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Science News Archive August 2021


Page 24 of 38

Genetic enigma solved

A team of researchers has cracked the code on dog coat color patterns by identifying five distinct genetic variants that cause different colors. These variants originated in an extinct species and were introduced into modern dogs through hybridization events.

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.

August issues of American Psychiatric Association journals

The latest August issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services explore the use of neuroimaging and machine learning in psychiatry. Researchers highlight both the benefits and limitations, including advancements in understanding and practice, as well as service inequities among underserved groups.

From blood to brain: Delivering nucleic acid therapy to the CNS

Researchers develop a drug delivery platform that efficiently delivers antisense oligonucleotides to the central nervous system, overcoming the blood-brain barrier. This breakthrough has significant implications for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy and other CNS disorders.

Isotopes reveal the lifetime mobility of an Arctic woolly mammoth

Scientists reconstructed the life history of a woolly mammoth using isotopes from its tusk, revealing it traveled vast distances and covered an extensive range in Alaska. The analysis provides insight into the animal's preferred habitats and behavior, shedding light on one of the most iconic ice-age creatures.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The Wendelstein 7-X concept proves its efficiency

The Wendelstein 7-X stellarator has demonstrated reduced neoclassical energy transport, lowering plasma energy losses. The optimised magnetic field successfully minimises these losses, a major weakness in conventional stellarators.

New marmoset species discovered in Brazilian Amazon

Scientists have discovered a new marmoset species, Schneider's marmoset (Mico schneideri), in the Brazilian Amazon. The discovery sheds light on the high levels of land clearing and fires in the region, where conservation efforts are urgently needed to protect this threatened group of monkeys.

In HIV prevention, worsening disparities among states

A new study found that states with low initial use of HIV-prevention drugs continue to fall behind in usage among people at risk for the disease. Researchers urge federal and state governments to close gaps by implementing successful policies from early-adopting states, such as telehealth programs and expanding Medicaid.

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.

Harnessing sunlight to fuel the future through covalent organic frameworks

Researchers highlight the potential of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) in solar-to-fuel production, converting sunlight into hydrogen and other fuels. COF-based photocatalysts have shown promising properties, including improved catalysis and electron delocalization, making them a viable solution for future energy needs.

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.

Advanced glycation end products and cognitive impairment in schizophrenia

A study found that plasma pentosidine levels, a marker of advanced glycation end products, were significantly associated with impaired processing speed in schizophrenia patients. The results suggest that reducing AGEs may contribute to improving cognitive function and promoting recovery in patients with schizophrenia.

Batters move their heads to keep their eyes on the ball

Researchers found that batters keep their eye on the ball but move their head to direct their gaze. The study suggests that this movement may help reduce visual calculations needed for accurate bat placement. Further investigation is needed to determine if eye-gaze-based training can improve batting performance.

Metabolism changes with age, just not when you might think

A new study reveals that metabolism peaks in infancy, followed by a gradual decline until age 60, with the biggest slowdown after 90. The research suggests that tissue metabolism is changing over time, contradicting previous assumptions about lifestyle and body composition.

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 investigates how arctic-alpine plants respond to global warming

Researchers analyzed nearly 500 million measurements of arctic-alpine plant growth, finding that deciduous species such as dwarf birch thrive in warmer winters, while evergreen species like crowberry struggle. The study suggests climate change may lead to an increase in greening of arctic-alpine regions.

A leap in understanding

A study published in PNAS uses CRISPR technology to understand how genetic mutations cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The research found that specific mutations can lead to changes in the movement of myosin proteins, which are essential for heart contraction. This new understanding has implications for preventing and treating HCM.

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.

Red blood cell alterations contribute to lupus

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine found that defective red blood cells with retained mitochondria contribute to lupus inflammation. The study provides a new piece to the lupus puzzle and could lead to targeted therapies for patients.

Over 260,000 kilometres of rivers at risk due to proposed hydro dams

A study by McGill University researchers found that planned hydropower dams could sever over 260,000 km of river, threatening free-flowing rivers globally. The dams would collectively generate less than 2% of the renewable energy needed by 2050 to keep global temperature increase below 1.5°C.

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.

Farmers help create ‘Virtual safe space’ to save bumblebees

The University of Exeter has developed a virtual safe space tool called BEE-STEWARD to test different land management techniques for bumblebee survival. The tool provides a computer simulation of bumblebee colony survival in a given landscape, allowing researchers and farmers to predict the impact of their decisions.

Touted as clean, ‘blue’ hydrogen may be worse than gas, coal

New research from Cornell and Stanford University suggests that 'blue' hydrogen, touted as a clean energy source, may have a larger carbon footprint than burning fossil fuels. The process of making blue hydrogen requires more energy than traditional methods, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Metabolism changes with age, just not when you might think

A new study reveals that metabolism increases rapidly during infancy, peaking at around one year old. After a gradual decline until the 20s, metabolism levels off and then slows down again after age 60, with older adults requiring fewer calories. The findings suggest that muscle loss and cellular changes contribute to this decline.

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.

Remember: A personal dosimeter is waiting in your first aid kit!

Scientists from the Institute of Nuclear Physics PAS discovered that medicines like painkillers can be used as makeshift emergency dosimeters due to their composition and standardization procedures. This method is more personal and easier than previous methods, which require breaking down expensive devices.

Widowers more likely to be diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer

A recent study published in European Journal of Epidemiology reveals that widowers are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. The research highlights the importance of social environment and lifestyle factors in the development of the disease.

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.

Crystals made to fit

Researchers have developed a novel type of soft hybrid ultramicroporous material that can change its pores to allow acetylene molecules to fit in perfectly. The material binds acetylene with unusual strength and allows for highly selective separation from other gases.

New study shows the potential of DNA-based data-structures systems

A new study by Newcastle University researchers has developed dynamic DNA data structures that can store and retrieve information in an ordered way. The study presents an in vitro implementation of a stack data structure using DNA polymers, which stores and retrieves information in a last-in-first-out order.

Inequalities in education continued during second period of school closures

A new study found that school closures exacerbated existing inequalities in education, with disadvantaged families spending less time on learning at home. Despite increased home lessons, the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged families remained, with single-parent families showing a narrowing of the gap.

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.

Report: How are states using Medicaid for the needs of autistic individuals?

Researchers found that states have implemented new autism-specific Medicaid programs, with the most common type being the 1915(c) waiver authority, providing home and community-based services. The study suggests that further replication of successful efforts is needed to improve access to services for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Researchers identify neurons involved in overdose deaths

Researchers identified a group of neurons in the brainstem that plays a key role in opioid-induced respiratory depression, which causes overdose deaths. Blocking these receptors can restore breathing during an overdose, offering potential new treatment targets.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Origins of mutation

A new study has pinpointed nine processes that lead to most human genetic mutations, including inaccurate DNA copying and chemical damage. The research analyzed 400 million rare DNA variants and identified a set of biological processes responsible for heritable human mutations.

Race and address may increase risk for diabetes-related amputation

A recent study found that rates of minor lower extremity amputations increased between 2009 and 2017 in rural and Western American residents, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders. Major LEAs rates remained steady during the period with notable increases in White populations and rural areas.

A novel virtual reality technology to make MRI a new experience

Researchers from King's College London created a novel interactive VR system to make MRI scans more accessible for children, people with cognitive difficulties, and those with claustrophobia or anxiety. The system removes the sense of being inside the MRI scanner by providing an immersive VR environment that is continuous throughout th...

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.

Protecting coral reefs more effectively from climate change

Researchers have identified different thermal tolerance mechanisms in corals, with some species exhibiting 'resilient' and 'resistant' responses to heat stress. The findings provide a toolbox for protecting coral reefs worldwide and inform conservation prioritization.