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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 304


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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 17, 2021

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

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 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.

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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMay 17, 2021

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 17, 2021

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.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateMay 17, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

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.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalChem·DateMay 17, 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.

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.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature·DateMay 17, 2021

African rainforests still slowed climate change despite record heat and drought

A recent study found that African tropical rainforests removed 1.1 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide per year during the 2015-2016 El Niño event, equivalent to three times the UK's carbon emissions in 2019. The forests continued to function as a carbon sink, with only modest impacts from extreme heat and drought.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Business Logistics·DateMay 17, 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.

"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.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateMay 17, 2021

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.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 17, 2021

Finerenone may delay onset of AFib in patients with chronic kidney disease, diabetes

Researchers found that finerenone reduced the risk of atrial fibrillation by 30% in patients with chronic kidney disease and Type 2 diabetes, regardless of their history with AFib. The study suggests that finerenone can delay the onset of heart rhythm disorder and protect the heart and kidneys from further damage.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 17, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalChem Catalysis·DateMay 17, 2021

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.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMay 17, 2021

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.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature·DateMay 17, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateMay 17, 2021

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 17, 2021

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.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalCirculation·DateMay 16, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMay 16, 2021

Multimodal therapy may hold key to treating aggressive childhood cancer

Researchers found a highly effective treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma and other forms of aggressive childhood cancer. The combination of CBL0137 and panobinostat resulted in remarkable growth suppression and an immune response that targeted cancer cells.

SourceChildren's Cancer Institute Australia·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMay 16, 2021

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.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMay 16, 2021

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.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 16, 2021
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.

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.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 16, 2021

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.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 16, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNanoscale·DateMay 16, 2021

New medical image fusion method draws on deep learning to improve patient outcomes

Researchers developed a new multi-modal image fusion method based on supervised deep learning to enhance image clarity, reduce redundant features, and support batch processing. The method achieves state-of-the-art performance in visual quality and quantitative evaluation metrics, improving medical diagnosis accuracy.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalInternational Journal of Cognitive Computing in Engineering·DateMay 16, 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.

Novel rehab program improves outcome for older heart-failure patients, study finds

A novel rehabilitation program, REHAB-HF, improved physical function, balance, mobility, strength, and endurance in hospitalized older patients with acute heart failure. The program, tailored to individual needs and starting early in the hospital stay, showed significant gains regardless of ejection fraction.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 16, 2021

Tailored cardiac rehab program improves function and quality of life in older heart failure patients

A novel 12-week physical rehabilitation program tailored to address specific physical impairments in older heart failure patients improved physical functioning, quality of life, and depression. However, participation did not significantly reduce rehospitalizations during the six-month follow-up period.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 16, 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.

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.

Rivaroxaban reduces first and total ischemic events in patients with peripheral artery disease

The study found that rivaroxaban significantly reduced the occurrence of total severe events in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease who underwent lower extremity revascularization. The treatment also showed a 12.5% absolute reduction in risk for adverse events in this high-risk population.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 16, 2021

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.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 16, 2021