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Science News Archive December 2021


Page 16 of 33

A longstanding mystery in manufacturing has been solved

Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a simple analytical model to predict chip formation and optimize surface finish in manufacturing processes. The study reveals the critical cutting depth for almost every material, tool geometry, and running conditions, minimizing tool wear and improving product quality.

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.

Magnetic Tunnel Junction Technology for the Angstrom Semiconductor Era

A research group at Tohoku University has successfully engineered relaxation time to achieve fast switching in sub-five-nm magnetic tunnel junctions, reaching 3.5 ns. This breakthrough enables the development of STT-MRAM-based semiconductor ICs with improved performance and power consumption.

Global percentage of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections

A review of 95 studies revealed that the percentage of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases varies significantly between individuals with confirmed infections and those who underwent testing. The analysis provides valuable insights into the prevalence of asymptomatic infections worldwide.

Improving drug options for colorectal cancer patients

Researchers have discovered that a common class of targeted therapies can help more colorectal cancer patients than previously thought. By analyzing cell studies and computer modeling, the team identified 10 distinct RAS mutations that do not preclude the use of EGFR inhibitors, which are already approved for other uses.

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.

Implementing sustainable nitrogen use in smallholder rice

Research comparing site-specific nutrient management approaches to existing farmer fertilization practices shows SSNM improves average rice yield by 644 kg/ha, increases profitability, and reduces N losses. SSNM also promotes better nutrient balance and considers micronutrients like zinc and iron.

Understanding phase change materials for thermal energy storage

Researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of California, Berkeley, describe advances in understanding phase change materials for thermal energy storage. Better understanding liquid state physics may help accelerate technology development for the energy sector.

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.

Reframing Aging Initiative launches new website

The Reframing Aging Initiative has launched a new website to improve public understanding of aging and reduce ageism. The initiative, led by the Gerontological Society of America, provides resources, tools, and strategies for individuals and organizations to adopt bias-free language and promote positive narratives about aging.

Boosting anti-cancer action by driving up immunity at tumor site

Researchers developed nanoparticles that activate key cancer fighters by driving up immunity at the tumor site, improving interactions with antibody therapies. The technique left six of 10 mice with lymphoma tumor-free and was effective in melanoma when combined with existing immune response amplifiers.

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.

Stroke therapy: Learning from nematodes

A molecule found in a nematode worm has shown promise in protecting the brains of stroke patients by reducing cell death and decreasing affected region size. Experimental treatments using glycolic acid have successfully salvaged threatened tissue in animal models, offering potential for reduced mortality and disability in stroke patients.

How we measure the effects of methane matters for climate policy

A new study published in Nature Food highlights the importance of methane abatement options in slowing down agriculture's contribution to global warming. The research shows that focusing on short-term effects of methane can lead to greater emission reductions, making low-meat diets a powerful mitigation mechanism.

Cannabis oils: do they really contain what their packaging claims?

Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg developed a rapid and precise method to analyze CBD oils, detecting both CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with high accuracy. Twelve out of twelve tested samples contained about as much or slightly more CBD than indicated on their packaging.

Finding new tools for leukemia treatment

Researchers found that mutations in IL-7R are sufficient to trigger acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a common and aggressive cancer in children. The study suggests that drugs targeting this protein may offer new therapeutic options for patients.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New research could hold the key to tackling global crisis of malnutrition

A new research project, SYSTAM CHINA-SEACS, aims to develop systemic solutions to tackle both undernutrition and overweight, obesity or diet-related NCDs. The study will be piloted in the Chinese city of Fang Cheng Gang and has the potential to improve the health and living conditions of billions of people.

Creating the human-robotic dream team

A team of UBC Okanagan researchers has developed a system to enhance interactions between humans and robots in industrial settings. The system uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to capture and analyze the environment, allowing robots to respond in a timely manner to ensure human safety.

Einstein wins again

Researchers have conducted a 16-year experiment to challenge Einstein's theory with pulsars, revealing relativistic effects for the first time and confirming predictions with precision. The study uses the unique Double Pulsar system, which consists of two orbiting radio pulsars, providing an ideal laboratory for testing gravity theories.

Surgical procedure helps cancer patients face themselves again

Researchers at UCSF developed a new technique using skin grafts with 'privacy glass' to provide a better facial color match for cancer patients. The study found that the technique resulted in a better match than other methods, with an average delta-E calculation of 6.3.

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.

Unique data creates 'fair and robust' online exams

Researchers developed a new way to create unique datasets during online exams, boosting their fairness and robustness. The technique uses bespoke lab videos, smart worksheets, and realistic data to provide instant feedback and aid marking.

Researchers enhanced thermoelectric performance of SnTe

Scientists at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science found that As/Sb elements can improve the band structure and band gap of SnTe, enhancing its thermoelectric properties. The results show that Ge-As co-doping in SnTe improves Seebeck coefficients, power factor, and conversion efficiency.

Advanced analysis of Apollo sample illuminates Moon’s evolution

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals chemical heterogeneities in Apollo 17 sample troctolite 76535, indicating an early rapid cooling of the Moon. This finding challenges previous estimates of a 100-million-year cooling duration and supports initial rapid cooling of magmas within the lunar crust.

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.

Ramping up point-of-care diagnosis for COVID-19 and beyond

A KAUST-led team developed a biosensor that can detect biomolecules, including the COVID-19 spike protein, with high sensitivity and selectivity. The device uses solid-state metal oxide transistors and can be used to diagnose multiple diseases quickly and easily.

Unveiling substructures at the edge of the Galaxy

An international team of astronomers has created a new map of the Milky Way's outer disc using data from the Gaia space mission. The findings reveal many previously unknown coherently rotating filamentary structures at the edge of the disc.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Paxman KTP to create new device to prevent chemotherapy side-effect CIPN

A novel medical cooling system for preventing Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is being developed by the University of Huddersfield and Paxman. CIPN causes pain or sensitivity in hands and feet, delaying treatment. The new device uses 'Human Centred Design' to deliver stable cooling, tolerable over chemotherapy duration.

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.

A Zika hijacking with devastating impacts

Researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School found that Zika virus infection disrupts the glucose metabolism pathway in infected foetuses, leading to birth defects and death. A potential supplement, pyruvic acid, may protect foetuses from these impacts.

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.

Critical new funding for dementia project

Dr. Mario Masellis' international team is receiving $320,198 in funding to examine the interplay between genetic, demographic, and cardiovascular factors on dementia risk. The project aims to improve management and prevention of dementia, ultimately reducing its impact worldwide.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

When the brain switches from hearing to listening

Researchers at the University of Basel traced the neuronal fingerprint of sound processing in mouse brains, finding ten distinct activity patterns that depend on factors like attention, arousal, and reward. These findings suggest that even simple sound detection is a cognitive process that profoundly shapes brain activity.

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.

Evidence for shared earthquakes between San Andreas and san Jacinto faults

Researchers have found evidence of joint ruptures, or shared earthquakes, between the San Andreas and san Jacinto faults in California. The Lytle Creek Ridge Fault, a small fault between the two major faults, acted as a passive marker during these events, with 20% to 23% of earthquakes on these faults being shared.