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Science News Archive December 2021


Page 14 of 33

How oral cancer acquires radioresistance

A recent study has identified a new mechanism by which oral cancer cells acquire radioresistance through the transfer of microRNA, specifically miR-503-3p. This discovery brings hope for the development of new treatments for radiation-resistant oral cancer.

A mathematical model may give more efficient climate talks

Researchers at Linköping University developed a mathematical model to describe global climate target achievement and predict unanimity in climate talks. The model shows how countries influence each other over time, highlighting the importance of inclusive plenary sessions and informed parties.

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.

Overactive bladder and urinary incontinence worsen with age

A new study published in Menopause found that postmenopausal women aged 45-54 are more likely to develop overactive bladder syndrome. Stress urinary incontinence symptoms, however, increased with obesity and multiple births. The study suggests a significant association between age and menopause status with increased urinary symptoms.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

“Drink your peas!” – Benefits of supplementing cow milk with plant protein

Researchers from The Ohio State University developed a novel method to supplement cow milk with vegetable protein using readily available dairy processing equipment. This innovation combines the benefits of casein micelles with pea protein to create functional, multisourced dairy products that can help bolster declining fluid milk sale...

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.

3D printing leads to light-weight knee brace for the elderly

A lighter, more robust knee brace for the elderly has been developed through a collaboration between Delsson and Nanyang Technological University. The X-Brace uses lightweight plastic and assistive springs to reduce weight by 30%, making it easier for patients to walk with less pain.

Winter is coming: Researchers uncover the surprising cause of the little ice age

A new study reveals that the Little Ice Age was triggered by an unusually warm episode in the late 1300s, with strong northward transfer of warm water and high solar activity contributing to the phenomenon. The researchers found that this warming event led to rapid arctic ice loss and subsequent cooling of North Atlantic waters.

UC study: Mindfulness can get wandering thoughts back on track

A recent University of Cincinnati study investigated how mindfulness affects mind wandering and found that while it can be effective in reducing mind-wandering thoughts, the results differ depending on the research methodology. The study suggests using computer-based testing methods to measure mind wandering for more reliable findings.

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.

Identifying schools with high lead levels in drinking water

Researchers analyzed 47,727 lead measurements from 1,094 schools in Massachusetts to identify schools with high lead levels. They found that 12% of fixtures had lead levels above 15 parts per billion, with most problematic fixtures concentrated in just 34% of schools.

ALS among NFL players

A study of 19,000 NFL players found a significantly higher incidence of ALS diagnosis and death among players compared to the U.S. male population.

How diet influences taste sensitivity and preference

A University of California, Riverside study found that diet impacts taste sensitivity and food choice in fruit flies, using macronutrients like sugars and amino acids for survival. Flies adjusted their taste preferences based on dietary imbalances, influencing food choices to regain a balanced diet.

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.

Masks activate corona fear

An international study found that masks can evoke fears of Covid-19 in anxious individuals, leading to avoidance behavior. Younger people are more cautious than older counterparts, suggesting media consumption plays a role. Policymakers should focus on reducing mask-related dread to promote public acceptance.

How to transform vacancies into quantum information

Scientists have made a breakthrough in controlling the formation of vacancies in silicon carbide, a semiconductor material. The team's simulations tracked the pairing of individual vacancies into a divacancy and discovered the optimal temperatures for creating stable divacancies. This discovery could lead to highly sensitive sensors an...

Innovative textile vents to release heat when you sweat

Researchers at Duke University developed a lightweight material that traps thermal energy when dry but opens tiny vents to let heat escape when a person starts sweating. The material has potential as a patch on clothing to help keep the wearer comfortable, expanding thermal comfort zones by 30%.

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.

Brood X Cicadas left their mark on soils

A new study found that Brood X cicada emergence holes significantly increased water infiltration rates in undisturbed areas but not in disturbed sites. The holes filled with sediment and debris over time, causing a rapid decrease in infiltration at disturbed locations.

Biased signalling for better drugs

Researchers at PSI have developed a platform to measure biased signalling in G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), enabling selective therapeutic effects and fewer side effects. By testing specially designed bivalent ligands, they can bias signalling towards desired pathways.

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.

Global loss of floristic uniqueness

Researchers found that global databases revealed a net loss of regional floristic uniqueness due to the spread of alien plants. The study highlighted biogeographic factors like climate distance and anthropogenic factors such as shared administrative history contributing to homogenization of regional floras.

Exotic quantum particles — less magnetic field required

A team of researchers from Harvard University has observed exotic fractional states at low magnetic field in twisted bilayer graphene for the first time. The discovery could lead to robust quantum bits and new types of quantum computing applications.

Picture perfect X-ray capture

Researchers at KAUST have developed a nanocomposite that absorbs X-rays with near-perfect efficiency and re-emits the energy as light. This innovation improves high-resolution medical imaging and security screening, with detection limits up to 142 times lower than traditional methods.

Pandemic-related shifts in alcohol sales explored across 16 US states

An analysis of data from 16 US states reveals a major increase in wine and spirit sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, accompanied by changes in the relationship between alcohol sales and business visits. Sales of spirits and wine increased by as much as 20-40% in some states, while beer sales declined overall.

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.

Why do prolonged high temperatures affect plant fitness and flower color?

A recent study found that high temperatures inhibit the accumulation of flavonoids in plants, leading to reduced plant fitness and altered flower color formation. The researchers identified a novel transcription factor CmMYB012 as responsible for suppressing flavone biosynthesis and anthocyanin content.

UTEP receives $917K grant to advance semiconductor technology

The University of Texas at El Paso has received a $917,000 grant from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research to develop advanced materials for national defense, power electronics, and security. UTEP students will perform cutting-edge research on gallium oxide-based semiconductors.

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.

French bulldogs have higher risk of 20 common health disorders

A recent study published in Canine Medicine and Genetics found that French Bulldogs have a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with 20 common health disorders compared to other breeds. The authors propose breeding towards more moderate characteristics to reduce these risks.

Deep mantle krypton reveals Earth’s outer solar system ancestry

A new study found that krypton isotopes in the deep mantle reveal a clearer picture of Earth's formation, contradicting the popular theory of volatile elements arrival. The research suggests that planetesimals from the cold outer solar system bombarded the Earth early on.

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.

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.

Are older people more likely to fall for Covid-19 scams than younger people?

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that older adults are less susceptible to Covid-19 scams due to their higher receptivity to 'bullshit', which prevents them from perceiving false statements as valid. This contradicts the common perception that older adults are more likely to fall victim to fraud.

Greenland’s nutrients changing, with global impact

Phytoplankton are critical to life in ocean waters, and their seasonal availability is shifting due to climate change. Researchers found that carbon produced by phytoplankton is sinking into the deep ocean, impacting global nutrient availability and ocean ecosystems.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A moth’s virtual reality

A team built a virtual reality system to study the search behavior of male silkmoths, revealing that accurate information from multiple modalities increases success rate. The system also showed a modulation of behavior based on environmental complexity.

Quantum theory needs complex numbers

Researchers demonstrate that quantum networks' predictions differ when postulates are phrased in real numbers. The study proposes an experimental setup involving two sources and three measurement nodes, where complex quantum theory's predictions cannot be expressed by their real counterparts.

Recalled noncalcified lesions: ultrasound vs. ultrasound plus mammography

A prospective study found that ultrasound alone adequately completed the diagnostic evaluation of 71.2% of noncalcified lesions, diagnosed 92.1% of cancers, and yielded a sensitivity of 94.9%. Radiologists should consider performing ultrasound first for digital breast tomosynthesis-recalled noncalcified masses.

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.

Real-time, interactive monitoring of forest health

The Forest Condition Monitor tool uses color-coded visualization to identify areas of high-stress forests across Europe, allowing for targeted conservation efforts and research. Scientists can study these regions to understand eco-physiological processes and warn forest owners of potential risks.

A robotic hand with a gecko-inspired grip

Researchers at Stanford University have created a robotic hand with a gecko-inspired grip that can handle both delicate and heavy objects. The 'farmHand' gripper uses gecko-adhesive pads and has a unique finger design to enable both dexterity and strength.