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Science News Archive April 2021 - Page 18


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.

SourceFritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 2021
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.

Verbal fluency deficits in multiple sclerosis may reflect impaired language ability

Researchers found that individuals with multiple sclerosis experience subtle language impairments that can be attributed to impaired executive functions or language ability. The study suggests the need for more comprehensive neuropsychological testing to fully understand cognitive profiles and provide optimal interventions.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalMultiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders·DateApr 21, 2021

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.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 21, 2021

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateApr 21, 2021
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.

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.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateApr 21, 2021

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateApr 21, 2021

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.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateApr 21, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalMenopause·DateApr 21, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMovement Ecology·DateApr 21, 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.

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateApr 21, 2021

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.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalApplied Energy·DateApr 21, 2021
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.

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.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateApr 21, 2021

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.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·DateApr 21, 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.

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 20, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalGenomics·DateApr 20, 2021

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.

SourceeLife·DateApr 20, 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.

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.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2021

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.

SourceeLife·DateApr 20, 2021

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.

SourceLancaster University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateApr 20, 2021

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.

SourcePenn State·DateApr 20, 2021
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 20, 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.

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.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe CRISPR Journal·DateApr 20, 2021

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.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Occupational Therapy·DateApr 20, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 20, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 20, 2021
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.

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.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalMed·DateApr 20, 2021

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.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateApr 20, 2021

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.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 20, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalBrain·DateApr 20, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalActa Astronautica·DateApr 20, 2021

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...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience·DateApr 20, 2021

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.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·DateApr 20, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.