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Science News Archive June 2021


Page 1 of 51

Business professors study ideal responses to ransomware attacks

A new study by University of Texas at Arlington professors explores how businesses respond to ransomware attacks and finds that negotiating with attackers may not be the best approach. The researchers suggest that companies should prioritize investing in cybersecurity to avoid long-term risks.

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.

Conservation aquaculture could bring more native oysters to west coast

A study recommends expanding conservation aquaculture in ten priority estuaries on the West Coast to restore declining Olympia oyster populations, benefiting both local shellfish growers and Tribal communities. Aquaculture can support wild populations without harvesting or selling native oysters.

Study identifies existing drugs that could be repurposed to treat gonorrhea

A study at ECCMID identifies existing drugs that could be repurposed to treat gonorrhoea by targeting efflux pumps, which remove toxic compounds from bacterial cells. The research found 57 potential drug candidates, including dequalinium and doxorubicin, which may serve as lead compounds for new gonorrhea treatments.

Genetic risks for nicotine dependence span a range of traits and diseases

A new study by Emory psychologists explains that genetic risks for nicotine dependence are linked to multiple traits and diseases, including schizophrenia, depression, and neuroticism. The research provides a more comprehensive understanding of the heritability of nicotine dependence, accounting for nearly 4% of its variation.

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.

Fecal records show Maya population affected by climate change

A new study using fecal stanols found that the Maya population in Itzan declined due to both droughts and wet periods, showing a link between climate extremes and population changes. The research provides insights into how ancient civilizations adapted to environmental issues like soil degradation and nutrient loss.

Wildfire changes songbird plumage and testosterone

A study found that wildfires alter male red-backed fairywrens' plumage, making them less attractive to females, while also lowering circulating testosterone. This suggests an evolved response to minimize breeding during unfavorable environmental conditions.

New beetle found in fossil feces attributed to dinosaur ancestor

A new beetle species, Triamyxa coprolithica, has been found in 230-million-year-old fossil feces attributed to a dinosaur ancestor. The beetles were preserved in the coprolite fragment, providing a detailed description of the new genus and insights into early insect evolution.

Ivermectin treatment in humans for reducing malaria transmission

Researchers explored whether ivermectin administration influences malaria transmission, finding large effects on mosquito mortality but no significant impact on malaria incidence in children. Further studies are underway to determine the efficacy of community-wide ivermectin treatment for reducing malaria transmission.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breakthrough for tracking RNA with fluorescence

A breakthrough in tracking RNA with fluorescence allows researchers to follow messenger RNA molecules in real time, enabling the development of new RNA-based medicines. This method provides crucial information for optimising drug discovery and understanding how mRNA is taken up into cells.

Astronauts demonstrate CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in space

Researchers have developed a novel method for studying DNA repair in yeast cells that can be conducted entirely in space, using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology. The technique successfully demonstrated the viability of the new method on the ISS, paving the way for extensive research into DNA repair in space.

Eating disorder behaviors alter reward response in the brain

Researchers found that eating disorder behaviors like binge-eating alter brain reward response and food intake control circuitry, reinforcing these behaviors. The study suggests that behavioral traits contribute to eating disorder maintenance and progression by modulating internal reward responses.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How plants quickly adapt to shifting environmental conditions

Plants can respond to subtle environmental changes on the cellular level, triggering molecular changes in as little as five minutes. The study found that canopy shade leads to the removal of histones at growth-regulating genes through DNA binding of PIF7, activating their expression.

Slowing the sugar rush to yield better grapes

Researchers from the University of Adelaide have developed strategies to delay grape ripening and increase flavor potential in Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. By manipulating crop load and irrigation management, they were able to slow down sugar accumulation and improve aroma compounds, colour, and mouthfeel.

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.

Fairer finance could speed up net zero for Africa by a decade

A study by UCL researchers suggests that levelling up access to finance for poorer countries can accelerate the transition to renewable energy, allowing Africa to reach net-zero emissions approximately 10 years earlier than current projections. This would require policy interventions to lower the weighted average cost of capital (WACC)...

Frequent COVID-19 testing key to efficient, early detection, study finds

A new study found that frequent COVID-19 testing, especially using polymerase chain reaction tests paired with rapid results reporting, can achieve 98% sensitivity in detecting infection. This approach can be particularly effective in places where vaccination is not yet widespread or when variants are on the rise.

Targeted messaging for return to in-person visits

Researchers found that a single targeted message didn't affect the return to in-person visits within a month, but resulted in a small increase in re-engagement through telemedicine and rescheduling of future visits. The study suggests that alternative communication strategies may be more effective for promoting in-person care.

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.

Streetonomics: using street names to quantify a city's cultural values

A study using street names to quantify cultural indicators found that Vienna honors the most women (54%), followed by London (40%). Paris and New York have lower proportions, with many streets named after people from the 1860s. Street names also reflect professions and professions held by street honorees, such as artists, writers, and ...

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.

Assessment tool helps future pharmacists prepare for work in the community

A University of Arizona study suggests that Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) can effectively assess clinical skills in community pharmacies, providing a valuable learning experience for pharmacy students. The OSCE design was found to accurately reflect the time constraints faced by pharmacists in real-world settings.

Prehistoric homes would have failed modern air quality tests

Domestic burning of wood and dung fuels in Neolithic homes would have exceeded modern internationally-agreed standards for indoor air quality, exposing inhabitants to unsafe levels of particulates. The study suggests that chronic exposure to PM2.5 could be linked to bone lesions found in the remains of Çatalhöyük's inhabitants.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

NIST laser 'comb' systems now measure all primary greenhouse gases in the air

Researchers at NIST have upgraded their laser frequency-comb instrument to measure three airborne greenhouse gases: nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, plus major air pollutants ozone and carbon monoxide. The new system can identify gas signatures by precisely measuring the amounts of light absorbed at each color in the bro...

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.

New markers for coronary microvascular disease identified

Researchers have identified stearic acid and ornithine as indicators of coronary microvascular disease (CMD), a condition that damages blood vessels and causes decreased blood flow to the heart muscle. The study suggests that estrogen may also play a role in CMD development, particularly in postmenopausal women.

Study finds changes in wealth tied to changes in cardiovascular health

A longitudinal study of healthy adults found that upward or downward changes in wealth were associated with respective lower or higher levels of cardiovascular events. Positive wealth changes were linked to a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, while negative wealth mobility was linked to an increased risk.

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.

Extreme events: Ecosystems offer cost effective protection

A recent study has summarized nearly two decades of research on the efficacy of nature-based solutions in reducing disaster risk. The review found ample evidence that ecosystems can reduce the impacts of hazard events, such as wildfires, flooding, and landslides, in a cost-effective manner.

Buttoned up biomolecules

Researchers have introduced a novel click reaction suitable for living cells and organisms, enabling the labeling of biomolecules without affecting physiological processes. The reaction uses linear, terminal alkynes and N,N-dialkylhydroxylamines to form biocompatible enamine-N-oxides.

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.

Deep sea Pacific Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges are highly biodiverse

The deep-sea ecosystems of the Salas y Gomez and Nazca ridges are characterized by exceptional biodiversity, hosting rare and unique species of fish and invertebrates. These findings have significant implications for conservation efforts, emphasizing the need to protect these unique environments.

Discovery of the role of a key gene in the development of ALS

A mutation in the C9orf72 gene may disrupt communication between motor neurons and muscles in ALS patients, leading to motor disorders, muscle atrophy, and mortality. The study reveals that the loss of function induced by the mutation affects synaptic transmission and protein TDP-43's location within the cell.

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.

'Plugging in' to produce environmentally friendly bioplastics

A new study reveals a cost-effective method to produce biodegradable plastics from corn stubble, grasses, and mesquite, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based plastics. This breakthrough enables the creation of eco-friendly bioplastics that can replace conventional plastics in various industries.

Thinking in 3D improves mathematical skills

Researchers at the University of Basel found a strong correlation between early spatial skills and mathematical abilities in primary school. The study analyzed data from nearly 600 children and ruled out socio-economic status and language ability as factors affecting math performance.

Digging into the molecules of fossilized dinosaur eggshells

Scientists studying fossilized dinosaur eggshells from Mexico have identified nine amino acids and evidence of ancient protein structures, providing insights into the early lives of these creatures. The analysis also sheds light on the fossilization processes and the role of minerals in preserving organic compounds.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Monkeys also learn to communicate

In a behavioral study on common marmosets, researchers found that the infantile development of vocalizations includes an extended flexible phase, without which language development in humans would not be possible. This phase is critical for human language development, influenced by social interactions with parents.

New microchip sensor measures stress hormones from drop of blood

A Rutgers-led team developed a microchip that can measure cortisol and other stress hormones in real-time from a single drop of blood, providing patients with timely feedback for better treatment. The miniaturized device has the potential to be used for non-invasive cortisol measurement in other fluids.

Thermal waves observed in semiconductor materials

Thermal waves have been observed in germanium at room temperature, a significant improvement in electronic devices performance. The discovery opens new possibilities for controlling heat through wave-like thermal transport.

Cats may catch COVID-19 from sleeping on their owner's bed

A study found that cats are more susceptible to COVID-19 than dogs, with 67% of owned cats testing positive for antibodies. Cats that sleep on their owner's bed are particularly at risk, and prolonged contact with owners may increase the chance of infection.

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.