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Science News Archive June 2021


Page 24 of 51

Hubble data confirms galaxies lacking dark matter

A team of researchers led by Zili Shen and Pieter van Dokkum used Hubble Space Telescope to measure the distance of ultra-diffuse galaxy NGC1052-DF2, confirming it lacks dark matter. The results are based on 40 orbits of the telescope and provide crucial implications for estimating the physical properties of the galaxy.

Mountain fires burning higher at unprecedented rates

Climate warming has diminished the high-elevation flammability barrier, allowing fires to advance uphill in Western mountains. The area burning above 8,200 feet tripled in just over a decade, with rising temperatures extending fire territory to an additional 81,500 square kilometers.

SLAS announces open access journal publishing with Elsevier in 2022

The Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) has announced its transition to a Gold Open Access publishing model with Elsevier. This change aims to increase public access to innovative life sciences research and drive citations for both SLAS Discovery and SLAS Technology journals.

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.

Vaccination, previous infection, protect against gamma variant in animal model

Researchers found that vaccination with an mRNA vaccine induces antibody responses that would protect humans from infection with the gamma/P.1 variant, while hamsters previously infected with earlier strains were also protected nine months later. Previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccines based on earlier strains still provide protecti...

Quaise Inc. drilling technology could allow geothermal to power the world

The Quaise approach uses millimeter wave technology to melt rock, creating a strong glass liner that prevents the hole from collapsing. The technology also automatically removes vaporized rock using existing compressor technology, making it economically feasible and practical for widespread adoption.

Exposure to nature during COVID-19 lockdown was beneficial for mental health

A study found that exposure to natural spaces, both public and private, had a beneficial effect on the mental health of individuals during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Those who maintained or increased contact with these spaces presented lower levels of stress, psychological distress, and psychosomatic symptoms.

University of Groningen scientists design superfast molecular motor

Researchers designed a new type of molecular motor that can rotate in picoseconds using the power of a single photon. The motor's speed is significantly faster than existing designs, with potential applications in drug delivery, nanotechnology, and controlling biological processes.

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.

Fish nutrition database to help combat malnutrition across the globe

A new global fish nutrition database is being made freely available to help combat malnutrition. The database provides vital nutritional data on over 5,000 fresh and marine fish species, which can be used to identify the most nutritious fish and support the protection of local food environments and ecosystems.

AI system-on-chip runs on solar power

The CSEM innovation enables devices to run independently for over a year, reducing installation and maintenance costs. The system's two-tiered data processing approach drastically reduces power requirement, with most applications using only the first accelerator.

Beneficial bacteria can be restored to C-section babies at birth

A Rutgers-led study found that C-section babies can be restored to healthy bacteria through exposure to maternal vaginal fluids. The study's results suggest a normalization of microbiome development in the first year of life and may offer disease protection against obesity, asthma, and metabolic diseases.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sudden cardiac death more likely to fell persons with HIV infection

A new study by UC San Francisco finds that individuals with HIV are more than twice as likely to die from sudden cardiac death due to fibrosis in the heart. The study also reveals that one-third of sudden deaths initially attributed to cardiac causes were actually caused by drug overdoses.

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.

How should governments offer subsidies for clean-energy heating?

A new study from Aalto University recommends that government subsidies for clean-energy heating be allocated to areas where homeowners can least afford the upfront cost, namely those with lower housing prices. This approach aims to promote energy-efficient heat pumps and reduce carbon emissions in Finland's residential buildings.

Underwater robot offers new insight into mid-ocean "twilight zone"

Mesobot, a versatile underwater robot, provides unprecedented insight into the mid-ocean twilight zone. The robot tracks and records high-resolution images of zooplankton, gelatinous animals, and particles, greatly expanding scientists' ability to observe creatures in their mesopelagic habitat with minimal disturbance.

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.

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.

Electrohydraulic arachno-bot a fascinating lightweight

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have developed a new type of joint inspired by spiders' hydraulic actuation mechanisms. The joints use electrohydraulic forces to enable robots to move rapidly and interact with various environments, making them ideal for small-scale robotic systems.

Sweeping analysis concludes there's no cheating old age

Researchers found that human life expectancy increase is not due to slowing aging but rather improved survival rates among children and young adults, supporting the 'invariant rate of ageing' hypothesis which suggests a relatively fixed rate of ageing across species.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

How do we know where things are?

Researchers at Dartmouth College discovered that the brain uses a 'steadycam' strategy to stabilize visual experience, perceiving frames as stationary even when they're clearly moving. This 'paradoxical stabilization' effect creates the illusion of stable images, similar to how our brains discount motion in everyday life.

Most rivers run dry -- now and then

A new study found that between 51-60% of the world's rivers stop flowing periodically, highlighting the need for a paradigm shift in river science and management. Non-perennial rivers provide critical water sources and support biological diversity, but are often overlooked and mismanaged.

P-glycoprotein removes Alzheimer's-associated toxin from the brain

Researchers at Southern Methodist University have found that P-glycoprotein can transport amyloid-β proteins out of the brain, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease. This discovery could lead to new treatments for the disease affecting nearly 6 million Americans.

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.

Defining the Hund physics landscape of two-orbital systems

International collaboration identifies four correlated metals in two-orbital systems, including a Hund's metal that can give rise to superconductivity. The discovery overturns conventional wisdom and opens up new avenues for understanding strongly correlated materials.

Over-the-counter fungicide can disrupt hormones

A recent study by the National Food Institute found that clotrimazole, an over-the-counter fungicide, can significantly alter sex hormones in pregnant rats and their developing fetuses. This exposure was observed at concentrations comparable to those experienced by human mothers taking clotrimazole to treat vaginal thrush. The research...

Preformed gel particles tested for enhanced oil recovery

Experts from Kazan Federal University and partners have tested novel gel particles to improve oil recovery in high-temperature and mineralized reservoirs. The new technique showed a significant increase in recovery, up to 100 thousand tons, and proved the efficiency of reagents under harsh conditions.

EU provides 15 million euros of funding for Arctic project

The EU is funding a 15 million euro project to develop an integrated 'pan-Arctic Observing System of Systems' (pan-AOSS) via international collaboration. The project aims to improve the situation by expanding and coordinating Arctic Earth observation capacity, including measurements from Indigenous communities.

How a supermassive black hole originates

A team of researchers has proposed a new explanation for the origin of supermassive black holes, suggesting that they are formed through the collapse of a massive seed black hole produced by the gravitational instability of a dark matter halo. This process, known as gravothermal collapse, can lead to the creation of a seed black hole w...

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.

Ozone pollution has increased in Antarctica

Researchers analyzed 25 years of Antarctic data, finding that ozone levels near the ground have risen by up to 0.14 ppb per year, primarily driven by natural and human sources. This increase can have negative impacts on the region in the future due to ozone's ability to trap heat near Earth's surface.

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.

How sex trafficking trauma affects the way its survivors parent

A study found that sex trafficking survivors' trauma affects their parenting, causing them to be overly protective and emotionally withdrawn. Despite this, they cope by finding meaning in motherhood and social support, and often experience strong connections with their children. The research highlights the need for policies and program...

Study finds "serious problems with privacy" in mobile health apps

The study found that 88% of mobile health apps can access and potentially share personal data, including advert identifiers, email addresses, and geolocation information. Clinicians are advised to inform patients about potential privacy risks before installing and using these apps.

National Geographic Society grant to fund research into Easter Island

Anthropologists at Binghamton University have received a grant from the National Geographic Society to study ancient Rapa Nui communities' water management techniques. Their research will focus on coastal seeps and inland resources, shedding light on how past populations dealt with freshwater scarcity.

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.

Scientists unravel the function of a sight-saving growth factor

Researchers have determined how peptides derived from PEDF protect neuronal cells in the retina layer, which could lead to treatments for degenerative retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. The study found that these peptides work by binding to a protein receptor and processing omega-3 fatty acids like DHA.

Researchers identify new gene that may increase risk of ALS

Researchers identified a new gene, TP73, associated with an increased risk of sporadic ALS. Mutations in this gene have been found to interfere with nerve cell health and lead to abnormal cell differentiation and increased cell death. This discovery provides a potential target for therapy development.

The vision: Tailored optical stimulation for the blind

Researchers design new stimulation protocol for optic nerve stimulation to produce consistent and meaningful visual sensations. They use machine learning approaches to optimize protocols, which have shown promising results in artificial neural networks and psychophysical tests.

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.

A distinctive inflammatory signature found in a genetic form of ALS

A distinctive inflammatory signature has been found in C90RF72 ALS patients, characterized by an increase in pro-inflammatory molecules in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. This finding informs the development of targeted anti-inflammatory therapies for this subgroup of ALS patients.

Induced hypothermia after cardiac arrest did not improve survival

A large international randomised clinical trial found that induced hypothermia in unconscious cardiac arrest patients did not reduce mortality. The study included 1900 adult patients and showed a slightly increased risk of impact on blood circulation and cardiac arrhythmia in the group treated with hypothermia.

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.

Hydrophobic copper catalyst to mitigate electrolyte flooding

Scientists developed a new copper catalyst with sharp needle structures, enhancing CO2 reduction reaction efficiency by mitigating electrolyte flooding and increasing selectivity. The study published in Journal of the American Chemical Society showcases the stability and productivity of the hierarchical Cu electrode.

Researchers translate a bird's brain activity into song

A study from University of California San Diego demonstrates the possibility of re-creating a bird's song by reading its brain activity, laying the foundation for building vocal prostheses for humans. The approach uses machine learning algorithms to map neural patterns to mathematical equations modeling the physical changes in the bird...