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Science News Archive July 2021


Page 33 of 41

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Faulty memories of our past whereabouts: The fallacy of an airtight alibi

A study examined how humans remember past locations using GPS tracking and sound recordings. Participants' memories were often incorrect, especially when events were similar or involved similar sounds/movements, highlighting the fallacy of an airtight alibi. The findings have implications for alibi generation and investigation strategies.

New insights into Salmonella's survival strategies

Researchers identified 421 previously unknown interactions between Salmonella proteins and host cell proteins, including those involved in cholesterol trafficking. This approach sheds light on how Salmonella survives inside host cells by manipulating protein machineries and pathways.

Wild birds learn to avoid distasteful prey by watching others

A team of researchers found that wild birds can learn to avoid distasteful prey by observing what others eat, resolving a long-standing evolutionary problem. This breakthrough highlights the critical role of social information transmission in predator-prey dynamics and eco-evo processes.

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.

The Obesity Society issues new position statement:

The Obesity Society's new position statement confirms COVID-19 vaccines are highly efficacious in individuals with and without obesity. Trials demonstrate similar vaccine efficacy in both groups against COVID-19-associated hospitalization and death.

Atmospheric acidity impacts oceanic ecology

New research reveals that increased atmospheric acidity is disrupting the ecological balance of oceans by altering nutrient transport and productivity. The study found that atmospheric acidity affects the quantity and distribution of nutrients delivered to the ocean, leading to a direct fertilizing effect on marine phytoplankton.

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.

Could ketogenic diet be helpful with brain cancer?

A modified ketogenic diet was found to be safe and feasible for people with brain tumors called astrocytomas. The diet led to changes in metabolism in the body and brain, including decreased hemoglobin A1c levels, increased lean body mass, and alterations in brain metabolites.

Energycane produces more biodiesel than soybean at a lower cost

Researchers developed chemical-free pretreatment methods and high-throughput phenotyping techniques for producing fuel from energycane. The studies found that energycane can produce up to 7.5 barrels of diesel per acre, surpassing soybean production, with lower costs and environmental impact.

Study: Hospitals not adequately prepared for next pandemic

A new study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine found hospitals are not adequately prepared for the next pandemic. The Hospital Medical Surge Preparedness Index (HMSPI) tool assesses a hospital's ability to handle sudden influxes in patients due to mass shootings, infectious disease outbreaks, or pandemics.

International team aims to make musculoskeletal health a global priority

An international research team has mapped the current global landscape for musculoskeletal health and developed an action plan to address the growing global burden of disability. The blueprint prioritizes eight key areas, including community education, leadership, and research, to guide health systems reform and promote integrated care.

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.

Like a molten pancake

A new model simulates tortuous magma pathways feeding eruptions, identifying three forces: hotspot rise, volcanic rock weight, and buoyancy. This understanding lays foundations for predicting fissure eruptions and reducing dangers.

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.

Quantum laser turns energy loss into gain?

Scientists at KAIST developed a laser system generating highly interactive quantum particles at room temperature, which can recycle lost energy to achieve lower threshold energy levels. The system exploits parity-time reversal symmetry, allowing energy loss to be used as gain for high-efficiency and low-threshold lasers.

Most common joint procedures not backed by high quality evidence

Despite widespread use, many common joint procedures like hip replacements and shoulder repair surgery have limited high-quality evidence to support their clinical effectiveness. The analysis highlights the urgent need for research and definitive trials to evaluate these interventions.

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.

Harnessing AI to discover new drugs

Researchers at ETH Zurich used AI to identify target molecules of natural substances, paving the way for a new class of pharmaceutical agents. The algorithm successfully predicted human receptors and enzymes that interact with natural compounds, leading to the discovery of simpler, cheaper alternatives.

Scientists home in on recipe for entirely renewable energy

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have made significant progress in developing a recipe for entirely renewable energy by splitting water to produce green hydrogen. The team has identified nine earth-abundant metal combinations as highly promising leads for experimental investigation, with chromium, manganese, and iron standing ou...

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.

Mapping urban greenspace use with cellphone GPS data

A study published in PLOS ONE found that urban greenspace use is correlated with demographics, with women, older adults, and ethnic minority groups spending more time outdoors. The authors used GPS data from cell phone apps to track users' visits to local green spaces, revealing significant effects on trip duration and distance.

Machine-learning improves the prediction of stroke recovery

Researchers developed a predictive tool using machine learning and connectome analysis to identify neuronal network patterns and predict individual recovery outcomes. The study analyzed 92 patients' brain structural connectomes, tracking changes in connection patterns during recovery.

Cutting through noise for better solar cells

Researchers use cross-correlation noise spectroscopy to identify crucial electrical noise signals in silicon solar cells, pinpointing physical processes causing energy loss and lower efficiency. The technique allows for precise measurement of noise and removal of detector noise, enabling the detection of smaller noise signals.

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.

For female vampire bats, an equal chance to rule the roost

Researchers observed an egalitarian community among female vampire bats, with no specific quality predicting dominance. The study found that adult females had an equal opportunity to rank high or low in a dominance scale, and young males were subordinate to adults.

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.

Slow music in tunnels can keep drivers focused and safe

A virtual reality study found that slow music played as background throughout the tunnel reduces drivers' nervousness and fatigue, while sirens are most effective when played at entry points and during emergencies. The combination of slow music with occasional sirens is proposed as a best solution to improve road safety.

Young South Asian heart attack patients more likely to be obese, use tobacco

A new study found that young South Asian heart attack patients are more likely to be obese and use tobacco products. The study also revealed a higher prevalence of family history of heart disease and abnormal lipids in this patient population. Targeting modifiable risk factors, creating awareness, and decreasing system delays can help ...

NUS researchers bring attack-proof quantum communication two steps forward

Researchers from NUS have developed two methods to ensure QKD communications cannot be attacked using side-channel attacks. The first is an ultra-secure cryptography protocol that can be deployed in any communication network, and the second is a device that defends against bright light pulse attacks by creating a power threshold.

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.

Muscle relaxants largely ineffective for low back pain

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that muscle relaxants have a small effect on reducing pain intensity in the short term, but this effect is not clinically meaningful. The use of muscle relaxants may also increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and nausea.

Ancient Islamic tombs cluster like galaxies

A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that ancient Islamic tombs in Sudan are distributed according to large-scale environmental factors and small-scale social factors. The tombs cluster around central 'parent' points, likely representing older tombs of importance, with smaller scale distribution influenced by nearby older structures.

Researchers identify ultrastable single atom magnet

Researchers at Ewha Womans University have created ultra-stable single-atom magnets that can maintain their magnetic state over days. Using Scanning Tunneling Microscopy, the team achieved atomic-scale control of magnetic fields within quantum architectures.

Plant patch enables continuous monitoring for crop diseases

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a wearable sensor that monitors plant stress and disease in a noninvasive way by measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by plants. The system can alert users to specific problems, allowing growers to identify issues quickly and limit the spread of diseases.

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.

Tiny tools: Controlling individual water droplets as biochemical reactors

Researchers at Ritsumeikan University have developed a novel technique to individually select and control tiny water droplets in lab-on-a-chip applications. The method uses electrowetting-on-dielectric technology to make individual droplets stand taller, allowing for selective contact and transfer of chemicals or cells.

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.

A biological fireworks show 300 million years in the making

The study reveals that frog eggs release zinc and manganese sparks after fertilization, indicating a shared biology between humans and frogs. The research has implications for understanding the interplay of dietary zinc status and human fertility.

Diversification in supply chain crucial to avoid 'food shock' in cities

A team of researchers from Penn State and Northern Arizona University developed a statistical risk model linking supply chain diversity to the probability of a city experiencing food shocks. The study found that higher diversity in the supply chain leads to lower probabilities of food shock, highlighting the importance of diversifying ...

Mucus and mucins may become the medicine of the future

Scientists have found a way to artificially produce healthy mucus, which could lead to new medical treatments and therapies. The discovery is particularly promising for the treatment of diseases related to intestinal flora, such as infections and eye infections.

Small amount of lithium production in classical nova

A new study found a low rate of lithium production in a classical nova, indicating diversity within these events. This discovery suggests that other objects, such as supernovae, may also contribute to lithium production in the Universe.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Engineered protein inspired by nature may help plastic plague

Researchers have engineered an enzyme to bind to and degrade plastic particles, potentially helping to resolve the issue of complete recycling of PET in industry. The enzyme, called PET2, was found to accelerate the reaction between PET's chemical components and water when positive charges were introduced on its surface.

Why wild African fruits can supplement low protein staple foods

Research from University of Johannesburg uncovers essential amino acids in wild African fruits. The study reveals several species exceed daily nutritional values recommended by WHO. The white olive and jacket plum are good candidates to boost immune function against viruses due to high lysine content.