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Science News Archive August 2021


Page 22 of 38

The good herb: buckwheat liquor helps cells clean house

Researchers from Osaka University found that quercetin in buckwheat liquor induces autophagy, a process that cleans up damaged proteins, and aggrephagy, which removes protein aggregates. This could lead to new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's and alcoholic liver disease.

Table-top electron camera catches ultrafast dynamics of matter

Researchers at DESY create a table-top electron camera that captures the inner, ultrafast dynamics of matter by shooting short bunches of electrons at a sample. The system uses Terahertz radiation for pulse compression and is validated with the investigation of a silicon sample.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

3D ordered channel enhances electrocatalysis

Researchers developed a theory-guided microchemical engineering approach to optimize electrocatalytic performance of methanol oxidation reaction in 3D ordered and crossed-linked channels. Increasing the channel size promoted mass transfer, weakening vertical electron flow, leading to optimal performance.

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.

Berkeley Lab science snapshots

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have made significant breakthroughs in developing a highly effective COVID-19 antibody therapy and an efficient thermoelectric system that can convert waste heat to electricity. The new antibody, S309, has been shown to neutralize all known SARS-CoV-2 strains and may be more difficult for new mutants to escape.

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.

Survivors of trauma struggle to move on from the loss of loved ones

A study found that trauma survivors who experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were more likely to experience complicated grief, a type of prolonged and intense sorrow. Researchers suggest that treating PTSD symptoms early may help prevent persistent grief in the long term.

Chaos in the brain

A defective KCNQ3 channel disrupts the brain's navigation system, leading to disorganized place cell activity patterns. This study provides new insights into the role of KCNQ3 channels in Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders, suggesting potential targets for future drug research.

Robotic floats provide new look at ocean health and global carbon cycle

The deployment of thousands of autonomous robots called BGC-Argo floats is transforming our understanding of marine primary productivity on a global scale. By measuring oxygen production over time, researchers can estimate net primary productivity and shed light on the ocean's role in storing carbon.

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.

Antipsychotics during pregnancy

This observational study found no association between prenatal antipsychotic exposure and increased risk of preterm birth, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder in children. The study's findings suggest that antipsychotics during pregnancy do not pose a significant risk to fetal development.

Inflatable robotic hand gives amputees real-time tactile control

Engineers at MIT have developed a soft, lightweight neuroprosthetic hand that enables amputees to perform daily activities with ease. The prosthetic features a system for tactile feedback, allowing users to feel sensations in their residual limb, and is potentially low-cost for low-income families.

Evaluation of data from a large-scale SARS-CoV-2 surveillance study reveals that comorbidities predict positive RT-PCR testing. Study finds equal risk of asymptomatic infection among children, teenagers, and working-age adults

A large-scale surveillance study in Madurai, India, found that comorbidities are a significant predictor of positive RT-PCR testing. The study also revealed an equal risk of asymptomatic infection among children, teenagers, and working-age adults, highlighting the importance of non-communicable disease control in COVID-19 containment s...

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.

Locations of Riemann Zeros accurately measured

A team from USTC measures first 80 Riemann zeros using a trapped-ion qubit in a Paul trap, achieving high precision. This work provides an experimental basis for studying the Hilbert–Pólya conjecture and understanding the connection between Riemann hypothesis and quantum systems.

Researchers develop new way to study neurodegenerative diseases

Rutgers researchers have developed a novel technique to quantify protein droplets involved in neurodegenerative diseases. The technique measures the surface tension and viscosity of protein droplets, allowing for improved understanding of disease mechanisms and potential drug treatments.

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.

Russian researchers present ultra-precise brain imaging tool

A team from the Russian Quantum Center developed a novel solid-state supersensitive room-temperature magnetometer capable of registering weak electrical sources in the brain. The device successfully detected alpha rhythm, a sinusoidal electric current in the back of the brain, and showed higher sensitivity than existing systems.

Uncovering trends and gaps in Hispanic population health research

Researchers analyzed over 100 datasets to identify changes in Hispanic population health research from 1960 to 2019. They found an increase in studies including adult populations and measures of ethnic and racial identity, but noted gaps in data on children and youth, gender identity, and immigration status.

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.

Back to the land: Research helps farmers sequester soil carbon

Research by Wuletawu Abera and his team has shown that vegetation cover combined with earthworks like retaining walls or trenches can help increase the amount of carbon stored in the soil. The studies focused on the Ethiopian highlands, where land degradation has led to erosion and loss of soil organic matter.

COVID-19-related insurance coverage changes, access to care disparities

A survey study found significant disparities in insurance coverage and access to health care among low-income families and people of color across four Southern states during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study revealed increased challenges in accessing medical care due to limited insurance coverage and other factors.

Three-layered control of mRNA tails

A new study reveals that multiple pathways regulate poly(A) tail lengths in yeast, involving poly(A) binding proteins and a self-regulating pathway. This discovery sheds light on the complex control of mRNA tails and their impact on protein production.

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.

Why boiling droplets can race across hot oily surfaces

Researchers at MIT have quantified the phenomenon for the first time, finding that boiling droplets on hot oily surfaces move rapidly due to a thin oil cloak coating the outside of each water droplet. This cloak acts as a kind of balloon skin, holding vapor bubbles in place and imparting momentum.

Corals survive the heat with bacterial help

Researchers found that a probiotic cocktail of beneficial bacteria increases coral survival after a bleaching event. The approach could be administered in advance to help corals recover from high sea temperatures. Probiotic treatment improved coral response and recovery, boosting survival from 60% to 100%.

Just 10% of kids with ADHD outgrow it, study finds

A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that most children diagnosed with ADHD don't outgrow the disorder. In fact, researchers followed a group of 558 children with ADHD for 16 years and found that only 10% completely outgrew it.

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.

‘Likes’ and ‘shares’ teach people to express more outrage online

A new Yale University study reveals that social media platforms like Twitter amplify expressions of moral outrage over time, encouraging users to express more outrage with increased likes and shares. This finding has significant implications for leaders and policymakers who use these platforms.

Polymer enables tougher recyclable thermoplastics

Cornell researchers created a chemically recyclable thermoplastic by synthesizing long polymer chains using a special catalyst. The resulting material, poly(1,3-dioxolane) or PDXL, has high tensile strength and can be easily depolymerized back to its monomer state, making it suitable for large-scale applications like packaging products.

Genetic program protects neurons from degeneration

Researchers at the University of Bonn identified a genetic program in fruit flies that controls neuron development and protection. The program, which involves the WNK gene, has similar functions in humans and may hold the key to understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Scientists develop a new instrument to measure atmospheric ammonia

A new instrument measures atmospheric ammonia with high sensitivity and fast response, allowing for accurate quantification of NH3 emissions from agricultural ecosystems. The open-path design overcomes challenges faced by close-path instruments, enabling long-term and automated measurements.

Scientists take step to improve crops’ photosynthesis, yields

Researchers at Cornell University have made a significant breakthrough in improving crop yields by enhancing photosynthesis. By removing the enzyme carbonic anhydrase from chloroplasts, scientists have found that plants can still undergo photosynthesis without compromising their growth, paving the way for more efficient food production.

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.

Dog coat patterns have ancient origin

A new study by Professor Danika Bannasch and colleagues reveals that five distinct dog coat patterns have an ancient origin, dating back over 2 million years. The research suggests that lighter coat colors would have been advantageous to an extinct canid ancestor in arctic environments during glaciation periods.

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.

Microbial study reveals extended lifespan of starved bacteria

A study led by Jay T. Lennon found that nearly all bacterial populations persisted for 1,000 days without external food, with some having lifespans exceeding 100,000 years. This suggests that microbes can survive long periods of energy limitation and evolve under such conditions.

Brain cholesterol regulates Alzheimer's plaques, study reveals

Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to show that cholesterol regulates the production of Amyloid Beta (Aβ) in the brain, a key feature of Alzheimer's disease. Cholesterol helps maintain clusters of molecules called lipid rafts, where enzymes cleave Aβ.

Getting cell culture research right

A study analyzing 810 papers found that most cell culture experiments neglected environmental conditions, affecting the accuracy of results. The team recommends standard reporting procedures and instruments for better monitoring and control of culture environments.

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.

Cancer patients use less marijuana than general public

A study by Virginia Commonwealth University found that cancer patients reported lower rates of marijuana use between 2013 and 2018, with only 9% using the substance. Higher pain levels and certain demographics were linked to increased marijuana use in this population.