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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 325


Page 325 of 510

With a zap of light, system switches objects' colors and patterns

Researchers at MIT developed ChromoUpdate, a color-shifting 'programmable matter' system that can rapidly update images on object surfaces using UV light. This technology accelerates product development by enabling designers to churn through prototypes quickly and easily.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 4, 2021

Chemical 'nose' sniffs critical differences in DNA structures

Researchers create system to sense unusual DNA folds using chemical receptors, which could silence genes linked to cancer or promote tumor growth. The technology has potential applications in disease research and gene regulation.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 4, 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.

Revealed: Coral fights back against crown of thorns starfish

New research reveals coral can fight back against juvenile crown of thorns starfish with stinging cells, damaging their arms and delaying growth. The study shows coral's defensive mechanism may not be enough to protect it from other threats like climate change.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateMay 4, 2021

Forest fires drive expansion of savannas in the heart of the Amazon

Researchers found that wildfires have killed trees, eroding soil and allowing native herbaceous cover to expand, while white-sand savanna tree species dominate the landscape. This shift threatens biodiversity and carbon storage in the Amazon ecosystem.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEcosystems·DateMay 4, 2021

New neuroimaging technique studies brain stimulation for depression

A new neuroimaging technique using diffuse optical tomography studied brain stimulation for depression, finding reduced brain activation in response to rTMS. The study suggests that treatment parameters may need adjusting for patients with severe depression.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 4, 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.

Testing tool can quickly distinguish between viral and bacterial infections

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed a gene expression method that can quickly identify the source of respiratory symptoms. The test has been shown to be accurate in distinguishing between viral and bacterial infections, with results available in under an hour, improving clinical care.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateMay 4, 2021

One step closer to efficient cannabis production

UConn researchers have successfully developed a micropropagation technique for cannabis, which can produce large quantities of healthy clones with predictable qualities. The method has the potential to meet the growing demand for medical cannabis by providing consistency and reliability in crops.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalHortTechnology·DateMay 4, 2021

New app makes Bitcoin more secure

A new mobile app is being developed to safeguard users of cryptocurrency by detecting vulnerabilities in popular 'wallet' applications used to manage Bitcoin. The app, called the Bitcoin Security Rectifier, monitors for signs of intrusions and alerts users when an attack is happening, providing remedies based on the type of attack.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMay 4, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Citrus derivative makes transparent wood 100 percent renewable

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a transparent composite material made from limonene acrylate, a monomer derived from renewable citrus. The material offers high optical transmittance and low haze, with applications in structural use and potential uses in smart windows and nanotechnology.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMay 4, 2021

Your stomach may be the secret to fighting obesity

A new study suggests that inhibiting GKN1, a stomach-specific protein, can lead to significant weight loss and reduced body fat in mice. The researchers found that models without GKN1 had improved metabolism and resistance to weight gain on high-fat diets.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 4, 2021

New study deconstructs Dunbar's number

A new study from Stockholm University debunks the idea that humans can maintain stable relationships with only 150 people, citing a lack of precision in available methods and data. The researchers found that the average maximum group size is often lower than 150, with confidence intervals ranging from 2 to 520 people.

SourceStockholm University·JournalBiology Letters·DateMay 4, 2021

MDI Biological Laboratory scientist identifies process critical to kidney function

A team led by Iain Drummond, Ph.D. has identified the signaling mechanisms underlying podocyte formation, a crucial process in kidney function. The discovery could lead to new therapies to stimulate regeneration of these cells, vital for ridding the body of toxins and treating conditions like chronic kidney disease.

SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 4, 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.

New GSA Bulletin articles published ahead of print in April

New research reveals ancient Chinese arc magmatism preserved in the Chicxulub impact structure, shedding light on the Maya Block basement. Additionally, detrital zircon U-Pb ages from Antarctica's Victoria Land provide new constraints on the glaciation of southern Gondwana during the Late Paleozoic Ice Age.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateMay 4, 2021

Cellphone converts into powerful chemical detector

Scientists at Texas A&M developed a cellphone extension that detects chemicals, drugs, and biological molecules using fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy. The system's sensitivity is comparable to industrial Raman spectrometers but can be improved with HDR applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMay 4, 2021

Loan applications processed around midday more likely to be rejected

A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that credit officers are less likely to approve loan applications at midday, resulting in missed opportunities for customers and financial losses for the bank. The study suggests that regular breaks during working hours can improve performance and productivity.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMay 4, 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.

Study reveals the gateway to conscious awareness

A new study from Michigan Medicine researchers identifies the anterior insular cortex as a key area in the brain that acts as a filter, allowing only the most important sensory information to enter conscious awareness. This gate-like structure regulates brain network transitions and plays a crucial role in conscious access.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 4, 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.

Insights from color-blind octopus help fight human sight loss

Researchers developed a novel medical device using octopus vision technology to assess macular pigment levels, enabling optometrists to provide preventative advice to patients. The technology can screen people from 5-95 years of age for low macular pigments, a strong risk factor for macular degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 4, 2021

Staying down on the farm

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology modeled dynamic instability in tractor operation, revealing that self-excited oscillations can arise when the tractor pushes against the ground. The model showed that power hop can occur based on draft load, soil, and tire conditions.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·DateMay 4, 2021

Researchers identify protein "signature" of severe COVID-19

A team of researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital has identified a consistent protein signature in patients with severe COVID-19. The study found that this signature is associated with an immune response, but also with older patients who have chronic diseases and weakened immune systems.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateMay 4, 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.

The secret life of bee signals can communicate colony health

Researchers monitored honeybee hives to study their electrostatic field (ESF) data, revealing communication patterns and impact of pesticides on bee health. The findings indicate that weakened communications can signal colony stress and damage from environmental pollutants.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateMay 4, 2021

Investigating the role of Brd4 in diet-induced obesity

Researchers discovered that Brd4 plays a crucial role in diet-induced obesity by modulating lipid metabolism. In mice lacking Brd4, high-fat diets did not lead to obesity, indicating an alternative energy source was used instead of sugar.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalJCI Insight·DateMay 4, 2021

UMD team demonstrates swarm of photons that somersault in lockstep

Researchers at the University of Maryland have demonstrated a swarm of photons that somersault in lockstep, pointing their spin perpendicular to their direction of propagation. This surprising result has potential applications in nonlinear optics and free-space optical communications.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalOptica·DateMay 4, 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.

Observation of antichiral edge states in a circuit lattice

Scientists have directly observed and measured the novel phenomenon of antichiral edge states in a circuit lattice. The results demonstrate that these edge states exhibit counter-propagating bulk states, opening new avenues for exploring the properties of antichiral edge states.

SourceScience China Press·DateMay 4, 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.

Climate action potential in waste incineration plants

Researchers at ETH Zurich calculate that waste incineration plants in Europe have a significant potential for negative emissions through bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). If fully exploited, BECCS could reduce European CO2 emissions by 200 million tonnes per year.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 4, 2021

Our immune systems blanket the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with antibodies

A team of researchers at the University of Texas at Austin has discovered that most SARS-CoV-2 antibodies target areas outside the receptor-binding domain, neutralizing the virus in cell cultures. This finding provides a promising lead for designing next-generation vaccines against variants and future coronaviruses.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateMay 4, 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.

Researchers identify potential combination therapy for aggressive lung cancer

A new study by UCLA researchers identified a novel combination therapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors with ATRA to potentially overcome resistance to immunotherapy in LKB1-deficient lung cancer. The therapy led to eradication of over 70% of tumors and generated durable tumor-specific immunity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer Research·DateMay 4, 2021

Researchers advance 3D printing to aid tissue replacement

A team of researchers developed a unique scaffolding material for engineered tissues that can be fine-tuned to mimic natural tissue properties. This allows for the creation of customized replacement skin, cartilage, or other tissue for patients, with potential applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBioprinting·DateMay 4, 2021

Tiny plastic particles in the environment

Scientists are concerned about the potential harmful effects of nanoplastics on ecosystems, but knowledge gaps hinder understanding of their risks. Research is needed to develop analytical methods and study interactions between nanoparticles and biological systems.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 4, 2021
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.

Phase transition inside the nucleus provides oncogenic function to mutant p53 in cancer

Researchers at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro discover a crucial link between phase transition and cancer pathology. Mutant p53 aggregates are formed through liquid-to-liquid phase separation, progressing to a gel-like or solid-like state that plays a key role in cancer development.

SourceInstituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INBEB)·JournalChemical Science·DateMay 4, 2021

First detailed look at how charge transfer distorts a molecule's structure

A SLAC X-ray laser study reveals the molecular structure changes during charge transfer in N,N'-dimethylpiperazine (DMP) gas molecules. The research team observed how the molecule's atomic scaffolding deforms and redistributes charges, leading to a lopsided response to light.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2021

Little to no increase in association between adolescents' mental health problems and digital tech

A new study published in Clinical Psychological Science found little evidence of increased association between adolescents' technology engagement and mental health problems. Only social media use showed a slight increase in emotional problems, while other associations remained consistent or decreased over time.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateMay 4, 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.

Mangroves and seagrasses absorb microplastics

A recent study published in Environmental Science and Technology found that mangroves and seagrasses capture higher concentrations of microplastics than control sites. The study's lead researcher notes that the accumulation of microplastics in these ecosystems may have negative impacts on animal and plant life.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 4, 2021

Empowering citizens for successful energy transitions

A new IIASA-led study investigates the potential of polycentric governance in facilitating citizen participation in energy transition. The research found that providing citizens with options to make choices about services affecting their communities increases trust in decision makers, while also increasing awareness and willingness to ...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnergy Policy·DateMay 3, 2021

Baek receives funding for NAQFC community emission testbed

Research Scientist Bok Haeng Baek is collaborating with other institutions on a project addressing anthropogenic emission updates and wildfires. The team will use the National Air Quality Forecast Capability Community Emission Testbed to solve these problems, incorporating NOAA satellite remote sensing and data sources.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateMay 3, 2021
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.