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Science News Archive February 2021


Page 35 of 45

Women's voices in the media still outnumbered by those of men - study

A new study from Simon Fraser University found that women's voices are underrepresented in Canadian news media, with men quoted three times more often than women. Despite having prominent female leaders, the research team identified key areas for improvement, including hiring more women as reporters.

Fingerprint for the formation of nitrous oxide emissions

Researchers led by Eliza Harris and Michael Bahn studied N2O emissions under environmental impacts, finding denitrification dominates production in dry soils. This process was previously thought to occur primarily in moist soils, leading to increased atmospheric emissions during drought.

Forests of the world in 3D

A study led by the University of Göttingen analyzed global forest structures and found that precipitation patterns drive diversity in these complex ecosystems. The research team created maps showing regional variability in structural complexity, highlighting the importance of water availability for tree species coexistence.

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.

New AI tool can thwart coronavirus mutations

USC researchers have developed an AI-assisted method that can predict and design effective vaccines against the coronavirus in seconds, rather than months or years. The method uses machine learning to analyze potential mutations and pinpoint the best vaccine candidates, which could help combat the evolving virus.

Stretching possibilities

Liheng Cai's lab creates a new synthetic rubber that is 1,000 times softer than conventional rubber but still holds its shape. The material has superior mechanical properties and can be used for various applications, including medical implants and soft robots.

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.

New research sheds light on vision loss in Batten disease

A new study reveals that the CLN3 gene mutation associated with Batten disease leads to degeneration of light-sensing photoreceptor cells in the retina. This understanding is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies, including gene therapies and cell transplantation.

Biosensors to detect P. jirovecii, responsible for Pneumocystis pneumonia

Researchers developed more sensitive and efficient biosensors to detect specific sequences corresponding to P. jirovecii using nanotechnology and capture probes. These sensors can detect the fungus in real time without prior amplification steps, enabling a reliable diagnosis of infectious diseases.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Machine learning generates realistic genomes for imaginary humans

Researchers used machine learning to generate high-quality synthetic human genomes without real human donors, addressing accessibility barriers in genomic research. The generated genomes mimic real human populations' complexities and can serve as proxies for underrepresented populations.

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.

Link found between time perception, risk for developmental coordination disorder

A study published in Child Development has linked children at risk for developmental coordination disorder (DCD) to difficulties with auditory time perception, crucial for basic skills like walking and processing speech. The research suggests that music with salient beats could be used as a therapy to help treat children with DCD.

Healthy oceans need healthy soundscapes

A global team of researchers found overwhelming evidence that human-made noise impacts marine life from invertebrates to whales, disrupting behavior, physiology, reproduction, and causing mortality. They identify actions to restore healthy ocean sounds and reduce noise levels in the shipping industry.

Pangolin coronavirus could jump to humans

Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute have discovered structural similarities between SARS-CoV-2 and a pangolin coronavirus, suggesting that a pangolin coronavirus could infect humans. The study found that the pangolin virus was able to bind to receptors from both pangolins and humans.

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.

Trapping gases better with boron nitride "nanopores"

Scientists from Okayama University have demonstrated high-performance gas molecule confinement with boron nitride nanopores, surpassing activated carbon. The study found that the nanoporous structure of p-BN allows for strong interaction between nitrogen and its pores, leading to higher adsorption rates.

UTIA researchers work to improve eastern grasslands

Researchers are testing novel grassland systems across the eastern US to improve beef production, soil health, and water quality. The study aims to evaluate tall fescue and native warm-season grasses for their effects on ecosystems.

Novel immunotherapy approach to treat cat allergy

Researchers developed a novel immunotherapy approach using CpG adjuvant to boost immune tolerance to the major cat allergen Fel d 1. The treatment reversed allergy hallmarks and reduced inflammation in allergic mice, offering new hope for treating cat allergy.

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.

COVID-19 transmission extremely low at group of North Carolina day camps

A study by Weill Cornell Medicine found that COVID-19 transmission was extremely low among children and staff at North Carolina day camps, with only two cases linked to possible on-site transmission. The camps implemented strict safety measures, including masking, distancing, and frequent hand washing, which helped avoid viral spread.

Today's stem cell special: Small intestine on a plate!

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology create novel enterocyte-like cells that closely resemble actual enterocytes, expressing efflux transporter proteins and CYP3A4. These cells can be used as an in vitro model of the small intestine for evaluating intestinal absorption of drugs in humans.

Fungi in the gut prime immunity against infection

Researchers found that common fungi in the gut teach the immune system to respond to more dangerous relatives, priming immunity against infection. The discovery offers a potential new therapy to combat deadly fungal infections.

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.

Mathematics developed new classes of stellar dynamics systems solutions

Mathematicians from RUDN University and University of Munich introduced a new method for stationary solutions in three-dimensional Vlasov-Poisson equations, describing phenomena in stellar dynamics. The results provide insights into the interaction of gravitating particles and electromagnetic fields.

Sensor and detoxifier in one

A team of Chinese researchers developed a material that can both quickly detect and efficiently remove ozone. The porous material, called an imine COF, works reliably at high humidity and over a wide temperature range.

New way to power up nanomaterials for electronic applications

Researchers at UCLA have discovered a new molecular component in perovskites that can enhance their electronic performance. The study, published in Science, shows that properly designed organic molecules can contribute to the materials' electronic properties, leading to improved efficiency in solar cells and LEDs.

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.

'Hidden biological link' among autism genes revealed in study

A new study by UC San Francisco and UC Berkeley scientists has identified a crucial biological link between autism risk genes and the process of prenatal neurogenesis. The research also highlights the protective role of estrogen in preventing disruption to this process, which can steer the brain on a normal course of development.

Improving our understanding of cells

Scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of extracellular vesicles (EVs), tiny particles that carry unique cargo from cells. EVs play a critical role in communication between cells, contributing to conditions like cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

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.

Gilmore receives funding for postdoctoral fellowship program

Michael Gilmore, Associate Professor at George Mason University, has received $40,334 in funding for a postdoctoral fellowship program. As part of the arrangement, Dr. Brian Griffiths will dedicate 25% of his time to teaching and active research in ecology, conservation, and sustainability.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Bioplastics in the sustainability dilemma

Researchers found bioplastics' carbon footprint is larger than estimated, with Thailand being an exception. The study suggests careful assessment of bio-based production to understand potential sustainability risks.

Birds living in natural habits can help inform captive care

A review published in the Journal Birds suggests that studying birds in their natural habitats can improve zoo management and conservation efforts. By analyzing the ecological role of bird species, zoos can design enclosures that support reproduction and develop conservation actions.

Signs of burnout can be detected in sweat

A wearable sensor developed by EPFL's Nanolab and Xsensio measures cortisol levels in sweat to detect signs of burnout, providing a non-invasive and precise way to quantify stress levels. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize the study of physiological rhythms and the treatment of stress-related diseases.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New microscopy concept enters into force

A team led by Alexander Eichler has demonstrated the first scanning force microscope with a vibrating substrate, pushing sensitivity to its fundamental limit. The approach uses a perforated membrane as the 'table' and features an optical interferometer for sensitive measurement.

Technion researchers discover new pathway for attacking cancer cells

Researchers at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have discovered a new pathway that targets cancer cells specifically, minimizing damage to healthy cells. The folate cycle is essential for DNA and RNA production, and the team found that tumor cells relying on the cytosolic pathway are more susceptible to targeted treatments.

Genes for face shape identified

A UCL-led team discovered 32 gene regions affecting facial features such as nose and lip shapes. The analysis of over 6,000 volunteers found that one gene, TBX15, was inherited from the Denisovans, an extinct group of ancient humans.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Study: 'Hidden' genes could be key in development of new antibiotics

A study from Texas A&M AgriLife Communications reveals that membrane-localized phage proteins may help revitalize and enhance existing antibiotics. Researchers identified 35 unique lysis genes in E. coli bacteria, which could potentially represent new mechanisms for bacterial cell lysis.

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.