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Science News Archive January 2021


Page 13 of 40

Reducing traps increases performance of organic photodetectors

Organic photodetectors (OPDs) have shown high efficiency but are limited by trap states that cause noise in the off state. Research has identified traps as a major factor in OPD performance. The study provides guidance for further research into understanding and mitigating these limitations.

1 million Euros for black holes made from semimetals

A new research project aims to control electron flow in semimetals, enabling the development of novel quantum sensors. The TOPREL project will unify theoretical foundations from various physics areas, unleashing the potential of semimetals.

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.

Potential combined drug therapy for lung cancer

Researchers at Kanazawa University have found that combining alectinib with ixazomib, a proteasome inhibitor, restores the efficacy of alectinib in patients with NSCLC who develop secondary TP53 mutations. This combination therapy has shown promising results in preclinical trials.

Single atoms as a catalyst: Surprising effects ensue

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a new approach to single-atom catalysis, which can lead to more effective and cost-efficient catalysts. The study reveals that customized properties through tailored surfaces can change the reactivity of individual atoms, making expensive metals like platinum less necessary.

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.

Rediscovery of the 'extinct' Pinatubo volcano mouse

A team of researchers rediscovered a species of mouse thought to be extinct after Mount Pinatubo's devastating eruption 30 years ago. The survey revealed that native rodents were abundant and thriving in the disturbed landscape, contradicting expectations.

Magnetic waves explain mystery of Sun's outer layer

Researchers link magnetic waves in chromosphere to areas of abundant ionised particles in hot outer atmosphere, explaining the Sun's unique chemical make-up. The discovery provides a foundation for understanding the solar wind and its impact on Earth.

SUTD research team extends 4D printing to nanophotonics

The SUTD research team has developed a novel shape memory polymer resist for 4D printing, enabling submicron dimensions comparable to visible light wavelengths. This breakthrough allows for the exploration of new applications in nanophotonics and enables the creation of tunable photonic devices.

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.

Climate and carbon cycle trends of the past 50 million years reconciled

Researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa reconciled climate and carbon cycle trends over the past 50 million years, resolving a long-standing controversy. The study found that as atmospheric carbon dioxide decreased, the global carbonate compensation depth actually deepened, contradicting previous expectations.

Cargo delivery by polymers

Researchers developed degradable, cargo-bearing polymers from xylose-based monomers that can be hydrolyzed to release useful molecules. The polymers' linkages determine their degradation rate, producing pyrroles or furans.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Do promotions make consumers more generous?

Charitable organizations can benefit from soliciting donations immediately after price promotions. By targeting consumers who have participated in promotions and focusing on the amount of money saved, organizations can optimize their donation appeals.

Rhesus macaques develop promising immune response to SARS-CoV-2

Researchers found that rhesus macaques infected with SARS-CoV-2 developed protective immune responses, including the production of antibodies and Th1 cells. These findings suggest that vaccines inducing durable protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 may stimulate robust germinal center responses.

Targeted coating improves graphene oxide membranes for nanofiltration

Researchers developed a stable graphene oxide nanofiltration membrane with uniform pore size to remove organic micropollutants. The study proposes combining signal amplification strategy and defect chemistry to reduce membrane pore size distribution, offering a promising method for preparing highly selective NF membranes.

New perspectives challenge the idea that saturated fats cause heart disease

A new model explains why saturated fats increase blood cholesterol and why this should be dangerous. The 'Homeoviscous Adaptation to Dietary Lipids' (HADL) model suggests that cells adjust membrane fluidity according to changes in diet, leading to a decrease in blood cholesterol levels when consuming polyunsaturated fats.

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.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A review of 61 studies confirms that at least 1 in 3 people infected with SARS-CoV-2 do not exhibit symptoms, suggesting widespread testing can help identify asymptomatic spreaders. The findings also underscore the importance of determining vaccine effectiveness against asymptomatic infections.

Shift in caribou movements may be tied to human activity

A recent study published by the University of Cincinnati identified a shift in caribou movement patterns after the 1970s that coincided with changes in herd size, climate change, and human development. Researchers tracked the movements using antlers shed by female caribou, which contain an isotopic fingerprint of their summer range.

From fins to limbs

Researchers discovered three functional stages in the transition from fins to limbs, with early tetrapods exhibiting a unique pattern of muscle leverage. Their limbs were more adapted for propulsion than weight bearing, reflecting their aquatic origins and need to adapt to life on land.

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.

Abusive bosses 'fake nice' instead of 'make nice'

Research reveals that abusive bosses may 'fake nice' after outbursts instead of making genuine amends, reinforcing the cycle of abuse. Bosses focus on superficial steps to repair their images, rather than genuinely repairing damage.

Lack of sleep, stress can lead to symptoms resembling concussion

A new study found that between 11% to 27% of healthy college athletes reported symptoms meeting criteria for post-concussion syndrome, with lack of sleep, pre-existing mental health problems, and stress being the most likely predictors. The research suggests that baseline symptoms may help interpret recovery scores and that individuali...

Fungi strengthen plants to fend off aphids

Researchers found that two types of fungi can effectively reduce aphid infestations by increasing plant defenses, leading to fewer aphids and less damage to crops. The fungi work by establishing themselves in plant roots and tissues, causing plants to produce more natural defense substances.

Research shows preference for male children is declining in Bangladesh

Research from the University of Kent reveals a decline in son preference among Bangladeshi women, driven by increased female education and employment. Despite stated desires for gender balance, actual fertility decisions continue to be shaped by son preference, with women more likely to have additional children if they lack sons.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Tiny particles that seed clouds can form from trace gases over open sea

Researchers found that tiny aerosol particles form out of next to nothingness over the open ocean when sunlight reacts with molecules of trace gases. These newly formed particles then grow to attract water vapor, forming clouds that reflect or absorb sunlight, affecting Earth's temperature.

Highly efficient grid-scale electricity storage at fifth of cost

Researchers at WMG University of Warwick have developed a highly efficient hybrid flow battery technology that can store electricity for long durations at about 1/5 the cost of current systems. This breakthrough enables flexible and zero-emission grid-scale energy storage, making it ideal for widespread commercial adoption.

Exercising muscle combats chronic inflammation on its own

Researchers at Duke University have discovered that exercising lab-grown human muscle can directly counteract the damaging effects of chronic inflammation, particularly from interferon gamma. The study shows that muscle cells take anti-inflammatory actions independently of other cell types or tissues.

Role of dams in reducing global flood exposure under climate change

A recent study found that dams can decrease the number of people globally exposed to historical once-in-100-year floods by approximately 15% downstream of dams. Integrating dam landscapes into existing flood modeling frameworks is crucial for realistic assessments of population exposure to present and future floods.

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.

Genetic sequence for parasitic flowering plant Sapria

Researchers have produced the most comprehensive genome of Sapria himalayana, a major Rafflesiaceae lineage found in Southeast Asia. The analysis revealed an astonishing degree of gene loss and surprising amounts of gene theft from ancient and modern hosts, offering new insights into the evolution of flowering plants.

A professor from RUDN University developed new liquid crystals

Researchers at RUDN University have synthesized and described new dibenzophenazine-based discotic liquid crystals with promising properties for industrial electronics. The crystals can withstand temperatures up to 330? and show potential in organic optoelectronic devices and solar panels.

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.

There's lots of water in the world's most explosive volcano

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that Kamchatka's Shiveluch volcano contains around 10%-14% water by weight, a significantly higher amount than most volcanoes. This finding is significant as it could provide insights into the global water cycle and the plumbing systems of other volcanoes.

New blueprint for more stable quantum computers

The researchers propose creating quantum bits by implanting magnetic atoms into a crystal lattice, enabling faster and more defined qubits. This design concept addresses the stability issue of traditional quantum computers, making them less error-prone and up to ten times faster.

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.

MRI helps unravel the mysteries of sleep

Scientists used MRI to study brain activity during sleep, discovering that overall activity decreases but communication among brain regions becomes more dynamic. The findings suggest a breakdown in neural networks during transitions between light and deep sleep stages, with implications for understanding human consciousness.

Crystal structures in super slow motion

Researchers at the University of Göttingen have successfully filmed a phase transition of a crystal structure using laser beams and ultrafast transmission electron microscopy. The experiment reveals the rapid formation and growth of tiny regions where the material undergoes a structural change, providing fundamental insights into light...

Growing up in a bilingual home has lasting benefits

A new study found that adults who acquired their second language as a young child show quicker attention shifting and faster visual change detection than those who learned later. These cognitive benefits are thought to be linked to adaptations made by infants in bilingual homes.

Internet and freedom of speech, when metaphors give too much power

A study by Bocconi University argues that the US Supreme Court's 'free market of ideas' metaphor is misleading due to concentrated platform power. The authors suggest framing Internet regulation around this concept to address issues like content moderation and user protection.

Snake sex chromosomes say less about sex and more about survival

Research identifies three key properties that lead to gene survival on snake sex-specific chromosomes: dosage sensitivity, broad tissue expression, and strong purifying selection. These genes play critical roles in developmental processes and are also linked to human birth defects.

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.

Bringing atoms to a standstill: NIST miniaturizes laser cooling

Researchers at NIST have developed a compact optical platform to cool atoms, enabling the creation of super-accurate atomic clocks and quantum devices. The miniaturized system uses flat optics and a metasurface to efficiently interact with and cool large collections of atoms.

The idea of an environmental tax is finally gaining strength

A new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research suggests that carbon pricing is a more efficient way to address climate change than regulations and bans. The study highlights the economic benefits of Pigouvian taxation, which can help maximize welfare while minimizing negative externalities.

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.

Vegan diet significantly remodels metabolism in young children

A recent study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine found that a vegan diet significantly alters the metabolism of young children, leading to lower levels of vitamins A and D, cholesterol forms, essential amino acids, and docosahexaenoic acid. However, folate levels were surprisingly high in these children.

Important cause of preeclampsia discovered

Cholesterol crystals are identified as a primary cause of preeclampsia, triggering an inflammatory response that affects the communication between mother and foetus. This discovery may lead to more effective treatment options, including cholesterol-lowering medications.

Defects may help scientists understand the exotic physics of topology

Researchers at the University of Illinois used artificial materials with defects to study topological features and demonstrate a practical approach for exploring unconventional materials. They created a method for trapping fractional charges on disclination defects, which signals the presence of certain kinds of topology.

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.

Personalizing cancer care with improved tumor models

Researchers propose improved tumor models to personalize cancer treatment by analyzing patient-derived samples and clinical trials data. This approach aims to accelerate the pace of cancer research, facilitating faster and more reliable drug testing.