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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 73


Page 73 of 510

Giving AI penalties to get better diagnoses

A new study improves AI diagnoses by penalizing algorithms for false negatives, which can be more urgent than accuracy. Researchers achieved significant improvements in precision and recall for chronic kidney disease and other conditions using cost sensitivity techniques.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalInformatics in Medicine Unlocked·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2021

Cellular quality-control system identified as a culprit in coronavirus infection

A team of scientists has identified a compound that shows promise in easing COVID-19 symptoms by targeting the cellular quality-control system damaged by coronaviruses. The compound, AMG PERK 44, was found to halt virus replication and boost lung function in mice infected with MERS.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

What’s down there? WHOI study shows environmental DNA is a reliable way to learn about migration from the ocean twilight zone

Researchers found that changes in eDNA concentration accurately reflect movement of creatures between the twilight zone and surface. The study provides clues about species diversity, distribution, and migration patterns using genetic material shed by marine creatures.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 1, 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.

Researchers identify ultrafast dynamics in monolayer MoS2/ReSe2 heterostructures

A team of researchers identified the ultrafast carrier dynamics in monolayer MoS2/ReSe2 heterostructures, revealing relaxation pathways and intermediate processes. The study provides comprehensive insight into photocarrier dynamics across charge separation, enabling the development of optoelectronic devices.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

Is ski tourism heading downhill thanks to climate change?

Staffordshire University researchers investigate the impact of melting snow and ice on ski tourism. Despite environmental changes, tourists prioritize mountains, scenery, and hiking opportunities, highlighting the need for adaptation and diversification in the industry.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalGeography·TypeCase study·DateNov 1, 2021

Study finds link between certain ‘forever chemicals’ and preeclampsia

Researchers found an association between prenatal PFAS exposure and late-onset preeclampsia, suggesting toxic effects outside placental development. The study analyzed data from pregnant women at Brigham and Women's Hospital, revealing a correlation between PFAS chemicals and the condition.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateNov 1, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New study shows impact of roadkill on world’s vulnerable animal populations

Researchers found that roads can be deadly for species survival, with certain traits like early age of sexual maturity helping some species bounce back from roadkill deaths. However, others like brown and black bears are particularly vulnerable due to late maturity age and small litters.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2021

Viral lessons from supercomputing

The PRACE COVID-19 Fast Track Call allocated thousands of years of computer simulations to help fight COVID-19, yielding key lessons for the scientific community. Researchers across Europe used over half a billion core hours of HPC resources to tackle various aspects of the pandemic.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 1, 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.

A life less obvious: Study sheds light on the evolution of underground microbes

A new study reveals that many cratons were uninhabitable for microbes for much of their existence, with the longest period of habitability not much beyond a billion years. The deep biosphere, home to microbial life, has evolved over geologic history, and modern microbes are related to ancient ancestors in the subsurface.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 1, 2021

Study casts doubt on theory that women aren't as competitive as men

A new study suggests that women are just as competitive as men in competitions, and that their reluctance to take risks is not the cause of the gender wage gap. Researchers found that when given the option to share winnings with losers, women were more likely to compete and excel.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

A superconducting silicon-photonic chip for quantum communication

Researchers have developed a superconducting silicon-photonic chip for quantum communication, enabling optimal Bell-state measurement of time-bin encoded qubits. This breakthrough enhances the key rate of secure quantum communication and removes detector side-channel attacks, significantly increasing security.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Pandemic solitude was positive experience for many

A study of over 2000 participants found that time spent alone during the pandemic led to improved well-being scores, with 43% describing activities as a source of competence. Adults experienced disrupted well-being and negative mood less frequently than teenagers, highlighting the importance of solitude for mental health.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 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.

How bread wheat got its gluten: Tracing the impact of a long-lost relative on modern bread wheat

Researchers sequenced DNA from 242 accessions of Aegilops tauschii, a wild relative of bread wheat, and discovered a distinct lineage that contributed to the modern wheat genome. This ancient contribution has provided valuable genetic diversity for improving disease resistance, yield, and environmental resilience in modern wheat.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

Lung model proves viability of spectroscopy technique

A lung model mimicking complex anatomy has enabled the assessment of respiratory volumes using a gas-in-scattering-media absorption spectroscopy (GASMAS) technique. The study demonstrates the feasibility of GASMAS to sense changes in gas volume in a controlled environment, paving the way for potential clinical applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 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.

Plasmon-induced trap filling at grain boundaries in perovskite solar cells

A novel core-shell plasmonic metal nanostructure enhances coupling with perovskite material, effectively filling deep level trap states at grain boundaries. The incorporation of this technology improves photo-generated current and device performance by increasing open circuit voltage and filling factor.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateOct 31, 2021

The 5:2 diet - a good choice for gestational diabetes

New research from the University of South Australia finds that the 5:2 diet is just as effective as a continuous energy-restricted diet in achieving weight loss and preventing type 2 diabetes in women with a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes. The study suggests that this diet offers greater choice and flexibility for women loo...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A reef in two gears: New patterns of coral recovery discovered

Damaged coral reefs exhibit a two-phase recovery pattern, with the first phase lasting up to six years, and the second phase being faster. This pattern was observed in 60% of severely disturbed reefs on the Great Barrier Reef.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 2021

Mammals’ noses come from reptiles’ jaws

Researchers discovered that mammals developed protruding, flexible noses from reptilian jaws through cellular studies and fossil analysis. This finding explains the origin of mammals' strong sense of smell and provides potential new animal models for studying facial development disorders like cleft palate.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2021

Eyes underwater: Complementary tools can determine how fish use oyster aquaculture gear

The NOAA Fisheries Milford Lab used underwater video and environmental DNA sampling to investigate how fish interact with oyster cages. The study found that seven fish species were present, including four species consistently associated with the cages, revealing new insights into fish behavior and ecology.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalAquaculture Environment Interactions·TypeObservational study·DateOct 31, 2021

Three-channel Kondo effect discovered in cubic holmium compound

Researchers have discovered a three-channel Kondo effect in a cubic holmium compound using numerical methods, predicting an exotic quantum ground state and potential applications. The study found a residual entropy value at ultra-low temperatures, matching the predicted value by the three-channel Kondo effect.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of the Physical Society of Japan·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 30, 2021

Army grants to bolster unique, new semiconductor fabrication facility

The Army Research Office and Army Research Laboratory have awarded $5.4 million in grants to support the development of a unique silicon carbide semiconductor fabrication facility at the University of Arkansas. Researchers will focus on producing energy-efficient and heat-resistant integrated circuits for military applications.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·DateOct 29, 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.

Molecular shape puzzles

Researchers designed a fast and efficient way to determine Cilostazol's concentration using molecularly imprinted polymers. The sensor works like a three-dimensional shape puzzle, selectively binding to the target molecule.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateOct 29, 2021

Solving complex learning tasks in brain-inspired computers

A new algorithm has been developed to train spiking neural networks, mimicking the human brain's structure and function. This approach enables these powerful, fast, and energy-efficient systems to solve complex tasks like image classification with high precision.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateOct 29, 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.

Researchers discover new type of nerve cell in the retina

A team of scientists at the University of Utah has discovered a new type of interneuron in the mammalian retina called the Campana cell. The discovery marks a notable development for the field, as scientists work toward a better understanding of the central nervous system by identifying all classes of neurons and their connections.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2021

New Geology articles published online ahead of print in October

Researchers have made new discoveries about the Martian water record, with a fragile record of fleeting water found. Petrographic microscopy techniques are also being used to analyze geological materials, revealing new insights into microstructures.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateOct 29, 2021

Is it worth trying to sway the most staunch climate deniers?

A Boston University researcher found that while many climate deniers are receptive to disinformation, some are also open to the science. Her study suggests that engaging with individuals most vulnerable to climate disinformation is crucial in stopping its spread.

SourceBoston University·JournalJournal of Public Relations Research·DateOct 29, 2021
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.

Climate change: We're acting, but are we making a difference?

A study has created a massive database of academic papers documenting global adaptation actions to climate change. The research found that people are taking action, but these efforts tend to be fragmented and may not be enough to deal with the expected effects of climate change.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 29, 2021

Drug-like molecule points to novel strategies for cancer therapy

A team of scientists developed a drug-like molecule that can counteract the effects of mutated epigenetic regulators, which are known to drive certain types of cancer. The molecule targets the 'reader' CBX8, which is critical for the proliferation of cancer cells, but more dispensable in healthy cells.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCell Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2021

Honeybees use social distancing to protect themselves against parasites

Researchers found that honeybee colonies modify their social interactions and movement patterns in response to parasite infestations, increasing social distance between young and old bees. This adaptation helps reduce the spread of diseases while maintaining beneficial social behaviors.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2021

People who purchased guns during buying surge more likely to have suicidal thoughts

A Rutgers study found that people who bought firearms during the 2020 purchasing surge were more likely to report suicidal thoughts, with 56% experiencing lifetime thoughts and 42% in the past year. The study highlights the need for safe storage policies and suicide risk screening during firearm purchases.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 29, 2021
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.

Waste of space

Researchers have discovered a way to manipulate orbiting debris with spinning magnets, allowing for gentler maneuvering and potential repair of malfunctioning objects. The technology has the potential to help clear space junk from Earth's orbit and extend the life of satellites.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2021

Drones show promise in speeding up communication with underwater robots for ocean surveys

Researchers from The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science have found that drones can be used as communication bases with underwater robotic devices (AUVs) for ocean surveys. UAVs offer high-speed observations, mobility, and resistance to ocean currents, making them suitable candidates for this application.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalRemote Sensing·DateOct 29, 2021

Prompt procurement and roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines are as important as their efficacy

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that prioritizing prompt procurement, distribution, and vaccination pace can maximize public health benefits and economic efficiency. Meeting vaccination targets of 67% or 80% of the population can significantly reduce infections and deaths while minimizing healthcare costs.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 29, 2021

Twisted bilayer graphene dances with light

Researchers have discovered that twisted bilayer graphene can guide and control light at the nanometer scale due to its unique interaction with collective electron movements. This property enables the material to be used as a platform for optical sensing of gases and bio-molecules.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 29, 2021

Cardiac MRI of myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination in adolescents

A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found a link between COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and myocarditis in adolescent males. Cardiac MRI was used to assess suspected myocarditis post-vaccination, with late gadolinium enhancement persisting in two patients undergoing repeat MRI.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 29, 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.

A novel way to generate visible light

A research team led by Professor Luca Razzari at INRS has successfully generated coherent, intense visible light pulses with femtosecond duration using a simplified setup. This innovation opens up new possibilities for studying various phenomena in physics, chemistry, and biology.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 29, 2021

HSE researchers discover how people’s values affect their attitudes to COVID-19 restrictions

The study found that individuals with prosocial values are more receptive to information emphasizing the risks posed to others, whereas those without such values focus on personal threats. Risk framing also significantly increased support for anti-COVID measures, potentially promoting autocratic policies globally.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 29, 2021

Molecular imaging suggests Long-COVID symptoms may be caused by fatigue, not regional brain dysfunction

A recent study suggests that Long-COVID symptoms, such as cognitive deficits and fatigue, may be attributed to fatigue rather than pathological changes in the brain. Neuroimaging results showed no significant differences in cerebral glucose metabolism or brain pathology between patients with long-COVID and healthy controls.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateOct 29, 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.