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Science News Archive January 2021 - Page 20


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.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Materials·DateJan 19, 2021

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJan 19, 2021

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.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateJan 19, 2021

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.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·DateJan 19, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 19, 2021

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.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 19, 2021

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.

SourceThe Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery·JournalClimate of the Past·DateJan 19, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

SourceMcGill University·DateJan 19, 2021

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...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAMBIO·DateJan 19, 2021

Study in twins identifies fecal microbiome differences in food allergies

A new study identified novel metabolites and specific gut bacteria distinguishing healthy from food-allergic twin pairs. The research found that certain bacteria, such as Phascolarctobacterium faecium and Ruminococccus bromii, played a protective role against food allergies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 19, 2021

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.

SourceRMIT University·JournalMaterials Today·DateJan 19, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceColgate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateJan 19, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

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.

SourceLund University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 19, 2021

Research news tip sheet: Story ideas from Johns Hopkins Medicine

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new experimental therapy that prevents premature birth using nanosized particles of drugs. The treatment decreases contractions in uterine muscles and could be a clinical option for preventing preterm labor.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 19, 2021

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.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2021
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.

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.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateJan 19, 2021

New study shows correlation between teen obesity and mental health issues

A new study by Lund University researchers found that half of young people treated for severe obesity have neuropsychiatric problems, with two-thirds experiencing mental health issues. The study also revealed that symptoms of ADHD and autism are often misdiagnosed in teenagers with severe obesity.

SourceLund University·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateJan 19, 2021
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.

One-dimensional quantum nanowires fertile ground for Majorana zero modes

Researchers have developed a new method to detect Majorana zero modes in one-dimensional quantum nanowires, overcoming previous detection difficulties. This breakthrough improves device reproducibility and opens the door for scalable quantum computing applications.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 19, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Appreciating a flower's texture, color, and shape leads to better drone landings

Researchers at Delft University of Technology develop an optical flow-based learning process that enables small flying drones to estimate distances through the visual appearance of objects in view. This allows for better navigation skills, including smoother landings and improved obstacle detection.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateJan 19, 2021

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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 19, 2021
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.

NIH officials highlight COVID-19 vaccine facts, unknowns for healthcare providers

The NIH highlights seven COVID-19 vaccines with promising data on safety and efficacy, while acknowledging remaining unknowns. The commentary emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to strongly encourage vaccination, particularly as rare side effects may emerge in large populations.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 18, 2021

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.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalRedox Biology·DateJan 18, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·DateJan 18, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2021

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateJan 18, 2021

'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.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEvolution Letters·DateJan 18, 2021
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.

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.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 18, 2021

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2021

Grain mixing and damage may help initiate the subduction of tectonic plates

Compressive stresses in the lithosphere induce grain mixing and damage, generating vertical weak bands that facilitate subduction initiation. These weak zones are susceptible to bending associated with subduction and may provide insight into plate tectonics on Earth.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2021

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.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJan 18, 2021

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.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 18, 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.

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.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalChemical Science·DateJan 18, 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.

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...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 18, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 18, 2021

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.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateJan 18, 2021

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...

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateJan 18, 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.