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Science News Archive August 2021


Page 21 of 38

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.

Local perceptions obscure COVID risk during pandemic

A study finds that local perceptions of COVID-19 risk often don't align with national infection rates, leading to inconsistent public behavior. The research suggests that community-level organizations and high-level institutions need to work together to provide accurate information and support individuals in understanding the risks.

Small protein protects pancreatic cells in model of type 1 diabetes

A new study reveals that the small protein MOTS-c prevents the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic cells in mice with autoimmune diabetes. MOTS-c treatment supports regulatory T-cells and reduces the activation of killer T-cells, effectively preventing disease onset.

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.

With redesigned ‘brains,’ W88 nuclear warhead reaches milestone

Sandia National Laboratories completed the first production unit of a weapon assembly responsible for key operations of the W88 nuclear warhead. The new arming, fuzing and firing assembly ensures the system works as intended when authorized, with rigorous testing conducted to validate its design.

Researchers publish new theory of life’s multiple origins

Researchers Chris Kempes and David Krakauer present a new three-layered framework to recognize life's full range of forms. By considering the space of possible materials, constraints, and optimization processes, they argue that life can originate multiple times, taking on diverse forms such as culture, computation, and forests.

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.

What is the surprise in passing surprise medical billing legislation?

Prices paid to in and out-of-network anesthesiologists decreased after surprise billing legislation was introduced, with California and Florida seeing significant drops. In-network prices also decreased in these states, suggesting a direct impact on provider-payer negotiating dynamics.

Molecular mechanisms of corona drug candidate Molnupiravir unraveled

Researchers at Max Planck Institute elucidated the molecular mechanism of Molnupiravir, an antiviral agent that reduces Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus transmission. By incorporating RNA-like building blocks into the virus genome, Molnupiravir prevents further replication and transmission.

Cities are making mammals bigger

A new study finds that urbanization is causing many mammal species to grow bigger, contrary to Bergmann's Rule. The study analyzed over 140,000 measurements of body length and mass from North American mammals collected over 80 years.

Effective temperatures connect equilibrium and nonequilibrium systems

Researchers at USTC discovered effective temperatures consistent with characteristic temperatures in equilibrium systems, bridging nonequilibrium and equilibrium theories. This finding helps establish accurate recognition of effective temperatures, linking slow-evolving nonequilibrium systems.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

College drinking declined during pandemic

Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found that first-year college students reported decreased alcohol use and binge drinking during the pandemic. Social factors such as social distancing and reduced social support were associated with these decreases, while stress-related factors played a lesser role for most students.

Loss of placental hormone linked to brain and social behavior changes

A new study in mice suggests that preterm birth may alter long-term brain development due to the loss of placental hormone allopregnanolone. Reduced ALLO levels led to changes in brain structure and behavior, including autism-like behaviors, which were prevented with a single injection of ALLO.

Having a good listener improves your brain health

A new study shows that having someone available to listen can improve cognitive resilience and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. The study found that individuals with higher listener availability had better cognitive function despite similar physical aging or disease-related changes.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Woven nanotube fibers turn heat into power

Researchers have developed a new material that can convert heat into energy, with potential applications in textiles and electronics. The woven nanotube fibers show promise as building blocks for fiber and textile electronics, and could also be used to cool sensitive electronics.

Pre-pandemic physiological data can predict mental well-being during COVID-19

A Bar-Ilan University study found that individuals with more relaxed heart rate/respiratory function 2-3 years prior to SARS-CoV-2 reported greater mental well-being during the pandemic. Physiological measures such as RSA and SCL were used to assess individuals' mental well-being and regulation of negative emotions.

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.

First genetic sequencing of Brazilian pit viper is completed

Researchers completed the first genetic sequencing of a Brazilian snake's genome, revealing that most toxin genes likely arose from existing functions in ancestral species. The study identified markers for comparing toxin genes with non-toxic 'ancestral' genes, shedding light on the evolution of venom production.

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.

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.

Boston University recognized by NIH for enhancing faculty gender diversity

Boston University has received a $50,000 Prize for Enhancing Faculty Gender Diversity from the National Institutes of Health. The institution's three-pronged approach to supporting women STEMM faculty members has substantively improved gender equity, including increased rates of promotion and diversified leadership.

The Arctic Ocean’s deep past provides clues to its imminent future

A team of scientists from Princeton University found that the Arctic Ocean's nitrogen supply is limited by strong stratification, preventing plankton growth and potentially affecting fish populations. The research used fossilized plankton to study the history of nitrogen sources and supply rates in the western and central Arctic Ocean.

Scientists realize noiseless photon-echo protocol

Researchers at USTC achieved a significant reduction in noise by 670 times compared to previous strategies, enabling solid quantum memory with high fidelity. The new protocol, NLPE, uses double rephasing to manipulate spontaneous noise emission and separate the signal from the noise.

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.

Herbicide resistance no longer a black box for scientists

Researchers identify gene regions responsible for non-target-site herbicide resistance in waterhemp, a key step towards early detection and management tools. By analyzing the genome of waterhemp, scientists have narrowed down the genetic regions controlling resistance to two areas, paving the way for further studies.

Shifting the dialogue on high-quality carbohydrate foods

A team of six world-renowned experts in carbohydrate research outlines the need for a stronger, evidence-based approach to defining quality CF to support overall health and provide clearer dietary guidance. The QCC-SAC consensus is that existing measures, such as glycemic index, are flawed and unreliable.

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.

Tulane scientist leads study on faster charging energy storage

A novel material has been engineered to achieve high power and energy densities, potentially reducing charging times from hours to minutes. This breakthrough could address the need for electrochemical energy storage devices capable of handling high charging rates and high capacity.

Widespread pain linked to heightened dementia and stroke risk

Research finds widespread pain associated with a heightened risk of all types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and stroke. People with widespread pain were 43% more likely to have any type of dementia and 47% more likely to have Alzheimer's disease compared to those without widespread pain.

Polymers “click” together using green chemistry

A team of chemists developed a new set of modifiable polymers made from SOF4, allowing for environmentally safe reactions and fast production. This breakthrough enables the generation of a vast library of polymers with distinct properties for applications in drug discovery and material science.

Humble pond plant duckweed may help researchers to develop better crops

A Rutgers-led study puts duckweed, a tiny freshwater floating plant, as an excellent laboratory model for discovering new strategies for growing hardier and more sustainable crops. The study suggests that duckweed's unique characteristics make it an ideal platform to discover novel strategies for improved plant growth.

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.

A simple method opens access to new fluorine-containing heterocycles

Researchers at Ural Federal University developed a simple method to produce fluorine-containing heterocycles, which are promising building blocks for medicinal chemistry and agrochemistry. The new compounds were found to be highly chemically active and selectively entered into various reactions.

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.

How the malaria parasite defends itself from fever is unveiled

A new study led by ISGlobal has identified a gene called PfAP2-HS that allows the malaria parasite to defend itself from febrile temperatures and other adverse conditions within the host. The study found that this gene activates a protective response against high temperatures, helping the parasite survive in the host's environment.

Regular exercise, even in polluted areas, can lower risk of death

A large study of 384,130 adults found that regular exercise lowers the risk of death from natural causes, regardless of air pollution exposure. Habitual exercise and low pollution levels were associated with lower mortality rates, while inactivity and high pollution were linked to higher risks.

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.

NIH scientists develop faster COVID-19 test

Researchers at the National Eye Institute developed a new sample preparation method to detect SARS-Cov-2, simplifying purification and potentially reducing test time and cost. The method uses a chelating agent to preserve RNA in samples, allowing for direct detection and increasing sensitivity.