Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive June 2021 - Page 28


Page 28 of 51

Accomplished University of Ottawa professors earn Canada Research Chairs

The University of Ottawa has been awarded four new Canada Research Chairs in artificial intelligence, health, and law. Carole Yauk's research addresses toxicological risk assessment of environmental chemicals, while Emmanuelle Bernheim focuses on improving access to justice for those with mental health issues.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·DateJun 15, 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.

The electron merry-go-round

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have detected a previously unknown quantum effect in metal clusters, where electrons exhibit behavior similar to classical particles. The team's findings contradict previous predictions and suggest that decoherence suppresses interferences, leading to almost classical distributions.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 15, 2021

Balanced rocks set design ground motion values for New Zealand dam

Researchers used gravity-defying rock formations to determine the peak ground accelerations that could topple them, setting new design ground motion values for the Clyde Dam. The new values are similar to those used when the dam was built in the 1980s, but with a reduced risk due to modern regulations.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateJun 15, 2021

Teenagers at greatest risk of self-harming could be identified almost a decade earlier

Researchers found two subgroups of adolescents who self-harm, one with emotional and behavioral difficulties, and a second group without those difficulties but with different risk factors. The study suggests that it may be possible to predict which individuals are most at risk of self-harm up to a decade ahead of time.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 15, 2021
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.

Cosmic rays: Coronal mass ejections and cosmic ray observations at Syowa Station in the Antarctic

Researchers at Shinshu University and the National Polar Research Institute found a Forbush decrease in cosmic ray counts during a CME event, but the CR density exceeded its original level before exiting the Magnetic Flux Rope. The high-speed solar wind caused this unusual enhancement of CR density through local compression of the MFR.

SourceShinshu University·JournalJournal of Space Weather and Space Climate·DateJun 15, 2021

Air pollution exposure during pregnancy may boost babies' obesity risk

Research suggests that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy may increase a baby's risk of obesity and related diseases. Hispanic mothers who lived in areas with high levels of pollutants had babies who grew unusually fast, gaining excess fat that puts them at risk of obesity later in life.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateJun 15, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

At underwater site, research team finds 9,000-year-old stone artifacts

Researchers discover 9,000-year-old obsidian flakes in Lake Huron, originating from an obsidian quarry over 2,000 miles away, representing the oldest and farthest east confirmed specimens of western obsidian in the continental US. The find sheds light on social connections across North America 9,000 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 15, 2021

From symmetry to asymmetry: The two sides of life

The study uses innovative imaging techniques to demonstrate the role of symmetric cell nucleus alignment in left-right asymmetric development. Collective nuclear behavior and proper nuclear positioning are found to be responsible for subsequent LR-asymmetric development of the midgut.

SourceOsaka University·JournalDevelopment·DateJun 15, 2021

What makes us sneeze?

A study published in Cell identified specific nerve cells and proteins that trigger the sneeze reflex, which may lead to new treatments for infectious respiratory diseases. The researchers found that stimulating these cells with a molecule called neuromedin B could induce sneezing, even without exposure to allergens or viruses.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·DateJun 15, 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.

Hippos and anthrax

A team of researchers tracked the movements of hippos in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania, to better understand how anthrax outbreaks spread. They found that infected individuals roamed just as much as healthy hippos, highlighting the importance of wildlife movement in disease transmission.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcosphere·DateJun 15, 2021
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.

Two COVID-19 vaccines show safety, strong immunity in infant model

Researchers have developed two COVID-19 vaccines that elicited durable neutralizing antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 in pre-clinical research. The Moderna mRNA vaccine and a protein-based vaccine candidate showed strong immunity in infant rhesus macaques, with no adverse effects.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalScience Immunology·DateJun 15, 2021

NIH study offers new evidence of early SARS-CoV-2 infections in US

Researchers analyzed 24,000 blood samples and multiple antibody testing platforms to discover SARS-CoV-2 infections in five states earlier than reported. The findings expand on previous studies suggesting the virus was present in the US as early as December 2019.

SourceNIH/All of Us Research Program·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJun 15, 2021

Novel calibration procedure for super-resolution brain imaging

A novel calibration procedure developed by scientists enables precise super-resolution brain imaging at greater depth. The method corrects spherical aberration of the depletion beam, allowing for high-quality images of biological tissue.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateJun 15, 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.

Chatbots for dementia patients and caregivers need more work

A systematic review of 501 chatbot apps found that none performed well on all testing criteria, with linguistic biases and usability challenges. The apps' limited program content made it hard to have extended or varied conversations between users and chatbots.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJun 15, 2021

Rarest bee genus in North America is not so rare after all

A Canadian researcher has reclassified a rare bee thought to be one of the rarest in the world, discovering it is an unusual specimen of a widespread species. The discovery was made using DNA barcoding and morphological analysis, confirming that the bee is part of the California digger-cuckoo bee genus.

SourceCanadian Museum of Nature·JournalEuropean Journal of Taxonomy·DateJun 15, 2021

Investigating carbonate mineral chemical variations to improve oil recovery

Researcher Dr. Igor Ivanishin is investigating the impact of varying calcium contents on dolomite and calcite mineral stability, which can lead to improved well stimulation operations. His findings suggest that injected acids may unevenly dissolve rock in carbonate reservoirs, leaving some areas untouched.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Petroleum Science and Engineering·DateJun 15, 2021

Teens experienced helplessness when exposed to secondhand racism

A qualitative study found that adolescents feel helpless when exposed to secondhand racism online, with many describing it as a constant force. However, participating in activism is seen as a way to cope with vicarious racism, and may even mitigate negative emotions.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 15, 2021

New treatment stops progression of Alzheimer's disease in monkey brains

A new therapy has been shown to reduce amyloid beta plaque deposits and toxic tau levels in elderly monkeys' brains, slowing neurodegeneration. The treatment also improved cognitive function in the monkeys, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalBrain·DateJun 15, 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.

Analysis: Chile's transition to democracy slow, incomplete, fueled by social movements

A new article analyzes Chile's transition from dictatorship to democracy between 1990 and 2019, highlighting the role of social movements in expanding democracy. The authors argue that Chile's political system became illegitimate, providing space for various social movements, including feminist, student, and indigenous rights movements.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalThe Latin Americanist·DateJun 15, 2021

Enormous flock of declining shorebird discovered in South Carolina

A massive flock of over 20,000 whimbrel has been discovered on Deveaux Bank in South Carolina, marking the world's largest known night roost for the declining shorebird species. The discovery provides critical hope for protecting this rare bird and highlights the importance of coastal habitat conservation.

SourceSouth Carolina Department of Natural Resources·JournalWader Study·DateJun 15, 2021

The long view

Researchers at UCSB's LTER sites investigate the impact of climate change on diverse ecosystems, including kelp forests and coral reefs. Their findings highlight the importance of long-term research in understanding complex relationships between environmental drivers and ecosystem responses.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcosphere·DateJun 15, 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.

Quality supervision, coworker support key to child welfare caseworker retention

A recent study by Oregon State University researchers found that quality supervisory support and strong relationships with coworkers are crucial for child welfare caseworkers' job satisfaction. The study also highlighted the importance of adequate technology and equipment in managing workload effectively.

SourceOregon State University·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateJun 15, 2021

The evolution of good taste

The study found that animals have evolved to prefer tastes that correspond with their elemental needs, helping them prioritize nutrient-rich foods. Convergent evolution was observed across mammalian, fish, and insect groups, highlighting the importance of taste in foraging and nutrient cycling.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateJun 14, 2021

Scientists discover how oxygen loss saps a lithium-ion battery's voltage

Researchers have measured the super-slow process of oxygen loss in lithium-ion batteries, revealing how it changes the electrode's structure and chemistry over time. This new understanding could lead to the development of new ways to engineer electrodes and prevent oxygen loss-related degradation.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateJun 14, 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.

Many prolonged sick leaves for COVID-19

A University of Gothenburg study found that nearly 12,000 people in Sweden received sickness benefit for COVID-19 during the first wave, with a median sick leave duration of 35 days. For 9% of participants, sick leave was still ongoing after 4 months, and those affected by long-term COVID-19 made up 13.3% of recipients.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJun 14, 2021

For transplant recipients, third time may be the charm for better COVID vaccine protection

Researchers found that a third vaccine dose increased antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 in transplant recipients more than the standard two-dose regimen. The study suggests booster doses should be investigated for those who are immunocompromised to determine if they can receive COVID-19 vaccines as standard clinical practice.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 14, 2021

High genetic running capacity promotes efficient metabolism with aging

A new study reveals that high genetic running capacity promotes more efficient amino acid metabolism in skeletal muscle, potentially contributing to healthier metabolism with aging. Adipose tissue may also play a key role in promoting healthy aging, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalGeroScience·DateJun 14, 2021

Anaerobic methane oxidation by microbial communities

Researchers discovered microbial communities with the potential to consume methane, a greenhouse gas, at high rates in carbonate rocks from seven geologically diverse deep-sea methane seeps. The study found that these microorganisms can consume methane at rates up to 5,500 nanomoles per cubic centimeter per day.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Researchers create switchable mirrors from liquid metal

Scientists developed a method to dynamically switch liquid metal surfaces between reflective and scattering states using electricity. This technology could be used to create electrically controllable mirrors or illumination devices, enabling new applications in art and advanced devices.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateJun 14, 2021

Sources of lead in the western Arctic Ocean

A study reveals that 60% of lead in Canadian Arctic seawater comes from human sources, particularly historic lead emissions from Europe and Russia. The findings suggest that permafrost melting and coastal erosion will continue to remobilize these contaminants, making lead isotopes a sensitive tracer for pollutants in Arctic seawater.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2021
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.

Study finds dosing strategy may affect immunotherapy outcomes

A study published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer found that immunotherapy outcomes differ based on dosing strategy and patient weight. Overweight patients receiving weight-based dosing lived an average of over 20 months, compared to less than 10 months for lighter patients.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateJun 14, 2021

USC study reveals potential new treatment target for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC identified APOE4 as associated with the activation of an inflammatory protein that causes a breakdown in the blood-brain barrier, leading to cognitive decline and memory problems. The study suggests a potential treatment targeting this pathway could slow down or prevent cognitive decline in...

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNature Aging·DateJun 14, 2021
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.

Epigenetic inheritance of methylation changes in fish

A species of fish, Poecilia mexicana, developed a unique pattern of DNA methylation in response to exposure to toxic hydrogen sulfide. This epigenetic signature was found to be inherited by subsequent generations, even when reared in the absence of high hydrogen sulfide concentrations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2021
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.