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Science News Archive July 2021


Page 23 of 41

Even on Facebook, COVID-19 polarized members of US Congress

A study of US Congress members' Facebook posts about COVID-19 found that Democrats generally took a more negative tone, while Republicans were more positive. The study suggests that the pandemic highlighted the importance of understanding how rhetoric impacts engagement and sharing of messages.

Vaccine hesitancy in young adults may hamper herd immunity

A UCSF study found that 83% of respondents aged 18-25 had not been vaccinated, with concerns over side effects and safety leading to low vaccination rates. The researchers recommend addressing these concerns through public education campaigns to encourage young adult vaccination.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Antibiotics in early life could affect brain development

A Rutgers researcher found that penicillin alters the microbiome and gene expression in key brain areas, potentially leading to neurodevelopment problems. This study suggests reducing antibiotic use or alternatives could prevent these issues.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Seven degrees from one trillion species of microbes

A global network of microbiomes reveals that only six 'relatives' (or seven 'steps') separate any two microbiomes on Earth, indicating a common origin. The study also sheds light on the interactions between microbes in different ecosystems and their responses to climate change.

Fungi that live in the gut influence health and disease

Research suggests that fungi in the healthy gut can have a beneficial effect on health, while invasive forms may contribute to inflammatory bowel disease. Vaccines targeting specific proteins may help restore balance to the microbiome.

USGS-led study helps in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic

A new USGS-led study outlines a means to better estimate COVID-19 occurrence and trends in populations by utilizing coordinated sampling and statistical analysis. This approach will help health officials make informed decisions about vaccine effectiveness, social distancing measures and other mitigation efforts.

Off-cycle elections result in less representative local governments

A recent study by Brigham Young University found that local governments formed in off-cycle years are less responsive to the majority's preferences and more responsive to organized interest groups. This can result in policies that benefit specific groups rather than the community as a whole.

A genome of photosynthetic animals decoded

Researchers analyze Plakobranchus ocellatus type black sea slug genome, finding chloroplasts retain photosynthetic capability for months. The study reveals no evidence of algal genes encoded on the sea slug genome, suggesting alternative mechanisms behind kleptoplasty.

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 mechanism of superconductivity discovered in graphene

A novel alternative mechanism to achieve superconductivity in graphene has been discovered by researchers at the Center for Theoretical Physics of Complex Systems. This breakthrough involves interactions between electrons and bogolons, which can confer superconductivity up to 70 Kelvin within graphene.

How climate change and fires are shaping the forests of the future

Researchers at TUM used AI to simulate forest fires in Yellowstone National Park, finding that climate change scenarios predict a 28-59% loss of forest coverage by 2100. The study highlights the urgent need for climate protection measures and their impact on biodiversity and recreational value.

Putting a strain on semiconductors for next-gen chips

Skoltech researchers create a neural network that can guide the controlled deformation of semiconductor crystals, enabling superior properties for next-gen chips and solar cells. The approach combines various data sources and active learning to boost accuracy and convergence.

Primary care provides clinical guidance, answers about COVID-19 testing, vaccine

Primary care physicians provide the largest share of services for vaccinations and majority of clinical visits for vaccination, making them well-positioned to administer COVID-19 vaccines. They can also answer vaccine questions and provide clinical guidance on interpreting results from COVID-19 testing and immunity determinations.

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.

When corals meet algae: First stages of symbiosis seen for the first time

Researchers observed coral cells engulfing free-living algae in a process that began within minutes, marking the first stages of symbiosis. This study provides new insights into the complex relationship between corals and algae, which is crucial for understanding coral bleaching caused by climate change and pollution.

Molecular bridge mediates inhibitory synapse specificity in the cortex

Researchers at Max Planck Florida Institute have identified IgSF11 as a key molecule mediating layer-specific synaptic targeting in cortical Chandelier Cells. This discovery reveals that IgSF11 confers specificity through homophilic interaction, enabling the precise connection of inhibitory interneurons with target neurons.

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.

COVID precautions may result in more breast cancer deaths

The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to a potential increase in breast cancer mortality, with estimated excess deaths reaching 2,487 by 2030. Researchers used simulation models to predict the impact of screening, diagnosis, and treatment disruptions on breast cancer mortality.

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.

Chemical plants combat nitrous oxide emissions

The article highlights the significant impact of nitrous oxide on the ozone layer and climate change. Chemical companies are now developing efficient technologies to reduce N2O emissions, including catalyst-based processes that can decrease emissions by up to 90%. The industry is also exploring alternative uses for captured N2O emissions.

Solar radio signals could be used to monitor melting ice sheets

Scientists at Stanford University have developed a technique using solar radio signals to measure the depth of ice sheets and glaciers, which could lead to large-scale insight into melting ice sheets and sea-level rise. The passive radar system uses naturally occurring radio waves from the sun to detect changes in ice thickness.

Banishing bandits: Other countries bear the cost

A new study reveals that Vietnamese poaching boats, known as 'blue boats', encroached into Australian waters between 2013 and 2017. The study shows how workshop interventions deterred illegal fishing by Vietnamese fishers in Australia.

Heisenberg under the microscope

Researchers from the University of Vienna and TU Wien have successfully controlled a large glass sphere's motion at the quantum level using control engineering methods. The experiment, published in Nature, demonstrates the potential for combining quantum physics and control engineering to enable more precise experiments.

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 to make biomedical research data able to interact?

The Swiss team proposes a three-pillar strategy for semantic framework development, compositional language creation, and adaptation to specific data models. This approach aims to unify vocabularies and facilitate cross-referencing of mutually intelligible data from different sources.

World-first finding offers hope for psychosis sufferers

Researchers at the University of Otago have created a new animal model that can accurately simulate psychosis in rats. This breakthrough finding opens up new possibilities for understanding brain mechanisms and developing more effective treatments for schizophrenia.

Scientists find way to navigate a heavy uphill climb

Researchers at New York University have found a way for heavy motorized objects to navigate steep inclines by exploiting density imbalances and hydrodynamic effects. This breakthrough enhances understanding of gravitaxis and has implications for engineering and pharmaceutical development.

Physicists describe sun's electric field

Researchers calculate sun's electric field distribution, revealing its impact on solar wind acceleration. The study provides new insights into the sun's interaction with charged particles and their effect on Earth's activities.

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.

Oncotarget: CEA as a blood-based biomarker in anal cancer

Researchers investigated CEA as a blood-based biomarker for anal cancer. Although CEA levels correlated with disease progression, they were not associated with survival outcomes or clinically relevant in managing the disease. Novel approaches with serum biomarkers are necessary for this rare and increasing diagnosed malignancy.

New study provides data on protections of ebola vaccines

A new study published in Science Translational Medicine reports on the protection offered by Ebola vaccines. The research found that different vaccine platforms conferred varying levels of protection, with RBD-specific antibodies and Fc-mediated immune functions playing key roles.

Detecting wildlife illness and death with new early alert system

A new surveillance system has been developed using data from wildlife rehabilitation organizations across California, enabling the detection of unusual patterns of illness and death in near real-time. The system has identified several key events, including domoic acid poisoning in seabirds and canine distemper in raccoons.

'Greta Thunberg Effect' belies challenges for autistic community in going green

A new study reveals that autistic personality traits are unrelated to environmental attitudes but can be linked to lower engagement in pro-environmental behaviors. The researchers emphasize the need for practical support, such as adapting cognitive behavioral therapy and early environmental education, to help individuals with autism an...

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.

Liquid metal sensors and AI could help prosthetic hands to 'feel'

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University developed a new technology that enables prosthetic hands to distinguish between complex, multi-textured surfaces using liquid metal sensors and machine learning algorithms. This innovation could improve control of prosthetic hands and provide haptic feedback for amputees.

Deep discounts: The nemesis of bargain hunters

Researchers found that frugal consumers categorize purchases as necessities versus luxuries to rationalize impulsive responses to deep discounts. Frugal individuals tend to increase their perception of need for a product after a discount offer, leading to increased purchase intentions.

Caring for the physical health of those with mental illness

Researchers developed a peer-led intervention called the Bridge that helps patients prioritize their health, access healthcare, and develop skills to self-manage their health. The approach showed a 50% reduction in emergency room use for participants in the intervention group.

The hidden culprit killing lithium-metal batteries from the inside

Scientists have long struggled to make reliable lithium-metal batteries due to high failure rates and safety issues. New nanoscale images reveal a hard buildup of solid electrolyte interphase, which tears holes in the separator and allows metal deposits to form a short, leading to catastrophic device failure.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Genome studies: More is not always better

A recent study found that genome-wide association studies (GWAS) often miss important associations between genotype and phenotype due to high genetic heterogeneity, but examining smaller, genetically homogeneous samples yields valuable new insights

Trust me, I'm a chatbot

Researchers at Göttingen University found that customers tend to react negatively to chatbots initially, but positive reactions occur when mistakes lead to a deeper understanding of issues. Disclosing chatbot presence can actually improve customer loyalty in cases where errors occur.

New system for tracking macaws emphasizes species' conservation needs

A long-term study tracked macaw movements using satellite telemetry over eight years, revealing large home ranges and daily travel distances. The research highlights the importance of conservation strategies for the scarlet macaw and similar species, which share habitats with endangered species and influence ecosystems.

New study from Monterey Bay Aquarium puts disparities of climate change on the map

A new study from Monterey Bay Aquarium illustrates the disparity between global emissions and local climate change impacts. The research shows that regions generating most emissions are different from those expected to experience the greatest warming, with 90% of all greenhouse emissions originating from just 8% of Earth's surface area.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

'Neuroprosthesis' restores words to man with paralysis

UCSF researchers successfully developed a speech neuroprosthesis, enabling a paralyzed man to communicate in sentences by translating brain signals into words. The technology promises more natural communication for people with speech loss and could one day enable thousands of individuals to fully communicate.

Integration of social care into health care: Our collective path ahead

Researchers emphasize the need for collaborative efforts among healthcare systems, policymakers, and payers to integrate social care into healthcare. They highlight the importance of evidence-based practices, improved training, and sustainable funding streams to address health inequities and achieve health equity.

A hitchhiker's guide to manta rays

Research in Maldives reveals diverse associations between manta rays and 'hitchhiker' fish. New species of symbionts were discovered, expanding our understanding of these unique relationships.

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.

Encrypting photos on the cloud to keep them private

A new system, dubbed Easy Secure Photos (ESP), encrypts photos uploaded to cloud services, protecting them from attackers and the cloud services themselves. Users can visually browse and display encrypted images as if they weren't encrypted.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Researchers discover how hunger boosts learning about food in mice

Researchers used genetically engineered mice to study the AgRP hunger neurons, finding that fasting activates these cells, while food cues inhibit their activity. The team discovered that the aversive feeling caused by hunger enhances learning, making dieting difficult due to this persistent sensation.