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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 334


Page 334 of 510

UChicago scientists harness molecules into single quantum state

Researchers at UChicago have successfully brought multiple molecules into a single quantum state, a major technological feat. This achievement has the potential to open new fields in quantum physics and chemistry, enabling innovative applications such as unhackable networks and earthquake sensors.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature·DateApr 28, 2021

FSU researchers develop tool to track marine litter polluting the ocean

Researchers at FSU's Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies have developed a new virtual tool to track marine litter in the ocean. The tool provides insights into where mismanaged plastic waste is released and ends up, informing policies and regulations to mitigate its impact.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateApr 28, 2021
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.

Measuring the Moon's nano dust is no small matter

Researchers at NIST measured moon dust particles as small as 400 nanometers, revealing a strong link between particle shape and light scattering. The study uses X-ray nano computed tomography to analyze particle shapes and improve satellite tracking of weather patterns.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters·DateApr 28, 2021

How can we stop mankind from stagnating?

The global human population is projected to lead to food and water shortages, pollution, poverty and social tension. A new mathematical model suggests that intrinsic factors, such as Turing instability, may drive heterogeneous population distribution, regardless of geographical heterogeneity.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateApr 28, 2021

Research delves into link between test anxiety and poor sleep

A study from the University of Kansas found that test anxiety triggers poor sleep, which can lead to reduced performance on tests. The research revealed a correlation between sleep, anxiety, and test scores, with students experiencing significant differences in grades due to anxiety levels.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine·DateApr 28, 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.

Awakening 'ghosts' in patients with Parkinson's, a powerful diagnostic tool

Researchers develop a robotic-medical device and procedure to safely induce presence hallucinations in Parkinson's patients, providing a new diagnostic tool for the disease. The study findings suggest that the test may help predict the severity of the disease's progression.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 28, 2021

The Vertebrate Genomes Project introduces a new era of genome sequencing

The Vertebrate Genomes Project has produced 16 diploid high-quality vertebrate reference genome assemblies, showcasing technological improvements and standardization for genomics. These assemblies enable unprecedented novel discoveries in biodiversity, conservation, and human health and disease.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateApr 28, 2021

Spring forest flowers likely key to bumble bee survival, Illinois study finds

A new Illinois-based study finds evidence of a steady decline in the availability of springtime flowers in wooded landscapes, which likely endangers queen bees' ability to start their nesting season. The scarcity of early-season flowers, particularly in forests, is attributed to declining forest plant cover since 1997.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateApr 28, 2021

Nearly all fine particulate air pollution sources disproportionately affect people of color in the US

A new study found that nearly all fine particulate air pollution sources affect people of color more than whites, with industry and vehicle emissions being major contributors. The disparities persist across income levels and geographic regions, suggesting systemic issues behind the findings.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 28, 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.

Dead lithium: The culprit of low Coulombic efficiency with LIBs

Dead lithium, comprising active and inactive Li components, leads to reduced cycle life in LIBs. Researchers propose design principles to minimize dead lithium formation for higher Coulombic efficiency.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of Energy Chemistry·DateApr 28, 2021

Restricting internet searches causes stock market instability: study

A new study published in the Journal of Financial Economics found that restricting internet searches for investors can lead to increased stock market instability. The research, conducted by RMIT University, discovered that firms regularly searched on Google were 19% more unstable after Google's withdrawal from mainland China in 2010.

SourceRMIT University·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateApr 28, 2021

UC San Diego engineering professor solves deep earthquake mystery

A University of California San Diego engineering professor has solved the mystery of deep-focus earthquakes, which originate between 400 and 700 kilometers below the Earth's surface. Her new theory explains how high pressures cause olivine rock to transform into denser spinel, leading to volume collapse and seismic waves.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids·DateApr 28, 2021

A pioneering study: Plant roots act like a drill

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered that plant roots grow with a spiral motion, controlled by the hormone auxin, which also assists cancer cells in penetrating tissue. This finding significantly advances plant research and has potential applications in understanding cancer cell behavior.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Two compounds can make chocolate smell musty and moldy

Two compounds, (-)-geosmin and 3-methyl-1H-indole, are found to be primary contributors to the musty and moldy scents of cocoa beans. Measuring their amounts within cocoa beans could help detect off-putting scents and flavors.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 28, 2021

Treating neurological symptoms of CHARGE syndrome

Researchers at INRS discovered a compound that alleviates some neurological symptoms of CHARGE syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting 1 in 10,000 newborns. The treatment targets GABAergic neurons and shows therapeutic effects on both neurological and behavioral symptoms.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalEMBO Reports·DateApr 28, 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.

Severe COVID-19 cases can be predicted by new test

A two-step prognostic test can predict patient response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, guiding therapeutic choices before severe symptoms appear. The test combines a disease risk factor score with antibodies produced early in the infection.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSphere·DateApr 28, 2021

Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions updates consensus guidelines on best practices

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions has released updated consensus guidelines on best practices in cardiac catheterization laboratories. The new recommendations focus on patient-centered approaches, staff qualifications, and quality metrics to optimize outcomes. The document covers topics such as pre-procedure ...

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateApr 28, 2021
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.

Harvesting water from air with hydrogels and MOFs

Researchers have developed hybrid materials that combine hydrogels and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to optimize water harvesting technologies for various environments. These materials have the potential to provide a sustainable source of water in arid conditions, as well as improve energy efficiency in air conditioning systems.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateApr 28, 2021

Virtual reality could help improve balance in older people

Researchers found virtual reality (VR) effective in assessing balance and improving postural control in older adults. VR systems can differentiate healthy from balance-impaired individuals and provide a more natural and relevant testing environment.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalFrontiers in Sports and Active Living·DateApr 28, 2021

Wasps are valuable for ecosystems, economy and human health (just like bees)

A review of over 500 academic papers found that wasps are valuable for agriculture, providing biocontrol services worth $416 billion annually. Wasps also contribute to pollination, visiting 960 plant species, including those dependent on them for reproduction. Their venom and saliva have medicinal properties.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBiological Reviews·DateApr 28, 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.

Sperm development linked to testicular cancer

A study has found that sperm development is linked to testicular cancer in men. Germ cells that fail to undergo sex-specific differentiation and retain pluripotent features are more likely to transform into cancer cells.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·DateApr 28, 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.

Espresso, latte or decaf? Genetic code drives your desire for coffee

A recent study found a causal genetic link between coffee consumption and cardio health, suggesting that genetics play a role in regulating safe levels of caffeine. People with high blood pressure are more likely to avoid or limit their caffeine intake.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 28, 2021

Is forest harvesting increasing in Europe?

A team of scientists has re-evaluated the forest harvesting trends in Europe, finding that an abrupt increase of 69% reported by a previous study was incorrect. Instead, they found a more modest 6% increase in forest harvests over the same period.

SourceBangor University·JournalNature·DateApr 28, 2021

Protein linked to sex differences in age-related dopamine neuron loss

Researchers discovered that a protein called VGLUT plays a key role in regulating sex differences in brain vulnerability to age-related dopamine neuron loss. Higher levels of VGLUT were found in female neurons, correlating with greater resilience to neurodegeneration and mobility deficiencies.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAging Cell·DateApr 28, 2021

Mapping the electronic states in an exotic superconductor

Researchers characterized how electronic states depend on local chemical composition in a compound containing iron, tellurium, and selenium. They discovered that low iron concentration leads to superconductivity and distinct magnetic correlations, while high tellurium concentration creates a topological surface state.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 28, 2021

Texas Biomed shares critical work in development of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

The article discusses the critical role of Texas Biomed in the development of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine through preclinical testing. Scientists tested two mRNA vaccine candidates in rhesus macaques, showing high effectiveness in protecting against SARS-CoV-2, and highlighting the importance of rapid therapy and vaccine development.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalNature·DateApr 27, 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.

Omega-3 supplements help kids with high cholesterol improve lipid profile

A new study found that fatty acid supplements may protect children with high cholesterol from heart disease by increasing their blood levels of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. The researchers discovered that an EPA supplement improved the lipid profile in the blood, reducing the risk of coronary artery disease and promoting healthy aging.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 27, 2021

Toward a feasible alternative to liver organ transplant

Researchers have made new discoveries about fetal liver cells that could help make liver cell transplants more effective. Fetal liver cells can multiply and maintain function for long periods when used in transplants, but adult liver cells do not share this ability.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 27, 2021

Hepatitis C drugs boost Remdesivir's antiviral activity against COVID-19

Researchers found that four hepatitis C drugs boost remdesivir's efficacy by up to tenfold in cell cultures. This combination therapy may provide an immediate treatment for unvaccinated individuals or those with waning immunity. The study aimed to develop an oral drug that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 like remdesivir.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 27, 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.

Study of oak forests of European Russia elucidates climate change in the region

A study of oak forests in European Russia has provided new insights into the region's climate change. Researchers developed a classification system based on the Braun-Blanquet method, identifying two new associations and demonstrating the uniqueness of steppe oak forests compared to xero-mesophytic European oak forests.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalVegetation Classification and Survey·DateApr 27, 2021

Study suggests that silicon could be a photonics game-changer

Researchers discovered silicon's strongest nonlinearity, allowing for extremely weak beams to be used in photonic applications. This breakthrough could lead to the production of silicon processors with built-in light beam control capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateApr 27, 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.

New duckbilled dinosaur discovered in Japan

A new genus and species of hadrosaur, Yamatosaurus izanagii, has been identified in Japan, revealing insights into the herbivores' migration from Asia to North America. The discovery also highlights an evolutionary step as dinosaurs transitioned from bipedalism to quadrupedalism.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 27, 2021

Physicists net neutron star gold from measurement of lead

Researchers made a precise measurement of the lead nucleus's neutron skin, revealing it's thicker than expected. This thickness has implications for the physical processes in neutron stars and their size.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 27, 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.

New AI tool calculates materials' stress and strain based on photos

Engineers can now determine material properties like stress and strain from images of their internal structure, reducing computational complexity. The AI-powered approach uses computer vision and machine learning to generate estimates in real-time.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 27, 2021

Extinct 'horned' crocodile gets new spot in the tree of life

A new study resolves the horned crocodile's evolutionary relationships, placing it on a separate branch of the crocodile family tree. The research suggests that modern crocodiles likely originated in Africa, contradicting previous scientific thinking.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalCommunications Biology·DateApr 27, 2021
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.

Solar-powered desalination unit shows great promise

Researchers in China have created a highly efficient desalination device powered by solar energy that can remove salt from seawater, producing freshwater. The device uses a titanium-containing layer and special paper to absorb sunlight and condense water vapor.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateApr 27, 2021