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Science News Archive January 2021


Page 20 of 40

Do simulations represent the real world at the atomic scale?

A team of researchers developed a new validation protocol to confirm the accuracy of computer simulations at the atomic scale. They compared high-resolution X-ray reflectivity measurements with simulated results, providing insights into the complexities of solid-liquid interfaces.

Eggs reveal what may happen to brain on impact

Researchers found that rotational deceleration causes tremendous egg yolk deformation, shedding light on brain deformation during impacts. This finding suggests that rotational impact is more harmful to brain matter than direct translational impact.

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.

Specific genes increase the risk of bedwetting

A large-scale study has found specific genetic variants that increase the risk of nocturnal enuresis, commonly known as bedwetting. The study provides new insights into the processes causing this widespread phenomenon and highlights the importance of genetic factors in its development.

Blockchain technology to optimize P2P energy trading

A new blockchain technology enables optimal matching of buy and sell orders in peer-to-peer energy trading, allowing for more efficient use of surplus electricity from renewable energy sources. The system allows consumers to engage in direct trading at optimal prices, maximizing the amount of surplus electricity available in the market.

A sea of rubbish: ocean floor landfills

The ocean floor is accumulating marine litter, with plastics and fishing gears dominating seafloor litter hotspots. The study highlights the need for new methodologies and tools to quantify litter occurrence and distribution.

How drain flies dodge a washout

Drain flies have evolved a specialized hair coating that allows them to shrug off water droplets of almost any size. This nanoscale roughness gives the wing surface superhydrophobicity, minimizing contact between water and wing.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Using ancient fossils and gravitational-wave science to predict earth's future

A team of scientists used ancient marine fossils and gravitational wave astronomy to develop a more accurate palaeo-thermometer for predicting climate change. The improved thermometer uses machine-learning tools to extract temperature from GDGT concentrations with an accuracy of just 3.6 degrees, nearly twice that of previous models.

A little friction goes a long way toward stronger nanotube fibers

Researchers at Rice University developed a computational model to fine-tune carbon nanotube fiber properties for aerospace, automotive and medical applications. The study reveals that longer nanotubes and increased crosslinks can strengthen fibers by reducing friction.

As oceans warm, large fish struggle

A new model developed by researchers at McGill University predicts that warming waters will reduce the ability of large fish to extract oxygen from their environment, impairing their physiological performance. The study's findings suggest that global warming could limit the aerobic capacity of fish worldwide.

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.

Scientists to global policymakers: Treat fish as food to help solve world hunger

The article highlights the potential of fish as a solution to global malnutrition and hunger. Scientists argue that viewing fish as more than just a natural resource can help alleviate poverty and improve nutrition, especially for vulnerable communities. The authors suggest four pillars for action: improving metrics, promoting nutritio...

Nano-thin piezoelectrics advance self-powered electronics

A new type of ultra-efficient, nano-thin material has been developed by RMIT University that can convert mechanical pressure into electrical energy. The material is 800% more efficient than other piezoelectrics and can be easily fabricated through a cost-effective method using liquid metals.

Mystery of Martian glaciers revealed

A new analysis reveals Mars underwent 6-20 separate ice ages during the past 300-800 million years, with rocks trapped in glaciers providing a natural experiment. The findings hold implications for planetary geology and space exploration, including the potential for life on Mars.

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.

Mental health conditions alarmingly high among children with autism

A new study reveals nearly 78% of children with autism have at least one mental health condition, with anxiety and depression prevalent among pre-school age children. The findings emphasize the importance of early intervention to increase effectiveness of mental health treatment.

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.

New method heals skeletal injuries with synthetic bone

Researchers at Lund University in Sweden have developed a method to regenerate bone and heal severe fractures using a combination of synthetic bone substitute and drugs. The study, published in Science Advances, shows promise for treating major bone defects with reduced complications.

Story tips: Volcanic microbes, unbreakable bonds and flood mapping

Scientists discover nearly 300 novel microbial species near a deep-sea volcano, revealing new insights into their extreme environment. Researchers also develop self-healing elastomers with unprecedented adhesion strength, and create a flood mapping tool to visualize water spread for any scenario and terrain.

Spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 relatives can evolve against immune responses

Researchers found that two SARS-CoV-2 relatives, OC43 and 229E, can evolve their spike proteins to evade the immune system, potentially making current vaccines outdated. The study suggests that these viruses may evolve at a rate similar to the seasonal flu, requiring new vaccines to be developed to match future strains.

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.

Genome editing to treat human retinal degeneration

New gene editing strategies, including CRISPR technologies, are being investigated for treating inherited retinal diseases. The article highlights the most viable therapeutic approaches and discusses safety concerns and challenges in extending the capabilities of CRISPR-Cas9.

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.

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.

How to find mutated sperm? Just go FISH

A new test can identify chromosomal mutations in sperm produced after chemotherapy and radiation treatments, which may affect fertility and child health. The AM8 FISH protocol measures aneuploidy and other chromosomal aberrations in treated sperm, providing a potential tool for men seeking to have children.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

E-cigarettes stress lungs, impair protein function

A new technique developed by researchers at PNNL reveals that e-cigarettes inflict subtle structural changes in proteins, marking the first time such damage has been measured. The study found significant oxidative stress on lung tissue in rats, compromising regulatory proteins and potentially leading to chronic stress.

A 'super-puff' planet like no other

Researchers found that WASP-107b's massive gas envelope could form easily with a less massive core than previously thought, contradicting classical models of gas-giant planet formation. The discovery has significant implications for our understanding of exoplanet formation and the variety of planets in the universe.

Money matters to happiness--perhaps more than previously thought

A new study by Matthew Killingsworth from the University of Pennsylvania found that money does influence happiness, contrary to previous research suggesting a dollar-value plateau. Higher earners experience increased feelings of control over life, leading to greater well-being.

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.

Tracking the evolution Maxwell knots

Maxwell knots are peculiar solutions to the Maxwell equations, with unique electric and magnetic field line structures. The study suggests these knotted field lines may move in a special manner, preserving their knot nature, and could be integrable, linking them to other mathematical models.

'Babysitters' provide boost to offspring of elderly birds

Research from the University of East Anglia and the University of Groningen found that elderly parents' help in raising their young improves offspring survival rates. The study on Seychelles warblers highlights the benefits of cooperative breeding in social species.

A mathematical study describes how metastasis starts

Researchers from UC3M and UCM developed a mathematical model to understand how cancer cells invade healthy tissue, using topological data analysis techniques. The model simulates the collective movement of cells in tissues and can be used to track the progression of tumor growth.

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.

Improving rabies vaccination rates with data

A recent redesign of a dog vaccination campaign in Blantyre city, Malawi, reduced the cost and time associated with rabies prevention by leveraging real-time data collection. The campaign vaccinated over 70% of local dogs using a combination of fixed locations and door-to-door vaccinations.

Eliminating microplastics in wastewater directly at the source

Researchers from INRS develop electrolytic treatment of wastewater to degrade microplastics directly at the source. The technology breaks down microplastics into non-toxic CO2 and water molecules, offering a promising solution for mitigating their environmental impact.

Parkinson's: Initial steps to show nerves their growth direction magnetically

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a method to control the direction of nerve fiber growth using magnetic nanoparticles. The team successfully implanted functionalized nanoparticles into model neurons, allowing them to guide axon growth and potentially promote regeneration in Parkinson's patients.

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.

Rethinking spin chemistry from a quantum perspective

A team from Osaka City University developed a quantum algorithm that can accurately calculate energy differences between the electronic ground and excited spin states of open-shell molecular systems. This breakthrough enables efficient calculations for complex molecules, potentially revolutionizing chemical and industrial applications.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

COVID-19 news fromAnnals of Internal Medicine

A recent study found that mortality rates decreased among critically ill COVID-19 patients over time. In contrast, experts from NIAID emphasized the importance of using data to encourage vaccine uptake. Meanwhile, a hospital essay describes a Ransomware attack during the pandemic, highlighting the challenges faced by healthcare profess...

Novel organoid models: Illuminating path to cervical cancers

Researchers created novel organoid models for the cervix, identifying key turning points in cancer development and the origin of precancerous cells. They discovered two distinct stem cells controlling epithelial lineages at the cervical transition zone.

A massive advance in spectrometry

Scientists at Kanazawa University developed a new method to study the neutralization of excess charges during mass spectrometry, which can lead to more accurate results. The team used a combination of continuum and molecular dynamics simulations to model the effect of adding molecules of the opposite charge to neutralize excess charge.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Healing ceramic electrolyte degraded by Li dendrite

A research team at Toyohashi University of Technology and University of Calgary investigates the effect of post-annealing on a garnet-type Ta-substituted LLZO ceramic solid electrolyte degraded by Li metal penetration. The study reveals that annealed Ta-LLZO maintains high Li ion conductivity above 10^-4 S cm^-1 at room temperature, ma...