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Science News Archive April 2021


Page 18 of 46

Lighting it up: Fast material manipulation through a laser

Researchers at the Fritz Haber Institute have developed a novel method for fast material manipulation using laser pulses, significantly reducing switching times. The technique involves shining light on a semi-metallic crystal to re-organize its internal electronic structure, changing conductivity and allowing for ultrafast control.

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.

Study provides detailed look at intriguing property of chiral materials

Researchers have advanced understanding of light-matter interactions in chiral materials with a magnetic field, confirming the magneto-chiral dichroism theory. The study provides detailed measurements and quantum-chemical calculations for two model systems, opening the door to future applications.

Scientists reveal origin of neuronal diversity in hypothalamus

Researchers mapped the developmental landscape of the mouse hypothalamus, revealing a stepwise strategy for neural progenitors to generate extreme neuronal diversity. The study provides insights into hypothalamic plasticity and potential therapeutic targets for diseases such as anorexia and narcolepsy.

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.

Georgia Tech shares $15M from NASA to advance deep space exploration

Researchers at Georgia Tech will lead a five-year, $15M NASA grant to develop strategies for testing high-power electric propulsion systems. The Joint Advanced Propulsion Institute (JANUS) aims to overcome infrastructure challenges and create accurate data translation for space travel.

Babies surviving Group B strep more likely to require special educational support

A large study shows that infants infected with Group B strep are twice as likely to have neurodevelopmental impairments and need special education compared to uninfected children. The study also found significant long-term effects, including cognitive impairment and higher rates of hospitalization, in up to one in twenty survivors.

Bypassing broken genes

Researchers developed a new approach called Co-opting Regulation Bypass Repair (CRBR) that can correct genetic diseases caused by single gene mutations. The method uses the CRISPR/Cas9 system and non-homologous end joining to insert a functional copy of the gene, enabling treatment in all adult tissues.

Swing vote 'trumped' turnout in 2016 election

A Yale University study reveals that conversion among swing voters was the primary factor behind Donald Trump's electoral success in 2016. The researchers found that voters switching from Democrat to Republican more consistently explained the GOP's gains than did increases in voter turnout.

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.

Augmented reality in retail and its impact on sales

A new study examines the impact of augmented reality on retail sales. Researchers found that AR enhances product evaluation, reduces customer uncertainty, and promotes online channel adoption. The technology also benefits niche brands and premium products, leading to increased revenues for retailers.

Age at the menopause can be assessed using predictive modeling

Researchers developed a predictive model to estimate the age of natural menopause in middle-aged women based on hormone levels, menstrual cycle irregularities, and lifestyle factors. The study demonstrated adequate prediction accuracy, suggesting potential benefits for health promotion and family planning decisions.

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.

The wave beneath their wings

Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a theoretical model explaining how pelicans exploit wind updrafts from breaking waves to conserve energy during flight. This discovery has potential applications in drone control and weather forecasting, highlighting the intricate dance between ocean, wind, and bird behavior.

Jane Austen quote encoded in a polymer

Scientists have successfully encoded a passage from Jane Austen's Mansfield Park in a series of oligomers, allowing for efficient information storage. The technique uses urethane-like plastics and enables dense data storage without DNA-based approaches.

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.

Fast mitigation of power grids instability risks

Researchers from Skoltech, University of Arizona, and Los Alamos National Laboratory developed an approach to quickly stabilize power grids after demand response perturbation. The study analyzes relaxation of energy consumption dynamics in thermostatically controlled loads, demonstrating super-relaxation and efficient load management.

Inflammatory diet linked to testosterone deficiency in men

A diet high in pro-inflammatory foods may be associated with increased odds of developing testosterone deficiency among men. Men who consume refined carbohydrates and sugar, as well as polyunsaturated fats, are more likely to experience low libido, decreased energy, and depression.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Picture perfect: Camera traps find endangered dryas monkeys

Scientists from Florida Atlantic University used non-invasive camera-trap techniques to detect and survey the elusive dryas monkey, confirming its occurrence at seven locations in Lomami National Park. The study suggests that the species prefers structurally complex understories and forest edges, rarely traveling on the ground.

Marine animals inspire new approaches to structural topology optimization

Researchers at Georgia Tech and Brazil's Pontifical Catholic University developed a new framework for designing hierarchical, spatially-varying microstructures with potential applications in cranial reconstruction, space exploration, and biomaterials. This approach combines design and manufacturing to create novel microstructures.

Database developed on key mollusk to study pollution in coastal areas

A new study has identified the transcriptome and proteome of Scrobiculariaplana, a bivalve used as a bioindicator for pollution. The database provides insights into molecular functions related to stress response mechanisms under pollution, helping to better gauge the effects on marine ecosystems.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study reveals roadmap of muscle decline with age

A comprehensive study in mice reveals a roadmap of muscle decline with age, identifying key molecular mechanisms and potential new treatments. Klotho supplementation improved muscle strength in old but not oldest-old mice, suggesting earlier intervention may prevent declines.

Fast brainwave oscillations identify and localize epileptic brain

Researchers have discovered that fast brainwave oscillations can pinpoint brain tissues responsible for epileptic seizures. The collaborative research leverages noninvasive EEG technology to automatically identify high-frequency oscillations and epileptiform spikes, which are key links related to epilepsy.

Overgrowth of gut yeast in newborns may increase asthma risk

A study published in eLife found that an overgrowth of yeast in the gut within the first few months of life may increase the risk of asthma later on. The period after birth is critical for immune system development and gut microbiome health, and disruptions to gut bacteria can lead to asthma.

Ten ways to ensure bees benefit from the solar power boom

A Lancaster University-led team reviewed evidence on solar park land management practices to enhance pollinator biodiversity. They highlighted ten ways to protect and even enhance bee populations, including sowing wildflowers and connecting parks to nearby habitats.

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.

Explanations in online symptom checkers could improve user trust

Researchers at Penn State found that providing explanations for online symptom checker recommendations can increase user confidence and trust in the diagnosis. The study showed that users were more likely to trust the symptoms checker when they received clear explanations of how the system generated its probable diagnoses and suggestions.

Rock glaciers will slow Himalayan ice melt

New research suggests Himalayan rock glaciers, which account for 1/25 of glacial ice, will resist global warming more than traditional 'true' ice glaciers. These slow-moving glaciers are well-insulated and contain about 51 cubic kilometers of ice.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Base editors flex sights on sickle-cell disease

Scientists at Beam Therapeutics have created a redesigned base editor that successfully repairs the single-base mutation causing sickle-cell disease. The therapy targets an upstream regulatory pathway to express fetal hemoglobin, offering a potential solution for this genetic disorder.

Individualized training is key for autistic adolescents learning to drive

A collaborative study identified strengths and challenges autistic teens face while learning to drive. Researchers recommend scaffolded instruction and caregiver-supervised practice to overcome obstacles. Autistic drivers show similar crash rates to non-autistic peers, with lower license suspension rates.

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.

Fearsome tyrannosaurs were social animals, study suggests

A new study based on research at a unique fossil site in Utah finds that tyrannosaurs were likely gregarious animals, with evidence suggesting they died together during a seasonal flooding event. The discovery sheds light on the behavior of these fearsome predators and challenges long-held assumptions about their solitary hunting habits.

Combining light, superconductors could boost AI capabilities

Researchers propose integrating photonic components with superconducting electronics to enable artificial cognitive systems of scale and functionality. This approach may be easier at low temperatures using superconductors than at room temperatures using semiconductors.

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.

All-in-one test for COVID-19 surveillance

Researchers have developed an all-in-one test that integrates COVID-19 diagnosis, variant tracking, and co-infection detection into a single portable mini-laboratory. The NIRVANA test can detect SARS-CoV-2 mutations and report them simultaneously, making it a promising solution for rapid field-deployable detection.

Vibrational microscopy goes super resolution

Researchers have developed a novel super-resolution vibrational microscopy harnessing Stimulated Raman Excited Fluorescence (SREF) for ultrasensitive vibrational contrast. This technique enables all-far-field Raman spectroscopy with sensitivity down to single-molecule resolution.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Newly discovered airway cells may shed light on SIDS and other conditions

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered three distinct types of pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNECs) that line the human airway, which may be involved in breathing-related diseases in infants. The study found higher numbers of certain PNECs in autopsied tissues from children who died from SIDS and other conditions.

The immune link between a leaky blood-brain barrier and schizophrenia

A study by Penn researchers found that people with schizophrenia have a compromised blood-brain barrier, allowing the immune system to improperly influence the central nervous system. This inflammation contributes to the condition's symptoms. The findings may also apply to other mental disorders.

Astronauts' mental health risks tested in the Antarctic

Researchers found continuous declines in positive emotions among astronauts at two Antarctic stations, without a bounce-back effect after returning home. Positive emotions such as satisfaction and enthusiasm are crucial for thriving in high-pressure settings, and interventions targeting these may reduce psychological risk.

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.

Filling federal oversight gaps

The withdrawal of federal regulation on smaller transboundary waters has left individual states with the responsibility to fill in the gaps, but evidence suggests this may not lead to desired outcomes. Research highlights the flaws in the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule's economics analysis and the failure to account for economic...

A study finds gender bias in music recommendation algorithms

A study by researchers from the Music Technology research group found that a widely used music recommendation algorithm is biased towards male artists, resulting in less exposure for female artists. The algorithm's ranking system perpetuates this bias, with female artist recommendations often appearing later in the list.