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Science News Archive 2021


Page 330 of 510

Baby mantis shrimp don't pull their punches

Larval mantis shrimp display impressive accelerations despite being smaller than expected, highlighting the limitations of theoretical models. Their transparent exoskeletons allow researchers to study the inner workings of their spring-latch mechanisms.

Silicon chip will drive next generation communications

Researchers have developed a new multiplexer made from pure silicon for terahertz-range communications, enabling ultra-broadband wireless communications. The device can support aggregate data rates of up to 48 Gbit/s, paving the way for applications in 6G and beyond.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fish have been swallowing microplastics since the 1950s

Researchers analyzed museum specimens to find that fish have been ingesting microplastics since the 1950s, with concentrations increasing over time. The study highlights the importance of natural history collections in museums and serves as a wake-up call for addressing plastic pollution.

Poorer communities hardest hit by toxic pollution incidents

Research from Lancaster University Management School found that potentially polluting firms choose locations based on local income demographics, leading to higher toxic releases in poorer areas. Firms reduce pollutant releases and increase waste management spending in higher-income areas.

New Geology articles published online ahead of print in April

The latest Geology articles publish research on shocked zircon, the Holocene Sonoran Desert, Himalayan collision dynamics, and more. Recent studies reveal nonlinear fault damage zones, a history of the Larsen C Ice Shelf reconstructed from sediment cores, and evidence for slow titanium diffusion in quartz.

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.

Science snapshots From Berkeley Lab

A new desalination process removes nearly 100% of toxic metals, producing clean water while capturing valuable metals. An infant-warming device reduces neonatal mortality rates by threefold in Rwanda, proving safe and effective without electricity.

The Lancet: Many more people could benefit from blood pressure-lowering medication

A large study of 345,000 people from 48 trials found that blood pressure-lowering medication lowers the risk of cardiovascular events by around 10% regardless of starting blood pressure level. The research calls for global guidelines to be changed so that anyone with increased risk of cardiovascular disease is considered for treatment.

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.

Many Hispanics died of COVID-19 because of work exposure

A new study by Ohio State University researchers suggests that Hispanic Americans are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 due to workplace exposure. The analysis of federal data showed that Hispanics of working age have died of COVID-19 at a higher rate than whites, with excess cases and deaths also highest among this group.

Methane release rapidly increases in the wake of the melting ice sheets

A new study reveals that rapid methane release occurs in response to Arctic ice sheet melting, with thousands of years of data showing a correlation between deglaciation events and methane emissions. The research suggests that the release of this potent greenhouse gas is strongly linked to the retreat of ice sheets.

More than 25% of infants not getting common childhood vaccinations, study finds

A recent study from the University of Virginia Health System found that more than a quarter of American infants in 2018 had not received all recommended childhood vaccines. Disparities were observed among African-American infants, low-income families, and those with lower education levels. The researchers warn that these gaps can lead ...

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 new study of emerging materials helping in detection of COVID-19

Researchers from Ural Federal University developed a new method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 using electrochemical biosensors made of emerging materials. The sensors offer high sensitivity, specificity, and portability, making them a promising tool for virus detection. Further research is needed to commercialize the technology.

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.

Florida Inventors Hall of Fame announces 2021 inductees

The 2021 class includes notable inventors like Dean Kamen and Mark Dean, whose work on the Segway and original IBM PC revolutionized technology. The inductees collectively hold over 675 U.S. patents, addressing pressing issues like healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability.

Exploring extremes -- When is it too hot to handle

A machine learning algorithm predicts the life expectancy of critical components in extreme environments. The model is trained on data from electrochemical capacitors operated at temperatures up to 200°C, enabling safe and resilient operations in applications like downhole drilling equipment.

Mantis shrimp larvae punch just like Ma and Pa

Researchers discover that mantis shrimp larvae can unleash powerful punches as little as 9 days after hatching, with limb accelerations reaching blistering speeds. The tiny creatures' appendages operate similarly to those of adult mantis shrimp, but scaled down, and can hurl the limb at rotational speeds of ~16,500deg/s.

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.

Hubble watches how a giant planet grows

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured the first-ever direct image of a giant exoplanet, PDS 70b, which is feeding off material surrounding its young star. The observations provide a unique look at radiation from extremely hot gas falling onto the planet, allowing scientists to estimate how fast it's gaining mass.

Was North America populated by 'stepping stone' migration across Bering Sea?

Researchers propose 'stepping stone' migration theory, where migrants used islands in the Bering Transitory Archipelago as a route to cross the Bering Sea. The study suggests that these islands provided a suitable refugium with internal connectivity and outward isolation, allowing for the genetic drift seen in Native American DNA.

How does the brain flexibly process complex information?

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Human Development discovered that the brain rapidly shifts from a rhythmic to a 'noisy' state when task demands increase. This shift enables flexible information processing, allowing individuals to adapt to changing environments and make better decisions.

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.

Partially sighted may be at higher risk of dementia

A new study published in Ageing Clinical and Experimental Research found that older people with vision loss are more likely to suffer mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to dementia. The research examined World Health Organisation data on over 32,000 people and found a significant correlation between vision loss and increased risk o...

New cell atlas of COVID lungs reveals why SARS-CoV-2 is deadly and different

Researchers created a detailed cell atlas of COVID lungs, revealing a trifecta of detrimental effects: runaway inflammation, direct destruction, and impaired regeneration of lung cells involved in gas exchange. This study provides leads on why survivors experience long-term respiratory complications due to lung scarring.

How to level up soft robotics

Researchers propose a three-tiered categorization system to push soft robotics forward and increase its impact. The system includes Level 0 for exploratory studies, Level 1 for performance improvement, and Level 2 for applications beyond soft robotics.

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.

Implementing Industry 4.0 in SMEs by focusing on the customer

A new methodology developed by the UPV/EHU helps SME software departments create software services aligned with Industry 4.0, improving customer experience and after-sales support. The methodology uses semantic technologies and 3D visualization to analyze shortcomings and generate new services, enhancing customer loyalty.

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.

Doctors should screen over-50s for cannabis use, say researchers

A study of over 17,000 US adults aged 50 and over found that many are using cannabis to relieve health problems without discussing their use with doctors. The research highlights the need for healthcare professionals to screen for cannabis and other substance use, as well as educate patients about potential safety issues.

International organization honors renowned Rutgers microbiologist

Dr. Blaser recognized for groundbreaking research on the human microbiome and its relationship to diseases such as asthma, obesity, and cancer. His work has had a far-reaching impact on medicine and patient care, particularly in the areas of infectious disease and COVID-19.

Battling public health misinformation online

A team of researchers from Penn Nursing created the Dear Pandemic social media campaign, providing comprehensive information on COVID-19. The initiative has been successful in combating misinformation, engaging nurses, and inspiring public action.

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.

Global glacier retreat has accelerated

A new study reveals that global glacier retreat has accelerated by 267 gigatonnes of ice per year on average between 2000 and 2019, contributing to rising sea levels. The loss of glacial mass is having a profound impact on mountain glaciers in the Himalayas and other regions.

Light, in addition to ocean temperature, plays role in coral bleaching

Researchers at University of Guam discovered that shade can mitigate coral bleaching caused by high temperatures and light exposure. The study's findings suggest practical ways to reduce light impact on corals, particularly during recovery from elevated temperatures, which could inform reef management and outplanting efforts.

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.

Study reveals extent of human impact on the world's plant-life

Research team analyzed fossilized pollen from 27 islands, finding a consistent pattern of accelerated vegetation turnover after human arrival. The study suggests that earlier settlements may have been more resilient to human impact, while later settlers' practices were more transformative.

Baby's first poop can help predict risk of developing allergies

A new study has found that the composition of a baby's first poop is associated with whether or not they will develop allergies within their first year of life. Newborns with richer meconium have a lower risk of developing allergies, suggesting that early exposure to certain molecules in the womb may play a role in future 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.

Eye changes after 1 year of spaceflight

Researchers investigated whether spending a year in space was associated with worsening eye changes. The study found that spaceflight led to structural changes in the eye, which can potentially affect vision.

Risk of eczema after early exposure to antibiotics

A Swedish study of over 100,000 children found that early antibiotic exposure before birth and during the first year of life increases the risk of developing eczema. The research suggests a potential long-term consequence of antibiotic use on childhood skin health.

Open-source GPU technology for supercomputers

Researchers compared GPU performance on AMD and Nvidia accelerators, porting LAMMPS to new open-source technology AMD HIP. The study found performance is influenced by both hardware and software environments, with ineffective drivers causing delays.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Blueprint for a robust quantum future

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory and international partners have developed guidelines for discovering new defect-based quantum systems, which could lead to breakthroughs in quantum communications, sensing, and computing. The guidelines provide a framework for designing qubits tailored to specific applications.

How reef-building corals got their bones

Researchers found that corals' ability to grow calcium carbonate skeletons evolved between 308 and 265 million years ago, with necessary proteins present in their soft-bodied ancestors. The team identified genes responsible for transporting calcium and removing protons, as well as an acid-rich protein involved in skeleton building.