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Science News Archive December 2021


Page 9 of 33

COVID-19 lockdowns hurt women more than men

A survey of 579 adults with chronic pain in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland found that COVID-19 lockdowns worsened pain severity in women, particularly due to increased caregiving responsibilities and emotional response. The study highlights the need for targeted pain management interventions specifically designed for women.

Earthquake depth impacts potential tsunami threat

Researchers discovered a connection between earthquake characteristics and tsunami size, finding that shallow rupture can produce larger tsunamis. This study suggests reevaluating the use of earthquake magnitude in estimating tsunami threats.

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.

A more targeted therapy to treat inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered that targeting the TNFR1 receptor may be a more effective approach to treating inflammatory bowel disease. By selectively blocking TNFR1, they found significant benefits in mice with Crohn's-like ileitis, suggesting this approach could offer a new opportunity for healing.

Testosterone drives the dark side of meerkat success

In meerkat societies, testosterone-driven aggression enables cooperative breeding by creating a hierarchy where subordinates help raise the matriarch's pups. Researchers found that matriarchs' high testosterone levels drive their aggressive behavior, which maintains group structure.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Inequities in use of diabetes medications

A study of 1.1 million patients with type 2 diabetes found disparities in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists by racial and ethnic groups, as well as by sex and socioeconomic status. The findings highlight concerns about unequal access to effective diabetes care.

Visuals increase attention; now science explains why

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio discovered that norepinephrine release in the visual cortex is tied to processing of imagery and cells' activation. This local regulation enhances sensory-specific attention and may represent a mechanism to enhance focus.

Pioneering new technique to barcode cells

Scientists have developed a pioneering new technique to barcode individual cells more accurately and efficiently. The method combines artificial intelligence with microfluidics, allowing for real-time analysis of single cells and enabling the efficient sorting and counting of cells.

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.

Well insured: Forests with many tree species grow more consistently

Research found that forests with diverse tree species exhibit higher growth stability and biomass production under fluctuating climate conditions. This is due to the diversity of species characteristics, such as asynchrony in growth patterns and drought-tolerance strategies, which counterbalance negative impacts of extreme weather events.

AI points the way to better doctor-patient communication

Researchers analyzed hundreds of thousands of secure email messages between doctors and patients to find that most doctors use language too complex for their patients' low health literacy. Effective communication can improve patient outcomes by tailoring electronic messages to match the complexity of the patient's language.

ETRI protects the safety of citizens with Visual AI

A Korean research team developed a technology for detecting humans lying on the road in real-time using Visual AI 'DeepView'. This technology can prevent safety accidents and respond promptly to emergencies. DeepView recognizes human behavior by analyzing detailed joint points and postures, increasing accuracy and detection time.

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.

A novel model helps to tell risk of high blood pressure in early stage

Researchers from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science developed a novel model to assess hypertension risk based on simple risk factors. The model achieved an AUC of 0.92, outperforming traditional methods, and identified top risk factors including Body Mass Index, age, and family history.

h-BN/NiS2/NiS nanocatalysts for removing rhodamine B and Cr(VI) in wastewater

The h-BN/NiS2/NiS nanocatalyst exhibits high photocatalytic performance for removing Cr(VI) and rhodamine B from wastewater, with a synergistic effect enhancing its activity and stability. The composite material displays uniform dispersion of NiS2/NiS nanocrystals, increased specific surface area, and enhanced light absorption.

Unfolding the blindness proteins through fly eyes

Scientists have identified a crucial mechanism for Rhodopsin production in fruit flies, which may lead to a better understanding of retinitis pigmentosa and vision loss. The study reveals that the EMC protein complex is essential for the proper folding and insertion of Xport-A, a key chaperone of Rhodopsin.

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.

Archaeology: The smoke that lingers

Researchers found evidence of lignite smoke inhalation in Bronze Age dental calculus, revealing its early use in kilns. This discovery suggests the Mycenaean Greeks produced high-quality ceramic vessels and bronzes on an industrial scale, with systematic lignite use enabling mass production.

After thousands of years, an iconic whale confronts a new enemy

A recent study reveals that narwhals are highly affected by noise pollution from ships and seismic airgun pulses, triggering stress and altering their behavior. Researchers hope that better management of noise pollution will protect these unique Arctic animals.

Perovskite solar cell with ultra-long stability

Researchers from Forschungszentrum Jülich have developed a perovskite solar cell with exceptional stability, retaining 99% of its initial efficiency after 1450 hours of operation. The new design features a double-layer polymer structure that protects the contact point and ensures stable conductivity.

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.

Pain and anxiety impact breathing on a cellular level

A Salk Institute team has uncovered a neural network in the brain that connects breathing rhythm with feelings of pain and fear. This discovery could lead to the development of an analgesic that prevents opioid-induced respiratory depression, a major cause of overdose deaths.

Professor Li Faxin’s group develops world's first DMA for hard materials

The Li Faxin Research Group at Peking University has developed the world's first dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) suitable for hard materials. This instrument measures Young's modulus, shear modulus, and internal friction under variable temperature conditions, offering accurate and quick analysis of material properties.

New autism marker discovered in kids

Scientists have discovered a brain protein, CNTNAP2, that quiets overactive brain cells and is at abnormally low levels in children with autism. The protein can be detected in cerebrospinal fluid, making it a potential biomarker for diagnosing autism and treating epilepsy.

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.

Sauropod dinosaurs were restricted to warmer regions of Earth

Sauropod dinosaurs were restricted to warmer, drier habitats than other dinosaur types, which could thrive in Earth's polar regions. The researchers found that sauropods' range was more limited during colder periods, suggesting a unique physiology closer to being 'cold-blooded'.

Rollercoaster of emotions: Exploring emotions with virtual reality

A recent study at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences used virtual reality to simulate emotionally engaging situations, allowing researchers to measure brain activity and find a correlation between alpha oscillations and emotional arousal. This discovery has implications for psychological therapy and treatment.

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.

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, showing remains of tidal arms excited from interactions with satellite galaxies in the distant past. The map reveals numerous previously unknown filamentary structures at the edge of the disc.

Ocean acidification and warming disrupts fish shoals

Researchers found that ocean acidification and global warming alter fish behavior in groups, affecting their ability to acquire food and evade predators. This disruption could lead to species extinction as tropical fish struggle in new temperate areas.

In last 15 years, deforestation made outdoor work unsafe for millions

Researchers estimate that people living in deforested locations have lost nearly 5 million hours of safe work time due to increased local temperatures, with at least 2.8 million people affected by heavy physical labor. Deforestation accelerates heat exposure and increases the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Understanding cobalt’s human cost

Researchers studying cobalt mining in the DRC found associations with violence, substance abuse, and health challenges. The study highlights the need for social life cycle assessments to understand emerging technologies' impact on human well-being.

Voluntary pledges could cut utility GHG emissions by a third

A study analyzing major US electric utility pledges suggests that if implemented, these reductions could lower power sector emissions by 30% by 2050. However, about one-seventh of the pledged cuts are redundant and would be required under existing state regulations.

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.

Loneliness among emerging adults increased slightly

A recent study found that loneliness among emerging adults (18-29 years old) has increased by about 0.56 standard deviations on the UCLA Loneliness Scale over a 43-year period. This slight increase is considered a warning signal for the need to design prevention and intervention measures against loneliness.

Using ergonomics to reduce pain from technology use

A Texas A&M University study suggests that ergonomic interventions can reduce pain from technology use, particularly among college students. The researchers found that posture and stress are key factors in pain reporting, rather than device type.

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.

Forests with rich tree species grow more consistently

Researchers found that species-rich forests produce more wood and are less affected by extreme weather conditions. The main reason for this stability is the diversity of functional characteristics among tree species, which helps counterbalance fluctuations in climate.

Production of electricity on the Moon is in the hands of Estonians

Researchers at TalTech in Estonia have developed monograin layer solar cell technology that can be used to generate electricity on the Moon. The technology uses pyrite, a mineral found in lunar regolith, and has the potential to provide sustainable power for future lunar outposts.

An element of surprise is the recipe for creating false memories

A team of researchers at Duke University found that surprise can disrupt the stability of patterns in the hippocampus, leading to more false memories. This study has implications for understanding learning and memory, as well as how people recall events and faces.