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Science News Archive January 2021


Page 5 of 40

A glimpse into the wardrobe of King David and King Solomon, 3000 years ago

Researchers from the Israel Antiquities Authority, Tel Aviv University, and Bar Ilan University discovered rare fabric dyed with royal purple dating back to King David and King Solomon's time. The dye was produced from species of mollusk found in the Mediterranean Sea and is often mentioned in the Bible.

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.

Machine-learning to predict the performance of organic solar cells

Researchers from Universitat Rovira i Virgili and Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona have combined experimental data with algorithms to enable an unprecedented predicting capability of the performance of organic solar cells. The study uses a new experimental method to generate large datasets, which are then used to train machi...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Otago study examines attitudes toward climate change risk

A University of Otago study found that while 74% of Americans are concerned about climate change, only 29% discuss lower carbon options when asked to describe future travel. The study suggests actively envisioning a sustainable future could lead to increased adoption of low-carbon systems and mitigate efforts.

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.

Gender and spatial behavior

A Stanford study suggests that the increasingly gendered division of labor in human societies dramatically shaped how our species uses space and thinks about it. The research, published in Nature Human Behaviour, examines travel data from the Hadza people of Tanzania and finds that men and women occupy different worlds from a young age.

Study reveals cause of common Zika virus birth defect

A new study published in Nature Microbiology reveals how Zika virus causes brain calcification, a common birth defect associated with prenatal infection. The research team identified the proteins BMP2 and NS3 as central players in the development of calcifications, suggesting novel strategies to prevent this birth defect.

Ship-track studies overstate cooling effect of anthropogenic aerosols

A new study published in Science reveals that ship-track data cannot be used to estimate the cooling effect of anthropogenic aerosols on climate change. The research highlights a significant bias in current aerosol-cloud forcing estimations and suggests alternatives for direct observation of aerosol effects.

Coronavirus was brought into Russia at least 67 times

Researchers analyzed 211 virus genomes and found nine local lineages circulating in Russia, not present elsewhere. The study suggests that the main channel of coronavirus 'import' was passenger traffic from European countries.

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.

Analysis reveals how china can help solve debt and environmental crises

China can alleviate debt burdens in exchange for debtor nation commitments to climate change mitigation and environmental protection. Countries like Angola, Cambodia, and the Solomon Islands show great promise for debt-for-nature swaps, while Senegal, Sudan, and Zimbabwe prioritize debt-for-climate swaps.

Metformin may affect risk of breast cancer in women with type 2 diabetes

A study of 44,541 women found that taking metformin to treat type 2 diabetes may protect against developing ER-positive breast cancer. However, the risk of triple negative breast cancer was increased by 74% among those treated with metformin. The link between type 2 diabetes and breast cancer varied by breast cancer subtype.

It's elemental: Ultra-trace detector tests gold purity

Researchers at PNNL develop new detection method for ultra-trace elements like uranium and thorium, allowing for precise measurement in valuable metals like gold. The technique enables detection limits as low as 10 parts per trillion in gold, revolutionizing the semiconductor industry and sensitive particle detection.

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.

Viral sequencing can reveal how SARS-CoV-2 spreads and evolves

Researchers emphasize the importance of viral sequencing in understanding the spread and evolution of SARS-CoV-2. The technique has enabled the identification of new variants of concern and insights into transmission routes, but challenges remain in collecting and integrating metadata for genetic analyses.

A high-resolution glimpse of gene expression in cells

Researchers at MIT have devised a way to label and sequence individual RNA molecules within a tissue sample, allowing for a unique snapshot of which genes are being expressed in different parts of a cell. This technique offers new insights into how gene expression is influenced by a cell's location or its interactions with nearby cells.

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.

Neural network has learned to identify tree species

Researchers developed an algorithm to identify various tree species in satellite images, enabling efficient forest management and monitoring. The neural network-based approach improves accuracy and stability for practical application.

How evolution can change science for the better

Researchers developed an agent-based model to analyze the priority rule in science, finding that excessive rewards for priority can lead to lower-quality research. However, reforms like scoop protection can help mitigate this issue. To further improve science, measures like preregistration and criticism of research plans can encourage ...

Understanding how genetic motifs conduct "the music of life"

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have found that genetic motifs, patterns and combinations of DNA's molecular building blocks, determine the quantity of gene expression. This discovery, using supercomputers and AI, could shed new light on cancer and improve pharmaceutical development.

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.

NRG Oncology study shows safety of adaptive RT in NSCLC patients

The NRG Oncology trial shows improved in-field tumor control with adaptive radiotherapy, increasing local-regional tumor control by 11% and primary tumor control by 17%. The study's results suggest individualizing radiotherapy dose prescriptions according to patient's intrinsic sensitivity for better survival outcomes.

Livestock workers face high MRSA risk

Research by Michigan State University finds that livestock workers are at high risk of acquiring antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The study highlights the importance of good hygiene practices and policies in minimizing the spread of livestock-associated MRSA.

Marine heatwaves becoming more intense, more frequent

A new study from the University of Colorado Boulder reveals that the ocean's surface layer is becoming shallower, making it easier to warm and increasing the likelihood of extreme marine heatwaves. This thinning can lead to drastic swings in ocean temperatures, threatening sensitive marine ecosystems.

Ancient proteins help track early milk drinking in Africa

Researchers analyzed ancient dental calculus from 41 individuals and found milk proteins in 8 individuals, dating back to 4,000-3,200 years ago. The study suggests that early African pastoralists consumed dairy products without the genetic adaptation for lactase persistence, possibly through fermentation.

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.

Forests with diverse tree sizes and small clearings hinder wildland fire growth

A new study published in the International Journal of Wildland Fire found that forests with diverse tree sizes and small clearings slow down wildland fire growth. The research used a 3D analysis to examine how forest structure affects fire behavior and revealed that varying tree sizes and shapes can significantly impact fire spread.

Schizophrenia second only to age as greatest risk factor for COVID-19 death

A new study finds that people with schizophrenia are almost three times more likely to die from COVID-19 than those without the mental disorder. The study, led by researchers at NYU Langone Health, shows that schizophrenia is the biggest risk factor for death after age, with a 2.7-fold increased odds of dying.

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.

IU researchers discover how breast cancer cells hide from immune attack

Breast cancer cells can evade immune attacks by increasing the level of protein MAL2 on their surface, leading to enhanced tumor growth. Targeting this action could improve immunotherapy for patients. Researchers identified MAL2 as a key protein and found that inhibiting it can almost completely stop tumor growth.

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.

Ions in molten salts can go 'against the flow'

Researchers at Uppsala University used computer simulations to study ions in molten salts and found that they can interact and move in unexpected ways. The study's findings suggest that lighter anions like fluoride and chloride can be attracted to both lithium ions and the positive anode, leading to slower movement towards the cathode.

Children can bypass age verification procedures in popular social media apps

Researchers found that all ten apps permitted users under 16 to sign up if they provided an age of 16, highlighting the need for robust age verification mechanisms. The study recommends clarifying minimum age requirements, enabling restrictive privacy settings by default, and implementing ongoing age verification processes.

Geological phenomenon widening the Atlantic Ocean

A team of seismologists has discovered a new mechanism driving the separation of the Atlantic plates, with evidence of an upwelling in the mantle from depths of over 600 km. This finding provides greater understanding of plate tectonics and its role in natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis.

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.

Even machines need their greens

A team of engineers has created a new material by infusing 3D printer ink with chloroplasts from spinach. This living material can be strengthened up to six times its original strength through photosynthesis and exhibits self-repairing properties.

Cell death shines a light on the origins of complex life

Researchers find that nuclei, chloroplasts, and pyrenoids can persist for weeks and months after cell death in eukaryotic cells, challenging previous assumptions about their decay rate. This discovery helps to narrow the age range of complex life on Earth, suggesting its emergence around 1,700 million years ago.

Challenges in COVID-19 vaccination

The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina hosts an international virtual panel discussion on COVID-19 vaccination challenges. Experts will address issues like equitable global allocation and vaccine effectiveness. The event aims to promote scientific dialogue among the international community.

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.

Genome-editing tool TALEN outperforms CRISPR-Cas9 in tightly packed DNA

Researchers have discovered that TALEN is up to five times more efficient than CRISPR-Cas9 in targeting densely packed DNA regions, including those causing fragile X syndrome and sickle cell anemia. This breakthrough adds to the need for a broader selection of genome-editing tools to target all parts of the genome.

Healthy lifespan analysis using nematodes

Researchers at Kumamoto University created a new system to assess healthy lifespans in nematodes, which may help develop drugs and find foods that extend human lifespans. The system, C-LAS, uses images of living and dead nematodes to classify their health and longevity.

New Tel Aviv University study reveals 'Achilles' heel' of cancer cells

Researchers discovered that aneuploid cancer cells demonstrate heightened sensitivity to damage to the mitotic checkpoint, making them more susceptible to treatment. The study's findings suggest that using aneuploidy as a biological marker could help identify patients who will respond better to certain drugs.

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.

Humanizing yeast ORC sheds light on cancer therapy and human development

Researchers have discovered a 19-amino acid insertion helix in the Orc4 subunit of yeast ORC that enables human-like DNA binding, transforming yeast into a humanized ORC. This finding provides new insights for cancer therapy and human development, including potential targets for anti-cancer drug screening.

New study: Which beverages burst with umami potential?

A new study from University of Copenhagen researchers found that sake has the most umami flavor, followed by champagne and wine. The study also showed that pairing certain beverages with specific foods can enhance the umami flavor.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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