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Science News Archive 2021


Page 49 of 510

"Alien" invasions and the need for planetary biosecurity

The article highlights the dangers of biological contamination from space travel, citing examples of bacteria resistant to ionizing radiation and disinfectants found in NASA 'clean rooms'. Researchers propose the use of invasion science to address this threat, leveraging insights on epidemiology, rapid evolution, and early detection.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Warning over antibiotic-resistant bacteria

A study by Anglia Ruskin University has identified potentially dangerous Pseudomonas bacteria in 21% of wild bird faeces collected from locations near the River Cam. The bacteria, which can be passed on to humans through cross-contamination, were resistant to multiple antibiotics.

Autism diagnosis by 2.5 years of age leads to dramatic improvements in social symptoms as compared to those diagnosed later in life, Ben-Gurion University researchers and colleagues find

A new study published in Autism highlights the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children diagnosed before 2.5 years old showed considerable improvements in core social symptoms compared to those diagnosed later in life. Early intervention is critical, emphasizing the need for u...

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.

Fires in the Sierra Nevada likely to grow in frequency

A new UCI study links rising temperatures to higher blaze risk in the Sierra Nevada, predicting a 50% increase in wildfires by 2040. The research analyzes daily temperature spikes and finds that each 1 degree Celsius rise increases fire risk by 19-22%

Maternal caregiving may reverse effects of stress during pregnancy on newborns

Research suggests that high stress levels in pregnant women are associated with increased cortisol responses in infants. However, sensitive caregiving by mothers after birth can mitigate these effects. The study's findings highlight the importance of postnatal interventions to support children whose mothers experienced prenatal adversity.

Food scientists create zinc index for human body

The Zinc Status Index is a new evaluation method developed by Cornell food scientists that uses biomarkers to calculate the physiological status of a subject. It aims to provide a comprehensive assessment tool for zinc deficiency, which affects over 1 billion people worldwide.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Hospital policies on addressing sexual harassment

Researchers assessed hospital policies to address sexual harassment of physicians by patients, highlighting inconsistencies and areas for improvement. The study aims to inform evidence-based practices to create a safer healthcare environment.

New holographic camera sees the unseen with high precision

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new high-resolution camera that can see hidden objects by indirectly scattering coherent light. The device overcomes limitations of existing NLoS imaging technologies with high spatial and temporal resolution, small probing area, and large angular field of view.

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.

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.

New group of antibacterial molecules identified

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new group of small antibacterial compounds that inhibit the formation of bacterial cell walls, showing promise against antibiotic-resistant strains. The molecules work by binding to lipid II, a crucial molecule for bacterial cell wall construction.

Genetic changes in Bronze Age Southern Iberia

A new study analyzing ancient Iberian genomes uncovers genetic shifts and social transformations during the Copper Age to Bronze Age transition. The data suggests that incoming steppe-related ancestry mixed with local Iberian Chalcolithic ancestry, but the paternally inherited Y chromosome lineages show a complete turnover.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fatal heart attack or stroke could be first sign of CVD in some smokers

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that smoking may be the first sign of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in some individuals. The research, which analyzed data from nine long-term cohort studies, discovered that fatal or non-fatal heart attacks and strokes were more common among smokers, particula...

Bacteria as climate heroes

Acetobacterium woodii bacteria can efficiently metabolize CO2 into formate, providing a sustainable alternative to oil-based products. This process can be genetically modified to produce ethanol or lactic acid, enabling the recycling of CO2 and carbon monoxide.

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.

When older couples are close together, their heart rates synchronize

A study from the University of Illinois examines how spatial proximity affects relationship dynamics in older adult couples. The researchers found that when partners are close to each other, their heart rates synchronize in a lead-lag relationship, indicating a complex interplay between physiological responses and interaction patterns.

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 CARE-ing route to advanced nanoelectronics

Osaka University researchers developed an ultra-thin film of magnetite with superior crystallinity and conductive properties, overcoming challenges in spintronics technology. The discovery enables the film to undergo a temperature-dependent resistivity change, crucial for implementation in quantum computing technologies.

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.

Felsic volcanism in south China drove the end-Permian mass extinction

A study published in Science Advances reveals that felsic volcanism in South China drove the end-Permian mass extinction, with extreme elemental copper enrichment and light isotopic compositions indicating large-scale eruptions near the studied outcrops. This finding strengthens the case against the Siberian Traps as the sole trigger f...

Scientists identify new force behind past mass extinction event

A team of scientists has identified a new force behind the past mass extinction event, finding that volcano eruptions produced a 'volcanic winter' that drastically lowered earth's temperatures. This change added to the environmental effects resulting from other phenomena at the time.

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.

Study challenges standard ideas about piezoelectricity in ferroelectric crystals

Researchers at Penn State have found that the conventional wisdom about the relationship between domain size and piezoelectricity in ferroelectric materials is not always correct. In contrast to existing data suggesting smaller domains lead to higher piezoelectricity, this new study shows larger domain sizes can actually result in bett...

Alien organisms – hitchhikers of the galaxy?

A team of scientists, including Dr Phill Cassey, are calling for greater recognition of the biosecurity risks ahead of the space industry. The research highlights the potential for 'alien organisms' to survive the journey and cause invasive species threats.

Plastic shields could be answer to COVID risk for motorbike taxis

A study suggests that affordable plastic shields can substantially reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection for passengers on motorcycle taxis. The research found that a shield between the driver and passenger blocks particles and alters airflow, eliminating airborne exposure.

Virtual fluid for the description of interfacial effects in metallic materials

Physicists at the University of Stuttgart have developed a novel computer simulation strategy using a virtual fluid that allows for the calculation of electrostatic interactions within any material. This approach enables the study of wetting transitions and phase transitions of ionic liquids at metal surfaces, shedding light on unusual...

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.

No ohmic loss! Electromagnetic zero-index metamaterials

Scientists design a special metamaterial that achieves 'zero index' with infinite effective spatial wavelength, overcoming limitations of short spatial wavelength in the optical regime. DCZIMs offer advantages over other mechanisms, including no ohmic losses and scalable fabricating using standard planar processes.

Ordered from afar: How germs’ toxins become dangerous

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute have uncovered how ExoY toxin becomes activated in human cells by binding to actin filaments, leading to devastating enzymatic activity. This discovery sheds light on a crucial molecular mechanism that underlies the pathogenicity of various toxins.

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.

CDI laboratory zeroes in on melanoma’s molecular spread

The CDI laboratory has identified a complex natural pathway that melanoma hijacks to metastasize. The pathway centers around the silencing of bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6), leading to abnormal cell signaling and increased cancer cell motility.

A "compass" in the brain to navigate thoughts

Researchers at the University of Trento discovered brain cells acting as a compass for navigating conceptual spaces, similar to those found in physical environments. These 'head-direction cells' signal direction even when movement occurs in abstract spaces, suggesting a complementary mechanism for conceptual navigation.

Researchers reveal structure of itch receptors on cells

Scientists at UNC-Chapel Hill and UC San Francisco identified two receptors, MRGPRX2 and MRGPRX4, involved in itching. The researchers created high-resolution maps of these complex receptor proteins when bound to compounds causing itchiness, providing a template for designing new anti-itch medications.

Older-looking brains linked to lower birth weight and genes

A new study by the University of Oslo found that brains with an older appearance are associated with lower birth weights and a genetic tendency towards smaller brain size. The researchers measured the pace of brain aging in 1,500 adults over 10 years and found no strong correlation between estimated brain age and future brain changes.

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.

Diagnosing jaundice in the blink of an eye from a digital camera

Researchers have designed a digital camera-based system that can accurately detect jaundice in newborns within one second, sending diagnoses to carers via SMS. The system uses image processing techniques to detect bilirubin levels, triggering blue LED phototherapy and treatment.