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Science News Archive July 2021


Page 5 of 41

Off-target antibodies undermine HIV vaccine efforts

A recent study from Scripps Research found that proof-of-concept HIV vaccines generate off-target antibodies that degrade the vaccine's payload, hindering protection. The research provides critical insights for improving HIV subunit trimer vaccines and offers a promising avenue for design improvements.

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.

Has the billion dollar crusade to eradicate polio come to an end?

The World Health Organization has fired 500 staff on the polio programme, potentially ending a multibillion-dollar crusade. Despite reducing cases by 99.99%, polio efforts have been stagnant for years, raising questions about the effectiveness of funding and integration with routine immunization services.

Giant friction experiment at Kīlauea volcano

Researchers analyzed data from Kīlauea's caldera collapse to characterize friction at a large scale. The study confirms the role of slip-weakening distance in earthquake mechanics and provides insights into the physics governing caldera collapses.

Wearing a mask – for yourself or for others?

A survey of hospital employees in Switzerland found that self-protection is the main motivation for wearing masks, while younger employees also prioritize protecting others due to their perceived risk aversion, according to researchers.

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.

Scientists trained a neural network to properly name organic molecules

Researchers from Skoltech and their colleagues developed a neural network that can efficiently generate IUPAC names for organic compounds in accordance with the IUPAC nomenclature system. The network, trained using the Transformer architecture, achieved an accuracy of nearly 99%, outperforming traditional rule-based solutions.

Study: Gene associated with autism linked to itch response

A pilot study from North Carolina State University found that a gene associated with autism spectrum disorder and pain hypersensitivity may decrease itch response. Contactin-associated protein 2 (CNTNAP2) is expressed in sensory neurons responsible for transmitting sensations of both pain and itch.

Earthly rocks point way to water hidden on Mars

Scientists have found evidence of hydrohematite, an iron oxide mineral containing water, in Martian rocks. This discovery suggests that Mars may have once had a watery environment and could hold a significant water reserve.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Another byproduct of the pandemic: Paranoia

A Yale study finds that pandemic-induced paranoia was particularly acute in states with low mask mandate adherence and increased acceptance of conspiracy theories. Increased feelings of paranoia were associated with erratic choice behavior and a higher likelihood of endorsing conspiracy theories.

Water as a metal

Researchers produce aqueous solution with metallic properties for the first time by dropping a tiny droplet of liquid alkali metal alloy into water. The resulting 'metallic water' exhibits characteristic spectroscopic properties, including a golden glow and conduction band.

Fighting off food poisoning depends on the time of day

Researchers found that levels of REG3G, a natural antimicrobial molecule, fluctuate on a circadian rhythm prompted by resident gut bacteria. This cycling has significant consequences for the ability to fight off infection, with higher bacterial burdens and rates of death when exposed at sunset.

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.

Motivation depends on how the brain processes fatigue

The study found that people's willingness to exert effort fluctuates moment by moment but gradually declines over time due to fatigue. Two types of fatigue were detected in distinct parts of the brain, with one short-term and another long-term effect, affecting motivation to work.

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.

Breathing new life into fuel cells

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a new method to improve oxygen reduction in fuel cells using iron-based single-atom catalysts. This breakthrough could unlock a level of efficiency never before realized, enabling large-scale deployment of fuel cells and their nearly limitless potential applications.

Managing earthquakes triggered by oil production

A multidisciplinary team of scientists developed a method to dispose wastewater safely, reducing the danger of triggering earthquakes. The approach was tested in Italy's largest onshore oil field and found to be sustainable.

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.

World’s first “green” synthesis of plastics from CO2

A team of researchers has successfully synthesized polycarbonate diols from carbon dioxide and diol at atmospheric pressure using a CeO2 catalyst. This process eliminates the need for dehydrating agents, producing only water as a by-product, making it an attractive alternative to existing methods.

Molecular atlas reveals how brain cells develop

EPFL researchers have mapped the genetic and developmental trajectories of embryonic cells towards their fate in the maturing brain. They analyzed gene expression profiles from mouse embryos every day from day 7 to birth, revealing diversity in neuronal progenitors and organizer radial glial cells that guide cell development.

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.

Exploring blood types of Neanderthal and Denisovan individuals

A study analyzing ancient DNA has uncovered new information on the blood types of Neanderthals and Denisovans. The analysis reveals consistent African origins and increased vulnerability to diseases affecting fetuses and newborns, confirming previous evidence of low genetic diversity leading to eventual demise.

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.

Postmenopausal women can dance their way to better health

A new study suggests that dancing can lower cholesterol levels, improve physical fitness and body composition in postmenopausal women. Additionally, dance practice has been shown to enhance self-image and self-esteem, contributing to overall mental health.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Highly potent, stable nanobodies stop SARS-CoV-2

Göttingen researchers have developed mini-antibodies that efficiently block the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and its new variants. The nanobodies bind and neutralize the virus with extreme stability, making them promising agents to treat COVID-19.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Non-linear effects in coupled optical microcavities

Exciton-polaritons exhibit non-linear effects, including Bose-Einstein condensation and polariton lasing without occupation inversion. The study reveals energy-degenerate parametric scattering of polaritons and opens up new avenues for research on multi-level polariton systems.

Does testosterone influence success? Not much, research suggests

A new study found that higher testosterone levels are linked to socioeconomic position in men but not women. In contrast, lower testosterone was associated with poorer health and risk-taking behavior in women. The research suggests that testosterone may be less important than previously thought in determining success.

Two strands are tougher than one

Researchers discovered that double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is substantially more chemically stable than single-stranded RNA (ssRNA), which has implications for its use in pesticides and understanding of viral behavior. The findings suggest storing dsRNA in high pH environments can provide extra protection against degradation.

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.

Making progress in developing probiotic beverages without animal protein

A team led by Professor Monique Lacroix at INRS has demonstrated that fermenting drinks fortified with pea and rice proteins yields the same quality of protein as casein. The study found that plant proteins can be predigested by lactic acid bacteria, facilitating their absorption during digestion.

Chronobiology – timing processes in tissues

Scientists at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have identified a crucial communication pathway between peripheral circadian clocks, enabling tissue-level synchrony. Disrupting this pathway can lead to timing disruptions and increase the risk of metabolic disorders.

Ease access to opioid addiction medication, new research suggests

A new study recommends making methadone more widely available through office-based visits with primary care physicians to improve access and convenience for patients with opioid use disorder. This could reduce transportation costs and enhance treatment retention rates, but further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

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.

Geographic differences in gut microbiota boost immunity

Research reveals significant differences in gut microbiomes worldwide, impacting immune responses and susceptibility to infections. The study found that microbial composition alone can impact immune resilience, with Guatemala's microbiome proving most resistant.

‘Dark matter’ in cat genomes may shed light on human disease

A study published in Trends in Genetics reveals that the cat genome is remarkably similar to the human genome, with similarities found even in mice and dogs. This discovery holds promise for understanding genetic diseases in cats and humans, including polycystic kidney disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

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.