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Science News Archive April 2021 - Page 3


Page 3 of 46
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

The new study of emerging materials helping in detection of COVID-19

Researchers from Ural Federal University developed a new method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 using electrochemical biosensors made of emerging materials. The sensors offer high sensitivity, specificity, and portability, making them a promising tool for virus detection. Further research is needed to commercialize the technology.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalJournal of Electroanalytical Chemistry·DateApr 29, 2021

Florida Inventors Hall of Fame announces 2021 inductees

The 2021 class includes notable inventors like Dean Kamen and Mark Dean, whose work on the Segway and original IBM PC revolutionized technology. The inductees collectively hold over 675 U.S. patents, addressing pressing issues like healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·DateApr 29, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Exploring extremes -- When is it too hot to handle

A machine learning algorithm predicts the life expectancy of critical components in extreme environments. The model is trained on data from electrochemical capacitors operated at temperatures up to 200°C, enabling safe and resilient operations in applications like downhole drilling equipment.

SourceHeriot-Watt University·JournalIEEE Access·DateApr 29, 2021

Mantis shrimp larvae punch just like Ma and Pa

Researchers discover that mantis shrimp larvae can unleash powerful punches as little as 9 days after hatching, with limb accelerations reaching blistering speeds. The tiny creatures' appendages operate similarly to those of adult mantis shrimp, but scaled down, and can hurl the limb at rotational speeds of ~16,500deg/s.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateApr 29, 2021

Hubble watches how a giant planet grows

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured the first-ever direct image of a giant exoplanet, PDS 70b, which is feeding off material surrounding its young star. The observations provide a unique look at radiation from extremely hot gas falling onto the planet, allowing scientists to estimate how fast it's gaining mass.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateApr 29, 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.

Was North America populated by 'stepping stone' migration across Bering Sea?

Researchers propose 'stepping stone' migration theory, where migrants used islands in the Bering Transitory Archipelago as a route to cross the Bering Sea. The study suggests that these islands provided a suitable refugium with internal connectivity and outward isolation, allowing for the genetic drift seen in Native American DNA.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalComptes Rendus Géoscience·DateApr 29, 2021

Illinois, Nebraska scientists propose improvements to precision crop irrigation

Researchers developed a way to fuse high-resolution satellite data into one integrated product to track soil and plant conditions. The technology aims to redefine drought based on plant-centric metrics and provide precision irrigation with high accuracy, addressing farmer adoption challenges.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 29, 2021

How does the brain flexibly process complex information?

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Human Development discovered that the brain rapidly shifts from a rhythmic to a 'noisy' state when task demands increase. This shift enables flexible information processing, allowing individuals to adapt to changing environments and make better decisions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 29, 2021

Partially sighted may be at higher risk of dementia

A new study published in Ageing Clinical and Experimental Research found that older people with vision loss are more likely to suffer mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to dementia. The research examined World Health Organisation data on over 32,000 people and found a significant correlation between vision loss and increased risk o...

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalAging Clinical and Experimental Research·DateApr 29, 2021
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.

New cell atlas of COVID lungs reveals why SARS-CoV-2 is deadly and different

Researchers created a detailed cell atlas of COVID lungs, revealing a trifecta of detrimental effects: runaway inflammation, direct destruction, and impaired regeneration of lung cells involved in gas exchange. This study provides leads on why survivors experience long-term respiratory complications due to lung scarring.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature·DateApr 29, 2021

How to level up soft robotics

Researchers propose a three-tiered categorization system to push soft robotics forward and increase its impact. The system includes Level 0 for exploratory studies, Level 1 for performance improvement, and Level 2 for applications beyond soft robotics.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Robotics·DateApr 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.

Risks of restoring the ancestral microbiota in industrialized populations

Experts warn that rewilding the modern gut microbiota without careful consideration of microbial evolution could lead to health problems. Restoring the preindustrialized microbiome may not necessarily improve health, but rather reflect adaptive responses to industrial society.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 29, 2021

Implementing Industry 4.0 in SMEs by focusing on the customer

A new methodology developed by the UPV/EHU helps SME software departments create software services aligned with Industry 4.0, improving customer experience and after-sales support. The methodology uses semantic technologies and 3D visualization to analyze shortcomings and generate new services, enhancing customer loyalty.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalComputers in Industry·DateApr 29, 2021

Doctors should screen over-50s for cannabis use, say researchers

A study of over 17,000 US adults aged 50 and over found that many are using cannabis to relieve health problems without discussing their use with doctors. The research highlights the need for healthcare professionals to screen for cannabis and other substance use, as well as educate patients about potential safety issues.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·DateApr 29, 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.

Creation without contact in the collisions of lead and gold nuclei

Experiments show that photon collisions lead to excess particles, previously unexplained. Theoretical description now includes photon interactions to explain data collected from LHC and RHIC collisions.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysics Letters B·DateApr 29, 2021

Battling public health misinformation online

A team of researchers from Penn Nursing created the Dear Pandemic social media campaign, providing comprehensive information on COVID-19. The initiative has been successful in combating misinformation, engaging nurses, and inspiring public action.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalPublic Health Nursing·DateApr 29, 2021

Global glacier retreat has accelerated

A new study reveals that global glacier retreat has accelerated by 267 gigatonnes of ice per year on average between 2000 and 2019, contributing to rising sea levels. The loss of glacial mass is having a profound impact on mountain glaciers in the Himalayas and other regions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateApr 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.

Light, in addition to ocean temperature, plays role in coral bleaching

Researchers at University of Guam discovered that shade can mitigate coral bleaching caused by high temperatures and light exposure. The study's findings suggest practical ways to reduce light impact on corals, particularly during recovery from elevated temperatures, which could inform reef management and outplanting efforts.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalMarine Biology Research·DateApr 29, 2021

Study reveals extent of human impact on the world's plant-life

Research team analyzed fossilized pollen from 27 islands, finding a consistent pattern of accelerated vegetation turnover after human arrival. The study suggests that earlier settlements may have been more resilient to human impact, while later settlers' practices were more transformative.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScience·DateApr 29, 2021

How long is a day on Venus? Scientists crack mysteries of our closest neighbor

Researchers have pinned down the precise length of a day on Venus, the tilt of its axis and the size of its core. The new measurements reveal an average day on Venus lasts 243.0226 Earth days, roughly two-thirds of an Earth year, with variations in rotation rate due to the planet's heavy atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 29, 2021

Baby's first poop can help predict risk of developing allergies

A new study has found that the composition of a baby's first poop is associated with whether or not they will develop allergies within their first year of life. Newborns with richer meconium have a lower risk of developing allergies, suggesting that early exposure to certain molecules in the womb may play a role in future health.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateApr 29, 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.

Eye changes after 1 year of spaceflight

Researchers investigated whether spending a year in space was associated with worsening eye changes. The study found that spaceflight led to structural changes in the eye, which can potentially affect vision.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateApr 29, 2021

Risk of eczema after early exposure to antibiotics

A Swedish study of over 100,000 children found that early antibiotic exposure before birth and during the first year of life increases the risk of developing eczema. The research suggests a potential long-term consequence of antibiotic use on childhood skin health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 29, 2021

Open-source GPU technology for supercomputers

Researchers compared GPU performance on AMD and Nvidia accelerators, porting LAMMPS to new open-source technology AMD HIP. The study found performance is influenced by both hardware and software environments, with ineffective drivers causing delays.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalThe International Journal of High Performance Computing Applications·DateApr 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.

Blueprint for a robust quantum future

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory and international partners have developed guidelines for discovering new defect-based quantum systems, which could lead to breakthroughs in quantum communications, sensing, and computing. The guidelines provide a framework for designing qubits tailored to specific applications.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Reviews Materials·DateApr 29, 2021

How reef-building corals got their bones

Researchers found that corals' ability to grow calcium carbonate skeletons evolved between 308 and 265 million years ago, with necessary proteins present in their soft-bodied ancestors. The team identified genes responsible for transporting calcium and removing protons, as well as an acid-rich protein involved in skeleton building.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 29, 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.

Finding the optimal way to repay student debt

A mathematical model suggests repaying loans quickly can minimize cost, but delaying payments may be more beneficial for large balances. Borrowers should consider maximizing early payments and switching to income-based repayment when forgiveness is near.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Financial Mathematics·DateApr 29, 2021

Decrease in prostate cancer diagnoses due to pandemic

A new study found a 36% decrease in prostate cancer diagnoses in Sweden during the first pandemic wave, with most pronounced declines among men aged 75 and over. The number of patients receiving curative treatment remained unaffected, suggesting that healthcare prioritized cancer care during the pandemic.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScandinavian Journal of Urology·DateApr 29, 2021

When does the green monster of jealousy wake up in people?

Research at NTNU found that gender differences in jealousy start as early as the early 20s, but this study revealed they appear even earlier, around age 16. The results showed men reacting more negatively to sex, while women react to love and feelings.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 29, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Latest observations by MUSER help clarify solar eruptions

The study revealed key physics behind primary energy release, particle acceleration, and transportation in solar radio bursts. MUSER provides a unique tool for measuring solar magnetic fields and tracing dynamic evolution of energetic electrons.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalFrontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences·DateApr 29, 2021

Discarded ostrich shells provide timeline for our early African ancestors

Researchers have developed a technique using uranium-thorium dating of ostrich eggshells to precisely date garbage dumps in South Africa, revealing the site Ysterfontein 1 is over 100,000 years old and providing insight into early human settlement and population levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2021

A silver lining for extreme electronics

A team of researchers at Michigan State University has developed more heat resilient silver circuitry by adding an intermediate layer of porous nickel, which helps to improve adhesion to ceramic components. The technology has the potential to benefit various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and energy.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScripta Materialia·DateApr 29, 2021

KICT's solution for monitoring massive infrastructures

KICT has developed an effective structural monitoring technique to monitor massive infrastructures, such as long-span bridges. The method uses multi-fidelity data fusion to combine point and distributed strain sensors for accurate responses over whole infrastructures.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·DateApr 29, 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.

Nearly $500M a year in Medicare costs goes to 7 services with no net health benefits

A UCLA-led study reveals that seven preventive medical services have no likely health benefit to patients and may even be harmful. These services, including asymptomatic bacteriuria screening and prostate cancer screening, are ordered over 31 million times annually at a cost of nearly $500 million per year.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 29, 2021

An ocean 13 million years in the making

A new study finds that the Red Sea's seafloor spreading began 13 million years ago, with most of the basin composed of ancient oceanic crust. This discovery challenges existing geological models and sheds light on the region's formation history.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 29, 2021

Data from China's Fengyun meteorological satellites available to global Earth system science applications

Fengyun satellite data is available for real-time users, scientific researchers, and public users, with over 10TB of daily data volume produced daily. The data has been validated with in-situ observations and cross-referenced with other well-known satellite products.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 29, 2021
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.

Combining solar panels and lamb grazing increases land productivity, study finds

A new study by Oregon State University has found that combining solar panels and lamb grazing increases land productivity. The research compared lamb growth and pasture production in pastures with solar panels to traditional open pastures, finding less overall but higher quality forage in the solar pastures.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·DateApr 29, 2021

Northern forest fires could accelerate climate change

New research reveals that northern forests' ability to absorb atmospheric carbon is being hindered by increasing frequency and intensity of forest fires. The study found that these fires are releasing more carbon into the atmosphere, while also altering the composition of tree species, with conifers being replaced by hardwoods.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 29, 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.