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Science News Archive February 2021 - Page 15


Page 15 of 45

Ancient relic points to a turning point in Earth's history 42,000 years ago

A new international study suggests that the reversal of Earth's magnetic poles 42,000 years ago triggered major climate shifts, leading to global environmental change and mass extinctions. Researchers used ancient New Zealand kauri trees to create a detailed timescale of how Earth's atmosphere changed over this time.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScience·DateFeb 18, 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.

Smartphone study points to new ways to measure food consumption

A new method using smartphones offers precise means to gauge food consumption over time, capturing seasonal shifts in diet patterns. The approach has the potential to predict physical well-being and tackle food insecurity affecting two billion people worldwide.

SourceNew York University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 18, 2021

New revelations of tiger genomes

A recent study has shed new light on the evolutionary history and genomic variation of tigers, revealing population bottlenecks and recent divergence between subspecies. The research highlights the importance of local adaptation and genetic rescue efforts in tiger conservation.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 18, 2021

Older adults and antibiotics: Study shows healthy attitudes but unhealthy practices

A study found that older adults understand the risks of overusing antibiotics, but many still use them incorrectly. Over 91% of respondents are cautious about using antibiotics, yet nearly 56% believe doctors overprescribe them, while 34% think antibiotics can help with viral illnesses like colds and flu.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 18, 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.

Pandemic got you down? A little nature could help

Researchers found that a harmony-with-nature worldview improves psychological health, even during the pandemic. In contrast, a mastery-over-nature worldview is associated with poor coping in the US but not in Japan.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateFeb 18, 2021

Mount Sinai researchers identify mechanisms that are essential for proper skin development

Researchers found that Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) maintain the skin-specific gene expression pattern necessary for proper development of the skin. The study suggests that targeting both complexes may be a more effective form of treatment for certain cancers.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 18, 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.

Migratory birds track climate across the year

A new study found that individual yellow warblers exhibit similar climatic preferences across their migratory range, tracking dry or wetter areas rather than warmer or cooler ones. This adaptation could help the species respond to changing climate conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 18, 2021

New crystalline ice form

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have elucidated the crystal structure of exotic ice XIX, a new ordered variant of high-pressure ice VI. This breakthrough discovery reveals new insights into the electrical properties of these unusual ice forms and paves the way for further experimentation to study their properties.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 18, 2021

Pre-existing immunity protects against airborne spread of flu viruses

A study found that pre-existing immunity against previous flu infections can protect individuals from airborne transmission of seasonal flu viruses. The researchers used the ferret model and discovered that even short exposure times can lead to efficient transmission, but prior immunity provides a significant barrier to infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 18, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Petroleum engineers of Samara Polytech developed a unique test facility

Petroleum engineers at Samara Polytech created a test facility that recreates physical parameters of a deposit located at different depths. The facility allows for the simulation of pressure and temperature conditions, enabling the accurate determination of rock mechanical properties such as hardness, elasticity, and plasticity.

SourceSamara Polytech (Samara State Technical University)·JournalConstruction of Oil and Gas Wells on Land and Sea·DateFeb 18, 2021

The mass of Cygnus X-1's black hole challenges stellar evolution models

A new study using the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) has refined the distance to Cygnus X-1 and found its black hole mass to be approximately 21 solar masses, exceeding current stellar evolution models. This massive black hole suggests that lower mass loss through stellar winds during progenitor star evolution may have occurred.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 18, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gut microbiome implicated in healthy aging and longevity

Researchers analyzed gut microbiomes from over 9,000 people, finding distinct signatures linked to healthy aging and survival. The unique microbial compositions were correlated with specific metabolites in blood plasma, suggesting a direct link between the microbiome and health as we age.

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalNature Metabolism·DateFeb 18, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Déjà brew? Another shot for lovers of coffee

A genetic study found that heavy coffee consumption can increase lipid levels in the blood, heightening cardiovascular disease risk. Unfiltered brews like long blacks, espressos, and lattes contain a cholesterol-elevating compound called cafestol.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalClinical Nutrition·DateFeb 18, 2021

Increasingly fragmented tiger populations may require 'genetic rescue'

Research sequenced 65 tiger genomes revealing strong genetic differences between subspecies, which emerged recently due to climatic shift and human dominance. Conservation genomics can inform management strategies, highlighting the need for genetic rescue through hybridization or selection of adapted traits.

SourceStanford University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 18, 2021

More than half of Earth's rivers strongly impacted by human activity

More than half of Earth's river basins have undergone significant changes in biodiversity due to human activities such as overfishing, pollution and climate change. Conservation efforts must focus on both protected and degraded areas to meet the goal of preserving at least 30% of Earth's surface by 2030.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 18, 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 method converts methane in natural gas to methanol at room temperature

Researchers have discovered a way to convert methane in natural gas into liquid methanol at room temperature using a catalyst material and electricity. This process reduces the need for high heat and pressure, making it a more efficient and affordable method for producing methanol.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2021

Quantum computer based on Rydberg atoms on the way to prototype

Scientists have successfully demonstrated a quantum computer demonstrator using Rydberg atoms, which can perform computing operations with high precision and scalability. The research uses sophisticated laser systems to control and entangle qubits, paving the way for the development of a functional quantum computer.

SourceUniversitaet Stuttgart·DateFeb 18, 2021

Rich nations see virus rates fall quicker -- study

A recent study by Anglia Ruskin University found a strong negative correlation between COVID-19 cases and GDP per capita. Countries with higher GDP per capita were able to implement more effective lockdown measures and invest in public health solutions, leading to faster declines in virus rates.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateFeb 18, 2021

Cone snail venom shows potential for treating severe malaria

Researchers discovered that cone snail venom can disrupt protein-protein interactions contributing to P. falciparum malaria's persistence. The study found six fractions of venom inhibit adhesion of infected erythrocytes to endothelial microvasculature and placenta.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Proteomics·DateFeb 18, 2021
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.

Engineers place molecule-scale devices in precise orientation

Researchers develop technique to precisely place and orient DNA-based molecular devices on chip surfaces. The method enables thousands of molecules to be reliably oriented, opening up new possibilities for applications like DNA sequencing and protein measurement.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateFeb 18, 2021

Human impact on solar radiation levels for decades

A recent study found that human activities, particularly air pollution, are the primary cause of fluctuations in global dimming and brightening. Surface solar radiation increased after economic collapse and improved air quality regulations, suggesting a link between human-induced aerosols and climate changes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 18, 2021

PTSD in patients after severe COVID-19 infection

A study analyzed characteristics associated with posttraumatic stress disorder in patients after severe COVID-19. The researchers found that certain factors increased the likelihood of PTSD development in these patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 18, 2021

Light and genetic probes untangle dynamics of brain blood flow

Researchers used two-photon imaging and optogenetics to isolate brain capillaries in animal models, discovering that pericytes regulate blood flow through a slower process than upstream arteries. The findings have implications for stroke treatment and potential therapeutics.

SourceSeattle Children's·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 18, 2021
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.

Perception critical to women's breast reconstruction decision making

A study reveals that women undergoing breast cancer surgery often feel left out of the decision-making process for reconstructive surgery, with surgeons having more say than patients. The research found that approximately one in three women believed their surgeon made decisions on their behalf.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalBJS·DateFeb 18, 2021

Unexpected decrease in ammonia emissions due to COVID-19 lockdowns

Researchers found a significant decrease in atmospheric ammonia concentrations during COVID-19 lockdowns in urban Beijing and rural Xianghe sites, contradicting previous assumptions about the major source of ammonia emissions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric Research·DateFeb 18, 2021

Antibody response may drive COVID-19 outcomes

A study published in Nature Medicine found that high levels of IgG antibodies may drive MIS-C in children, while increased IgA antibodies may contribute to severe disease in adults. The findings suggest a common immune mechanism underlying different COVID-19 outcomes in children and adults.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 18, 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.

Magnetic reversal 42,000 years ago triggered global environmental change

A new study reveals that a 42,000-year-old magnetic reversal led to significant changes in atmospheric ozone concentration and circulation. The event, known as the Laschamps excursion, caused substantial shifts in climate and environmental patterns worldwide.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 18, 2021

Songbirds' reproductive success reduced by natural gas compressor noise

Researchers found that Eastern bluebirds and tree swallows nesting in noisy boxes spent less time incubating eggs, had fewer eggs hatch, and produced fewer young than their neighbors. This suggests that compressor noise negatively impacted fitness through reduced hatching and fledging success.

SourcePenn State·JournalOrnithological Applications·DateFeb 18, 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.

Stabilization technology for wireless communications for manufacturing systems

Researchers at NICT and TOYOTA have successfully implemented stabilization technology for wireless communications in manufacturing systems. This technology allows for real-time visualization of the wireless environment and coordinated control of different systems, detecting unregistered terminals and suppressing radio congestion. The s...

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·DateFeb 18, 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.

Tuning electrode surfaces to optimize solar fuel production

Researchers found that modifying the surface of electrodes with bismuth can significantly increase electrical current, driving the reactions that split water into oxygen and hydrogen. This process could lead to a clean and sustainable energy future.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 18, 2021

Boys who play video games have lower depression risk

A new study published in Psychological Medicine found that boys who regularly play video games at age 11 are less likely to develop depressive symptoms three years later. In contrast, girls who spend more time on social media appear to develop more depressive symptoms. The study suggests that different types of screen time can positive...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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