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Science News Archive December 2021


Page 21 of 33

A new super-cooled microwave source boosts the scale-up of quantum computers

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a precise microwave source that operates at extremely low temperatures, potentially removing the need for high-frequency control cables. The new device could enable larger quantum processors with more qubits, increasing their potential applications in fields like computing and sensing.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New biosensors shine a light on CRISPR gene editing

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a self-detect solution to monitor CRISPR gene editing tools in organisms. The system uses a biosensor guide RNA and reporter protein to trigger the technology's reveal itself, enabling real-time detection of CRISPR activity.

Fiery dragon’s breath may scorch young planets

A supermassive filament eruption has been observed on a Sun-like star, EK Draconis. The filament was large and fast, posing severe impacts on planetary environments. This finding sheds light on the origins of life on Earth and potential life on other planets.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mini-jet found near Milky Way's supermassive black hole

A mini-jet has been found near the Milky Way's supermassive black hole, indicating periodic outbursts. The discovery was made using multi-wavelength observations from various telescopes and suggests that the black hole is not a sleeping monster but rather dynamically variable.

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.

New method helps fabricate tissue-like wet and slippery hydrogels

Researchers demonstrate an innovative chemical method to engineer diverse layered hydrogels with wet and slippery properties, suitable for tissue-like models, soft robots, and intelligent devices. The UV-SCIRP method enables the efficient construction of complex hydrogel patterns and non-flat arbitrary-shaped objects.

Previously unrecorded Chilean tsunami identified

A large earthquake off the coast of south-central Chile in 1737 may have caused a substantial tsunami that was absent from historical records. Researchers analyzed sediments and found evidence of widespread sandy layers, dating to the same time as the earthquake, similar to deposits made by tsunami waves in other areas.

Talk between immune cells could lead to new cancer vaccine

Yale scientists identified crucial ways immune system cells congregate and communicate to identify tumors, paving the way for new vaccines that could increase survival rates in several forms of cancer. Research found B cells interact with CD4 helper T cells to unleash a robust response by CD8 killer T cells.

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.

Burrowing snakes have far worse eyesight than their ancestors

Scientists found that seven genes associated with bright-light vision are absent in burrowing snakes, demonstrating extensive vision gene loss over millions of years. This challenges the hypothesis that all modern snakes evolved from extreme burrowers, suggesting a different evolutionary path for these subterranean snakes.

A tool to speed development of new solar cells

Researchers at MIT and Google Brain developed a system that predicts how changing materials or designs will improve solar cell performance. The new simulator, called differentiable solar cell simulator, provides information on which changes will provide desired improvements, increasing the rate of discovery of new configurations.

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.

Scientists solve the grass leaf conundrum

Researchers used computational modeling and developmental genetic techniques to study grass leaf formation, finding that current theories are likely incorrect and a 19th-century proposal is closer to the truth. The discovery sheds light on how simple growth rules can generate diverse leaf shapes.

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.

An easy relationship between a beetle and its yeast symbiont

Scientists at Nagoya University discovered that Japanese lizard beetle larvae feed on yeast injected by their mothers, but the yeast only consumes simple sugars. The study found that the yeast grows on small molecule monosaccharides and not on complex sugars despite its ability to digest them.

UToledo study finds K-12 teachers largely against arming educators

A University of Toledo study found that 70.8% of K-12 educators surveyed are against allowing teachers to carry guns in schools. Despite proposals to train and arm teachers, the majority of educators strongly disagree with the idea, citing concerns about safety and normalization of school shootings.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Dinosaurs’ last spring: Study pinpoints timing of Chicxulub asteroid impact

A groundbreaking study confirms the timing of the Chicxulub asteroid impact, which occurred during the spring-summer growth phase, leading to the extinction of dinosaurs and 75% of life on Earth. The research team used multiple lines of evidence, including fossil pollen, index fossils, and radiometric dating, to pinpoint the exact time...

Building a better dashboard for enhanced understanding of health

A new study published in BMJ Health & Care Informatics examines decades of dashboards designed to communicate health data, highlighting the need for user-centered design and effectiveness testing. The research aims to guide the development of dashboard enhancements and customizations that support informed decision-making.

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.

Are scientists homing in on a cure for Parkinson’s disease?

Researchers at the University of Bath have optimised a peptide that prevents alpha-synuclein misfolding, a key feature of Parkinson's disease. The new molecule, 4654W(N6A), has shown significant promise in lab experiments and could lead to the development of a disease-modifying treatment.

Machine learning decodes tremors of the universe

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems developed an algorithm that analyzes gravitational wave data in seconds, rather than hours or months. The system, called DINGO, uses a deep neural network to infer properties of binary black-hole sources with high accuracy.

Yale researchers find early developmental gene can cause deadly aneurysms

Researchers at Yale University discovered a key gene that contributes to the development of life-threatening brain aneurysms in adults. The study found that mutations in the PPIL4 gene are significantly more common in individuals with intracranial aneurysms, highlighting a potential new target for diagnosis and treatment.

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.

Family dynamics can motivate and prevent talking about health

A new study from Iowa State University finds that open dialogue and reciprocal information sharing between parents and emerging adults reduces barriers for talking about health, leading to better health outcomes. The researchers identified three significant factors affecting health disclosures: relational quality, reciprocity, and conf...

First patient-specific zebrafish model for arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy

Researchers have created the first patient-specific zebrafish model for arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), a heart disease caused by a genetic mutation. The model recapitulates the human form of ACM, including fat accumulation in the heart and changes in calcium levels, and shows promise for relieving symptoms.

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.

Polariton parametric oscillator in perovskite microcavity

Researchers have developed a room-temperature perovskite polariton parametric oscillator, enabling scalable and low-threshold nonlinear devices. This breakthrough offers possibilities for the development of cost-effective and integrated polaritonic devices.

Mysterious STEVE light emissions emanate from Earth’s magnetosphere

Researchers have identified the source of mysterious STEVE light emissions as a narrow region in the magnetosphere, driven by strong waves and particle acceleration. The findings suggest that the ionosphere and magnetosphere may be coupled at lower latitudes, transporting vast quantities of energy and momentum.

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.

New state of matter: Crystalline and flowing at the same time

Scientists have successfully created a new state of matter that combines crystalline order with fluidity, similar to traditional materials like copper and aluminum. The discovery uses DNA-based dendritic nanostructures to form cluster crystals with highly mobile particles.

Exposure to toxic metals may increase risk of clogged arteries

Research published in ATVB Journal Report reveals that exposure to low-levels of toxic metals can increase the risk of plaque buildup in arteries in the neck, heart, and legs. The study focused on subclinical atherosclerosis and examined the impact of metal exposure on various artery regions.

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.

Finding the recipe for a larger, greener global rice bowl

The study analyzed 32 rice cropping systems and found that around two-thirds of them have yields below optimal levels, highlighting opportunities for improvement through better management and breeding programs. Sustainable intensification can help increase crop yields while minimizing environmental impact.

DeepMind simulates matter on the nanoscale with AI

DeepMind's neural network approach accurately describes electron interactions in chemical systems, overcoming long-standing challenges. The company's breakthrough enables researchers to explore material design, medicines, and catalysts at the nanoscale level.

A new class of antiviral therapy could treat COVID-19

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes developed a new class of antiviral therapy that can track the evolution of SARS-CoV-2, reducing the chance of reduced efficacy against new variants. The single-dose intranasal treatment showed significant reduction in viral load and prevented disease in animals.

Drilling into the dental secrets of Edo-era Japanese bacterial genomes

A study of Edo-era Japanese skeletons reveals a prevalence of periodontal disease similar to modern times, with distinct bacterial species. Researchers analyzed dental calculus from 12 human skeletons and compared their oral microbiomes to modern samples, shedding light on the evolution of the oral microbiome.

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.

Ethiopian monuments 1,000 years older than previously thought

A Washington State University research team used advanced radiocarbon dating to determine the age of ancient stone monoliths in southern Ethiopia's Gedeo zone. The findings push back the construction date by a millennium, shedding light on the region's culture and trade networks.

Prof. Dr. Moritz Schularick receives a Leibniz Prize

Prof. Dr. Moritz Schularick has been awarded the prestigious Leibniz Prize for his groundbreaking research on financial crises, economic history, and inequality. His work has shed new light on the causes of financial instability and social inequality, making him a leading expert in his field.