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Science News Archive July 2021


Page 8 of 41

Battery research moves to next stage of commercialization

The UK has invested £10 million in the Faraday Battery Challenge to develop innovative battery technologies. Four projects, including Power-UP, GENESIS, HIPERCARB, and SABRE, aim to create high-performance batteries for electric vehicles, with applications in energy density, cost optimization, and fast charging.

Controlling asymmetry for drug synthesis

A team of scientists has developed an iridium-catalyzed hydrogen addition method to control asymmetry in drug synthesis. This approach reduces wasteful by-products and enables targeted synthesis with high precision.

Research shows engineers have a lot to learn from bees about design

Researchers discovered that honey bees plan ahead to create irregular-shaped cells and varying angles to bridge together uniform lattices when space constraints occur. By studying natural honeycombs and computer modeling, the team gained insights into how evolution can lead to multipurpose, strong, and resilient structures.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Oxygen-vacancy-mediated catalysis boosts direct methanation of biomass

Researchers developed an efficient method for direct methanation of lignocellulosic biomass using Ru/TiO2 catalysts, achieving selectivity above 95% at temperatures below 200°C. The oxygen-vacancy-mediated catalysis process couples biomass oxidation with hydrogenation to produce biomethane.

Scientists use tiny bubbles to help treat common childhood cancer

Researchers at University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Heath have developed a new way to deliver drugs that can shut down cancer-promoting mutations in neuroblastoma. The nanoparticle-based treatment successfully silenced the MYCN gene, causing tumours to grow at a slower pace and prolonging survival.

Earth's vital signs worsen amid business-as-usual mindset on climate change

Scientists warn of unprecedented climate-related disasters and environmental degradation, highlighting the need for drastic reductions in greenhouse gases and transformational system changes. They advocate for a globally implemented carbon price, phase-out of fossil fuels, and strategic climate reserves to safeguard biodiversity.

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.

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.

Through the thin-film glass, researchers spot a new liquid phase

Scientists have created a new type of liquid in thin films of glass, which forms a high-density glass with distinct structures, akin to graphene and diamond. This breakthrough enables the development of new materials with improved properties, leading to potential advancements in various industries.

Reassessing recovery of global fish stocks

A study re-evaluating global fish stock recovery finds that alternative methods reveal nearly half of individual stocks are still below biomass targets and 40% are being overfished. The results suggest a cautious approach may be needed to rebuild depleted fisheries.

Underground allies aid survival of the west’s largest trees

Research from Utah State University finds that large trees in western forests benefit from mycorrhizal connections to fungi, which enhance nutrient uptake and provide defense against pathogens. Diverse forest networks offer greater protection for these giant trees.

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.

Functional diversity of mangrove invertebrates

A recent study found that mangrove invertebrates exhibit extremely low functional redundancy, with most species fulfilling only one functional entity, posing a significant threat to mangrove functionality and resilience.

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.

High percentage of positive portrayals of vaping on TikTok

Research found nearly two thirds of vaping-related videos on TikTok portray e-cigarettes positively, viewed over 1.1 billion times. Tighter regulations are needed to curb teens' potential exposure, given the platform's popularity with this age group.

Localized strategies for reducing climate change

Researchers used Project Drawdown's global strategies to estimate that a system of 20 high-impact solutions could decrease Georgia's carbon footprint by 35% in 2030 compared to business-as-usual forecasts. The study suggests that this approach can be replicated for other US states lacking state-specific plans.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Chronic pain might impact how the brain processes emotions

A new study found that people with chronic pain have lower levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate emotions, leading to increased negative emotions and impaired emotional regulation. The researchers hope their online emotional recovery program may provide a non-pharmaceutical solution for those affected.

Cultural biases impact native fish, too

A study published in Fisheries Magazine explores how colonialist attitudes toward native fishes were rooted in elements of racism and sexism, leading to overfishing and degradation of native species. The study recommends shifting to a new paradigm that's more inclusive and beneficial to all fish and people.

Oncotarget: TERT and its binding protein: overexpression of GABPA/B in gliomas

The study confirms the upregulation of TERT in primary glioblastomas and the gradual expression of all GABP components during malignancy progression. The authors found a positive association between TERT and B1L mRNA expression, highlighting the importance of GABPA/B isoforms in mutated TERT promoter-dependent gliomas.

New breakthrough to help immune systems in the fight against cancer

Scientists have discovered a way to restrict the activity of Tregs, which regulate the immune system and prevent it from attacking healthy cells. Inhibition of PIP4K enzymes in Tregs allows Teff cells to function more effectively, leading to better cancer treatment outcomes.

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.

Among effective antihypertensive drugs, less popular choice is slightly safer

A multinational observational study compared the safety and efficacy of ARBs and ACE inhibitors, finding no significant differences in cardiovascular outcomes but a lower risk of side effects with ARBs. The study analyzed data from over 3 million patients worldwide and used advanced mathematical techniques to reduce bias.

Anticipate a resurgence of respiratory viruses in young children

A recent warning from the Canadian Medical Association Journal cautions that relaxed COVID-19 measures could lead to a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases among young children. RSV can cause serious illness and death, affecting approximately 2.7 million children worldwide each year.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

The mechanics of puncture finally explained

Researchers developed a mechanical theory to determine the critical force required for needle insertion in soft materials like skin, discovering that tissue toughness and needle radius play crucial roles. The model provides quantitative predictions and may impact future technology like self-administered disposable pads with microneedles.

Triggering autodegredation as mature cells begin regeneration

A new study finds that autodegredation, a process where mature cells break down specialized structures, enables regeneration in adult tissues. Genes Atf3 and Rab7b are upregulated during this process, allowing cells to return to the cell cycle and potentially contributing to cancer development.

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.

Comb construction in honey bees

Researchers analyzed over 19,000 comb cells built by 12 colonies and found that worker bees adapt their building behavior to overcome various challenges, such as merging unaligned cells. The study suggests that honeybees are skilled architects rather than automatons, capable of solving complex problems through creative solutions.

Hubble finds first evidence of water vapor at Jupiter's moon Ganymede

The Hubble Space Telescope has detected sublimated water vapor in Ganymede's atmosphere, suggesting the presence of liquid water beneath its icy surface. This finding is significant in the search for habitable planets beyond Earth and provides valuable insights into the composition and potential habitability of icy worlds.

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.

Astronomers uncover briefest supernova-powered gamma-ray burst

Astronomers have discovered a 0.6-second gamma-ray burst caused by the implosion of a massive star, revealing that some short GRBs might be imposters in disguise. The discovery suggests that most collapsing stars fail to produce a GRB jet, making this event an effective fizzle.

Scientists model 'true prevalence' of COVID-19 throughout pandemic

Researchers developed a statistical framework to model COVID-19's true prevalence, estimating 19.7% of US residents infected and 60% of cases uncounted. The approach provides a more accurate picture of the pandemic's burden, helping officials direct resources accordingly.

Education and intergenerational disadvantages

A recent study found that individuals with higher education levels had reduced risk of disadvantages later in life, even if they had disadvantaged parents. The research suggests increasing investment in education can interrupt the intergenerational cycle of disadvantage.

Oncotarget: Replication-stress sensitivity in breast cancer cells

The study shows that the CTD and OD domains of mtp53 R273H play key roles in mutant p53 GOF, pertaining to processes associated with DNA replication. The authors investigated the role of these domains in cell proliferation, DNA replication, and cell cycle progression in breast cancer cells.

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.

New tool for early identification of COVID-19 surges

A new tool called CHOTS, or COVID-19 HotSpotting Score, can forecast impending surges of COVID-19 admissions as much as 6 weeks before they occur. Developed by Kaiser Permanente researchers, CHOTS uses data from routine clinical care to identify early signs of a large community spread of infectious diseases.

Estimating the true number of COVID-19 infections

A study used Bayesian framework to estimate viral prevalence based on available data sources, finding approximately 60% of infections may have gone unreported. The model suggests the estimated true number of infections is far below potential herd immunity thresholds and that immunization can achieve herd immunity without fatalities.

Misplaced trust: When trust in science fosters pseudoscience

A new study reveals that people who trust science are more likely to believe and disseminate false claims containing scientific references. In contrast, reminding them of the value of critical evaluation reduces belief in false claims. The findings have implications for curbing misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

Juicy past of favorite Okinawan fruit revealed

Scientists analyzed genomes of East Asian citrus varieties and found a new citrus species native to Okinawa that arose about two million years ago. This discovery may have commercial implications and opens the potential to create additional hybrids with favorable traits.