Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive June 2021


Page 25 of 51

Stem cells may hold a key to developing new vaccines against COVID-19

Researchers discovered a stem cell-mediated defense mechanism that reactivates dormant tuberculosis in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2, suggesting potential for new vaccines and avoiding global TB pandemic. This discovery may help develop novel therapeutic approaches against COVID-19 and target antiviral activities.

ALMA discovers earliest gigantic black hole storm

Researchers used ALMA to detect a galactic wind driven by a supermassive black hole 13.1 billion years ago, pushing back the start of galaxy-growth interactions by 100 million years. The observation reveals coevolution between supermassive black holes and galaxies since less than a billion years after the Universe's birth.

Light in darkness: an experimental look at Paleolithic cave lighting

A study replicated Paleolithic lighting systems using archaeological evidence, revealing diverse features among the different systems. The researchers found that wooden torches worked best for exploring caves, while grease lamps were suitable for lighting small spaces over a long period.

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.

New in Ethics & Human Research, May-June 2021

A new study reveals that American Indian and Alaska Native individuals are underrepresented in clinical studies, with only 1% of participants from these groups. The authors call for further research to improve ethical inclusion in clinical research.

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.

New super-resolution microscopy method approaches the atomic scale

Scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine developed a computational technique that greatly increases the resolution of atomic force microscopy, revealing atomic-level details on proteins and biological structures. The new method allows researchers to study biological molecules under physiologically relevant conditions, providing high-resolu...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Heat spells doom for Aussie marsupials

Researchers from Australian National University warn that climate change may be causing more deaths among Australian marsupials, including the greater glider, due to heat-induced eating habits. The study highlights the importance of protecting food sources and restoring nutrient-rich forests to help these animals survive.

OU professor receives Council on Foreign Relations fellowship

Samer Shehata, a University of Oklahoma professor, has received the International Affairs Fellowship from the Council on Foreign Relations. The fellowship will allow him to analyze U.S. foreign policy toward the Middle East and observe how autocratic regimes cooperate and maintain power.

Intermittent fasting 'no magic bullet for weight loss' says new study

A new study published in Science Translational Medicine found that intermittent fasting diets are not the most effective way to lose weight. Participants who followed a traditional diet with reduced calorie intake lost more weight and fat mass compared to those who fasted on alternate days.

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.

How long-known genes continue to surprise researchers

Researchers have discovered a huge diversity of alternative splicing combinations in the human brain, allowing for adaptation to specific requirements. New glutamate receptor variants, some with potential new functions, were identified using bioinformatic methods.

How a bath sponge becomes a bio-based industrial filter

Researchers at TU Freiberg create new composite material from marine bath sponges that can be used as a bi-based filter for wastewater treatment or pollutant removal, and can be reused multiple times without losing its properties.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Algorithm reveals the mysterious foraging habits of narwhals

A team of researchers developed an algorithm that can predict when narwhals hunt, opening up new insights into their life and behavior. The algorithm uses acoustic data from clicks and buzzing sounds to map the whales' movement patterns and identify hunting areas.

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.

When small epigenomic signals matter

Researchers analyzed epigenomic signals in human and primate cell lines, revealing weak signals linked to brain functions. The findings provide insights into the evolution of human biology and offer a new model for studying regulatory elements.

Seabird eggs contaminated with cocktail of plastic additives

A new study by the University of Exeter and Queensland has found that herring gull eggs contain up to six types of phthalate, potentially causing oxidative stress in chicks. The research suggests that mothers pass on phthalates and products of lipid damage through their eggs.

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.

Racism and racial trauma as barriers to breastfeeding

African American mothers face significant barriers to breastfeeding due to racism and lack of economic support. The authors identify three forms of institutionalized racism that perpetuate this disparity, including the exploitation of Black women's labor and lack of employer-based support.

Subterranean investigations

Researchers have developed a fast and controllable soft robot that can burrow through sand with minimal resistance. The robot's design is inspired by plants and animals that navigate subterranean spaces, enabling new applications for underwater exploration and potentially paving the way for future space missions.

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.

Lies to hide doping in professional sport

A study by University of Göttingen sports sociologist Dr. Marcel Reinold analyzes autobiographies of professional cyclists, revealing they use complex techniques to manipulate information and conceal doping. The results show athletes play down the extent of the doping problem and portray themselves as victims to avoid suspicion.

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.

Convergent mechanism of aging discovered

Researchers have discovered folate metabolism as a common mechanism underlying aging and lifespan extension across different species. The study found that altering folate metabolism increases lifespan in worms and mice by up to 30 percent, suggesting a potential new approach to improving human health during aging.

We cannot cheat ageing and death

A new study led by Fernando Colchero reveals a strong link between human life expectancy and lifespan equality. Researchers analyzed data from nine human populations and 30 non-human primate populations, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and baboons, to explore the invariant rate of ageing hypothesis.

Natural killers: Using the body's cells to target breast cancer

Researchers at Clemson University developed a bifunctional protein that links natural killer cells to breast cancer tumor cells, triggering the killing of cancer cells. The approach has potential as a new treatment option for triple-negative breast cancer, which is often lethal due to its high heterogeneity and lack of efficient treatm...

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.

Fossil research shows woodlice cousins roamed Ireland 360 million years ago

A new fossil analysis published in Biology Letters reveals that woodlice cousins, Oxyuropoda, existed on Irish land 360 million years ago. The study uses modern imaging technology to recreate the image of this ancient creature, providing insight into the evolution of crustaceans and their colonization of land.

Advocating reimbursement parity for nurse practitioners

The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing argues that nurse practitioners should receive 100% reimbursement for services comparable to physicians. This increase in reimbursement rate would incentivize NPs to practice in primary care settings where there is a shortage, leading to better patient outcomes.

'Unshackled' palm-destroying beetles could soon invade Australia

Researchers warn that biological controls have failed to stop the spread of coconut rhinoceros beetles in Pacific islands, putting Australian gardens and industry at risk. The beetles' population genetics reveal multiple virus variations, complicating control efforts and highlighting the need for urgent research.

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.

New material could remove respiratory droplets from air

Researchers developed a new transparent material that captures and removes droplets and aerosols from indoor air, effectively eliminating potential sources of transmission. The coating can be applied to various surfaces and is compatible with antiviral materials.

Measuring the elimination of plastic particles from the body in mice

A study published in Scientific Reports demonstrates the use of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to track the elimination of plastic particles from the bodies of mice. The research reveals that most small plastic particles are eliminated within two days, with smaller particles cleared faster than larger ones.

Study reveals recipe for even more powerful COVID-19 vaccines

A new study reveals that current vaccines may lack essential viral material to trigger a holistic immune response in humans. The researchers identified 25% of viral protein fragments that trigger the immune system, which could lead to more effective and powerful vaccines.

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.

Survival among adults with early-onset colorectal cancer

A recent study found that adults with early-onset colorectal cancer (diagnosed before age 50) have significantly better survival rates than those diagnosed later in life. The research used data from the National Cancer Database and found a significant difference in survival rates between the two groups.

Smartphone bans in the workplace

A field experiment involving 100 students showed that soft smartphone bans can increase efficiency for standard routine tasks, but have no notable impact on more complex tasks. The success of soft bans also depends on employees' perceptions of social norms and freedom of choice.

Finding pathways for sustainable development in Africa

A new project will develop novel tools and capacities to understand and manage interlinkages between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supporting sustainable development pathways for African countries. The project will analyze multi-level governance structures and path dependencies to identify impediments and enablers to sustai...

Having a strong life purpose eases loneliness of COVID-19 isolation

Researchers found that individuals with a strong sense of purpose in life were less lonely and more willing to engage in COVID-19 protective behaviors. Despite feelings of loneliness, those with a higher sense of purpose expressed stronger beliefs in the effectiveness of prevention measures.

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.

New research finds ways to improve accuracy of Lateral Flow Tests

Researchers from King's College London have identified potential modifications to Lateral Flow Devices that can improve their sensitivity and accuracy. The study found that the technology behind the devices is highly accurate but faces limitations in read-out technology.

Particles with 'eyes' allow a closer look at rotational dynamics

A team of researchers created particles with an off-center core that can be tracked under a microscope to study rotational dynamics. Their findings show that neighboring spheres rotate coupled and move in opposite directions, like meshed gears, and that there is a relationship between local crystallinity and rotational diffusivity.

Several persistent chemicals were found in fetal organs

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered industrial chemicals in the organs of fetuses conceived decades after many countries banned the substances. The study found that 15 out of 22 persistent organic pollutants were present in every organ, with four chemicals detected in all tissues in all fetuses.

Using microorganisms to monitor water quality within minutes

SUTD researchers have developed a technology that tracks the impact of pollutants on aquatic microorganisms, measuring their swimming speed and movement within minutes. This method allows for rapid assessment of water quality and drinkability, making it suitable for underdeveloped regions without specialized equipment or chemicals.

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.

US sex trafficking survivors face challenges as mothers

US sex trafficking survivors experience difficulties building parenting confidence and exhibiting emotional withdrawal, impacting their ability to be protective parents. The study highlights the need for targeted support to help these individuals overcome challenges in motherhood.