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Science News Archive July 2021


Page 13 of 41

A large tidal stream observed in the Sombrero galaxy

A team of astronomers has made detailed observations of a large tidal flow around the Sombrero galaxy, revealing its strange morphology and shedding light on its possible merger history. The study's findings suggest that the galaxy's unusual shape may be due to cannibalism by a satellite dwarf galaxy.

Sarah Knox wins IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Salivary Research

Sarah Knox is recognized for her outstanding contributions to salivary research, with a focus on parasympathetic innervation and tubulogenesis in developing salivary glands. Her work has elucidated mechanisms of salivary gland development and regeneration relevant to tissue repair in autoimmune disease and cancer.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chromosomes separation under focus

A UNIGE team has identified important regulatory mechanisms of the protein responsible for chromosome separation. The study reveals that inhibitory proteins block separase activity by occupying sites that recognize the cohesin substrate, preventing cleavage.

Study finds lifting advice doesn't stand up for everyone

A study by Curtin University found that people with low back pain are more likely to use a squat-like technique when lifting, contradicting existing advice. Researchers suggest a 'one size fits all' approach may not work and a more individualised approach may be required.

Unexpected proteome plasticity in response to persistent temperature rise

Researchers discovered that yeast changes hundreds of proteins' expression patterns and subcellular localizations after adapting to a higher temperature. The proteome's plasticity allows the cells to adapt by reducing thermolabile protein load, changing protein conformation, and adopting new functions.

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.

Enamel defects as biomarkers for exposure to environmental stressors

This symposium explores the effects of environmental influences on enamel formation, including early life adversity, endocrine disruptors, and genetic susceptibility. Researchers highlight the importance of enamel as a biomarker for exposure to environmental stressors, potentially leading to increased dental disease risk.

David Williams named 2021 recipient of the IADR Gold Medal Award

David Williams, Professor of Global Oral Health at Queen Mary University of London, received the 2021 IADR Gold Medal Award for his work on oral health inequalities. He has developed a Standard Set of Adult Oral Health Outcome Measures and is a key figure in promoting sustainable growth and better global health outcomes.

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.

Sandia designs better batteries for grid-scale energy storage

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have designed a new class of molten sodium batteries that operate at lower temperatures and use low-cost materials. The new battery design has the potential to significantly reduce costs and increase efficiency in grid-scale energy storage.

Real-time stress detection devices could help fight alcohol relapses

A Washington State University research team developed wearable wristbands to measure physiological responses to stress in real-time, providing a potential method to prevent relapses in people with Alcohol Use Disorder. The study found that the devices matched survey results and can trigger interventions when needed.

Existing drug is shown to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 virus

Researchers found that masitinib inhibited SARS-CoV-2 viral loads and reduced inflammation in human cell cultures and mouse models. The drug also showed effectiveness against multiple variants, including Alpha, Beta, and Gamma, and other viruses such as picornaviruses.

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.

The Lancet: Experts call for urgent action to improve physical activity worldwide

A new three-paper series published in The Lancet calls for immediate action to prioritize research and public health measures to improve physical activity worldwide. The authors highlight the need to address inadequate support for adolescents and people living with disabilities, who are disproportionately affected by physical inactivity.

Bringing the jury to the crime scene via a 3D headset

A new study by University of South Australia researchers found that virtual reality leads to better recall, spatial accuracy, and more consistent verdicts. Participants viewing a 3D scene were 9.5 times more likely to choose the same verdict than those relying on photographs.

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.

Origami comes to life with new shape-changing materials

Researchers at CU Boulder's ATLAS Institute have developed shape-changing objects inspired by origami that can bend, wiggle, and flutter using artificial muscles. The 'Electriflow' designs utilize hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic actuators to create paper-thin, fast-moving, and almost silent objects.

How does the structure of cytolysins influence their activity?

The study reveals that the structure of cytolysin subunits is crucial for their activity, with macrocycles playing a key role in stabilizing the molecule. The researchers also identified a hinge region important for the subunit's shape and membrane penetration capabilities.

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.

Crime scene tape set to revolutionize microplastics research

Forensic scientists have developed a new method using Easylift tape to collect and analyze microplastic samples, improving efficiency and accuracy. This technique enables multiple analytical techniques to be applied to the samples afterwards and preserves them for future study.

Daniel McNeil 2021 recipient of the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in BEHSR

Daniel McNeil, a renowned psychologist at West Virginia University, has been recognized with the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Behavioral Epidemiologic and Health Services Research. His work focuses on psychosocial factors, pain, dental fear, anxiety, and phobia, making significant contributions to our understanding of health.

C is for Vitamin C -- a key ingredient for immune cell function

Scientists at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that Vitamin C and TET proteins can work together to generate stable induced Tregs, which could potentially treat autoimmune diseases. The study reveals an intriguing connection between TET enzymatic activity, Vitamin C and IL-2/STAT5 signaling.

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.

Toxic facility relocation depends on community pressure

New research from the University of Illinois explores how community characteristics impact the relocation of toxic-releasing facilities. The study found that facilities are more likely to move from communities with high population density, income, and education levels, while moving into those with lower socioeconomic status.

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.

New simulator helps robots sharpen their cutting skills

Researchers at USC have developed a new simulator that accurately predicts the forces acting on a knife as it cuts through soft materials, enabling applications in safer food processing and surgical robotics. The system uses 'differentiable' simulation to automatically tune parameters from real-world measurements.

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.

Toxicity testing on the placenta and embryo

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new chip-based test that incorporates the placenta into embryotoxicity assessments. The test detects indirect damage to embryos by analyzing stress responses of human placental cells to toxic substances.

New method predicts COVID-19 severity, could help with hospital triage

Researchers have created a blood test that can predict COVID-19 severity, which could aid in prioritizing patients for hospitalization. The test uses attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) to measure changes in blood biochemistry and has shown promise as a rapid and simple triaging tool.

New in the Hastings Center Report, July-August 2021

Clinical ethicists discuss activist language and its impact on healthcare crises, including triage policies and racial disparities. The article highlights four calls to action: recognizing barriers, supporting antiracism work, advocating for policy change, and engaging in institutional activism.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New framework applies machine learning to atomistic modeling

Researchers developed a new framework using machine learning that improves the accuracy of interatomic potentials for designing new nanomaterials. The findings suggest a positive correlation between the complexity and number of parameters and the accuracy of interatomic potential.

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.

How do wind turbines impact Golden Eagles?

A study published in Ibis found that Golden Eagles avoid wind turbines due to habitat loss, affecting their suitability inside and outside of wind farms. The largest impact of wind farms was the loss of Golden Eagle habitat, which could be mitigated by incorporating the findings into wind farm planning.

More exercise and fewer hours watching TV cuts sleep apnoea risk

Regular physical activity and reduced sedentary behavior are linked to lower risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Studies found that exercising for just two hours a week can lower OSA risk by 54%, while spending less than four hours watching TV daily reduces the risk by 78%. Increasing physical activity in leisure time or reducing se...

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.

Lauren Katz wins IADR Osteology Foundation New Investigator Award

Lauren Katz, a postdoctoral researcher at UNC Chapel Hill, received the IADR Osteology Foundation New Investigator Award for her work on craniofacial skeletal muscle regenerative potential. Her goal is to develop therapeutic options for patients with congenital and acquired craniofacial defects.

Most people find allergy information on food labels unclear

A study of consumers with food allergies found that less than half understood allergy information on food labels, attributing varying levels of comprehensibility assessments. Precautionary statements have little value for consumers and may lead to inappropriate dietary restrictions or risk-taking behavior.

Cancer: Information theory to fight resistance to treatments

A team from UNIGE and HUG used information theory to study the molecular regulations behind cancer cell adaptation to targeted therapies. They found that a large reversible component of resistance exists, which can be modulated by therapeutic combinations.

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.