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Science News Archive January 2021


Page 16 of 40

Abandoned cropland should produce biofuels

A study suggests that growing perennial grasses on abandoned cropland could counteract climate change by producing biofuels. The research found that 83 million hectares of areas previously used for food production are now available for biofuel cultivation, which could meet between 11-68% of current bioenergy needs.

Neuronal recycling: This is how our brain allows us to read

Researchers found that the brain processes letters and words similarly to how it processes other visual stimuli, using statistical frequency of specific symbols. This common cognitive process, known as unsupervised learning, is also seen in animals such as baboons that can learn to recognize words.

New journal to push the boundaries of biological imaging

The new journal, Biological Imaging, provides an interdisciplinary forum for quantitative and computational imaging in life sciences, covering topics like microscopy, image acquisition, and machine learning. The journal aims to drive cross-fertilization across research applications and inspire innovative work.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Solar system formation in two steps

A team of researchers discovered that the early Solar System formed in two distinct steps, resulting in different planetary compositions and evolutionary paths. The study explains why the inner planets are small and dry, while the outer planets are larger and wet.

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.

Developmental origins of eczema and psoriasis discovered

Researchers create detailed map of skin cells, revealing that cellular processes from development are re-activated in cells from patients with inflammatory skin disease. This study offers potential new drug targets for treating eczema and psoriasis.

Electrons caught in the act

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed a technique to visualize ultrafast electron motion with sub-nanoscale spatial resolution, enabling the study of semiconductor device operation and potential defect control. This breakthrough may lead to more efficient electronic devices.

Children 'not scared' by PPE, says study

A new study from Alder Hey Children's Hospital found that children are not anxious or scared when wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in the anaesthetic room. In fact, most children reported feeling happy and safe with PPE, while none experienced anxiety or fear.

Fish sex organs boosted under high-CO2

Research found that some fish species exhibit larger gonads and increased reproductive output under elevated CO2 levels, leading to more offspring. Males and females adjust their behavior to optimize reproduction, with males foraging more and investing energy in egg care.

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.

Research finds people more likely to follow Covid rules when friends and family do

A recent study published in the British Journal of Psychology found that people are more likely to follow Covid-19 restrictions based on their close circle's behavior rather than their own principles. The researchers discovered that the best predictor of compliance was how much one's close friends and family were following the rules.

Food insecurity spiked during early months of pandemic

A new study by the RAND Corporation found that food insecurity increased by nearly 80% in two predominantly African American neighborhoods during the first weeks of the coronavirus pandemic. This marked a reversal of decade-long trends, with disparities between these areas and the general US population reaching their highest levels.

Methods in studying cycad leaf nutrition found to be inconsistent and incomplete

A literature review on cycad leaf nutrition highlights inconsistencies in data collection and analysis methods, emphasizing the need for more research to effectively manage and conserve these plant species. The study recommends considering factors such as seasonal variations, insect herbivory, and soil nutrient concentrations.

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.

How to get more electric cars on the road

A new study from MIT researchers reveals that installing charging stations on residential streets and adding high-speed charging stations along highways can greatly increase the adoption of electric cars. The findings suggest that making convenient charging options available to people, especially those with limited access to garages or...

Climate change puts hundreds of coastal airports at risk of flooding

A new study finds that even a modest sea level rise would place 100 airports below mean sea level by 2100, posing a significant risk to global passenger and freight movements. The researchers ranked airports at risk from sea level rise, with some in Asia and Europe topping the list.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Detailed tumour profiling

Researchers developed a platform to derive comprehensive molecular profiles of tumours, enabling personalized therapy recommendations and expanded treatment options. The Tumor Profiler study analyzed 240 patients' tumour samples using advanced testing methods, providing insights into cellular diversity and treatment response.

Study shows number and variety of issues experienced by staff wearing

A study by Dr Tom Hutley and colleagues found that the longer healthcare workers wear personal protective equipment (PPE), the more issues they experience, including tiredness, headaches, and dizziness. The survey also revealed a negative impact on team performance, with 92% of respondents feeling PPE affected communication.

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.

Making protein 'superfood' from marine algae

A team of researchers at Flinders University has developed a sustainable way to produce protein 'superfoods' from marine algae. The process involves cultivating single-cell organisms from the ocean and converting them into healthy cell patties, chips, pastes, jams, and even caviar.

Immunology - Functionality of immune cells in early life

Researchers have found that dendritic cells in young animals are capable of triggering effective immune reactions, challenging the conventional view on their immaturity. These findings suggest new ways to boost the efficacy of vaccines for young children.

Crystal close up

Researchers use novel techniques to observe salt crystal formation at the atomic level for the first time. The study confirms theoretical predictions about crystal formation and provides insight into polymorphism in crystal growth.

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.

When a story is breaking, AI can help consumers identify fake news

New research from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that AI-driven interventions are effective in stopping the spread of misinformation when a news story first emerges. The guidance is most effective when it provides reasoning that aligns with a person's natural thought process.

Geoscientists reconstruct 6.5 million years of sea level stands

Researchers used phreatic overgrowths on speleothems in Mallorca caves to determine past sea levels, providing a way to precisely measure sea levels. The study's results show that sea level dropped significantly after the Pliocene period and fluctuated during warm periods.

NIH study compares low-fat, plant-based diet to low-carb, animal-based diet

A small, highly controlled study at the National Institutes of Health compared the effects of a low-fat, plant-based diet to a low-carb, animal-based diet on calorie intake, hormone levels, body weight, and more. Participants lost weight on both diets, but only the low-fat diet led to a significant loss of body fat.

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.

Teamwork in a molecule

Chemists at the University of Jena have successfully created a bimetallic main-group complex using gallium, demonstrating cooperative bond activation that can remove fluorine atoms from hydrocarbon compounds. The breakthrough paves the way for further development of sustainable catalytic reactions.

Seeds transfer their microbes to the next generation

Researchers at Stockholm University found that oak acorn microbes are inherited by seedlings, promoting growth and protecting against diseases. This discovery opens up new possibilities for breeding super plants with improved genes and microbial communities.

Gold nanoparticles more stable by putting rings on them

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a method to prevent gold nanoparticles from clumping, which could improve their effectiveness as anti-cancer therapy. Attaching ring-shaped synthetic compounds to gold nanoparticles retains their light-absorbing properties and maintains dispersion in solution.

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.

Ten suggestions for female faculty and staff during the pandemic

During the pandemic, female academics are sharing their experiences and advice on managing work-life balance while juggling caregiving responsibilities. The authors suggest finding peer support groups, saying no to non-essential tasks, and prioritizing self-care. They also emphasize the importance of recognizing individual differences ...

For some, GI tract may be vulnerable to COVID-19 infection

Research suggests that people with Barrett's esophagus, a disorder causing the esophagus to resemble intestinal cells, have SARS-CoV-2 receptors that can bind and become infected by the virus. This increases the risk of infection through swallowing the virus.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Curtin find could slash energy use and cost in making silicon

Researchers have discovered a method to produce silicon at room temperature using electrical currents instead of extreme heat, which could slash energy use and cost in the industry. This technique replaces thermochemical processes with electrochemical processes, converting clean electricity into chemical energy.

Oldest carbonates in the solar system

The study reveals that the Flensburg meteorite contains carbonates dating back over three million years, making them the oldest in the solar system. The findings also suggest that liquid water existed on a minor planet early in the solar system's formation.

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.

Methamphetamine overdose deaths rise sharply nationwide

A recent study found a sharp increase in methamphetamine overdose deaths across all racial and ethnic groups, but non-Hispanic American Indians and Alaska Natives had the highest death rates overall. The study highlights the need for culturally tailored prevention and treatment strategies to address this growing crisis.

Reviving exhausted immune cells to fight cancer

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that removing a key gene called Cbl-b can revitalize exhausted CD8+ T cells to combat malignant tumors. This breakthrough could offer a new approach to harnessing the body's immune system to fight cancers.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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