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Science News Archive January 2021 - Page 11


Page 11 of 40
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.

Boosting the efficiency of carbon capture and conversion systems

Researchers at MIT have developed a method to significantly boost the performance of systems capturing and converting carbon dioxide from power plant emissions. By concentrating carbon dioxide next to the catalyst surface, the system nearly doubles the reaction rate and produces valuable products like fuels and chemical feedstocks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateJan 25, 2021

Dramatic increase in microplastics in seagrass soil since the 1970s

Researchers found significant accumulation of PVC and polystyrene in seagrass sediments since the 1930s, indicating a dramatic increase since the 1970s. This pollution can potentially lead to microplastic exposure for animals grazing on or living in the sediment.

SourceStockholm University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJan 25, 2021
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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Less job stress for workers at financially transparent firms

Employees at financially transparent firms experience lower job distress, improved relationships with managers, and increased commitment to their employers. Financial transparency has a significant impact on reducing job stress, especially for workers not covered by collective bargaining agreements.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Science Research·DateJan 25, 2021

When -- not what -- obese mice ate reduced breast cancer risk

Researchers found that time-restricted feeding, a form of intermittent fasting aligned with circadian rhythms, improved metabolic health and reduced tumor growth in mice with obesity-driven postmenopausal breast cancer. Elevated insulin levels drove accelerated tumor growth, which was mitigated by reducing insulin levels.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 2021

Climate change increases coastal blue carbon sequestration

Researchers found that tidal wetlands accumulate ~54 Tg C yr-1, which is ~30% of the organic C buried on the ocean floor. The study highlights the potential for preserving and rehabilitating mangroves and salt marshes to offset up to 0.6% of current CO2 emissions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 25, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Graphene Flagship study predicts increased market penetration by 2025

Researchers at Graphene Flagship partner Fraunhofer ISI predict that graphene will be commercially available for various industrial applications, including batteries, solar panels, electronics, and medical technologies. By 2025, market demand is expected to quadruple, with graphene being incorporated into ubiquitous commodities.

SourceGraphene Flagship·Journal2D Materials·DateJan 25, 2021

Nuclear war could trigger big El Niño and decrease seafood

A nuclear war could lead to a 40% reduction in phytoplankton biomass in the equatorial Pacific, affecting larger marine organisms and human food supply. Scientists simulated six nuclear scenarios, showing an unprecedented El Niño-like event lasting up to seven years.

SourceRutgers University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJan 25, 2021

Sport may fast-track numeracy skills for Indigenous children

Research from the University of South Australia links sports participation with improved numeracy skills in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Over four years, children who played organised sports had advanced numeracy skills compared to those who did less sport.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAustralian Journal of Education·DateJan 25, 2021
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.

Endogenous RNA virus-like elements in the human genome

The study reveals that many virus-like insertions may remain undiscovered in animal genomes, highlighting the need for further research on endogenous RNA viruses. Machine learning was used to detect sequence patterns characteristic of endogenous RNA viruses in the human genome.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2021

A microscopic look at aneurysm repair

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh have identified a new, primary phase of blood vessel restructuring that begins immediately after an aneurysm forms. This immediate adaptation enables the vessel to better handle new loads and reduces the risk of rupture.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalExperimental Mechanics·DateJan 25, 2021

Genetic breakthrough to target care for deadly heart condition

Researchers have found a new type of genetic change in people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which can cause sudden death. This discovery will help doctors predict which family members need to be monitored and which can be ruled out from further tests.

SourceBritish Heart Foundation·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 25, 2021

Cholesterol starvation kills lymphoma cells

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a novel therapy that uses synthetic nanoparticles to trigger the destruction of lymphoma cells by depriving them of cholesterol. This approach has potential for targeting other cancers with an appetite for cholesterol, such as kidney and ovarian cancer.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 25, 2021

Global ice loss increases at record rate

The Earth lost 28 trillion tonnes of ice between 1994 and 2017, equivalent to a sheet of ice 100m thick covering the UK. The rate of ice loss has increased markedly over the past three decades, driven by warming oceans and atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateJan 25, 2021
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.

Efficient solid-state depolymerization of waste PET

Researchers have developed a new method for recycling plastic waste using mechanochemical ball milling and vapor-assisted aging, achieving up to 99% conversion of PET into monomers. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly reduce plastic pollution and create sustainable processes for producing valuable chemicals.

SourceRuđer Bošković Institute·JournalChemSusChem·DateJan 25, 2021

Researchers develop promising way to find new cancer drugs

A new method has been developed to identify peptides that inhibit histone deacetylases (HDACs), enzymes that play a role in cancer development and treatment. The researchers hope to use this method to develop more specific HDAC inhibitors with fewer side effects, leading to improved cancer therapy.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 2021
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.

How complex oscillations in a quantum system simplify with time

Researchers discovered that complex oscillations in quantum systems decay over time into a simple Gaussian distribution, driven by interactions. The Vienna group created a synthetic Bose-Einstein condensate to study phonon dynamics, which eventually lost complexity and followed the Gaussian shape.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 25, 2021

Restoration efforts to increase animal biodiversity

Research in tallgrass prairies reveals that management techniques like prescribed fire and bison reintroduction are more effective at restoring animal communities than increasing plant diversity. This suggests that a single focus on plant biodiversity may not be enough to ensure successful ecosystem restoration.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2021

Missing protein helps small cell lung cancer evade immune defenses

Small cell lung cancer cells lack surface protein NKG2DL, allowing them to hide from immune system. Researchers found that expressing this protein on their surfaces can trigger an immune response and lead to smaller tumors with more activated immune cells.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCancer Research·DateJan 25, 2021

Wetter weather affects composition, numbers of tiny estuarial phytoplankton

Researchers at North Carolina State University found that extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and increased precipitation, affect the amount and composition of tiny phytoplankton in the Neuse River Estuary. The study reveals a shift in concentration and population of picophytoplankton after storms, which could have long-term eff...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 25, 2021
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.

Scientists show impact of human activity on bird species

A study by Durham University and RSPB investigated how human activities shape bird species' geographical distributions. The research found that 42% of breeding bird species would be more widely distributed if humans didn't impact the landscape, while 28% are rarer today than in a human-free world.

SourceDurham University·JournalEcological Indicators·DateJan 25, 2021
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.

How LSD boosts sociability in mice

A study found that LSD enhances social behavior in mice by increasing excitatory neurotransmission in the medial prefrontal cortex. The neurobiological mechanisms underlying LSD's prosocial effects are unclear but may be linked to the mTORC1 protein complex.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2021

Increasing political tolerance

Researchers found that issue-relevant personal experiences are more effective at fostering mutual respect than facts in bridging moral and political divides. The study's findings also suggest that vulnerability-based experiences have a greater impact on building respect for opponents' stances.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2021

3-D printed Biomesh minimizes hernia repair complications

Researchers developed a novel Biomesh that captures positively charged cytokines, reducing inflammation and tissue adhesion in hernia repair. The new mesh effectively minimized postsurgical complications in an animal model, improving outcomes and reducing symptoms.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 25, 2021

How fast could SARS-CoV-2 be detected?

A new electrical detector has been developed for the fast and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antibodies, allowing for rapid point-of-care testing with a turn-around time of around 10 minutes. The device uses graphene field-effect transistors to detect RNA and offers an ultra-low limit of detection of 0.1 fg/mL.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateJan 25, 2021

Turbulence model could enhance rotorcraft, munitions performance

A new turbulence model can simulate entire vortex collision events up to 100 times faster than current state-of-the-art techniques. This allows engineers to design better aircraft and weapon systems without waiting months for supercomputer calculations.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateJan 25, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Elusive 19th century Alaskan fort located using radar tech

Researchers from Cornell University and the National Park Service have pinpointed the location of a wooden fort in Alaska using geophysical imaging techniques and ground-penetrating radar. The fort, called Shiskinoow, was built by the Tlingit people in 1804 as their last physical bulwark against Russian colonization forces.

SourceCornell University·JournalAntiquity·DateJan 25, 2021

Preserving stem cells and tissue without the freezer burn

Researchers developed ice recrystallization inhibitors to halt ice growth in frozen samples, improving cell recovery and function. The technology prevents cellular damage caused by ice crystals, allowing for more efficient storage and transport of biological materials.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·DateJan 25, 2021

HIV treatment in Ethiopia is a 'socioeconomic challenge'

A study of people living with HIV in Ethiopia found that poverty and labor mobility are associated with high viral loads, indicating treatment failure. The researchers highlight the importance of considering socioeconomic conditions in low-income countries to ensure effective HIV treatment.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 25, 2021

New advances in the detection of bias in face recognition algorithms

Researchers have detected bias in face recognition algorithms, with higher false positive rates for females with dark skin tone and males with light skin tone. Top winning solutions exceeded 99.9% accuracy, but the analysis of top 10 teams showed that overall accuracy is not enough when building fair face recognition methods.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·DateJan 25, 2021
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.

Novel molecules to combat asthma and covid-related lung diseases discovered

Researchers at Monash University have discovered two novel molecules that provide profound protection in experimental models of asthma and reduce the severity of asthma attacks. These molecules, including one commercially available as a dietary supplement, also show promise in treating respiratory illness associated with COVID-19.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Immunology·DateJan 25, 2021

Fighting cancer from a chair

Researchers discovered that triplatinNC changes the geometry of heparan sulfate, blocking its splitting and preventing tumor cell migration. This finding opens possibilities for designing anti-metastatic platinum complexes.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 25, 2021

Stimulating brain pathways shows origins of human language and memory

Researchers found strong links between auditory cortex information in humans and primates, suggesting an evolutionary process dating back at least 25 million years. The study provides new insights into the origins of human language and memory, highlighting a previously unseen ancestral brain highway system.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNeuron·DateJan 25, 2021
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.

When galaxies collide

Researchers found that certain head-on galaxy collisions can clear matter from the galactic nucleus, reducing the activity of central black holes. This discovery could help us understand the evolution of our Milky Way and its interactions with smaller galaxies.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 25, 2021

Microstructured optical fibers find their 3D-printed groove

Researchers at KAUST developed a high-precision 3D printing process to fabricate photonic crystal fibers with unprecedented ease and precision. This allows for the creation of small-scale optical devices capable of using photons for high-speed information processing, featuring tight space confinement of light.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalOptica·DateJan 25, 2021

To find the right network model, compare all possible histories

A new paper uses a novel method to evaluate network model rules, allowing for the probabilistic reconstruction of historical data in complex systems. This enables researchers to determine the most likely network model and answer questions about who was infected first.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 25, 2021
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.

Light pollution linked to preterm birth increase

A study from Lehigh University finds that light pollution may increase the likelihood of preterm birth, with a possible increase of up to 12.9%. The researchers suggest that circadian rhythm disruption could be a biological mechanism underlying this link.

SourceLehigh University·JournalSouthern Economic Journal·DateJan 25, 2021

New IU study finds most high-school age youth are willing to wear masks

A new study found that nearly 70% of high school students wore their masks properly during graduation ceremonies, with most expressing altruistic concern for the safety and well-being of their community. The study highlights the importance of education and adult role-modeling in promoting mask-wearing behaviors among youth.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJan 25, 2021