Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive February 2021


Page 13 of 45

HKUST decodes a deep-sea vent-endemic snail hologenome

Researchers have discovered a dual symbiosis system in deep-sea vent-endemic snails, where they host both sulfur-oxidizing and methane-oxidizing bacteria for nutrient synthesis. This finding provides new insights into how animals thrive in extreme environments and sheds light on the adaptation to microbes.

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.

Parasites' dispersal capacity and rates of genetic introgression--a study

A recent study published in Communications Biology analysed the relationship between parasite dispersal capacity and genetic introgression rates. The research found that species with higher dispersal abilities present increased genomic signatures of introgression, which could have implications for understanding parasite-host dynamics.

New study highlights lack of diversity and inclusion in vaccine clinical trials

A new report highlights disparities in vaccine clinical trials, showing that certain racial/ethnic groups and older people are not adequately represented. The study emphasizes the need for increased diversity and inclusion to ensure equitable representation of all populations, particularly those disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

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.

To end HIV epidemic, we must address health disparities

The HIV epidemic continues to disproportionately affect marginalized groups, particularly in the US South. Experts recommend allocating resources to areas and populations hardest hit by the epidemic to implement targeted interventions and promote HIV prevention and treatment adherence.

How the brain processes sign language

Researchers identified Broca's area as a key region for sign language processing, showing an overlap with areas used for spoken language. The study highlights the brain's linguistic specialization and its role in processing abstract information across different forms of language.

Mason researchers planning ukulele workshops

Researchers at George Mason University are planning a series of four ukulele workshops as part of the National Endowment for the Arts Military Healing Arts Network initiative. The project aims to improve the health, wellness, and quality of life for military and veteran populations exposed to trauma through arts engagement.

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.

Seeing stable topology using instabilities

Researchers have developed a method to characterize topological phases of light using nonlinear instabilities, offering a simpler way to probe and generate these states. The approach exploits the quantized properties of vortices formed during modulational instability, providing a new tool for identifying different topological phases.

Amination strategy improves efficiency of CO2 electrocatalytic reduction

Researchers developed a two-step amination strategy to enhance the intrinsic activity of M-N/C catalysts, leading to improved current density and Faraday efficiency. The new method enabled CO2 electrocatalytic reduction at an industrial level, with a remarkable current density of over 400 mA cm−2.

Conservation paradox - the pros and cons of recreational hunting

Scientists reviewed over 1,000 studies on recreational hunting, finding both environmental and social benefits, as well as detrimental effects. The research highlights the need for more analysis to understand how recreational hunting can work for good and in which areas it can be detrimental.

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.

'In the blink of an eye' statistics

Researchers found that when people visually estimate object size, they consider the surrounding context and distance from the observer, rescaling sizes before estimating variance. This ability allows for quick estimation of statistical characteristics of multiple objects.

Time-lapse reveals the hidden dance of roots

Scientists discovered that plant roots make corkscrew-like motions to burrow into the soil and anchor themselves. The growth pattern is coordinated by the hormone auxin and helps roots find the best path forward.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

3D biopsies to better understand brain tumors

Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona developed a novel 3D microscopy analysis to recreate human glioblastoma features. This new approach provides complete information on tumor blood vessels and immune cell interactions, aiding diagnosis and therapy development.

What happens when consumers pick their own prices?

A new paper examines the benefits of pick-your-price (PYP) over pay-what-you-want (PWYW) and fixed pricing strategies for firms and consumers. The study finds that PYP enhances purchase outcomes, increases feelings of pricing control without effort, and boosts sales in various contexts.

Insight-HXMT gives insight into origin of fast radio bursts

The latest observations from Insight-HXMT have discovered the origin of fast radio bursts (FRBs), revealing they come from soft-gamma repeater (SGR) J1935+2154, a magnetar in our Milky Way. This discovery resolves the longstanding puzzle concerning the origin of FRBs.

2021 Seismological Society of America Annual Meeting

The 2021 SSA Annual Meeting will showcase the latest seismological research globally, with sessions on recent earthquakes and new technologies for monitoring glacier change. Journalists can register for free access to technical presentations and events.

RUDN University chemist used iodine to synthesize new chalcogenides

Scientists from RUDN University have synthesized three new chalcogenides using iodine-based high-temperature synthesis, resulting in rare rhombic system crystal structures. The new compounds were obtained using nickel, gallium, indium, sulfur, and tellurium, showcasing the key role of iodine in their formation.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

An eco-route for heavy-duty vehicles could reduce fuel consumption

A proposed algorithm could reduce carbon dioxide emissions from semi-trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles by up to 9.3%. The Cloud Computing System uses data from external sources like road slope, speed limits, and weather conditions to determine the most fuel-efficient route.

New technology enables predictive design of engineered human cells

Researchers developed a design-driven process using computational modeling to identify useful genetic designs for cellular engineering. The approach accelerates the development of new treatments for diseases by enabling the efficient identification and testing of genetic programs.

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.

Race, income, education affect access to 3D mammography

Research reveals women of minority races and ethnicities with less education and income have lower access to 3D mammography, a technology that improves breast cancer detection. Despite FDA approval for over a decade, the technology's benefits are not equally shared across sub-populations.

Tuberculosis: New biomarker indicates individual treatment duration

A new biomarker has been identified that can determine individual treatment duration for tuberculosis patients, reducing the need for prolonged therapy. The biomarker is based on an RNA signature from 22 genes and was developed using patient cohorts from Germany and Romania.

Animal evolution -- glimpses of ancient environments

A research team led by LMU zoologists identified fossils of insect larvae in Baltic amber, which suggest open areas of grassland nearby. In another sample, a rare Cretaceous butterfly larva with spines was discovered in Myanmar amber, supporting the idea that butterflies underwent early diversification.

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.

Targeting MAPK4 emerges as a promising therapy for prostate cancer

Research from Baylor College of Medicine reveals that inhibiting MAPK4 can simultaneously activate and inhibit key cellular signaling pathways driving prostate cancer growth, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy. This approach may provide a more effective treatment for advanced prostate cancer.

Mental health, substance use, suicidal ideation during COVID-19 pandemic

A survey study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in mental health concerns, substance use and suicidal ideation among at-risk demographic groups. The study examined patterns of mental health concerns, substance use and suicidal ideation during June and September of the pandemic.

Researchers explore 'face blindness' in children

A new study aims to improve understanding and treatment of developmental prosopagnosia, a condition affecting face recognition. The research will develop and test training interventions for children with facial recognition difficulties.

The melting of large icebergs is a key stage in the evolution of ice ages

A new study reveals a key connection between Antarctic iceberg melt and the activation of mechanisms leading to prolonged global cooling and the beginning of ice ages. Researchers found that changes in ocean circulation patterns, triggered by the melting of icebergs, can draw CO2 from the atmosphere, reducing the greenhouse effect.

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.

Making sense of the mass data generated from firing neurons

Researchers developed a new framework to analyze massive data from thousands of individual neurons, outperforming previous models. The method captures complex dynamics and fluctuations, offering insights into animal processing information and adapting to environmental changes.

Turbocharging the killing power of immune cells against cancer

Researchers develop DNA modifying epigenetic therapy to transform immune killer T-cells into "super soldiers" with enhanced ability to kill cancer cells. The therapy uses available chemotherapy drugs to remove epigenetic tags, turning key genes back on and turbocharging the cells' killing function.

A speed limit also applies in the quantum world

Researchers at the University of Bonn have determined a minimum time for transporting cesium atoms using quantum mechanics. The study reveals that complex operations are limited by both energy uncertainty and the number of intermediate states, with implications for quantum computing.

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.

Sun and Tong to develop geoweaver platform

Sun and Tong's project aims to make AI workflows more shareable and replicable. The researchers will further develop the open-source GeoWeaver system into a stable operational platform for NASA's EOSDIS archive.

First multi-whole-genome study of IBD in African Americans

African Americans have a distinct genetic risk landscape for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with specific genes contributing to risk, according to the first whole-genome study. The study identified rare genetic variants and highlights the need for personalized approaches to IBD treatment.

Symptoms months after COVID-19

Researchers analyzed persistent COVID-19 symptoms in adults for up to nine months after illness onset, finding that these symptoms can significantly impact daily life. The study suggests that ongoing health issues and limitations may persist even after the initial illness has resolved.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study reveals energy sources supporting coral reef predators

Research reveals that coral reefs in the Maldives get more than 70% of their predator's diet from offshore resources. The findings highlight the importance of understanding food web dynamics to predict impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.

Sweet marine particles resist hungry bacteria

Researchers found a microalgal sugar that is resistant to microbial degradation, forming particles that sink to the ocean floor and store carbon. This discovery challenges the assumption that sugars are rapidly degraded by bacteria, making them an important carbon sink.

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.

Sounding rocket CLASP2 elucidates solar magnetic field

The CLASP2 sounding rocket experiment charted the magnetic field strength all the way up to the top of the chromosphere, a long-sought goal. This breakthrough brings scientists closer to understanding how magnetic fields heat the solar corona.

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.

Good cop, bad cop

Researchers use zebrafish to study human cancer and discover that the innate immune system actively destroys cancer cells. However, tumor cells can adapt and evade immune detection through a process called 'Immunoediting', leading to immunotherapy resistance.