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Science News Archive 2021


Page 4 of 510

The role of trust and knowledge in overcoming vaccination hesitancy

A study published in PNAS found that trust and knowledge about vaccination are stronger predictors of vaccination than Covid-specific factors. Background beliefs and behavior regarding vaccination in general were more than twice as predictive of the change in vaccination as beliefs about the pandemic itself.

Study confirms nutrient’s role in childhood blood cancer

A new study published in Nature found that valine is essential for the growth of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a type of childhood blood cancer. Blocking valine-linked genes led to decreased valine levels and stalled tumor cells from growing.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Voice assistants could be used for life coaching

A study published by Dr. Laura Aymerich-Franch and Iliana Ferrer found that using a virtual coach via voice assistant improved participants' psychological well-being and life satisfaction. The virtual coach guided users to set goals, visualize success, and implement positive change.

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.

A-list candidate for fault-free quantum computing delivers surprise

Physicists at Rice University have found telltale signs of antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations coupled to superconductivity in uranium ditelluride, a rare material promising fault-free quantum computing. The discovery upends the leading explanation of how this state of matter arises in the material.

Venoms in snakes and salivary protein in mammals share a common origin

A recent study has found that snake venoms and mammalian salivary proteins share a common origin, suggesting that the foundation for venom to evolve exists in both snakes and mammals. This discovery reveals that the line between venomous and non-venomous mammals is blurrier than previously thought.

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.

T cells: No time to die

Scientists at the University of Basel have discovered a new signaling pathway that enables T cells to survive for decades. Coronin 1 regulates this pathway, which suppresses T cell death by maintaining PI3Kdelta activity. This finding has significant implications for understanding and controlling immune function.

Ancient DNA study reveals large scale migrations into Bronze Age Britain

A major new study of ancient DNA has traced the movement of people into southern Britain during the Bronze Age, showing sustained contacts between mainland Britain and Europe over several centuries. The study suggests that Celtic languages arrived in Britain in the Bronze Age, contradicting previous theories.

Researchers lay groundwork for potential dog-allergy vaccine

Scientists at Osaka Prefecture University have identified specific parts of the dog allergen Can f 1 that can trigger an immune response in people. The researchers used X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of the protein and found several potential epitopes, or regions, that could be targeted by a vaccine.

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.

Quantum marbles in a bowl of light

Researchers investigate Mandelstam-Tamm limit, finding minimum time for quantum information change depends on energy uncertainty, and second speed limit emerges when energy uncertainty exceeds average energy of atom. This discovery proves fundamental limits to quantum computers' processing power.

Childhood obesity linked with mother’s unhealthy diet before pregnancy

Research by Dr. Sarah Crozier found that children aged eight or nine were more likely to be obese if their mother had a poor diet during – and before – pregnancy. The study, which analyzed data from 2,963 mother-child pairs, suggests that intervening at the earliest possible stage in a child's life can help tackle childhood obesity.

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.

SUTD researchers develop ultra-scalable artificial synapse

A research team at SUTD has developed an ultra-scalable artificial synapse using 2D materials, enabling the commercialization of brain-inspired hardware. The device integrates functional and silent synapses into a single unit, reducing hardware costs and improving efficiency.

Mapping the musical mind

A study by the University of Tokyo reveals that musical training can activate areas of the brain associated with language processing, regardless of experience level. This connection may explain why people enjoy music even if they're not musically inclined.

Earth and Mars were formed from inner Solar System material

A team of researchers found that the building blocks of Earth and Mars originated primarily from the inner Solar System, contradicting a popular theory. The study analyzed the isotopic composition of rocky planets and meteorites, revealing that only about 4% of the material came from beyond Jupiter's orbit.

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.

New technique tunes into graphene nanoribbons’ electronic potential

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory developed a method to stabilize graphene nanoribbons and directly measure their unique magnetic properties. By substituting nitrogen atoms along the zigzag edges, they can discretely tune the local electronic structure without disrupting the magnetic properties.

Remote areas are not safe havens for biodiversity

A research team identified a general macroecological mechanism that challenges global conservation strategies, finding that remote fish communities are vulnerable to coral loss and other ecological dependencies

Exposure to formaldehyde at work linked to cognitive problems later

A study of 75,322 people in France found a significant association between long-term formaldehyde exposure and lower levels of cognitive functioning. Workers exposed to formaldehyde for 22 years or longer had a 21% higher risk of global cognitive impairment compared to those who were never exposed.

New models needed for food system transformation

A new study finds that farmers should be seen as partners in research and development to achieve climate and sustainability goals. Novel funding models, such as joint agenda setting and blended finance, are also needed to support transformative projects in the agricultural sector.

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.

Machine learning models quantum devices

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have created a novel machine learning algorithm that allows for efficient and accurate verification of time-dependent quantum devices. The algorithm, inspired by quantum reservoir computing, leverages memory effects in these systems to improve verification efficiency.

From the oilfield to the lab: How a special microbe turns oil into gases

Researchers have successfully cultivated an archaeon called Methanoliparia from an oil production facility, which can convert oil into methane and carbon dioxide on its own. The microbe's unique genetic make-up gives it the ability to break down various hydrocarbons and activate enzymes that produce methane.

Transforming "undone science" into "done science"

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University used a crowd-sourced approach to test the effectiveness of mannitol in treating Parkinson's disease. The study, published in BioSocieties, chronicles the story of CliniCrowd, an Israeli company that recruited patients and collected data on mannitol's effects.

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.

White matter microstructure reveals developmental risk for psychosis

A new study found that white matter structural tracts are relatively stable throughout typical development, but show increased instability in children with psychosis spectrum symptoms. The integrity of these tracts was lower in children with psychosis and associated with cognitive function.

STANN reveals new insights into how the brain functions

Researchers developed a neural network model called STANN that provides new insights into the brain's cellular architecture and functionality. The model predicts precise locations of different cell types and their communication patterns within morphological layers.

Study offers new insights into the timeline of mammal evolution

A new study provides a detailed timeline of mammal evolution, confirming that modern placental mammal groups postdate the K-Pg extinction. The researchers used a novel computational approach to analyse a large genomic dataset and answer a long-standing question about mammal origins.

Ancient DNA reveals the world’s oldest family tree

A team of archaeologists and geneticists analyzed DNA from 35 individuals buried in a Neolithic tomb, revealing a single extended family with 27 close relatives. The research provides new insights into kinship and burial practices in Neolithic times.

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.

Alternative strategy for stalling Alzheimer’s neurodegeneration

A study published in the journal Brain found that boosting levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine with atomoxetine reduced markers of neuroinflammation and stabilized protein Tau, which forms neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. The treatment showed promising results in people with mild cognitive impairment.

Ephemeral evidence of Mediterranean mobility

The article examines modern migration in the Mediterranean by analyzing abandoned fishing boats and their contents, revealing the impact of policy decisions on displacement. The study provides a nuanced narrative of human experiences during these journeys, highlighting inequalities and varying degrees of preparation among those onboard.

People with IBD have more microplastics in their feces, study says

Researchers discovered that people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have higher levels of microplastics in their feces compared to healthy individuals. The study suggests a possible link between microplastic exposure and IBD, but the exact relationship remains unclear.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Estimating the strength of selection for new COVID-19 variants

Scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory developed methods to quantify new COVID-19 variant transmissibility, aiding public health in estimating risk and required vaccination levels. The study found that early detection of variants is possible even with small global frequencies, enabling more effective herd immunity strategies.

Tracking down the forces that shaped our solar system’s evolution

Researchers have uncovered the truth behind the missing volatiles in meteorites, revealing a massive shockwave phenomenon that stripped elements from planetary building blocks. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of Earth's geochemical evolution and the Solar System's youth.

Parkinson’s protein blueprint could help fast-track new treatments

Researchers have solved a decade-long mystery about the PINK1 protein, which plays a critical role in early onset Parkinson's disease. The discovery provides an unprecedented view of the protein and its activation process, paving the way for developing therapeutic agents that could slow or stop the progression of Parkinson's disease.

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.

Nanotube fibers stand strong -- but for how long?

Researchers at Rice University found that carbon nanotubes and their fibers experience fatigue under cyclic loads, leading to slippage and strain accumulation. The fibers' endurance limit is around 30%-50% of their tensile strength, allowing them to last practically forever.

Developing bioactive coatings for better orthopaedic implants

Researchers at INRS have developed a bioactive coating that mimics bone tissue using chitosan, collagen, and copper-doped phosphate glass. The coating promotes healing and reduces the risk of rejection, paving the way for improved orthopaedic implant success.

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.

Iodine in desert dust destroys ozone

A new CU Boulder study reveals that iodine from desert dust can decrease ozone air pollution but prolong greenhouse gas lifetimes. The finding has significant implications for air quality and climate, forcing researchers to re-evaluate how particles from land impact the atmosphere's chemistry.

Academic education can positively affect aging of the brain

A long-term study found that academic education can positively affect aging of the brain, with reduced degenerative processes and improved cognitive performance. Participants with an academic background showed a lower increase in signs of brain degeneration and faster processing speeds.

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.