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Science News Archive December 2021


Page 19 of 33

Big-headed ancient fish had land on its mind

Researchers used CT scanning to study the cranium of Cladarosymblema narrienense, a 330-million-year-old fish that may have evolved into first four-limbed vertebrates. The analysis suggests a significant brain role in regulating endocrine glands and supports the monophyletic group of megalichthyid fish.

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.

NTU Singapore scientists give new lease of life to e-waste plastics

Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a new use for e-waste plastics by repurposing them as an alternative to laboratory cell culture containers. The team found that over 95% of human stem cells seeded on e-waste plastics remained healthy after a week, comparable to cells grown on conventional plates.

Your perception of self becomes blurrier over time

Researchers found that our concept of self becomes increasingly indistinct as we think about ourselves farther in the past or future, affecting decision-making and memory recall. The 'temporal self-compression' effect challenges traditional notions of identity and time perception.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UCLA-led study provides first indirect evidence that PSMA PET/CT surpasses conventional imaging in detecting occult prostate cancer spread and predicting long-term course and outcomes

A recent UCLA-led study provided indirect evidence that PSMA PET/CT improves risk-stratification and prognostic capabilities for high-risk prostate cancer patients. The study found that PSMA nomogram outperformed existing tools in predicting clinical outcomes, suggesting its significance in disease course prediction.

Stress, by itself, can lead to excessive drinking in women but not men

A study by Arizona State University found that stress alone can lead to excessive drinking in women, while men only drink more when they've already consumed alcohol. The research highlights the importance of studying sex differences in alcohol consumption and challenges existing models developed primarily for men.

The changing patterns of DNA microcapsules

Researchers at Tohoku University have successfully created capsule-like DNA structures using two different types of nanostructures that can stick together. These structures can form water-in-oil droplets with patch-like patterns depending on the concentration of each type, and can be used to carry substances to specific target organs o...

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.

Trial identifies five-drug combo for ‘ultra high risk’ bone marrow cancer

A combination of five existing drugs, including bortezomib and lenalidomide, kept patients with ultra-high risk multiple myeloma alive longer than those who received standard care. The trial found that patients receiving the new five-drug cocktail had stable disease at 18 months compared to those in a previous study.

First standardization of black carbon measurements in the Arctic

Researchers have standardized black carbon measurements in the Arctic, improving our understanding of climate change. By correlating absorption coefficients with COSMOS measurements, they derived reliable conversion factors for various instruments, enabling more accurate climate modeling and air quality assessments.

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.

The sky’s the limit: Using airborne DNA to monitor insect biodiversity

Researchers at Lund University have successfully detected insect DNA in the air, offering a novel approach to monitoring terrestrial biodiversity. This method, known as airborne DNA metabarcoding, allows for the detection of multiple species from single samples and could accelerate biodiversity surveys.

Zooming in on tiny defects

Scientists from OIST and University of Cambridge discovered distinct types of defects in state-of-the-art perovskite thin films, which may hinder solar cell efficiency. The most detrimental defects were grain boundaries and polytypes, while lead iodide defects had a benign impact on performance.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

How can a protein help us remember?

Researchers have discovered the Apterous protein's crucial role in retaining memories through its interaction with the Chi cofactor and regulation of neurotransmitters. In fruit flies, Ap plays a double role in long-term memory consolidation, highlighting potential new treatment approaches for memory-related disorders.

Moffitt study shows lymphoma patients can benefit from receiving CAR T sooner

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that using CAR T therapy as a second-line treatment provided better outcomes compared to standard care in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The two-year follow-up data showed a median event-free survival of 8.3 months in the CAR T arm versus 2 months in the s...

Researchers find climate change record in clam shells

Scientists have discovered a way to extract monthly and weekly ocean temperature records from the shells of tiny surf clams, revealing clues to Earth's past climate. The study uses a species of short-lived clam that has not been used before, allowing researchers to reconstruct sea surface temperatures and past climates with precision.

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.

A step toward “living biotherapeutics”

The coating protects bacteria during the freeze-drying and manufacturing process, allowing them to be used therapeutically. The researchers tested the coating on a strain of E. coli and another species that aids in digestion of plant starches.

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.

Nasal vaccine may aid fight against new viral variants

A new study found that intranasal vaccination provides broad-based protection against respiratory viruses in mice, while systemic immunization did not. The nasal vaccine triggers a localized immune response through IgA antibodies, which can be used to add reinforcements at the source of infection.

New biomarkers could predict rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility

Researchers identified epimutations in cheek cells that can predict rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility. The discovery could lead to a non-invasive diagnostic test for the disease. Biomarkers were found in both Caucasian and African-American women with rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting a strong signal for the disease.

New phenomenon: Forest mammals eavesdrop on messy monkeys

Researchers discovered that forest mammals eavesdrop on monkey meals to access fruit dropped by messy eaters. This eavesdropping strategy is crucial for these animals' survival, particularly during periods when almond trees produce abundant food.

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.

Human-like brain helps robot out of a maze

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology developed a robot that can learn to move through a labyrinth using a human-like brain. The robot, based on the Mindstorms EV3 kit, uses synapses to 'tune' its resistance and navigate the maze in 16 runs. Its ability to generalize its learning makes it suitable for various applications.

Tumor evolution

Researchers analyzed 140 neuroblastoma samples to understand the genetic changes associated with the disease. They found that mutations can disappear and reappear, occurring in distinct sections or individual cells, making targeted therapy less effective.

Grip or slip; robots need a human sense of touch

A recent study published in PNAS reveals that humans can instantly estimate slipperiness of a surface by detecting radial strain in the fingertip skin during initial contact. This innovation has significant implications for robotics and prosthetics design.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

River animals just go with the flow

Researchers observed diverse aquatic biota in post-flood communities, with changes in flow dynamics and water chemistry supporting biological adaptation. The study highlights the role of floods in shaping floodplain ecosystems.

AI models microprocessor performance in real-time

A new AI algorithm, APOLLO, accurately predicts microprocessor power consumption by analyzing just 100 signals out of millions, offering potential to improve efficiency and develop new processors. The technique has been validated on high-performance microprocessors and could help designers inform future chip design.

A longer-lasting COVID vaccine? UCLA study points the way

Researchers at UCLA have identified rare T cells capable of targeting a protein found in SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. By adding a fragment of this protein to vaccines, they hope to create a longer-lasting immune response and increase protection against new variants. This breakthrough could lead to more effective COVID-19 vaccines.

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.

Potentially serious side effect seen in patient after immunotherapy

A case study published in Nature Medicine reports a patient experiencing progressive neurological features resembling Parkinson's disease after CAR-T cell therapy, suggesting potential neurotoxicity. The study highlights the importance of monitoring for neurotoxicity in patients receiving BCMA-targeted CAR-T therapies.

Infant stars identified at the center of our galaxy

Three young stars have been discovered at the center of our galaxy, contradicting initial assumptions about a gas and dust cloud called G2. The unusual temperature of G2 has sparked debate among astronomers, but new observations reveal it is actually composed of three evolving young stars.

MicroRNAs: Biological indicators of the physiological status of animals

Researchers have discovered microRNAs that can detect ovulation and egg quality in fish, and also identify growth signatures. These findings could lead to the development of non-invasive biomarkers for monitoring animal physiological states, enabling cost-effective and accessible information on health.

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.

Did the Lockdown Lead to More or Fewer Non-COVID Deaths?

Research finds lockdowns led to significant reductions in non-COVID mortality, with a decrease of 12.5% after loosening measures, resulting in the prevention of 293,000 deaths. Improved air quality and increased sanitizing surfaces also contributed to fewer deaths from infectious diseases.

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.

Can diamonds originate methane?

Researchers successfully reproduced the formation of methane from diamonds under high-pressure conditions, shedding light on the deep Earth's carbon cycle. This finding suggests that hydrocarbons like methane can be created without biological activities, which has significant implications for our understanding of the planet's climate.

Affordability of medical care among Medicare enrollees

A survey study of 13,000 Medicare enrollees found that unaffordable medical care is prevalent among those with lower incomes or worse health conditions. The study highlights the need for healthcare policies to address this issue and ensure access to necessary medical care for all eligible individuals.

Quantum communication research network launched

A €35 million German research project is developing a quantum communication network to enhance the security of sensitive information exchange. The network aims to overcome current limitations in transmitting quantum signals over long distances, enabling reliable communication over larger areas.

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.

Resolving the puzzles of graphene superconductivity

Researchers provide explanation for superconductivity in trilayer graphene, reconciling two seemingly contradictory phenomena. The new theory suggests that an interaction between electrons provides the 'glue' that holds them together, leading to unconventional superconductivity.

Atom laser creates reflective patterns similar to light

Researchers at Washington State University have created a technique to observe matter wave caustics in atom lasers, resulting in curving cusps or folds. These findings have potential applications for highly precise measurement and timing devices, including interferometers and atomic clocks.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.