Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive April 2021


Page 12 of 46

Mapping childhood undernutrition in India

Researchers mapped child anthropometric failure across 597,121 Indian villages to identify geographic hotspots of undernutrition. The study highlights the need for targeted policies and precision mapping to address childhood undernutrition in rural India.

Against presbyopia

A team of researchers from UPV, UV, and AIKEN Foundation has created the first fully transparent trifocal corneal inlay that allows good eyesight for people with presbyopia at multiple distances. The inlay is designed to be compatible with laser refractive surgery and may offer an alternative to glasses or contact lenses.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Anti-icing material with self-removing condensate

Researchers developed an anti-icing material that removes condensed water through self-propelled droplet jumping, inspired by wheat leaves. The material remains ice-free in temperatures as low as -50 °C and under high humidity, making it suitable for various environmental conditions.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Experimental proof for Zeeman spin-orbit coupling in antiferromagnetics

Researchers discovered Zeeman spin-orbit coupling in two different materials, demonstrating its generic nature and opening possibilities for spin manipulation. This breakthrough may lead to the development of fundamentally new electronic devices with high storage density and fast operation.

Female military veterans face additional barriers accessing mental health support

A study published in BMJ Military Health found that female military veterans experience unique barriers to accessing mental healthcare, including a lack of recognition of their veteran status and negative stereotypes. The research highlights the need for further studies to address these issues and ensure equal access to support services.

Biophysicists found an Achilles heel of a cancerogenic virus

A team of scientists found that the human 14-3-3 protein family has a universal binding site for the E6 oncoprotein from different subtypes of cancer-causing Human Papillomaviruses (HPV). This discovery suggests that targeting this site could lead to the development of novel antiviral therapies.

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.

Chinese hazelnut: The newest piece in the hazelnut genome puzzle

A team of scientists from China has sequenced the high-quality genome of Chinese hazelnut, identifying genes related to oil biosynthesis and stress resistance. The study provides valuable resources for molecular breeding and genetic improvement of hazelnut crops worldwide.

Researchers identify the proteins that cause intestinal disease

A new AI platform has identified specific proteins that allow bacteria to infect the intestines, paving the way for smart drugs to prevent disease. The study used machine-learning tools and genomic information of multiple bacteria to make accurate predictions.

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.

Scientists have cultured the first stable coral cell lines

Researchers have successfully grown cells from stony coral Acropora tenuis, creating eight distinct cell types that can grow indefinitely. The cell lines hold promise for understanding coral interactions with photosynthesizing algae and bleaching processes.

3D holographic head-up display could improve road safety

Researchers developed a 3D holographic head-up display using LiDAR data to create ultra-high-definition holographic representations of road objects, alerting drivers to potential hazards without distraction. The technology has shown promising results in early tests, suggesting it could be a valuable addition to existing safety measures.

Mapping the path to rewilding: the importance of landscape

A new study from the University of Amsterdam and the Dutch State Forestry Service highlights the importance of landscape in rewilding efforts. Researchers developed an index to measure and predict rewilding success, finding that varied landscapes show greater conservation potential.

Researchers complete high-precision time-frequency dissemination

The study demonstrates a stable time-frequency transfer via a high-orbit satellite-ground link, enabling potential performance of optical atomic clocks and intercontinental comparisons. The researchers achieved an instability of 4E-18 at 3,000 s with their dual-comb linear optical sampling method.

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.

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.

Travel paths of primates show how their minds work

Researchers used GPS data from 164 wild primate populations to analyze mental abilities that guide travel decisions. The findings provide insight into the cognitive development of these species and enhance approaches to studying primate cognition.

DeepShake uses machine learning to rapidly estimate earthquake shaking intensity

Researchers developed DeepShake, a deep spatiotemporal neural network trained on over 36,000 earthquakes, which analyzes seismic signals in real time and provides advanced warnings of strong shaking. The model was tested using the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquake, sending simulated alerts up to 13 seconds prior to high-intensity ground shaking.

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.

Study uncovers human-to-cat transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19

A new study has found that people can transmit SARS-CoV-2 to their cats during the pandemic, leading to mild or severe respiratory disease in felines. The researchers detected the virus in two domestic cats from households with suspected cases of COVID-19 and emphasized the need for monitoring human-to-cat transmission.

Red Sea is no longer a baby ocean

The Red Sea is now considered a mature ocean basin, approximately 13 million years old, with features similar to those of the young southern Atlantic Ocean. The study uses gravity and earthquake data to develop a new tectonic model, revealing hidden structures such as rift axes and transform faults.

Using spatial distance strategically with luxury and popular product displays

Researchers found that maintaining a distance between products and consumers boosts the perceived value of luxury items, while proximity increases the perceived sincerity of popular products. Marketers can leverage visual cues to enhance value and increase consumer willingness to pay by strategically matching distance with brand image.

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.

Muscle gene linked to type 2 diabetes

Scientists at Lund University discovered a key role for the VPS39 gene in regulating muscle stem cells' ability to create new mature muscle cells. The study found that individuals with type 2 diabetes have altered epigenetic patterns and impaired sugar uptake, leading to compromised muscle function.

Is raising the sales age of tobacco reducing youth smoking?

A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that California's tobacco sales age increase from 18 to 21 has reduced smoking rates among 18-20-year-olds, but not non-daily smokers. The law change was associated with a decrease in 'daily' smoking prevalence, from 2.2% in 2016 to nearly zero in 2019.

From individual receptors towards whole-brain function

A research team created a computer model that can simulate the impact of individual receptor types on brain activity. The model uses data from three imaging techniques to quantify receptor-specific modulations of brain states. By predicting changes in brain dynamics after receptor activation, the researchers hope to develop new diagnos...

Radar satellites can better protect against bushfires and floods

New research using Synthetic Aperture Radar data from Sentinel-1 satellites shows improved ability to detect, monitor, prepare for and withstand natural disasters like bushfires and floods. SAR data provides valuable insights for hazard mitigation and complementing existing Earth observation programs.

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.

How oxygen radicals protect against cancer

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt discovered that Nox4, an enzyme producing H2O2, prevents cancer by keeping phosphatases out of the cell nucleus, thus allowing DNA damage to be recognized and repaired. In its absence, mutated cells multiply uncontrollably, leading to tumour formation.

Quantifying the level of pollution in marinas

A new index, MEPI, quantifies environmental pollution in marinas by combining chemical and biological parameters. The study's innovative approach provides a simple and complete ecological analysis method to determine a port's quality, enabling authorities to establish minimum ecological quality levels.

Flexible diet may help leaf-eating lemurs resist deforestation

A new study reveals that sifakas, a genus of lemurs found only in Madagascar's forests, have taste preferences and digestive adaptations that allow them to thrive on tough leaves, fruit, and even pine needles. This dietary flexibility may give them an advantage over their strictly leaf-eating or fruit-only cousins.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Engineering single-molecule fluorescence with asymmetric nano-antennas

Scientists develop novel approach to boost single-molecule fluorescence with asymmetric nano-antennas, achieving enhancement factors up to 405 and quantum yields of 80% without sacrificing photostability. This breakthrough enables higher imaging resolution and tissue penetration depth in biomedical applications.

Finding clues to nephronophthisis in adults

A study by Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified thick tubular basement membrane duplication as a diagnostic criterion for adult-onset NPH. The research also found that older patients are unlikely to have pathogenic mutations, providing a novel diagnostic pointer.

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.

3D motion tracking system could streamline vision for autonomous tech

A new real-time 3D motion tracking system combines transparent light detectors with advanced neural network methods to enable fast tracking speed, compact hardware, and lower cost compared to existing solutions. The technology has promising applications in automated manufacturing, biomedical imaging, and autonomous driving.

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.

Research shows pain relieving effects of CBD

A new study led by Syracuse University researchers finds that CBD reduces pain intensity while making it less unpleasant. The study reveals a complex interplay between the drug's physical effects and participants' expectations, challenging previous assumptions about pain relief.

Body's natural pain killers can be enhanced

A study in cells and mice finds a positive allosteric modulator can boost endorphins' ability to activate the mu-opioid receptor, producing analgesia with reduced side effects. The compound shows promise as an alternative to traditional opioid drugs for pain relief.

Fiber optic cable monitors microseismicity in Antarctica

Researchers use fiber optic cable to detect small earthquakes in ice, offering insights into ice movement and deformation under changing climate conditions. The technique also improves monitoring of underground carbon capture and storage projects.,

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.

How philosophy can change the understanding of pain

Researchers advocate for a comprehensive approach to chronic pain management by considering the person as a whole. This includes addressing socio-cultural practices, subjective experience, and learning behavioral patterns to develop an action-oriented treatment plan.

A breakthrough astrophysics code rapidly models stellar collisions

The Octo-Tiger code simulates stellar mergers with superior speeds and accuracy, allowing for more detailed simulations and exploration of new parameter space. The research demonstrates the code's performance on Australia's fastest supercomputer, showcasing its potential for tackling complex astrophysical problems.

Arena Pharmaceuticals presents clinician and patient reported outcomes data from phase 2b ADVISE trial evaluating etrasimod in adult atopic dermatitis during a late-breaking session at American Academy of Dermatology VMX

Etrasimod demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in both clinical signs of atopic dermatitis and patient reported outcomes. The treatment group achieved statistical significance in the percentage change in weekly peak pruritis, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM).

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

From toxic ions to single-atom copper

Researchers have discovered a new method for converting toxic copper ions into stable single-atom copper using bacteria found in copper mines. This process is safer and more efficient than current methods, which often require harsh chemicals and labor-intensive processes.

Simple robots, smart algorithms

A team of researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed simple robots, dubbed 'dumb robots', which can collectively clear debris despite their simplicity. The BOBbots use task embodiment to achieve complex tasks without sensors or programming.

Targeting drug-resistant breast cancer with estrogen

Researchers at Dartmouth's Norris Cotton Cancer Center have found that cycling between estrogen treatment and anti-estrogen therapies can dramatically increase the duration of tumor regression in mice. This unconventional approach suggests treating short-term with estrogen before resistance occurs, leading to better long-term control.