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Science News Archive July 2021


Page 38 of 41

Modelling COVID-19 cases in Africa

African countries can better interpret complex data with a new data-driven framework, tracking and predicting country-level case incidence. The framework considers factors like testing capacity, social policy, landlocked status, temperature, and humidity.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Toba supereruption and global climate

A study suggests that the Toba supereruption led to regional variations in climate impacts, with cooling predictions ranging from 4°C to 10°C in the Northern Hemisphere. Early human populations in these regions thrived despite the eruption's severity, according to independent archaeological evidence.

New report aims to improve VR use in healthcare education

The report argues for greater standardization of immersive technologies in healthcare training and education. It recommends developing a set of principles and guidelines for the use of immersive technology in medical treatment to make training more accessible and effective.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Next-generation sequencing uncovers what's stressing bumblebees

Scientists used next-generation sequencing to study bumblebee health, finding evidence of pesticide exposure, including neonicotinoids, as well as pathogens. The technology allowed for quick detection of diseases and stressors, shedding light on the decline of bumblebee populations.

New advice on arthritis drugs

Researchers found that combining anti-rheumatic drugs can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Two specific combinations - tumour necrosis factor inhibitors and hydroxychloroquine - showed promise in preserving endothelial function.

New method to identify dirt on criminals can lead to prosecution

Scientists have developed a new method to identify the movements of criminals by analyzing soil and dust found on equipment, clothing, and cars. This technique uses geochemical analysis to match soil remnants to regional samples, allowing police to pinpoint crime scenes. The method has been tested in a trial with promising results.

Gulf Coast ready to develop carbon storage hub

The Gulf Coast region is well-positioned to develop a carbon storage economy, thanks to its unique geology and high concentration of industry. The study highlights the region's potential for capturing and storing CO2, which can help reduce emissions in the near term.

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.

Psychedelic spurs growth of neural connections lost in depression

A recent study by Yale researchers found that psilocybin increases the density of dendritic spines, aiding information transmission between neurons and potentially treating depression. Mice subjected to stress showed behavioral improvements after receiving psilocybin, suggesting a possible therapeutic effect.

A new understanding of patterns in fluid flow

An international team has discovered a persistent pattern formation dynamics in viscous fingering, a phenomenon relevant to oil recovery and spreading of groundwater. The study's findings show that the pattern is different from classical radial and rectilinear forms.

Seabird foraging and flying fish depletion

Researchers discovered that seabirds' reliance on flying fish as prey leads to reduced fish populations over 150 km from breeding colonies. This depletion effect is worsened by fisheries, posing a threat to seabirds' survival.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

How fish got their spines

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have identified genetic pathways controlling fin spine development, showing how spines arise during embryonic development and evolve independently in different fish lineages. This study provides insights into the evolution of fin spines, which offer a strong evolutionary advantage to fish.

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.

European settlers and mortality of Indigenous people

A study analyzing age-at-death records of 33,715 Indigenous people in central California between 3050 BCE and 1870 CE found that Spanish settlers contributed to severe demographic collapse. The research suggests extreme social disruption caused by the presence of Europeans led to increased mortality rates among both males and females.

Could genetics hold the key to preventing SIDS?

A genetic biobank containing DNA from 25 babies who died from SIDS in South Australia could help identify genetic causes and prevent future deaths. The biobank will enable researchers to test babies at birth for risk factors and closely monitor those identified, potentially saving hundreds of baby lives.

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.

Observation, simulation, and AI join forces to reveal a clear universe

A team of Japanese astronomers developed a new AI technique to remove noise in astronomical data. They applied this tool to actual data from Japan's Subaru Telescope and found consistent results with currently accepted models of the Universe. This powerful new tool will analyze big data from current and planned astronomy surveys.

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.

Lower exposure to UVB light may increase colorectal cancer risk

A study using data from 186 countries found a significant correlation between lower UVB exposure and higher rates of colorectal cancer across all age groups. Lower UVB exposure may reduce levels of vitamin D, which has been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Researchers on a mission to fight deadly childhood cancer

Australian researchers aim to improve risk classification and identify therapeutic drugs for neuroblastoma, the deadliest solid tumour in children under five. They will use patient data and genetically engineered stem cells to model the disease process and predict patient outcomes.

The City of David and the sharks' teeth mystery

A team of researchers found an unexpected collection of fossilized shark teeth, dated to around 80 million years ago, in a 2,900-year-old site in the City of David in Jerusalem. The teeth were likely transported from a distant location and assembled by collectors, possibly during the Iron Age period.

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.

Lottery-based incentives do not increase COVID-19 vaccination rates

A study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that Ohio's Vax-a-Million lottery-based incentive system did not increase COVID-19 vaccinations. The study suggests that state-based lotteries are of limited value in increasing vaccine uptake, and recommends targeting underlying reasons for vaccine hesitancy instead.

Air pollution during pregnancy may affect growth of newborn babies

A recent study by the University of the Basque Country found a direct relationship between exposure to fine particles and the level of thyroxine in newborns. The research analyzed data from the INMA project and revealed that exposure during early pregnancy has a significant impact on thyroid hormone balance.

Oncotarget: Loss of CPAP in oral cancer

The loss of expression of a microtubule/tubulin binding protein, centrosomal protein 4.1-associated protein, causes increased EGFR levels and signaling in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. Depletion of CPAP enhances tumorigenicity, while EGFR depletion attenuates EMT features.

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.

Global network transforming tropical forest research

A global network of over 2,500 scientists is exploring climate change's impact on forests and biodiversity. ForestPlots.net provides a unique platform for long-term monitoring and analysis, discovering how tropical forests help control carbon emissions.

Scientists publish a how-to guide for creating mouse-human chimeric embryos

Researchers at University at Buffalo have published a detailed protocol for generating mouse-human chimeric embryos, enabling more accurate models of human development and disease. The method has the potential to revolutionize biomedical research and potentially lead to the generation of human organs for transplantation.

Waste hop stem in the beer industry upcycled into cellulose nanofibers

A Japanese research team has developed a technique to extract cellulose nanofibers from hop stems, reducing agricultural waste in the beer industry. The researchers used a simplified process that eliminates lignin and hemicellulose removal, yielding CNFs with a median width of about 2 nanometers.

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.

Uncovering the genetic mechanism behind Rett syndrome

A study by Kyushu University researchers found that deficiencies in key genes lead to an imbalance in neural stem cells, resulting in fewer neurons and more astrocytes. This imbalance disrupts brain function and leads to Rett syndrome symptoms.

Researchers explore how children learn language

A team of researchers developed a method to study how parents adjust their language to match their child's speech development. They found that caregivers have an incredibly precise knowledge of their child's language and use this information to fine-tune the linguistic input they provide.

Why does Mercury have such a big iron core? Magnetism!

A new study from the University of Maryland disputes the prevailing hypothesis on Mercury's big core, instead attributing it to solar magnetism. The model shows that a planet's core density and proportion of iron are correlated with the strength of the sun's magnetic field during planetary formation.

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.

Three-in-one approach boosts the silencing power of CRISPR

Scientists developed a CRISPR-Cas9-based tool that induces long-term gene silencing by epigenetic editing, offering potential treatment options for cancer and genetic ailments. The innovative dCas9-KAL construct achieves stable repression of target genes.

Researchers reduce severity of sleep apnoea by at least 30 per cent

A new study published in The Journal of Physiology shows that two existing medications can reduce sleep apnoea severity by up to one third. Almost everyone who participated in the study showed some improvement, with increased muscle activity around the airway and reduced breathing stoppages.

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.

Cancer: Immunotherapies without side effects?

Researchers from UNIGE and Harvard Medical School have discovered the difference between desired immune responses targeting cancer cells and unwanted responses affecting healthy tissue. By understanding these differences, they aim to develop new therapeutic approaches that minimize toxic side effects and maximize treatment efficacy.

Neurobiology: How mice see the world

Researchers developed an open-source camera to capture mice's view in their natural environments. The study reveals that mice have adapted to perceive colors in the green and ultraviolet regions to aid survival and reproduction.

At what temperature the weather becomes a problem

The study found that temperatures between 17 to 24 degrees Celsius are preferable for humans, cattle, pigs, poultry, and agricultural crops. Extreme heat above 32°C with high humidity or 45°C with low humidity can be fatal for humans, while heat stress affects livestock, poultry, and crops at different temperature thresholds.

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.

Novel strategy for natural product biosynthesis

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have identified a novel flavoprotein dioxygenase crucial for bacterial tropone biosynthesis. The enzyme activates oxygen in a previously unknown way and incorporates it into a chemical precursor compound, generating the basic structure of tropone.

Insect-sized robot navigates mazes with the agility of a cheetah

Researchers at UC Berkeley created an insect-scale robot using electrostatic adhesion, allowing it to traverse complex terrain and make sharp turns with unprecedented speed and control. The robot can survive being stepped on by a human and operate for up to 19 minutes on battery power.

Guadalupe fur seals continue to recover as new colony discovered

Researchers discovered a large resting colony of Guadalupe fur seals on El Farallón de San Ignacio Island in the Gulf of California, bringing the total number of sites to four. The population is believed to reach 41,000 individuals and is growing at an annual rate of 10-11%.

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.