic rearrangements and gene losses. The study sheds light on the evolutionary consequences of transitioning from social to parasitic behavior, with significant impacts on sensory capabilities and behavioral repertoire.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 18, 2021

Scientists discover five new species of listeria, improving food safety

The discovery of five novel listeria species will help identify potential growth niches in agricultural soil and improve food safety by expanding the knowledge base on listeria diversity. This increased understanding will prevent contamination, false positives, and foodborne outbreaks.

SourceCornell University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateMay 18, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

What happens in the brain when we imagine the future?

A study by University of Pennsylvania neuroscientist Joseph Kable reveals the default mode network splits into two sub-networks: one for constructing and predicting imagined events, and another for evaluating their positivity or negativity. This finding sheds light on the neural basis of imaginative abilities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·DateMay 18, 2021

Ancient Australian Aboriginal memory tool superior to 'memory palace' learning

A study published in PLOS One found that an ancient Australian Aboriginal memory technique significantly improved retention of facts among medical students compared to the 'memory palace' method. The Aboriginal technique, which used narrative and locations to facilitate recall, was also found to be more enjoyable for students.

SourceMonash University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 18, 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.

Combining immunotherapies against cancer

Researchers developed a microparticle-based cancer vaccine that kickstarts an immune response, increasing the proportion of mice cured of tumors to 75%. Combining the vaccine with immune checkpoint inhibitors greatly improves treatment success, offering a promising approach to improving cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 18, 2021

Bone marrow disorder nearly 10-times more common in those with venom allergy

Researchers at Michigan Medicine found that people with venom allergies are nearly 10 times more likely to suffer from mastocytosis, a bone marrow disorder. The study analyzed 27 million US patients and revealed the condition in over 0.1% of venom allergy patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMay 18, 2021

Spintronics: Improving electronics with finer spin control

Scientists at DGIST have discovered a novel way to control the alignment of magnetic atoms within antiferromagnetic materials using mechanical vibration and a magnetic field. This process replaces traditional heating and cooling methods, enabling more precise control over magnetic spins in spintronics devices.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalActa Materialia·DateMay 18, 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.

Modular photoswitch cpLOV2 developed for optogenetic engineering

Researchers designed cpLOV2 using circular permutation to simplify optogenetic device design. The new photoswitch maintained structural integrity and function, providing more choices for optogenetic application developments. It was successfully used to gate ORAI1 Ca2+ channel and control cell activities in a mouse model.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 18, 2021

Turn problems into opportunities: Photorespiration for improved plant metabolism

Scientists have developed a solution that synergistically couples photorespiration and C4 metabolism in plants, conserving nitrogen and accumulating C4 metabolites. This breakthrough connects two main targets in plant metabolism and has the potential to improve agricultural productivity and climate resilience.

SourceINsociety·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2021

Researchers first achieve quantum information masking experimentally

The team achieved the first experimental demonstration of quantum information masking, a new protocol for transferring quantum information between multiple carriers. The fidelity of the entangled state was 97.7%, enabling secure transmission of simple images for three-party quantum secret sharing.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 18, 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.

A new theory for what's happening in the brain when something looks familiar

Researchers propose sensory referenced suppression theory, where brain corrects for changes in sensory input to isolate familiar activation. This could have implications for treating memory-impairing diseases like Alzheimer's and developing AI systems that work similarly to human brains.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 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.

New material could create 'neurons' and 'synapses' for new computers

Scientists have created elements comparable to brain neurons and synapses using spins, a magnetic property of electrons. This breakthrough could lead to the development of brain-like computer hardware that can interface with standard silicon-based circuits.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalFrontiers in Nanotechnology·DateMay 18, 2021

Study reveals huge pressures on anaesthesia and critical care workforce and hospitals during winter wave of COVID-19 pandemic, and devastating drop in surgical activity

During the winter wave of COVID-19, anaesthetic and critical care staff in the UK faced immense pressure due to a surge in newly admitted infected patients. Surgery rates plummeted by one quarter compared to previous years, with many hospitals expanding ICUs to accommodate the influx.

SourceAAGBI·JournalAnaesthesia·DateMay 18, 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.

Scientists to take a new step in the microelectronics' development

Researchers at Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University developed a new approach to determine the best electrode materials composition for solid-state lithium-ion batteries. The results demonstrated high charge capacity at high current densities using transition metal oxides.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalNanomaterials·DateMay 18, 2021

The importance of DNA compaction in tissue formation

Scientists have discovered that poor DNA compaction in mammary glands can lead to increased accessibility of retrotransposons, triggering an immune response and disrupting milk secretion. The findings highlight the importance of proper chromatin condensation for tissue development and function.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 18, 2021

AI predicts lung cancer risk

A new AI algorithm accurately predicts lung cancer risk from low-dose CT scans, outperforming established models and human clinicians. The algorithm may aid in optimizing follow-up recommendations for lung cancer screening participants.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMay 18, 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.

Hepatitis C screening doubles when tests ordered ahead of time

Researchers found that patients were more likely to complete hepatitis C screenings when the test was already ordered for them, with completion rates doubling. The study also showed that traditional mail notifications resulted in higher screening rates than online patient portals, particularly among Black patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 18, 2021

The environmental trade-offs of autonomous vehicles

New research reveals autonomous vehicles will increase energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions across all categories studied. However, electric autonomous vehicles can change this outcome, particularly if adoption rates exceed 40%.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 18, 2021

New wound care best practice consensus document for pharmacy teams

A multidisciplinary group of experts has created a 'Consensus Document' to guide pharmacy teams in wound management and dressing selection. The document addresses the current lack of written information about pharmacist roles and responsibilities in wound care, providing principles and evidence-based guidelines.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateMay 18, 2021

Ancient horse DNA reveals gene flow between Eurasian and North American horses

A new study shows that horse populations on North America and Eurasia remained connected through the Bering Land Bridge, interbreeding multiple times over hundreds of thousands of years. The findings demonstrate genetic continuity between the horses that died out in North America and those domesticated in Eurasia.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMay 18, 2021

Icing muscle injuries may delay recovery

A study using a mouse model of eccentric contraction revealed that icing injured muscles delays muscle regeneration. The phenomenon is linked to pro-inflammatory macrophages' ability to infiltrate damaged cells, delaying the healing process.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateMay 18, 2021
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.

New model for infectious disease could better predict future pandemics

A new approach to modeling infectious diseases considers ecological and anthropological contexts, predicting disease emergence and spread. This framework integrates disease agents into general ecosystem models, enabling scientists to simulate pathogen behavior and predict risk.

SourceSmithsonian National Zoological Park·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 18, 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 shows optimized multi-scale structure and chemical gradients in exoskeletons of mantis shrimps

Researchers discovered a four-layered exoskeleton with distinctive micro-structure and chemical characteristics that restrict crack propagation and maximize strain energy release during deformation. Bio-mimetic structures fabricated via 3D printing demonstrated improved toughness and strength, guiding high-performance composites fabric...

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 18, 2021

Maintaining self-control -- The careful balance of the immune system

A new study by University of Tsukuba researchers reveals how two receptors, DNAM-1 and TIGIT, maintain the necessary balance between immune activation and suppression to prevent autoimmune diseases. The findings suggest that an imbalance in this mechanism may contribute to autoimmunity, providing potential targets for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2021

Oregon researchers find cell division machinery that makes brain cells

Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered a cell division machinery in fruit flies that produces brain cells, revealing a mechanical cycle involved in differentiation. The study provides insights into brain development and potential regenerative therapies for injuries.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 18, 2021

One-year results from the FUTURE-II trial

A randomized trial comparing a new, thin-strut bioresorbable scaffold with a metallic stent showed non-inferiority of the bioresorbable scaffold in terms of late lumen loss and covered struts. The trial's results may revitalize the concept of bioresorbable scaffolds.

SourcePCR·DateMay 18, 2021
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.

Fannie and John Hertz Foundation announces 2021 graduate fellows

The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation has announced the 2021 recipients of the Hertz Fellowship, funding 12 PhD students working on groundbreaking projects. The fellows will receive five years of graduate research support, with a focus on improving treatments for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceFannie and John Hertz Foundation·DateMay 18, 2021
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.

BU study: Racial disparities in COVID-19 mortality wider than reported

A Boston University study finds that state-level racial disparities in COVID-19 deaths are greater when accounting for age, revealing a significant impact of structural racism. The study quantifies these disparities and models their relationship with structural racism at the state level.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·DateMay 18, 2021

Discovery increases likelihood of growing food despite drought

Researchers have uncovered genes that enable plants to make three key things: transport water and nutrients via xylem, produce lignin and suberin for drought protection, and regulate root meristem growth. These findings can be applied to crops like tomatoes and rice, potentially increasing their drought tolerance.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell·DateMay 18, 2021

'Bite' defects revealed in bottom-up graphene nanoribbons

Graphene nanoribbons exhibit structural disorder due to missing carbon atoms, known as 'bite' defects. These imperfections degrade electronic device performance but offer promising opportunities for spintronic applications with unique magnetic properties.

SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·Journal2D Materials·DateMay 18, 2021