Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive August 2021


Page 26 of 38

Food scientists create national atlas for deadly listeria

A new genomic and geological mapping tool helps track listeria found in ingredients, processing facilities and finished products by pinpointing sources of contamination. The nationwide atlas reveals the natural distribution of listeria across the US, aiding in the identification of risk areas.

Tiny bubbles: Treating asthma with gene silencing nanocapsules

Researchers developed gene silencing nanocapsules to target GATA-3, a component of the immune response leading to allergic asthma attacks. The treatment showed promise in reducing inflammatory damage and presence of eosinophils in an allergic asthma mouse model and human white blood cells.

UCI study finds targeting mitochondria shows promise in treating obesity

A team of University of California, Irvine scientists discovered a novel pharmacological approach to attenuate mitochondrial dysfunction that drives diet-induced obesity. They found that a small molecule, SH-BC-893, can correct metabolic disease even when mice continue to consume an unhealthy Western diet.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

‘Sticky questions’ raised by study on coral reefs

A new study on coral reefs in Kiribati found that more polluted and high-traffic waters can handle extreme heat events better than remote reefs. The research raises questions about the effectiveness of marine protected areas in conserving coral reefs.

New technique identifies proteins in the living brain

A new study developed a successful approach for identifying proteins in different types of neurons in the brain of a living animal. The technique uses a virus to tag neighboring proteins, allowing researchers to analyze the entire proteome inside living neurons.

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.

When the brain’s GPS goes off the grid

A new study on bats reveals that their brain's GPS system represents three-dimensional space in a unique way, with grid cells packed like spheres rather than circles. The researchers found that this arrangement allows for local order but lacks global symmetry.

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.

Enabling the next generation of organic solar cells

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered a new way for energy to move in organic materials, allowing for faster conversion of sunlight into electrical power. This fundamental mechanism, called transient exciton delocalization, enables efficient energy transport in organic semiconductors.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Engineers uncover the secrets of fish fins

A team of engineers discovered that the unique design of fish fins, with layered structures made up of stiff and soft materials, enables them to achieve remarkable dexterity and flexibility. This finding could lead to new materials and technologies for robotic applications and aircraft design.

Sugary drink consumption plunges in Chile after new food law

A new study found that Chile's package of healthy food policies led to significant declines in the purchase of unhealthy foods and drinks. The implementation of mandatory front-of-package warning labels resulted in a 24% reduction in calories, sugar, saturated fat, and sodium purchased per day.

Tuning gold nanoclusters for targeted gastric cancer therapy

Gold nanoclusters have emerged as a promising material for cancer nanomedicine due to their excellent biocompatibility and efficient renal clearance. The researchers designed multifunctional AuNCs with a therapeutic component and targeting action, demonstrating the potential for targeted gastric cancer therapy.

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.

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.

Global changes in mesothelioma cases, deaths

Researchers estimated a significant increase in global mesothelioma cases and deaths from 1990 to 2017. The study found that asbestos exposure remains a well-established risk factor for the disease.

Novel technique seamlessly converts ammonia to green hydrogen

A research team at UNIST has developed a novel technique that converts liquid ammonia into green hydrogen with high purity and efficiency. The method consumes significantly less power than traditional electrolysis of water, making it an attractive alternative for hydrogen production.

Anatomy of an earthquake series

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that seismicity at the Castor gas reservoir was triggered by pore pressure diffusion and the failure of loaded asperities on a shallow fault. The research identified three phases of the crisis, including a fast backward migration of earthquakes that resulted in the largest tremors.

Study provides suggestions for keeping classroom air fresh

A new MIT study highlights the importance of careful classroom ventilation in reducing the spread of Covid-19 aerosols. Researchers found that certain configurations, such as closed windows and limited upward air movement, can lead to higher concentrations of potentially problematic aerosols.

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.

AI DBT impact on mammography post-breast therapy

A single-center retrospective study found that AI-CAD reduced recall rates and improved accuracy compared to digital mammography (DM) and DBT. The study showed lower recall rates and higher accuracy for DM with AI-CAD, indicating a practical addition to lowering false-positive findings.

With AI, your car can detect potholes

A research team developed an AI-based automatic pothole detection system that detects potholes in real-time using a vision sensor installed on the windshield of a vehicle. The system shows robust detection performance with road images taken under different brightness conditions, improving road safety and efficiency.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Impenetrable optical OTP security platform

A POSTECH research team has developed an encrypted hologram printing platform that works in both natural light and laser light using the metasurface technology. The device can produce a holographic color image retaining specific polarization, setting it apart from previously reported holograms.

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.

P-orbital magnetic topological states on square lattice

A new materials-independent mechanism for magnetic topological states is proposed, resulting in a family of 2D magnetic topological materials with high Chern numbers. The study reveals stable ferromagnetism and high Curie temperatures, sparking further experimental explorations.

Brain gene expression patterns altered by chronic opioid use

A new study has found that chronic opioid use changes gene expression in the brains of people with opioid use disorder (OUD), suggesting proinflammatory signaling and synaptic remodeling. The affected genes involved in immune response and neuronal connections were also identified, offering new targets for treatment.

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.

Study of skull birth defect takes it from the top

Researchers created the first detailed cell-by-cell description of how the coronal suture develops, identifying new genes and cell types involved in generating stem cells that grow skull bones. The study aims to advance new interventions for patients with craniosynostosis.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

System trains drones to fly around obstacles at high speeds

Researchers at MIT have created an algorithm that enables drones to navigate complex obstacle courses at high speeds without crashing. The new approach combines simulations with real-world experiments, allowing drones to adapt to challenging aerodynamics and find the fastest routes.

Rising seas force dune and beach movement

Researchers measure increased vertical translation of dune toe along Holland coast, finding it outpaces sea level rise. The study's findings suggest other locations may experience similar changes due to global warming, highlighting the need for climate change adaptation measures.

Epilepsy surgery may improve overall brain health, study finds

Researchers found that epilepsy surgery is associated with improved overall brain health, reducing brain-predicted age by at least seven years in patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy. The study used advanced MRI techniques to inform its findings and suggests earlier surgery may benefit these patients.

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.

Fire record shows cultural diffusion took off 400,000 years ago

Researchers propose widespread cultural diffusion of fire use and stone tool technology occurred around 400,000 years ago. This finding suggests that hominin populations were exchanging genes and engaging in cultural interactions, contradicting independent invention theories.

Connecting to place, people, and past: How products make us feel grounded

Consumers are seeking products with local origin, traditional designs, and reminders of their childhood and family. Groundedness increases product attractiveness and consumers' willingness to pay. Products providing a sense of groundedness improve self-perceptions related to resilience and feelings of strength and stability.

Dragonfly mission to Titan announces big science goals

The Dragonfly mission will investigate Titan's surface and atmosphere, searching for chemical biosignatures and exploring the moon's active methane cycle. By analyzing the prebiotic chemistry currently taking place in Titan's atmosphere and on its surface, scientists hope to gain insights into the potential for life on the moon.

Common environmental pollutants damage mucus structure, function

Research reveals that exposure to airborne or waterborne particulate matter can disrupt the body's mucosal system, leading to health conditions such as respiratory and heart diseases. The study highlights the importance of understanding how particles affect mucus structure and function to mitigate negative health outcomes.

Taking aim at skin bacteria

Researchers at TUM developed an enzyme-based method to selectively target and remove non-target DNA from skin samples, allowing for a more accurate analysis of the skin microbiome. This approach has shown promise in identifying microbial biomarkers for certain dermatological illnesses and may lead to new treatments.

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.

HKU team paves the way for learning what ancient birds ate

A HKU team has developed a framework to determine the diet of fossil birds, allowing scientists to better understand ancient avian behavior. By combining various techniques, including medicine and materials science, the researchers identified previously unrecognized agreements on the diet of certain species.

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.