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Science News Archive July 2021 - Page 11


Page 11 of 41

Infrared held in a pincer

Scientists have created the first chromium complex that emits light in the longer wavelength NIR-II range, a significant breakthrough for biomedical imaging. This achievement is expected to lead to cheaper alternatives for luminescence-based applications.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 22, 2021

InSight mission: Mars unveils its inner structures

The InSight mission has successfully mapped the internal structure of Mars using seismic waves detected by the SEIS instrument. The analysis revealed an estimate of the core size, crust thickness and mantle structure, providing valuable information on the planet's formation and thermal evolution.

SourceInstitut de physique du globe de Paris·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2021

Journey from smoking to vaping variable - Otago academics

A University of Otago study found that people attempting to switch from cigarettes to vaping reported highly varied smoking and ENDS use patterns. The researchers recommend that individuals persist in their attempts to transition away from smoking, even if progress feels slow and uncertain.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJul 22, 2021
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.

Expenses for university R&D&I increase moderately in Spain

Spain's university R&D&I expenses have increased moderately, driven by growing public spending on teaching staff, which rose from €5.55B in 2012 to €6.51B in 2019. The IUNE Observatory reports a surge in scientific production and international funding, with the top universities in Spain attracting significant research grants.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·DateJul 22, 2021

Archaeology: Roman road discovered in the Venice lagoon

Researchers have discovered a Roman road submerged in the Venice Lagoon, indicating potential permanent settlement and connections to wider Italian Veneto Region. The findings suggest that the road may have been used by travellers and sailors, providing new insights into ancient trade routes.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 22, 2021

InSight mission: Mars unveiled

The InSight mission has unveiled Mars' internal structure, revealing a large liquid core and an altered crust. The study analyzed seismic waves from over 600 Martian quakes, identifying discontinuities in the crust and determining the upper mantle's structure.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

$1M NASA grant to improve carbon monitoring in East Africa

A $1 million NASA grant supports the development of a new carbon monitoring system for East Africa, which combines satellite data with ecological modeling to quantify regional carbon stocks and fluxes. The system aims to improve climate mitigation efforts and inform food-security policies.

SourceCornell University·DateJul 22, 2021

Neurotransmitter levels predict math ability

Researchers found that higher GABA levels in young people were associated with greater math fluency, while lower glutamate levels were related to better math skills. In adults, the opposite was true: low GABA concentrations were linked to greater math fluency and high glutamate levels to poorer performance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 22, 2021

Silicon with a two-dimensional structure

Scientists successfully produce and characterize a crystalline complex with a two-dimensional equivalent of silicon, defying geometric expectations. The resulting structure displays surprising physical and chemical properties, opening up new avenues for catalysis and materials research.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalChem·DateJul 22, 2021
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.

Surrey builds AI to find anti-ageing chemical compounds

A University of Surrey AI model predicts compound properties that promote healthy ageing, identifying flavonoids, fatty acids, and organooxygens as promising candidates. The discovery paves the way for pharmaceutical innovations targeting age-related diseases.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 22, 2021

Global approach is needed on battery regulation

Experts from European and US universities warn that new EU battery regulations could hinder the global transition to electric vehicles if not implemented globally. The researchers argue that a coordinated, global approach is needed to make the supply chain predictable and powerful.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2021

"Missing self" contributes to organ rejection after transplantation

A study of 924 kidney transplantations reveals that natural killer cells play a major role in organ rejection, leading to improved risk assessment and potential new treatments for kidney transplant rejection. The findings suggest genotyping donors and recipients for MHC and KIR proteins can help predict rejection.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 22, 2021

Disagreement may be a way to make online content spread faster, further

A recent study found that controversial posts on Reddit spread faster and reached more people than noncontroversial posts, with over 60,000 comments on the former. The researchers analyzed over 47,000 posts to understand why controversy can make online content more attention-grabbing.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalJournal of Computational Social Science·DateJul 22, 2021
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.

Sylvia Frazier-Bowers wins AADR National Student Research Group Mentor Award

Sylvia Frazier-Bowers, an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry, has been awarded the AADR National Student Research Group Mentor Award. She is recognized for her efforts to bridge the gap between clinical profession and scientific advances in dentofacial variation research.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateJul 22, 2021

Sharks, lies, and videotape: Scientists document problems with Shark Week

A recent analysis reveals that Shark Week prioritizes sensationalism over scientific accuracy, with hosts relying on unproven methods and making false statements about shark biology. Researchers suggest improving diversity in expert representation and factually accurate storytelling to boost the program's credibility.

SourceAllegheny College·DateJul 22, 2021
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.

Drought changes rice root microbiome

Research finds that drought changes the community of microbes living in rice plant roots, allowing them to tap deeper water sources after dry spells. This 'memory' of drought enables plants to grow more resilient roots, reducing crop losses in a changing climate.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Plants·DateJul 22, 2021

Mars: Scientists determine crustal thickness

Researchers have determined the crustal thickness of Mars for the first time, with values ranging from 20 to 39 kilometers. This independent measurement allows for a precise map of the planet's crust across its entire surface.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2021

Pathogens get comfy in designer goo

Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine researchers have developed a new model for studying intestinal infections, using custom hydrogel-based platforms. The study found that softer hydrogels promote bacterial adhesion to epithelial cells, which is crucial for understanding the dynamics of infectious diseases.

SourceRice University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateJul 22, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Soft skin patch could provide early warning for strokes, heart attacks

A soft and stretchy ultrasound patch can monitor blood flow and heart function in real-time, detecting cardiovascular conditions like strokes and heart attacks. The patch is non-invasive and can penetrate deep tissue depths, providing a more comprehensive picture of internal organs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 22, 2021

A rock with many perspectives

Scientists investigate the Alum Shale rock to reconstruct processes of oil and gas formation, identify possible traces of past life on Mars, and explore its potential as a site for nuclear waste disposal.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·DateJul 22, 2021

Professional rugby may be associated with changes in brain structure

A study of 44 elite rugby players found significant changes in white matter and volume over time. The research suggests that professional rugby participation may be associated with structural changes in the brain that could have long-term implications for player health.

SourceImperial College London·JournalBrain Communications·DateJul 22, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Informing policy for long-term global food security

A new IIASA-led study assesses future global food security projections, finding food demand will increase by 35-56% over 2010-2050, mainly due to population growth. To prevent environmental impacts, policymakers must develop long-term measures, including stimulating inclusive growth.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Food·DateJul 22, 2021

The anatomy of a planet

Researchers from ETH Zurich analyzed data from NASA's InSight mission, revealing that Mars' crust, mantle, and core have distinct structures. The findings suggest that Mars was once completely molten, but now has a thinner crust with a relatively high proportion of radioactive elements.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2021

What makes a market transaction morally repugnant?

Researchers found five aspects underlie feelings of repugnance: moral outrage, regulation desire, monetary value translation, exploitation concern, and seller risk exposure. Transactions triggering strong repugnance often require policy interventions to protect vulnerable individuals or address unknown risks.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournalCognition·DateJul 22, 2021

A case for intranasal COVID-19 vaccinations

The authors argue that intranasal COVID-19 vaccines could provide additional layers of protection by eliciting immunoglobulin A and resident memory cells in the nasal passages. An ideal vaccination strategy may consist of an intramuscular vaccine combined with an intranasal booster, offering a dual approach to combat respiratory viruses.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2021
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.

'Good cholesterol' may protect liver

A study in mice and human blood samples found that HDL3 protects the liver by blocking gut bacterial signals that cause inflammation. The researchers identified a special type of HDL called HDL3 that is produced by the intestine, which blocks lipopolysaccharide signals that activate immune cells.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2021

New study provides clues to decades-old mystery about cell movement

A new study led by University of Minnesota researchers shows that the stiffness of protein fibers in tissues is a critical factor in controlling cell movement. The discovery could have major impacts on fields such as regenerative medicine, wound healing, and cancer research.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2021

Untwisting DNA reveals new force that shapes genomes

Researchers have identified a new force in DNA that shapes genomes, revealing how transcription indirectly impacts genome organization. This discovery may hold future implications for understanding genetic diseases and developmental disorders.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 22, 2021
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.

Cattle losing adaptations to environment, MU researchers find

Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that cattle are losing important environmental adaptations due to a lack of genetic information. They identified specific DNA variations associated with adaptations such as heat resistance and tolerance for high humidity, which could be used to create DNA tests for cattle.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 22, 2021

Structural biology provides long-sought solution to innate immunity puzzle

UT Southwestern researchers report the first structural confirmation that endogenous molecules can trigger innate immunity in mammals through the TLR4?MD-2 receptor complex. The discovery has wide-ranging implications for treating and preventing autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2021

3D imaging reveals neural 'vicious cycle' in fatty liver disease

A novel 3D imaging technique reveals the degeneration of nerves in the liver, correlating with the severity of liver pathology in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study suggests a 'vicious cycle' where compromised nerve function contributes to disease progression and worsens metabolic challenges.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 22, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Antimatter from laser pincers

A research team has developed a new concept to study astrophysical processes in the laboratory using laser pincers. By creating an antimatter jet and accelerating it efficiently, scientists can simulate extreme conditions found near neutron stars.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalCommunications Physics·DateJul 22, 2021

Newly-hatched pterosaurs may have been able to fly

Researchers found that newly-hatched pterosaurs had strong bones capable of sustaining flight, but their wing size was smaller than adults, likely making them more agile fliers. This suggests they may have used their flying abilities to escape predators and chase prey in dense vegetation.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 22, 2021

Studies find combination chemotherapy beneficial and cost-effective in sub-Saharan Africa

A clinical trial in Malawi showed a five-drug combination chemotherapy provided curative benefit for people diagnosed with lymphoma, compared to current standard-of-care-therapy. The treatment was also found to be cost-effective, preventing more than seven disability-adjusted life years at a lower cost per DALY prevented.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJul 22, 2021
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.

Meet the Martian meteorite hunters

A team at the Natural History Museum is testing spectral instruments for the ExoMars rover to identify meteorites on Mars. The rover's success rate is significantly higher than dedicated meteorite hunts on Earth, with one meteorite found per kilometre travelled.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·DateJul 22, 2021

Artificial intelligence models to analyze cancer images take shortcuts that introduce bias

A new study reveals that AI tools analyzing tumor images can make inaccurate predictions due to shortcuts introduced by institutions submitting the images. The models often rely on location-specific signatures rather than biological characteristics, leading to biased outcomes for patients from certain medical centers.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2021

Alpha variant spread via 'super-seeding' event in UK: Oxford research

The Alpha variant of COVID-19 spread rapidly across the UK due to biological changes and large-scale human mobility. The study found that the variant emerged from Kent and Greater London, spreading to all but five counties in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and England by mid-January.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2021

Martian global dust storm ended winter early in the south

A 2018 Martian dust storm destroyed a southern hemisphere cold air vortex and brought an early spring, whereas the northern hemisphere's vortex remained stable. The storm had profound effects on the atmosphere, including altering wind patterns and suppressing waves in the northern hemisphere.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·DateJul 22, 2021

New tests can detect tiny but toxic particles of coal ash in soil

Scientists at Duke University have developed new tests to detect coal ash contamination in soil, finding high levels of arsenic, selenium, and other toxic elements. The tests revealed significant fly ash accumulation near coal-fired power plants, posing health risks to nearby communities.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 22, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Stanford researchers develop tool to drastically speed up the study of enzymes

A new technique called HT-MEK enables the simultaneous performance of thousands of enzyme experiments, allowing scientists to deeply probe into enzyme functions and structure. This could reveal clues about how enzymes work together to achieve their remarkable reactivity, enabling researchers to 'do enzymatic tricks' themselves.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2021

Higher levels of omega-3 acids in the blood increases life expectancy by almost five years

A study found that higher omega-3 acid levels in the blood are associated with a significant increase in life expectancy, similar to quitting smoking. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,200 people aged 65 and found that four types of fatty acids, including omega-3, can predict mortality risk.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 22, 2021

Big data-derived tool facilitates closer monitoring of recovery from natural disasters

Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a framework to assess community resilience after natural disasters by analyzing location-based data from essential establishments. The study found that communities with low resilience experienced more flooding, but the level of impact did not necessarily correlate with recovery time.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJul 22, 2021

New dietary treatment for epilepsy well tolerated and reduced seizures

A new dietary supplement, K.Vita, has been shown to reduce seizures in children and adults with drug-resistant epilepsy, with a mean 50% reduction in seizures or paroxysmal events. The study found that the supplement was well-tolerated and palatable, with fewer than 10% of participants producing significant ketones.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBrain Communications·DateJul 22, 2021

"Noisy" gene expression may help improve stem cell therapies

Gladstone researchers have discovered a molecular mechanism that boosts the 'noise' of gene expression in stem cells, accelerating their ability to differentiate into other cell types. The DiThR pathway involves a DNA repair process that increases noise across the genome, making cells more responsive to signals guiding their fate.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2021
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 study reveals previously unseen star formation in milky way

Astronomers have detected previously unseen tracers of massive star formation in the Milky Way, including compact regions of hydrogen gas and radio emission from methanol molecules. The survey more than doubled the number of supernova remnants found in the region.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·DateJul 22, 2021