Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive February 2021


Page 10 of 45

A sleep disorder associated with shift work may affect gene function

Researchers investigated dynamic changes to DNA methylation in shift workers, finding that rest and recovery can restore gene function. The study suggests that insufficient sleep and related inflammatory consequences may mediate shift work disorder, highlighting the importance of sufficient rest for overall health.

UCF joins project to develop composites for spacecraft, NASA missions

The University of Central Florida is helping NASA develop thin-ply composites that are as thin as measuring tape but strong enough to support satellite payloads. These materials offer significant gains in performance over traditional metallic materials and can be rolled up, compacted and stored for long periods.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Big Data to model the evolution of the cosmic web

Researchers developed COSMIC BIRTH to analyse large-scale cosmic structures, expressing observations as if detected in the early universe. The algorithm uses sampling techniques to deal with high-dimensional spaces, enabling the study of galaxy clusters and their formation.

Can bacteria make stronger cars, airplanes and armor?

Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering used living bacteria to create new materials with superior mechanical properties. These materials exhibit exceptional strength, fracture resistance, and energy dissipation, making them suitable for aerospace panels, vehicle frames, body armor, and defense applications.

Magnetic effect without a magnet

Researchers find giant Hall effect in material Ce3Bi4Pd3, exceeding theoretical predictions by a thousand times. The effect is caused by complex electron interactions and the Kondo effect, leading to unexpected potential for next-generation quantum technologies.

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.

Texas A&M-UTMB team identifies potential drug to treat SARS-CoV-2

A research team from Texas A🌍 University and The University of Texas Medical Branch has identified a potential drug to treat SARS-CoV-2 using the FDA-approved heart medication bepridil. The study suggests that bepridil shows significant effectiveness in interfering with SARS-CoV-2 entry into human cells.

Focus on the positive to improve classroom behavior

A University of Missouri five-year study found that focusing on positive encouragement in the classroom reduces disruptive behavior and improves students' academic and social outcomes. The study implemented a classroom behavior management training intervention, resulting in decreased disruptions and increased student engagement.

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.

Concept for a new storage medium

Researchers developed a concept for a new storage medium based on antiferromagnetic materials, which can store binary values (0 or 1) through controlled manipulation of domain walls. The proposed method could potentially replace conventional ferromagnetic systems with faster and more energy-efficient data processing.

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.

New "metalens" shifts focus without tilting or moving

Researchers have fabricated a tunable metalens made of phase-changing material GSST that can focus light on objects at multiple depths without moving. This enables the creation of miniature optical devices such as heat scopes for drones and ultracompact thermal cameras for cellphones.

How do patients with cystic fibrosis respond to COVID-19?

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital are testing a model of cystic fibrosis airways exposed to SARS-CoV-2 to investigate differences in response. The team has shown that infected cells can be used to assess antiviral drug responses and may guide therapy for CF patients during the pandemic.

Synthesis of a rare metal complex of nitrous oxide opens new vistas for

Researchers have synthesized a rare metal complex of nitrous oxide, demonstrating its strong binding ability to metals, potentially opening new avenues for using it in synthetic chemistry. The findings could also help degrade N2O to harmless substances, mitigating its impact on the atmosphere.

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.

Rapid evolution may help species adapt to climate change and competition

A new study shows that species can rapidly adapt to invasive species and their impact on climate change, affecting survival and response strategies. The experiment used fruit flies, finding that exposure to invasive species led to rapid evolutionary changes in size, reproduction, and development.

Scientists launch a pre-emptive strike on deadly post-transplant infection

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have identified a potential new treatment to protect immunosuppressed transplant patients from HCMV reactivation, which can cause serious illness and death. The 'shock and kill' treatment strategy uses epigenetic inhibitors to expose and destroy dormant HCMV infections.

Tweaking corn kernels with CRISPR

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have successfully applied CRISPR to increase corn kernel numbers by targeting promoter regions that regulate gene activity. This technique holds promise for increasing crop yields per acre and making agriculture more sustainable.

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.

Graphene Oxide membranes could reduce paper industry energy costs

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed graphene oxide nanofiltration membranes that can effectively recycle pulping wastewater while rejecting chemicals, reducing energy consumption and costs. The new technology has the potential to save the paper industry over 30% in energy usage.

Potentially harmful chemicals found in plastic toys

Researchers identified 126 substances that can harm children's health, including phthalates, flame retardants, and fragrances. The study recommends prioritizing phase-out of these chemicals and developing benchmarks for safe use in toy materials.

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.

Tunnels to become CO2-neutral energy suppliers

The Brenner base tunnel is being investigated for its geothermal potential, with researchers aiming to use drainage water for climate-friendly heating and cooling of houses. The project aims to develop a sustainable system that can be implemented in other existing tunnel structures.

Researchers grow artificial hairs with clever physics trick

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new manufacturing technique that uses spinning and curing to form soft, solid structures resembling artificial hairs. The method leverages simple physics to solve engineering problems and promises to play a key role in developing robotic sensing capabilities.

There is no one-size-fits-all road to sustainability on "Patchwork Earth"

A recent paper from McGill University suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach to sustainability is not feasible due to regional complexities. The researchers propose envisioning diverse desirable futures, nurturing seeds of sustainability, and navigating emerging pathways to create a more sustainable future. This approach acknowledg...

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Tricking the novel coronavirus with a fake "handshake"

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed protein fragments called peptides that effectively bind to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, blocking the virus's ability to access host cells. The team envisions delivering these peptides in nasal sprays or aerosol disinfectants to prevent viral entry.

Don't focus on genetic diversity to save our species

New research suggests that genetic diversity is not a reliable predictor of species survival and highlights the importance of habitat protection in saving species. Scientists found that most genetic diversity within a genome is neutral and not correlated with overall genetic diversity.

For breakthroughs in slowing aging, scientists must look beyond biology

Recent studies highlight the need to incorporate behavioral and social science alongside biological mechanisms in aging research. Behavioral and social factors are causal drivers of biological aging, with influences on healthspan and longevity being large and meaningful. Researchers emphasize the importance of including these factors i...

Controlling deflection in construction beams

Engineers from Erbil Technical Engineering College report on the effect of applied load intensity, steel reinforcement index amount and concrete strength on beam depth-span ratio. The study suggests modifying ACI codes to include additional parameters, enabling engineers to control beam deflection within defined limits.

Dozens of new lichen species discovered in East African mountain forests

Researchers from the University of Helsinki have identified over 70 new species of jelly lichens in East African mountain forests. The study reveals that many previously thought to be single species are actually distinct entities with narrow ranges, significantly increasing the genus diversity of Leptogium.

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.

Study could explain tuberculosis bacteria paradox

Researchers found a genetic mechanism in Mycobacterium tuberculosis that allows the bacterium to respond to stress rapidly and in manner that is 'history-dependent.' The study suggests this mechanism may be key to understanding tuberculosis latency, a global health problem affecting 2-3 billion people.

Wine trade in medieval Islamic Sicily

A study found traces of grapevine products in Sicilian amphorae, suggesting local wine trade persisted during the Byzantine-Islamic transition. Grape syrup and vinegar were also detected, used as preservatives in medicinal purposes and cuisine.

Empathy helps explain how parental support can prevent teen delinquency

A new study of nearly 4,000 school children found that children who felt they had empathic support from their parents and caregivers were less likely to commit serious crimes. The research also showed that parental empathy enhanced the development of empathy in teenagers, which in turn reduced delinquent behavior.

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.

The perfect recipe for efficient perovskite solar cells

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin team has developed a scalable method for coating larger surfaces using slot-die coating. They found that the optimal amount of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in the material ink is critical for crystal growth, with too little or too much reducing performance.

Environmental policies not always bad for business, study finds

A study by Cornell economists found that market-based or incentive-based environmental policies can spur innovation and improvements in production processes, benefiting regulated firms. However, policies mandating environmental standards and technologies may harm output and profits.

Lonely adolescents are susceptible to internet addiction

A study of 1,750 Finnish adolescents found that loneliness is a significant risk factor for compulsive internet use. The study suggests that addressing loneliness can help prevent excessive internet use and its negative consequences, such as depression and poor academic performance.

Politics and the brain: Attention perks up when politicians break with party lines

A new study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln psychologist Ingrid Haas found that humans process politically incongruent statements differently, with stronger neurological responses for inconsistent positions. Participants showed increased activity in brain regions involved in cognitive function when reading statements deviating from p...

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.

Biophysical Society announces new open access journalBiophysical Reports

The new journal features short contributions and rapid turnarounds, covering all disciplines of biophysics with an emphasis on methods and techniques. The inaugural Editor-in-Chief, Jörg Enderlein, expects significant potential for the journal to offer transparent and rapid editorial decisions.

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.

A dynamic forest floor

A mathematical model reveals how two radically different communities coexist beneath California's iconic kelp forests. The model accounts for the growth rate and mortality of algae and invertebrates, as well as the lifecycle of giant kelp and sunlight availability. This dynamic foundation species allows competing groups to dominate at ...

New sensor paves way to low-cost sensitive methane measurements

Researchers developed a new sensor using interband cascade light emitting device (ICLED) to detect methane concentrations as low as 0.1 parts per million. The ICLED-based sensors could be used to monitor emissions from livestock and dairy farms, and enable more accurate climate crisis monitoring.

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.

Attachable skin monitors that wick the sweat away?

A new silicone-based patch fabrication technique fabricates thin patches that rapidly wick water away from the skin, reducing skin irritation caused by wearable biosensors. The technique was developed to improve comfort and performance of wearable bioelectronics.