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Science News Archive January 2021


Page 23 of 40

Changing resilience of oceans to climate change

A recent study found that ancient oceans were more resilient to climate change than previously thought, with limited expansion of seafloor anoxia during the Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum. However, current human activities are expected to drive more rapid and expansive oxygen loss due to higher carbon emissions and nutrient pollution.

Towards new methods for replacing animal testing

Researchers developed an in vitro and computational model-based approach to identify chemicals affecting male reproductive health without animal tests. The method predicts exposure of fetuses to harmful substances, showing promising results compared to traditional animal tests.

Spreading the sound

Researchers developed a new theoretical model explaining the spread of vibrations in disordered materials, showing that sound waves lose coherence on shorter length scales. This discovery may lead to the design of heat- and shatter-resistant glass for smartphones and tablets.

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.

New England Journal of Medicinepublishes COVID-19 treatment trial results

A clinical trial involving COVID-19 patients hospitalized at UT Health San Antonio and University Health found that a combination of the drugs baricitinib and remdesivir reduced time to recovery. Patients on high oxygen therapy had a recovery time of 10 days with combination treatment, compared to 18 days with remdesivir alone.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How plants produce defensive toxins without harming themselves

A study by Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology reveals how plants produce defensive toxins, such as diterpene glycosides, without harming themselves. These plant chemicals attack specific parts of the cell membrane, and plants store them in a non-toxic form to prevent self-harm.

The richer you are, the more likely you'll social distance, study finds

Researchers found that people with higher incomes were more likely to adopt self-protective behaviors such as social distancing and mask wearing. In contrast, lower-income individuals faced increased challenges in adopting these behaviors due to job losses, limited access to remote work, and living in homes without outdoor spaces.

ADA lowers target HbA1C levels for children with type-1 diabetes

The American Diabetes Association has lowered the target HbA1C levels for children with type-1 diabetes to less than 7% to reduce acute and long-term organ damage. The new guidelines aim to improve immediate and long-term health outcomes, fewer complications, and reduced mortality rates in T1D children.

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.

Reverse engineering 3D chromosome models for individual cells

Scientists have created highly detailed 3D models of chromosomes for individual cells using a computational technique that uncovers spatial relationships between genes. These models provide valuable insights into how genes work together to drive biological processes, such as development and cell differentiation.

Sexual harassment claims by less feminine women perceived as less credible

A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that women who deviate from traditional femininity are perceived as less credible and their claims of sexual harassment are viewed as less valid. This bias can prevent non-stereotypical women from accessing legal protections, leaving them vulnerable to further vic...

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.

Not as simple as thought: How bacteria form membrane vesicles

Researchers discovered a novel mechanism by which mycolic acid-containing bacteria form diverse types of membrane vesicles in response to DNA damage and envelope stress. This finding provides insight into the mechanisms of membrane vesicle formation, which could be helpful for developing novel therapeutics or vaccines.

Physical frailty syndrome: a cacophony of multisystem dysfunction

Physical frailty is defined as a state of depleted reserves resulting in increased vulnerability to stressors. A complex systems approach suggests that interventions like physical activity can remedy frailty by addressing dysregulation across multiple interconnected physiological and biological systems.

Model analyzes how viruses escape the immune system

MIT researchers have created a new computational model that can predict which sections of viral surface proteins are more likely to mutate in a way that enables viral escape. The model identifies potential targets for vaccines against influenza and HIV, offering hope for developing effective treatments.

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.

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.

Lack of managers keeps India's businesses small

A new study by Yale University economists finds that the absence of professional management hinders India's business growth, constraining innovation and economic growth. The study suggests that if Indian businesses adopted management practices common in developed countries, they would expand and boost productivity.

Measuring the belowground world

Soil organisms perform crucial services like nutrient transformation and water purification. A new monitoring network aims to improve understanding and protection of soil biodiversity.

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.

Mapping our sun's backyard

A team of astronomers has created the most complete 3D map of cool brown dwarfs in the Sun's local neighborhood, cataloging over 500 objects including 38 new discoveries. The results provide evidence that the Sun's immediate neighborhood is unusually diverse relative to other parts of the Milky Way Galaxy.

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.

BioRescue two new northern white rhino embryos created at Christmas

Two new northern white rhino embryos were created in December 2020 using advanced assisted reproduction technologies. This brings the total number of viable embryos produced to five. The successful embryo creation is a result of a regular rhythm of repeated oocyte collections, which will continue if possible.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Scientists discover electric eels hunting in a group

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have found electric eels working together to herd small fish into tightly packed balls. The eels then launch simultaneous electric attacks, stunning the prey into submission.

Keeping the costs of superconducting magnets down using ultrasound

A team of scientists from Shibaura Institute of Technology developed a cost-effective method to enhance the properties of magnesium diboride superconductors using ultrasonication. This approach resulted in a higher critical current density, making bulk MgB2 more accessible and simpler to fabricate.

Temperature scanners of limited value in detecting Covid-19

A new study suggests that temperature scanners are unreliable for detecting Covid-19 due to false negatives and varying factors affecting skin temperature readings. Taking temperature readings from a person's fingertip and eye can provide a more reliable indicator of fever-induced changes in deep body temperature.

Comparing reactions of flu vaccines in older adults

A randomized clinical trial compared flu vaccine reactions in older adults, finding that injection-site pain was a common side effect. The study also revealed differences in reaction rates among various flu vaccine types.

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.

Accounting for the gaps in ancient food webs

Researchers developed a method to account for missing soft-bodied organisms in ancient food webs, revealing differences between hard- and soft-bodied taxa that have existed for at least 48 million years. This work strengthens future research in ancient food web reconstruction and allows for more robust predictions of future ecosystems.

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.

Berkeley Lab science snapshots

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have launched a comprehensive resource on carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies and policies to mitigate climate change. The CDR Primer provides an overview of various techniques, including sequestering carbon in soil through improved agricultural practices.

Effects of head trauma from intimate partner violence largely unrecognized

Research estimates that one in three women experience intimate partner violence and up to 90% suffer head trauma. However, data is scarce on the cognitive and psychological effects of this trauma. A new international effort aims to understand the ramifications of injuries and develop personalized treatment strategies.

Scholars link diet, dentition, and linguistics

A University of Miami study found that a soft food diet can reshape language by changing how people speak and pronounce sounds. The research analyzed thousands of languages and the speech patterns of 10 celebrities, including Freddie Mercury and Michael Phelps.

Cotton quality mapping as a tool for growers

The study maps cotton fiber quality to determine how in-field practices impact fiber growth, enabling growers to maximize profitability and reduce environmental impact. By combining data on yield, fiber quality, and sustainability metrics, producers can provide customers with information on the cotton they use.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Extreme fire weather

Climate scientists have long known that human activities increase wildfire risk, but the specific roles and influences were unclear. A new study quantifies competing anthropogenic influences on extreme fire weather risk, revealing heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions as a dominant contributor.

Esophageal cancer patients show abundance of oral pathogens

Researchers found that certain oral pathogens are more prevalent in esophageal cancer patients, particularly in dental plaque and saliva. The study suggests that these pathogens may be associated with a high risk of esophageal cancer and could form the basis of future screening methods.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Bladder cancer -- When to use chemotherapy

Research at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin found that patients' immune systems before chemotherapy determine treatment success in bladder cancer. High levels of CXCL11 and CXCR3alt receptors indicate a strong immune response, leading to increased survival rates.

Studying and treating COVID-19's long-term impact

A nationwide study, INSPIRE, aims to track the long-term outcomes of COVID-19 infections on various age groups over a two-year period. Researchers will examine COVID-19 survivors' health care utilization, clinical events, and physical and mental function.