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Science News Archive August 2021


Page 1 of 38

New findings on the field of perinatal brain injury

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg generated a comprehensive transcriptional atlas of neonatal mouse meningeal leukocytes, showing that these cells play a crucial role in brain development and pathology. The study also identified novel immune cell subtypes involved in brain injury and provided new insights into the interaction...

Ferroelectrics everywhere?

Researchers have identified a new family of ferroelectric materials, including magnesium-substituted zinc oxide, that can be used for low-energy digital storage. These materials have the potential to revolutionize information and energy storage, offering improved performance and reduced power consumption.

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.

Sandia uncovers hidden factors that affect solar farms during severe weather

A study published by Sandia National Laboratories reveals that older solar farms are more susceptible to extreme weather events, while snowstorms have the highest impact on electricity production. Machine learning analysis also found that low sunlight levels due to cloud cover and geographical features of the farm are significant factors.

New artificial intelligence tech set to transform heart imaging

A new AI technology enhances magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images to capture scar tissue in the heart, eliminating the need for contrast injections. The approach, called Virtual Native Enhancement (VNE), produces higher-quality images and better captures evidence of scar without contrast.

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.

Getting your head in the game

A PSU study found that reattaching to work in the morning enhances managers' positive moods and work focus, leading to better day-level outcomes. Successfully reconnecting with work also enables transformational leadership behaviors crucial for employee engagement.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study shows evidence of beer drinking 9,000 years ago in Southern China

A new study reveals evidence of beer drinking 9,000 years ago in southern China, with ancient pots found at a burial site containing residues consistent with beer fermentation. The discovery suggests that ritualized drinking played a significant role in forging social relationships and cooperation among ancient communities.

Helping families exposed to intimate partner violence

Researchers create strengths-based intervention to enhance daily interactions between caregivers and children exposed to IPV. The Mediational Intervention for Sensitizing Caregivers (MISC) project aims to reduce long-lasting effects of trauma on families.

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.

Mapping the brain circuitry of spirituality

A new study has identified the periaqueductal gray as a critical hub for changes in spiritual identification, surprising researchers who previously thought it was associated with higher brain regions. The discovery could have significant implications for understanding spirituality's role in managing physical and emotional pain.

Biomarkers found for COVID-19 condition in children

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has identified potential biomarkers for COVID-19 condition in children, known as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). The researchers hope that these biomarkers can help predict the severity of the disease and inform treatment decisions.

New study sheds light on lives of people with Parkinson’s and their carers

A new European survey sheds light on the lives of people with Parkinson's disease and their carers, revealing a wide range of non-motor symptoms affecting quality of life. The study highlights the importance of individualized management and improved clinical practice in addressing the unique challenges faced by patients and caregivers.

Dartmouth Engineering receives $1.25M from NASA to study space ice

The Dartmouth Engineering team will conduct research on planetary science relating to icy planets' geophysics and astrobiology, aiming to understand the nature of these worlds and their habitability. The project will provide valuable tools for interpreting measurements taken by future missions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Novel algorithm improves ‘consensus’ performance in multi-agent systems

Researchers have developed a novel algorithm that improves the speed at which nodes converge on agreement regarding a single data value needed during computation. The technique is based on designing an optimized network topology that reduces communication costs while allowing for adjustable convergence rates.

Keeping gonorrhea at bay

Researchers have identified a unique sequence essential for efficient multidrug efflux function of the MtrD protein in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a key mechanism for antimicrobial resistance. This discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotic treatments.

Pandemic restrictions enabled unique bird study

A study by Per Henningsson of Lund University found that birds adapt their speed to navigate through narrow gaps, slowing down as they approach the smallest opening. However, this adaptation comes with a significant energy cost, requiring extra energy to fly at sub-optimal speeds and increasing wing beats.

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.

A skin crawling treatment for acne?

A team of scientists at McGill University has invented a smart device for personalized skin care inspired by the male diving beetle. The device collects and monitors body fluids while sticking to the skin's surface, paving the way for more accurate diagnostics and treatment for skin diseases like acne.

Goldilocks was right! No one-size-fits-all when it comes to kids’ health

Researchers developed a customisable time tool, the Goldilocks Day calculator, to help parents allocate hours and activities for optimal health outcomes. The tool considers physical health, cognitive abilities, and mental wellbeing, allowing parents to adjust daily schedules based on their child's needs.

Understanding a nanomuscle

Researchers at Kanazawa University have made significant progress in understanding the constriction mechanism of dynamin, a protein involved in endocytosis. By combining experiments and simulations, they found that the nanomuscle's motion resembles a ratchet motor, generating enough force to cut off vesicles from cell membranes.

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.

Study finds telemedicine appointments reduce risk of further illness

A new study by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that telemedicine appointments combined with in-person visits significantly reduced the risk of further illness for children with medically complex cases. The study assessed 422 patients and found that those who received both telemedicine and c...

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among patients in two urban emergency departments

A study of over 1,000 patients in Philadelphia's emergency departments found that vaccine hesitancy is common among this population, driven by concerns about safety and research. The authors suggest that EDs can play a valuable role in addressing vaccine hesitancy through targeted education and outreach efforts.

Quantum networks in our future

Researchers propose a time-sensitive network control plane as a key component of quantum networks, enabling real-time control and low costs. Industry applications include cybersecurity through quantum key distribution, but standardization and certification are needed.

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 people’s waterways

Public monitoring of China's water quality reveals significant improvements, particularly among heavily industrialized areas. However, local governments' misaligned incentives hinder effective implementation of pollution standards.

Do distressed, help-seeking couples improve on their own? Not much, study says

A recent study examined the dynamics of distressed couples who sought online help for their relationship but had to wait six months before starting an intervention program. The researchers found that while some couples did experience improvements in satisfaction and support, overall levels of distress remained elevated. In contrast, ot...

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Minimum wage hike boosts customer experience

A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that a minimum wage hike improves consumer perceptions of service quality, particularly in independently owned restaurants. The study analyzed online reviews before and after the wage increase and discovered a decrease in negative discussions about worker courtesy and friendliness.

Fighting brain cancer at its root

Researchers at McGill University identified proteins that drive cancer stem cells in brain tumours. Targeting the protein galectin1 may provide a more effective treatment for glioblastoma when combined with radiation therapy. The study found significant improvement in tumour response to radiation therapy, resulting in expanded lifespan.

A Lunar-based Soft X-ray Imager (LSXI) for the Earth’s magnetosphere

The LSXI will use a lunar platform to continuously observe the global images of the Earth's magnetosphere, providing unprecedented observational coverage and innovations in magnetospheric physics research. The instrument combines space-based and ground-based detection results to predict and mitigate space weather disasters.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Regulators for extracellular vesicle production

Researchers from Kanazawa University have identified 4 potential regulators for extracellular vesicle (EV) production, including 1 inhibitor and 3 activators. The inhibitors and activators were screened using a high-throughput method to detect EVs with high sensitivity and versatility.

Cancer treatment with built-in light

Researchers have developed a new photodynamic tumor therapy that works for deep tumors, eliminating the need for external irradiation. The 'intelligent' drug consists of four components linked into a single molecule that brings its own light source and switches it on in acidic tumorous tissue.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Personalized cancer treatment tested on artificial cancer

A research team has developed a cell printing technology to produce 3D cancer spheroids with varying diameters and blood vessels. This enables the reproduction of cancer metastasis properties, paving the way for personalized cancer treatments.

Predicting climate anomalies: a real challenge

The World Climate Research Programme has made efforts to improve climate prediction, but many problems remain, including predicting extreme weather events. The Center for Climate System Prediction Research (CCSP) aims to tackle these challenges through research on ENSO, extended-range weather forecasting, and interannual-to-decadal cli...

New GSA Bulletin articles published ahead of print in August

Researchers studied high-resolution U-Pb dating of a calcite vein in the Dead Sea transform system, revealing strain fluctuations over 7 Ma. In another study, Eocene metamorphism was recorded in mafic dike swarms within the Tethyan Himalaya, southern Tibet, indicating no need for extra heat.

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.

Russian physicists mix classical light with half a photon on a qubit

A Russian-U.K. research team has proposed a theoretical description for the new effect of quantum wave mixing involving classical and nonclassical states of microwave radiation. The study builds on earlier experiments on artificial atoms, which serve as qubits for quantum computers and probes fundamental laws of nature.

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.

Imaginary numbers protect AI from very real threats

Using complex-valued layers can improve performance against adversarial attacks without sacrificing efficiency. This technique, combined with gradient regularization, allows neural networks to resist small perturbations and maintain accuracy.