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Science News Archive February 2021


Page 42 of 45

Soldiers, snakes and marathon runners in the hidden world of fungi

Researchers at Lund University discovered distinct strategies among fungi species, including the 'soldier' that grows forcefully, the 'marathon runner' that sends out lone fighters, and the 'snake' that weaves around obstacles. The study provides new insights into fungal behavior and its potential applications in agriculture.

Why food sticks to nonstick frying pans

Convection may be to blame for stuck-on food in nonstick pans due to temperature gradients and surface tension changes. Researchers determined conditions that lead to dry spots, including decreasing film thickness and size of deformed region below critical values.

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.

NREL reports sustainability benchmarks for plastics recycling and redesign

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed a benchmark system to assess the environmental impact of plastics production in the US. The study provides data on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for 18 types of plastics, allowing researchers to compare their designs with current manufacturing practices.

Air pollution poses risk to thinking skills in later life, a study says

A study published by the University of Edinburgh found that exposure to air pollution in childhood is associated with a decline in thinking skills up to 60 years later. The research used historical data to estimate exposure levels and analyzed the relationship between air pollution and cognitive change throughout life.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Social interactions after isolation may counteract cravings

A UNSW study in rats shows that social interaction can reverse food and cigarette cravings triggered by social isolation. The study found that socially isolated rats relapsed to nicotine seeking but showed no interest once returned to group housing, highlighting the importance of social interaction in treating substance abuse disorders.

Tiny 3D structures enhance solar cell efficiency

Researchers created a new solar cell design using 3D nanocomposites, increasing efficiency by a factor of five. The unique architecture helps overcome material limitations, enabling easier manufacturing and improved durability.

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.

Remyelinating drug could improve vision in patients with multiple sclerosis

Researchers found that a new remyelinating drug called indazole chloride improved vision in mice with multiple sclerosis by inducing remyelination and mitigating damage to the optic nerve. The study highlights the importance of early treatment to mitigate axon damage and recover 75-80% of original function.

Tracking cells with omnidirectional visible laser particles

Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Peking University introduce a novel technique for tracking individual cells using omnidirectional visible laser particles. The innovative method reduces orientation-dependent intensity fluctuations, allowing for blinking-free tracking of single cells under complex biological conditions.

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.

What impact does Airbnb have on local housing prices and rents?

A new study found that Airbnb has a positive association with property price increases and rental rates, particularly in areas with fewer owner-occupiers. The research suggests that the presence of an Airbnb property can contribute to an increase in housing prices and rental rates in local neighborhoods.

Yale researchers develop injection to treat skin cancer

Researchers at Yale University have developed an injection treatment for skin cancer that uses polymer-based nanoparticles carrying chemotherapy agents. The treatment's bioadhesive properties allow it to kill cancer cells and stimulate the immune system, potentially eliminating the need for surgery.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Teaching pupils empathy measurably improves their creative abilities

Research at the University of Cambridge found that teaching children to empathise with others significantly improves their creative abilities. The study used a set of engineering design thinking tools to foster empathy in pupils aged 13-14. As a result, creativity scores increased by up to 78% among those who received the intervention.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

Mailing it in: Getting the word out on getting the ballots in

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that a single postcard campaign increased mail-in ballot applications by 0.5 percentage points and boosted mail ballots cast by 0.4 percentage points. The inexpensive postcards, costing less than $1 each, were equally impactful for Black and white registrants.

Neurons: 'String of lights' indicates excitation propagation

A novel molecular voltage sensor allows researchers to observe the propagation of electrical signals in living nerve cells with high precision. This enables investigations into completely new questions about brain function and could lead to a better understanding of neurological diseases.

COVID-19 lockdowns temporarily raised global temperatures

Research led by NCAR found that COVID-19 lockdowns caused a slight warming effect on the planet, with temperatures rising by 0.2-0.5 degrees Fahrenheit in some regions. The study highlights the complex influence of aerosol emissions on climate, which can either cool or warm the planet depending on the type and amount.

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.

When hyperactive proteins trigger illnesses

Hyperactive RANK proteins have been found to trigger autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Researchers also discovered that these proteins contribute to chronic lymphatic leukemia in mice, paving the way for new therapeutic antibody treatments.

Opioid prescriptions remained elevated two years after critical care

A nationwide study found that nearly 11% of ICU patients in Sweden received opioid prescriptions for at least 6 months and up to 2 years after discharge. Chronic opioid use was linked to a 70% higher risk of death, with pre-admission history and certain medical conditions being major risk factors.

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.

Curtin study finds native bees under threat from growing urbanization

A Curtin University study has found that residential gardens are a poor substitute for native bushland in supporting pollination networks of native bees. The research highlights the importance of preserving native vegetation to protect sustainable bee communities and their pollination services.

The benefits of reading outdoors

Researchers at State University of New York College of Optometry discovered that visual contrast increases when reading outdoors, making it easier to see letters and improving eyesight. This finding has significant implications for basic research, eye clinics, and architectural design.

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.

What did the Swiss eat during the Bronze Age?

Researchers analyzed human, animal skeletons and plant remains to study the evolution of the Swiss diet during the Bronze Age. They found no differences in diet between men, women, or children, but a shift towards more intense agriculture and the introduction of new cereals like millet.

Science snapshots from Berkeley Lab

A mouse study suggests that the genetic contribution to anxiety is partially mediated by the gut microbiome. Researchers used 3D X-ray imaging to gain new insights into the reproductive biology of tsetse flies, which carry a deadly parasite that causes African sleeping sickness.

Providing inclusive care for LGBTQ2SPIA+ cancer patients

Researchers found that healthcare professionals have knowledge gaps when caring for LGBTQ2SPIA+ cancer patients, affecting their ability to provide emotional support and tailored care. The study concludes that patient-centered care requires specific resources and education for radiation therapists.

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.

Big name corporations more likely to commit fraud

A recent study published in Justice Quarterly found that Fortune 500 firms with strong growth profiles are more susceptible to financial securities fraud. These companies were nearly four times as likely to be involved in fraud than smaller, struggling companies.

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.

Temperature, humidity, wind predict second wave of pandemic

A study by Talib Dbouk and Dimitris Drikakis from the University of Nicosia found that temperature, humidity, and wind speed significantly impact epidemic behavior. The researchers developed a new model, AIR index, which accurately predicted the timing of second outbreaks in Paris, New York City, and Rio de Janeiro.

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.

Changes in economic prosperity, cardiovascular mortality

A study from 2010 to 2017 found that increased economic prosperity was associated with lower rates of cardiovascular mortality among middle-age U.S. adults. The researchers analyzed county-level data, revealing a significant positive correlation between economic growth and cardiovascular health outcomes.