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Science News Archive February 2021 - Page 10


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.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 22, 2021
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateFeb 22, 2021

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.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 22, 2021
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 22, 2021

Traditional hydrologic models may misidentify snow as rain, new citizen science data shows

A new study published in Frontiers in Earth Science uses citizen science data to identify the temperature cutoff between rain and snow in winter storms in the Lake Tahoe region of the Sierra Nevada. The results show that a warmer temperature threshold of 39.5°F may be more accurate for predicting precipitation in this region.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·DateFeb 22, 2021

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.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2021

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.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateFeb 22, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The appearance of robots affects our perception of the morality of their decisions

A study by University of Helsinki found that people consider humanoid robots' moral decisions less ethically sound than those made by humans or traditional robots. The uncanny valley effect is believed to contribute to this phenomenon, where humans perceive human-like artificial intelligence as eerie or creepy.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalInternational Journal of Social Robotics·DateFeb 22, 2021

Binary stars are all around us, new map of solar neighborhood shows

Astronomers have created a massive atlas of widely separated binary stars within 3,000 light years of Earth, comprising 1.3 million pairs. This increase in sample size provides insights into the evolutionary phases of these binaries, including 17,000 white dwarfs.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 22, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateFeb 22, 2021
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.

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.

SourceSwiss Nanoscience Institute, University of Basel·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 22, 2021

Brain seasonality: Bean bug neurons need biological clock gene for seasonal egg-laying

Researchers from Osaka University have discovered that insect neurons promoting egg-laying require a circadian clock gene for day length-dependent responses. This study provides new insights into the importance of biological clocks in regulating seasonal physiological functions like reproduction and temperature tolerance in insects.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2021

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 22, 2021

Steady now: Unfortunate timing and rate of change may be enough to tip a climate system

A model study suggests that abrupt shifts in ocean currents could occur decades before anticipated due to rate-induced tipping. This could lead to drastic changes in agriculture, biodiversity, and the economy. The findings highlight fundamental limitations in climate predictability and emphasize the need to limit CO2 emissions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2021
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.

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.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·DateFeb 22, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 22, 2021

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2021
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2021

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.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Plants·DateFeb 22, 2021

CABBI researchers challenge the CRP status quo to mitigate fossil fuels

Researchers suggest converting CRP land to perennial bioenergy crops as a viable alternative to displacing food production. The integrated modeling approach confirms that this transition can be economically and environmentally viable under certain conditions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 22, 2021

UConn researcher offers lessons learned from a pre-pandemic study of telemedicine use

A pre-pandemic study on telemedicine use in a California senior living community found that despite low intervention uptake, residents valued avoiding emergency room visits due to wait times and costs. However, frontline staff perceived the program as not valuable, highlighting the need for cultural shifts among healthcare professionals.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateFeb 22, 2021

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Sustainability·DateFeb 22, 2021
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.

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.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·DateFeb 22, 2021

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.

SourceGraz University of Technology·DateFeb 22, 2021
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.

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.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2021

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...

SourceMcGill University·JournalOne Earth·DateFeb 22, 2021

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBioconjugate Chemistry·DateFeb 22, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2021
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.

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...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAgeing Research Reviews·DateFeb 22, 2021

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.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Civil Engineering Journal·DateFeb 22, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalMicroorganisms·DateFeb 22, 2021

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.

SourceRice University·JournalmSystems·DateFeb 22, 2021
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.

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2021

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.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Moral Education·DateFeb 22, 2021

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.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateFeb 22, 2021
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.

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnergy Economics·DateFeb 22, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 22, 2021

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...

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateFeb 22, 2021
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.

Parents of children with cancer have additional worries during COVID

A survey of caregivers found that half experienced delayed care, while 77% reported increased feelings of anxiety. Many families struggled with interruptions to care and educational disruptions, highlighting the need for improved social support for pediatric cancer patients.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPediatric Blood & Cancer·DateFeb 22, 2021
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.

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 ...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcology·DateFeb 22, 2021
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 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.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateFeb 22, 2021

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.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 22, 2021