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Science News Archive February 2021


Page 26 of 45

Handgun ownership associated with firearm suicide

A new study published in Archives of Suicide Research found that handgun ownership is associated with a greater odds of dying from self-inflicted gunshot wounds in suicide deaths. Researchers also discovered that individuals who only owned handguns were more likely to use them in their death compared to those who owned shotguns.

A new quantum switch for electronics

Researchers have discovered a promising mechanism to create nanoelectronics components by reducing current to zero in quantum point contacts. The discovery uses external oscillating fields and provides evidence of non-equilibrium phase transitions, enabling precise control of charge transport.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Compounds from apples may boost brain function

Researchers found that quercetin and dihydroxybezoic acid from apples stimulate neurogenesis, generating new neurons and protecting against cell death. The effects on learning and memory are comparable to those seen after physical exercise.

Origami-inspired antenna technology for use in small satellites

Researchers at Pusan National University designed a foldable, deployable antenna for CubeSats that can receive and transmit data in low-earth orbit. The antenna weighs just 5 grams and has remarkable dimensions when folded, making it ideal for nanosatellite communications.

Biosensors monitor plant well-being in real time

Researchers at Linköping University developed implantable biosensors that monitor sugar levels in plants in real-time. This technology has the potential to optimize crop growth and quality, as well as guide the production of new plant varieties that can thrive in challenging conditions.

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.

Recent efforts haven't improved access to kidney transplantation

Despite policies and interventions aimed at improving access to kidney transplantation, a new study found no overall improvement in rates of wait list placement and transplantation over two decades. The researchers also identified striking disparities in access to transplantation, highlighting the need for more effective strategies to ...

Swirlonic super particles baffle physicists

Researchers found that swirlonic super particles move with constant velocity, proportional to applied force, violating Newton's Law. This phenomenon has practical applications in artificial intelligence, space data, and robotics, particularly in self-assembly.

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.

Machine-learning how to create better AAV gene delivery vehicles

Researchers at Wyss Institute and Google Research used machine learning to design highly diverse AAV capsid variants that can evade neutralizing antibodies. The approach produced over 57,000 variants with improved functional diversity, potentially leading to improved gene therapies and reduced immunogenicity.

Get a load of ZIF! Better delivery of cancer immunotherapy

Researchers developed a metal organic framework (ZIF) that improves the delivery and sustained release of cancer immunotherapy drugs like nivolumab, targeting leukemia cells with minimal toxicity. Coating ZIF with a cancer cell membrane enhances accurate delivery to solid tumors.

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.

UMass Amherst team helps demonstrate spontaneous quantum error correction

Researchers from UMass Amherst have successfully demonstrated spontaneous quantum error correction, a significant breakthrough in the development of powerful fault-tolerant quantum computers. This achievement paves the way for potential advances in fields like new materials discovery, artificial intelligence, and biochemical engineering.

Seismic surveys using fin whale songs

Researchers use fin whale songs to probe Earth's crust at seafloor, producing lower-resolution results than traditional air-gun signals. The method complements conventional techniques and avoids harming ocean life caused by powerful blasts.

How shared partisanship leads to social media connections

A study by MIT researchers reveals that people are more likely to follow and be followed by accounts with similar partisan views, leading to the formation of online echo chambers. The experiment found that individuals triple their chances of following other accounts when there is a common partisan bond involved.

Tiny population of neurons may have big role in depression

Researchers discover that a small group of neurons in the brain play a crucial role in depression. Chronic stress alters their function, leading to depressive behavior. Stimulation of these neurons reverses symptoms, suggesting a promising new approach to treating depression.

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.

Use of mobile stroke units improves clinical outcomes

Research from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin shows that dispatch of mobile stroke units is linked to improved survival and reduced risk of disability. STEMOs enable timely thrombolysis and treatment, leading to better functional outcomes for patients.

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.

New research identifies biological causes of muscle weakness in later life

A large-scale genetic analysis found specific biological mechanisms contributing to muscle weakness in older adults, with diseases like osteoarthritis and diabetes playing a significant role. The study identified 15 areas of the genome associated with muscle weakness, highlighting potential therapeutic interventions for prevention.

A new perceptually-consistent method for MSI visualization

Researchers propose a new Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) method that uses the theory of human color perception to create more interpretable images. The approach preserves borders and gradients, enabling better analysis of molecular distributions in tissues.

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.

Vibrating 2D materials

Scientists have successfully determined the strength of exciton-phonon coupling in 2D materials at room temperature, a crucial step towards optimizing their applications. This breakthrough was achieved using a novel method called coherent 2D microscopy, which combines high spatial resolution with femtosecond time resolution.

Family ties explain mysterious social life of coral gobies

Research finds positive relatedness among emerald coral gobies, suggesting kin selection as a key factor in their social structure. The study reveals that group members are more closely related to each other than to individuals from different reefs.

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.

Learning by observation reduces cognitive bias, research suggests

New research suggests that observing others' decision-making can teach people to make better decisions themselves. The study, co-authored by Professor Irene Scopelliti, tested the effectiveness of a new debiasing training strategy and reports first evidence that watching others make decisions can improve our own decision making.

SARS-CoV-2 screening using CRISPR-based methods

A CRISPR-based method was assessed for screening SARS-CoV-2 among asymptomatic college students. The study found that the method was effective in detecting the virus. The researchers used this approach to identify potential carriers of the virus.

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.

Emissions of banned ozone-depleting substance back on decline

Two international studies show levels of CFC-11 emissions are back on the decline, dropping by thousands of tons per year between 2017 and 2019. The rapid action in eastern China and other regions likely prevented a substantial delay in ozone layer recovery.

Chemotherapy and hearing loss: Until now, an unquantified risk

The largest multi-center study of cisplatin-induced hearing loss reveals that permanent hearing loss occurs in 20-90% of patients, with higher doses and vincristine use increasing risk. The study establishes benchmarks for the prevalence of hearing loss and provides insights into how adjusting dosing approaches can minimize side effects.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Heart failure cases soar globally

Global heart failure cases rose from 33.5 million in 1990 to 64.3 million in 2017, mainly due to increased risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The prevalence of heart failure decreased only in high-income countries, while it increased in low- and middle-income countries.

New machine learning theory raises questions about nature of science

A novel machine learning algorithm developed by Princeton physicist Hong Qin accurately predicts planetary orbits without using traditional physics laws. The technology has potential applications in predicting plasma behavior in fusion facilities, challenging the fundamental role of theories in science.

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.

Diversity in policing can improve police-civilian interactions

Researchers analyzed data from the Chicago Police Department and found that Black and Hispanic officers make fewer stops and arrests, use less force than white officers. Female officers also use less force than males. The study suggests increasing diversity in police departments may decrease police mistreatment of minority communities.

Vaporised crusts of Earth-like planets found in dying stars

University of Warwick astronomers detect lithium and potassium in the atmospheres of four nearby white dwarf stars, revealing remnants of rocky planet crusts. The chemical composition of these crusts is similar to Earth's continental crust, providing a glimpse of the planets that may have orbited these dying stars billions of years ago.

Gene variants increase risk of Addison's disease

A large-scale genetic study found that variants of nine genes increase the risk of developing Addison's disease, a rare autoimmune disorder. The study identified specific gene variants associated with the disease, including the AIRE gene, which plays a crucial role in immune system function.

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.

Humanity's best friend

Trained medical scent dogs have been shown to effectively screen individuals for COVID-19 with high accuracy and speed. The dogs' keen sense of smell allows them to detect the virus's volatile organic compounds in tiny concentrations.

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.

Cataloguing genetic information about yams

A new collection of genetic data helps breeders understand yam characteristics, reducing the need for trial and error. The catalog provides valuable information on physical traits, such as stem number and tuber weight, to inform breeding decisions.

Earliest signs of an immune response found in developing embryos

Researchers discovered that epithelial cells in developing embryos can recognize and destroy defective cells through a process called epithelial phagocytosis. This early immune response may aid efforts to understand embryonic developmental failure and lead to new clinical applications in treating infertility.

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.