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Science News Archive August 2021


Page 28 of 38

Why sunflowers face east

A study by researchers at the University of California, Davis found that sunflowers facing east produce more offspring due to increased morning warmth attracting bees. East-facing flower heads also tend to be warmer in the morning and release pollen earlier, coinciding with bee visits.

Urban experimentation can help develop sustainable policies

The study highlights the importance of urban sustainability observatories that leverage urban experimentation for effective policy-making. Researchers discuss challenges and potential partnerships between universities, communities, and industries to establish successful observatories.

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.

NIH small business funding boosts Alzheimer’s science advances

The National Institute on Aging's $280 million investment in small businesses has advanced research on care interventions, diagnostic tools, and therapies for Alzheimer's disease. This funding has enabled the commercialization of technologies such as ActivePERS and PrecivityAD, which aim to improve care and diagnosis.

Less stress for women who know their genetic risk for breast cancer

A recent UNSW study found that women who received their polygenic risk score (PRS) for breast cancer experienced minimal regret and reduced distress compared to those who declined. The researchers also discovered that more women reported regret about not knowing their PRS score, highlighting the importance of providing clear informatio...

COVID-19 during pregnancy associated with preterm birth

A large study found that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of very preterm birth and all preterm births. People of color face disproportionate infection risk while pregnant. Researchers recommend vaccination to reduce COVID-19 infection and prevent preterm birth.

Insects beware! This west coast plant wants to eat you

Researchers discovered a new carnivorous plant species on the West Coast of North America, Triantha occidentalis, which traps insects with sticky hairs on its flowering stem. The plant balances carnivory and pollination by only trapping small midges and not harming its pollinators.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

How society’s inequalities showed up in COVID outcomes

A new study from University of Utah researchers explores how socioeconomic inequalities, particularly in Utah's Salt Lake County, contributed to racial minority groups being unequally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that residents of affluent areas had lower rates of infection compared to those in low-income zip codes.

Graphene binds drugs which kill bacteria on medical implants

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a method to prevent bacterial infections on medical implants by covering graphene with bactericidal molecules, which are released in a controlled manner. The new material has shown promising properties and paves the way for more effective antibacterial protection.

Bio-inspired, blood-repelling tissue glue could seal wounds quickly

A new adhesive, inspired by barnacles' sticky substance, can form a tight seal within seconds of application on wet surfaces, including blood-covered tissues. This bio-inspired tissue glue shows promise in rapidly controlling bleeding and may offer a more effective treatment for traumatic injuries.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

LiftPose3D: Turning 2D images into 3D models

EPFL scientists developed LiftPose3D, a deep learning-based method that can reconstruct 3D animal poses using only 2D poses from one camera. This tool allows for the study of brain mechanisms controlling body movements in freely moving animals.

Shift away from earthen homes ‘environmentally damaging’

A recent study warns that abandoning earthen homes could lead to increased carbon emissions and further climate change. Researchers argue that a balanced approach is needed, considering the environmental benefits of earth materials while also promoting safe and affordable housing options.

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.

Microplastics: A trojan horse for metals

Researchers have discovered that microplastics can serve as a transport vehicle for metals in the environment, accumulating and releasing these pollutants. The study found significant differences in metal accumulation between different types of plastics, with some metals attaching almost entirely to microplastics.

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.

Exotic matter is in our sights

Physicists at the University of Tokyo have created a new spectroscopic method, Rabi-oscillation spectroscopy, to study exotic atoms and improve our understanding of the material universe. This technique allows for faster observation and greater precision than conventional methods.

Brain connectivity can build better AI

A new study demonstrates that artificial intelligence networks based on human brain connectivity can perform cognitive tasks efficiently. Researchers created a brain connectivity pattern and applied it to an artificial neural network, which performed cognitive memory tasks more flexibly and efficiently than other benchmark architectures.

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.

New carnivorous plant must balance trapping prey and being pollinated

Researchers have discovered a new carnivorous plant, Triantha occidentalis, that traps insects near its insect-pollinated flowers, avoiding the death of potential pollinators. The plant's sticky hairs only entrap small midges and insects, allowing larger bees and butterflies to act as pollinators.

Overcoming the limitations of scanning electron microscopy with AI

A joint research team from POSTECH and KIMS developed a faster and more accurate microstructure imaging technique using deep learning. The technique enhanced the resolution of existing microstructure images up to 4, 8, or 16 times, reducing imaging time by up to 256x compared to conventional SEM systems.

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.

Taking microscopic shape without a microscope

Scientists from Nara Institute of Science and Technology have created a simple and fast method for detecting cell shape as they pass through a microfluidic channel. The team used changes in electrical impedance to measure the asymmetry of individual cells, which may greatly accelerate biological experiments.

What a song reveals about vocal imitation deficits for autistic individuals

A new study comparing pitch and duration imitations in speech and song has found that autistic individuals perform differently in two categories: relative pitch and absolute pitch. Autistic children and adults showed better performance with relative pitch, while struggling with absolute pitch across both domains.

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.

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.

WVU scientist earns $2.5 million to help pump the brakes on diesel emissions

Hailin Li, a WVU engineer, will lead a project to develop a software platform that simulates heavy-duty diesel engines with advanced after-treatment systems. The goal is to improve engine efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions, which will help cut greenhouse gases and pollutants from the transportation sector.

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.

National parochialism is widespread around the world

A study of 42 countries reveals that most participants prefer to collaborate with fellow citizens rather than with people from other countries. The tendency towards in-group bias is driven by factors such as education level and gender, but not by cultural differences or national cohesion.

Medicaid expansion of dental care can increase access

Research by Jason Huh found that Medicaid expansion can increase the number of dentists per capita in low-income counties, with a 13% increase. This growth is driven by private practice dentists responding to financial incentives offered by expanded coverage.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Biosensors: Transforming the diagnosis of infections in newborns

Researchers review advancements in biosensing technologies for neonatal sepsis diagnosis, highlighting the need for faster and more accurate methods. Biosensors offer a promising solution, detecting multiple parameters simultaneously with high sensitivity and accuracy.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Switched on IR-active organic pigments

Researchers developed a modular organic molecular system with customizable properties, creating a potent dye that absorbs light in the near-infrared range. The pigments' electronic switchability makes them suitable for studying electron transfer in photosynthesis and as efficient electron-transporting materials.

Brain structure in premature babies linked to emotional processing in preschool

New research published in eNeuro found that premature babies' brain connections at birth can predict their future emotional and social development. The study discovered a link between the strength of the uncinate fasciculus, a white matter tract involved in emotional regulation, and emotion moderation skills in preschoolers.

Slam the door shut: Improving building energy by evaluating building airflow

Scientists from Incheon National University identified interzonal airflow across household entrance doors as a dominant factor in calculating heating loads. They found that strong stack effect and weather-driven airflow rates were larger than external infiltration rates, making conventional airtightness measures unreliable.

What to call seafood made from fish cells

A new Rutgers study suggests that food companies use the terms "cell-based" or "cell-cultured" when labeling seafood products made from fish cells. The study found that both terms meet FDA regulations and help consumers understand the production process, while also recognizing potential allergens.

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.

A novel implement of CPML for second-order acoustic wave equations

Researchers develop a new unsplit complex frequency-shifted perfectly matched layer (UCF-PML) method for simulating second-order acoustic wave equations. The TS-CPML implementation outperforms conventional CPML in terms of absorbing efficiency, leading to more accurate seismic wavefield simulations.

Youth, the pandemic and a global mental health crisis

A new study found that depression and anxiety symptoms have doubled in children and adolescents globally during the pandemic. The study recommends prioritizing recovery planning now to mitigate sustained mental health effects.

Earthquake forecasts move a step closer to reality

Scientists aim to develop computer models that can forecast earthquake chances and impact, like weather forecasting. The project will also train students and researchers from diverse backgrounds to work on computational geoscience.

SARS-CoV-2 infection among maternal-infant pairs in Ontario, Canada

A recent study found SARS-CoV-2 infection among maternal-infant pairs to be extremely rare in early infancy. The findings suggest that while transmission is uncommon, continued monitoring and vaccination efforts are necessary to protect newborns from COVID-19 and its variants.

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.