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Science News Archive July 2021


Page 34 of 41

Wolbachia and the paradox of growth regulation

Researchers discovered that Wolbachia's growth affects its cost for the host and its transmission efficiency. The team found that protection against viruses depends on the amount of Wolbachia at the moment of infection, while longevity relates to its speed of growth in adult hosts.

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.

New clues to why there's so little antimatter in the universe

Physicists at MIT have successfully measured a neutron's tiny effect in a radioactive molecule, revealing small nuclear effects and providing a chance to search for subtle symmetry violations related to dark matter and the Big Bang. The team used heavy radioactive molecules with extreme sensitivity to nuclear phenomena.

McMaster researchers identify how VITT happens

Researchers discovered the molecular mechanism behind vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), a rare but fatal blood clotting disorder. The findings will enable the development of rapid diagnostic tests and new strategies to prevent VITT, making vaccines safer.

Not only humans got talent, dogs got it too!

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that a handful of dogs learn multiple toy names effortlessly, despite struggling with object labels. The research suggests that talent in a specific field may not be exclusively human, with gifted word learner dogs displaying exceptional learning capacity.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Open-source software to help cities plant in pursuit of clean air

A new open-source software, GI4RAQ Platform, enables practitioners to estimate pollutant concentration changes resulting from different planting schemes in streets. It focuses on key pollutants from road transport and provides a detailed analysis of the urban form and planting specified by users.

New type of massive explosion explains mystery star

Researchers have found evidence of a 'magneto-rotational hypernova', a previously unknown type of cataclysm that could explain the presence of high amounts of uranium and zinc in ancient stars. The discovery, published in Nature, reveals a new pathway for the formation of heavy elements in the infant universe.

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.

The reproductive advantages of large male fish

Researchers found that larger male mosquitofish are preferred by females and produce more sperm. They also excel at driving off rivals and using forced mating strategies due to their small size and agility. The study analyzed 36 studies and provided new insights into the relationship between body size and reproductive success in fish.

New study shows mathematical models helped reduce the spread of COVID-19

A new study published in Emerging Infectious Diseases found that mathematical models informed early statewide policies in Colorado, avoiding 97% of potential hospitalizations. The modeling team developed a SEIR model calibrated to Colorado COVID-19 data and provided real-time estimates to policymakers.

Malaria and dengue predicted to affect billions more people

A new study predicts that climate change could increase the global population at risk of malaria and dengue by up to 4.7 billion people by 2100, particularly in lowlands and urban areas. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions could prevent millions from contracting these diseases.

Factors associated with deaths in US ICE detention facilities

A study examining US ICE detention facility deaths from 2011 to 2018 found that inadequate healthcare, poor living conditions, and mental health issues were key factors contributing to these deaths. The study highlights the need for improved healthcare and living conditions in ICE facilities to prevent unnecessary deaths.

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.

Anti-coagulant drug could treat COVID-19's emerging variants

Researchers identified a novel binding site on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein's N-terminal domain, which is targeted by heparan sulphate and its mimetics. This finding suggests that anti-coagulant drugs like heparin could be repurposed as potential antiviral treatments for COVID-19 variants.

How plants compensate symbiotic microbes

Researchers found that plants don't quite achieve 'equal pay' for microbes, instead allocating resources based on the quality of service. The plant-microbe exchanges follow a square-root model, where low-performing microbes receive more resources than expected.

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.

Gender pay gap means fewer female candidates on the ballot

A new study finds that electoral districts with a larger gender pay gap tend to have fewer female candidates, as voters' biases against women candidates can lead to lower vote shares. The Parity Law has had limited impact in reducing this disparity, with parties strategically allocating female candidates to less competitive districts.

New AI tech for early detection of prostate cancer

A new AI-powered diagnostic tool can spot asymptomatic prostate cancer in routine CT scans, allowing for earlier diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes. The technology, developed at RMIT University, has been shown to perform better than human radiologists in detecting cancerous growths.

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.

Soft shell makes hard ceramic less likely to shatter

Researchers at Rice University have created a coating made of soft polymer that can help keep knotty ceramic structures from shattering. The coating was tested on complex lattices called schwarzites, which were found to be up to 4.5 times more resistant to catastrophic fractures.

Researchers detail the most ancient bat fossil ever discovered in Asia

Researchers have discovered two ancient bat fossil teeth in Asia, dating back to the Eocene epoch and pushing the evolutionary record for bats on that continent back by 55 million years. The findings suggest that bats may have originated in Asia before spreading globally, but the exact characteristics of these early bats remain unclear.

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.

Protein's 'silent code' affects how cells move

A University of Pennsylvania-led study found that protein actin's nucleotide sequences, not amino acid sequences, govern its functions in cells. The faster translation rate of beta-actin mRNA causes it to attach to substrates more strongly, slowing down cell movement.

Reducing the melting of the Greenland ice cap using solar geoengineering?

Climatologists tested a solar geoengineering scenario using the MAR climate model to reduce Greenland's mass loss by 6% locally. However, the researchers warn that this approach is not sufficient to stabilize the ice cap by the end of the century and poses risks to the ozone layer and water cycles.

Changes in Earth's orbit enabled the emergence of complex life

Scientists discovered that changes in Earth's orbit allowed for ice-free regions to develop on 'Snowball Earth', enabling periodic survival of animal life. The research found evidence of iron-rich sedimentary rocks forming in the icy ocean near colossal ice sheets, providing a sanctuary for complex multicellular life.

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.

Machine learning tool sorts the nuances of quantum data

A Cornell University-led team developed a machine learning tool called Correlation Convolutional Neural Networks (CCNN) to parse quantum matter and make distinctions in the data. CCNN can identify relationships among microscopic properties that are impossible to determine at the scale of quantum systems.

5 million deaths a year caused by global climate related abnormal temps

A global study found that abnormal hot and cold temperatures cause over 9.43% of global deaths, with most deaths caused by cold exposure. The study revealed geographic differences in temperature-related mortality, with Eastern Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa having the highest heat and cold-related excess death rates.

How seeds know it's a good time to germinate

Researchers found a protein called FLOE1 that allows seeds to directly perceive their hydration state and act upon it. This discovery has major implications for understanding plant ecology and designing drought-resistant crops to combat climate change.

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.

Microscopy technique makes finer images of deeper tissue, more quickly

A team of MIT and Harvard University researchers has developed a modified version of two-photon imaging that can image deeper within tissue and perform the imaging much more quickly than what was previously possible. This technique allows for high-resolution images of structures such as blood vessels and individual neurons within the b...

For many students, double-dose algebra leads to college attainment

A new study found that double-dose algebra significantly increased semesters of college attended and college degree attainment among median-skill students. Implementing the policy in schools with lower-skilled students led to no impact, highlighting the need for more intensive math interventions.

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.

Climate change will increase temperature-attributable mortality

A new study predicts that global warming will lead to a sharp increase in heat-related deaths, outstripping the decline in cold-related mortality, unless strong mitigation measures are taken immediately. The Mediterranean Basin is expected to be disproportionately affected due to its greater vulnerability to heat.

Banishing cigarettes into history's ashcan

A new grant is expanding a Texas tobacco program to target substance use patients in rural communities. The program aims to reduce smoking rates among individuals with psychiatric disorders and substance dependencies.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

UK public view COVID-19 as a threat because of lockdowns, new study suggests

A new study from Cardiff University found that the UK public views COVID-19 as a threat primarily because of government-imposed lockdowns. People who judged the risk based on this fact were more likely to support lockdown measures. Once restrictions are lifted, public perception may shift, and the threat may be downplayed.

Digital pens provide new insight into cognitive testing results

Researchers used digital pens to capture participants' performance during cognitive tests, identifying patterns that correlate with physical function. They found groups of participants who had similar patterns of writing and thinking times, which were linked to poorer physical function or memory/executive function scores.

Colorectal cancer risk may increase with lower exposure to UVB light

Research found a significant correlation between lower UVB light exposure and higher rates of colorectal cancer across all age groups. Vitamin D deficiency may play a role in this association, particularly for people over 45, who may reduce their risk by correcting deficiencies in vitamin D.

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.

ESC Congress 2021 - Press Programme announced

The European Society of Cardiology has announced the ESC Congress 2021 press programme, featuring live hot line sessions and embargoed press conferences. The programme will showcase new data on heart failure, valvular heart disease, cardiac arrest, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation.

Acid sensor discovered in plants

Scientists from Würzburg, Germany, have identified a protein in the plant Arabidopsis thaliana that detects and translates acidic conditions into an electrical signal. This discovery could lead to more tolerant crops for waterlogging conditions.

What should I eat to avoid heart disease?

Plant-based diets are recommended for healthy adults, with low consumption of salt and animal products, and increased intake of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts. Fermented dairy products like yogurt and cheese can also have a protective effect on cardiovascular health.

New game-changing zeolite catalysts synthesized

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) have synthesized two new thermally stable zeolites with improved catalytic activity. PST-32 and PST-2 exhibit higher activity than zeolite Y in producing ethylene and propylene, key raw materials for chemical products.

The brain's wiring technicians

A new study reveals that microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, play a crucial role in regulating brain wiring by sculpting inhibitory neurons. The research showed that microglia interact with GABA-emitting inhibitory synapses through direct physical contact, a process enabled by advanced imaging techniques.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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