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Science News Archive June 2021 - Page 24


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.

SourceInstitute for Advanced Study·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 17, 2021

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2021

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.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateJun 17, 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.

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...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2021

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.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalEnvironment International·DateJun 17, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJun 17, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceLancaster University·DateJun 17, 2021

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.

SourceSwiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology - CSEM·DateJun 17, 2021

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.

SourceRutgers University·JournalMed·DateJun 17, 2021
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.

Children with asymptomatic malaria a 'hidden risk' to disease control efforts

A study in Uganda reveals that school-aged children with asymptomatic malaria are a significant source of mosquito infections, driving the spread of the disease. Targeting these children for control interventions could help sustain malaria gains and prevent resurgences.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJun 16, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 16, 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.

Scientists demonstrate promising new approach for treating cystic fibrosis

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine developed an improved oligonucleotide therapy strategy that can correct gene defects underlying cystic fibrosis. The approach has shown promising results in both human cells and mice, with potential applications for treating other pulmonary diseases.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 16, 2021

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.

SourceAalto University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 16, 2021

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.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScience Robotics·DateJun 16, 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.

Alternate-day intermittent fasting leads to less fat loss than traditional daily energy restriction

A new study suggests that alternate-day intermittent fasting may offer no unique health benefits over a standard daily diet. In contrast, traditional daily energy restriction resulted in greater weight and fat loss. The researchers note that longer studies with larger groups are needed to confirm these findings.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 16, 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.

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.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJun 16, 2021

Mystery solved: Dust cloud led to Betelgeuse's 'Great Dimming'

Astronomers have explained Betelgeuse's sudden dimming by a cloud of dust formed from stardust, which temporarily blocked the star's light. The discovery was made using new images taken with the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalNature·DateJun 16, 2021

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 16, 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.

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.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2021

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateJun 16, 2021

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.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 16, 2021

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.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·DateJun 16, 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.

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...

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalToxicology and Applied Pharmacology·DateJun 16, 2021

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.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Petroleum Science and Engineering·DateJun 16, 2021

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.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·DateJun 16, 2021

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...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 16, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 16, 2021

Model helps analyze decision-making on adopting Type 2 diabetes medical guidelines

A new computational framework simulates the dissemination of Type 2 diabetes guidelines, highlighting the impact of sociocultural context and complex social interactions. The Culturally Infused Agent Based Model (CI-ABM) improves analysis and prediction of guideline-dissemination behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalIEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics·DateJun 16, 2021
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.

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...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 16, 2021

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJun 16, 2021

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.

SourceBinghamton University·DateJun 16, 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.

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.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJournal of Neurochemistry·DateJun 16, 2021

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 16, 2021

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.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateJun 16, 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.

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.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration·DateJun 16, 2021

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.

SourceLund University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 16, 2021

UCLA receives $4.8M to improve genetic disease risk estimates in diverse populations

The National Institutes of Health is funding a research consortium to develop methods for calculating polygenic risk scores (PRS) in people from different ancestries, particularly those with admixed ancestry. Researchers at UCLA will focus on incorporating genetic diversity into PRS to yield accurate and equitable predictions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateJun 16, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 16, 2021

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...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 16, 2021