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Science News Archive 2021


Page 304 of 510

Permafrost thaw emissions and global climate goals

A study highlights the significant impact of permafrost thaw on carbon emissions and climate goals. The authors warn that permafrost thaw is expected to increase as temperatures rise, potentially exacerbating global warming beyond the 2°C limit.

Scientists find new way of predicting COVID-19 vaccine efficacy

Australian researchers have identified an immune response associated with protection from COVID-19, enabling the measurement of neutralising antibody levels as a proxy for immune protection. The discovery may lead to annual vaccine boosters and more efficient vaccine development.

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.

Measuring and predicting collective intelligence

Collective intelligence in groups can be quantified by considering individual skill, group collaboration, and gender composition; proportion of women positively correlates with social perceptiveness. The findings suggest that diverse groups are more intelligent due to increased social interaction

Additional data, feedback on hospital care did not improve heart failure outcomes

A randomized controlled trial found that an additional auditing and feedback program on hospital care for heart failure patients did not improve outcomes, including reduced rehospitalization and death rates. The study's lead author suggests future interventions may employ digital tools or focus on care delivery outside the hospital.

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.

Warnings on the dangers of screen time are ill founded -- New study

A major international review of screen time research found that estimates of usage were only accurate in about five percent of studies. The study's findings challenge the validity of research on the impact of screen time on mental health, highlighting the need for more reliable measurement practices.

Stunning simulation of stars being born is most realistic ever

The STARFORGE simulation reveals that protostellar jets play a vital role in determining a star's mass, with jets disrupting the inflow of gas toward the star. This breakthrough helps researchers better understand star formation and its impact on galaxy evolution.

ORNL partners on science kits for STEM schools

The Tennessee Distance Learning Initiative provides hundreds of free science kits aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, promoting hands-on activities in STEM-designated schools. The program aims to engage and inspire students in science and engineering fields.

New tools needed to prevent plant disease pandemics

Plant diseases can spread rapidly across borders and oceans, threatening global food security. Researchers call for integrated surveillance, detection systems, and predictive modeling to prevent future outbreaks.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mechanics of the infinitely small: NanoGear, towards a molecular gear

Researchers at the University of Bologna developed NanoGear, a device consisting of interlocked molecular components that function as a gear. The device exhibits unusual properties, such as 'specific lubrication' in different solvents, which could lead to radical technological innovations.

Gut hormone triggers craving for more proteins

A new study using fruit flies has uncovered the mechanism behind a gut hormone's role in inducing cravings for protein-rich foods. The research found that CNMamide, released by enterocytes in response to protein deprivation, conveys nutrient status to the brain, triggering a desire to consume essential amino acids.

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.

Study reveals new options to help firms improve the food recall process

A new study from the University of Notre Dame proposes that food companies can reduce recall uncertainty by embedding recall options into their decision-making. The research identifies three key recall options: scale, deferral, and abandonment, which can help managers segment recalls and make informed decisions as they evolve.

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.

"Heat not burn" product compared with cigarettes and e-cigarettes

A study by Queen Mary University of London compared the safety and effects of heat not burn product IQOS with cigarettes, Juul, and refillable e-cigarettes. IQOS delivered less nicotine, had lower nicotine delivery than Juul, and was less effective in reducing urges to smoke.

Indigenous peoples in Canada have higher death rates, complications after surgery

New research published in CMAJ found Indigenous peoples in Canada experience higher rates of complications after surgery, lower surgery rates, and longer wait times for life-saving procedures. The study highlights the need for better data collection methods and real-time outcome monitoring to address structural racism in healthcare.

Part of the Greenland ice sheet may be close to a tipping point

An analysis of the Central-Western Greenland ice sheet reveals distinct marks of instability due to accelerated melting. The study suggests that this part of the ice sheet has reached a critical threshold, leading to severe consequences for global sea level and climate.

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 technology converts waste plastics to jet fuel in an hour

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a catalytic process to efficiently convert polyethylene to jet fuel and high-value lubricants. The process converts 90% of plastic to usable products within an hour, offering a promising approach to reducing waste plastics.

Two biodiversity refugia identified in the Eastern Bering Sea

Scientists have identified two marine biodiversity refugia in the Eastern Bering Sea, where species richness and community stability are high. These regions, covering less than 10% of the study area, harbor 91% of analyzed species and support commercially important fish and crab populations.

Global land use more extensive than estimated

Researchers from KIT and Wageningen University created new high-resolution maps called HILDA+ that reveal global land-use changes have affected nearly one-third of the land area in just six decades. The study found land-use changes are about four times as extensive as previously known.

NASA launches rocket in search of aurora answers

Scientists launched a sounding rocket to investigate how the solar wind interacts with Earth's magnetosphere, producing the aurora. The experiment deployed barium thermite canisters that generated plasma clouds, which interacted with ionospheric plasma, creating electromagnetic fields and waves.

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.

Hospitalizations for ischemic stroke before, during COVID-19 pandemic

US patients with ischemic stroke experienced changes in hospital discharge rates and outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. The study found that hospitalization rates for ischemic stroke decreased significantly before the pandemic, but increased again after vaccination efforts began.

Heart-protecting drugs likely unnecessary for many breast cancer patients

A new study suggests that cardioprotective drugs during adjuvant breast cancer therapy may not be necessary for most patients, especially those at low risk of heart disease. The research found no significant differences in heart function between patients who received these medications and placebos.

Sperm help 'persuade' the female to accept pregnancy

Sperm deliver signals that increase the chances of conception by persuading female reproductive tissues to accept the male partner's genetic material. Factors like age, diet, and environmental exposures can affect sperm quality, impacting pregnancy health.

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.

Burnout rates double for cardiology clinicians amid COVID-19

A recent survey found that burnout rates doubled among cardiovascular clinicians during the COVID-19 pandemic, with half providing direct care to patients and reporting inadequate PPE. The study highlights the need for improved health system support and wellness initiatives to address burnout and its consequences.

A LiDAR device the size of a finger available

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) have developed a revolutionary LiDAR device the size of a finger using nanophotonics-based technology. The device can be used in autonomous vehicles, intelligent robots, drones, and augmented reality platforms.

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.

No benefit to FFR-guided PCI in STEMI patients with multi-vessel disease

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that FFR-guided PCI had no significant benefits for STEMI patients with multi-vessel disease and was more expensive than angiography alone. The FLOWER-MI trial enrolled 1,171 patients who underwent a second stenting procedure after a STEMI heart attack.

Clopidogrel superior to aspirin for long-term post-stent maintenance

The HOST-EXAM trial found that patients who received clopidogrel experienced a 30% reduced risk of adverse events compared to those on aspirin. This study confirms the effectiveness of long-term maintenance therapy with clopidogrel as an alternative to aspirin for patients who have completed dual antiplatelet therapy.

Future sparkles for diamond-based quantum technology

Two research breakthroughs accelerate the development of synthetic diamond-based quantum technology by addressing cost and fabrication difficulties. A new hard masking method enables precise engineering of optical defects in diamond devices, while a novel growth process uses lower-cost polycrystalline substrate.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

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.

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.

Zapping nerves with ultrasound lowers drug-resistant blood pressure

A new study found that ultrasound treatment, called renal denervation, significantly lowered blood pressure in patients with drug-resistant hypertension. The procedure, which uses brief pulses of ultrasound to disrupt nerve signals, resulted in a 8-point drop in daytime blood pressure and an average decrease of 8.3 points at night.