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Science News Archive June 2021 - Page 34


Page 34 of 51

Breakthrough in brain imaging may offer future alternative to functional MRI

Researchers at Keck School of Medicine and Caltech demonstrate a new way to produce highly detailed images of the human brain using functional photoacoustic computerized tomography (fPACT). This technology has the potential to be less expensive, more portable, and accessible to patients with implants.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 10, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How do plants balance microbial friends and foes?

Plants use metabolites, chemical signals, and dual receptor recognition to distinguish beneficial microbes from pathogens. A plant cell follows a flowchart to determine the response needed based on microbe type and lifestyle.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJun 10, 2021

COVID-19 communication among authorities and the media

An international research project, funded by DFG, explores how governments, health institutions, and media communicate about COVID-19, analyzing its effects on the population. The study aims to identify effective risk and crisis communication strategies for better public understanding of pandemic risks.

SourceBfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment·DateJun 10, 2021

Combating maritime litter

A study categorizes existing solutions for combating maritime litter, revealing a need for more developed technologies and integrated approaches. The researchers recommend defining standards for each solution to encourage further development and create a sustainable approach.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJun 10, 2021

Study shows how permafrost releases methane in the warming Arctic

Researchers from Skoltech conducted experiments measuring gas permeability under various conditions for ice-containing sediments mimicking permafrost. The study showed high probability of increasing permeability coupled with dissociation of gas hydrates in permafrost, leading to methane emissions into the atmosphere.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateJun 10, 2021

Sealed, signed and delivered

Hebrew University archaeologists found a rare 7,000-year-old seal impression with geometric stamps, marking shipments or silos. The discovery provides early evidence of commercial activity and long-distance trade in the Middle East.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalLevant·DateJun 10, 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.

Improved climate resilience through better seasonal forecasts

A KIT research team developed a new statistical method to improve global forecasts, enabling more accurate seasonal meteorological forecasts on the regional level. This can help mitigate local consequences of climate change, such as droughts and floods, by providing early warning of wet or dry periods.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalEarth System Science Data·DateJun 10, 2021

Lodgers on manganese nodules: Sponges promote a high diversity

A study by Tanja Stratmann and colleagues found that sponges attached to manganese nodules provide a habitat for numerous animal species, including small worms, crabs, and clams. Removal of the nodules would disrupt this ecosystem, leading to a significant reduction in animal diversity.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 10, 2021

Winner Art of Neuroscience competition announced

The eleventh edition of the Art of Neuroscience competition has been won by Yas Crawford for her artwork 'Cognition IX', which explores neurological interoception in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis patients. The winner was chosen from over 293 entries and received praise for its perfectly composed image, full of movement and dynamic flow.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·DateJun 10, 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.

2021 Chamoli disaster triggered by massive rock and ice avalanche

A massive rock and ice avalanche in February 2021 killed over 200 people in Uttarakhand, India. The disaster was exacerbated by exceptional avalanche height, rock-to-ice ratio, and downstream hydroelectric infrastructure, underscoring the need for sustainable planning.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 10, 2021

Tuning the energy gap: A novel approach for organic semiconductors

Researchers at TU Dresden and TU Munich developed a novel method to engineer the energy gap in organic semiconductors by blending materials with varying molecular shapes. This approach enables continuous tunability of the energy gap, paving the way for efficient optoelectronic devices.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 10, 2021

As a decade of ecosystem restoration kicks off, don't forget the people

Researchers have found that restoration action is at risk of failure if it doesn't consider the social and political dimensions of the effort. Key findings include a successful kelp restoration project centered on indigenous worldviews, and a lake restoration project whose main beneficiaries were well-heeled urban residents.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalEcological Restoration·DateJun 10, 2021
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.

Molecular coating enhances organic solar cells

Researchers at KAUST developed a new molecular coating that significantly enhances the performance of organic photovoltaic cells, outperforming current materials like PEDOT:PSS. The coating increases efficiency by reducing electrical resistance, improving hole transport, and allowing more light to pass through.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalChemSusChem·DateJun 10, 2021

Study examines the effects of COVID-19 on human kidney cells

Researchers found that COVID-19 virus can enter and replicate in human kidney cells, but does not typically cause cell death. However, infected cells with pre-existing injury are more susceptible to additional damage.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 10, 2021
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.

The rocky road to accurate sea-level predictions

A new study on Petermann Glacier found that the way under-ice landscape is represented in models can significantly impact future sea-level rise predictions. The researchers discovered that a warmer ocean could trigger the break-up of the glacier, leading to increased mass loss from Earth's polar ice sheets.

SourceStockholm University·DateJun 10, 2021

Declining growth rates of global coral reef ecosystems

A Southern Cross University study reveals global coral reef ecosystem calcification is declining at a rate of 4.3% yr-1, with consequences for ecosystem survival. The decline may be linked to stress events and reduced coral cover, potentially impacting food and habitat production.

SourceSouthern Cross University·DateJun 10, 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.

Cloud computing expands brain sciences

The Brainlife.io platform uses cloud technologies to democratize neuroscience research, allowing scientists to process, visualize, and manage large amounts of data. The platform provides a suite of web services to support reproducible research, with over 1,600 scientists from around the world accessing it thus far.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 10, 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.

Clearer and refocused SEM images

A joint research team from POSTECH and KIMS developed a deep learning-based refocusing method to detect and improve SEM images without human oversight. The technology demonstrated improved image quality on blind settings, moving closer to commercializing AI-based material analysis equipment.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalActa Materialia·DateJun 10, 2021

Fashion for pointy shoes unleashed plague of bunions in medieval Britain

A new study suggests that pointed shoes, popular in medieval Britain, led to a sharp increase in bunions, particularly among the wealthy and clergy. The researchers found that those buried in richer sites had a higher prevalence of hallux valgus, highlighting the fashion trend's significant impact on foot health.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalInternational Journal of Paleopathology·DateJun 10, 2021

Study shows when people with cerebral palsy are most likely to break bones

Researchers found that middle-aged men with cerebral palsy are up to 5.6 times more likely to suffer fractures than men without the disorder. The study also revealed that critical periods of bone health vary across the lifespan for individuals with cerebral palsy, particularly affecting females and males at different times.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBone·DateJun 10, 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.

How butterflies make transparent wings: MBL scientists see the invisible

Researchers discovered the glasswing butterfly's unique wing structure, creating transparency through a lower density of scale cells and nanostructures. The findings also revealed an anti-glare coating made of waxy hydrocarbon nanopillars, making butterflies nearly invisible to predators.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 10, 2021

Observing quantum coherence from photons scattered in free-space

Scientists have successfully transferred and recovered quantum coherence from photons scattered in free-space for the first time, paving the way for new applications in quantum communication, imaging, and sensing. The novel technique uses custom hardware to maintain coherence even after scattering from a diffuse surface.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJun 10, 2021

Microscopic imaging without a microscope?

Researchers developed Seq-Scope technology to visualize all gene expression from a tissue sample, offering ultra-high-resolution imaging. The method, using high-throughput sequencing and barcode-based spatial coordinates, enables diagnosis of diseases at the microscopic scale.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell·DateJun 10, 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.

LIM domain only 1: One gene, many roles in cancer

The LMO1 gene codes for a protein that regulates RNA production and is implicated in cancer formation. Researchers found that overexpression of LMO1 is associated with poor patient outcomes in different cancers. Further study of LMO1 may lead to targeted therapies for various types of cancer.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·DateJun 10, 2021

Cell Phone Use While Driving May Be Tied to Other Risky Road Behaviors in Young Adults

A study found that frequent cell phone use while driving is associated with other risky driving practices in young adults, including impulsivity and sensation seeking. The study suggests that targeting all risky behaviors rather than just cell phone use may be more effective in preventing crashes.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJun 10, 2021

Binding of a second CO molecule observed

Researchers at University of Freiburg discover how vanadium-dependent nitrogenase binds two CO molecules simultaneously, enabling reductive process for industrial applications. This breakthrough sheds new light on the mechanistic principles behind nitrogenase's ability to reduce toxic gas carbon monoxide.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 10, 2021

Hydrogen sulfide critical to innate ability of bacteria to survive antibiotics

Researchers discovered that blocking bacterial H2S biogenesis strengthens antibiotics by inhibiting persister formation and biofilm growth, offering a novel alternative to traditional antibiotic discovery. The study suggests using small molecule potentiators to enhance the effect of major classes of clinically important antibiotics.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJun 10, 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.

Model shows sharp decrease in HIV incidence in England

Researchers used a novel statistical model to estimate new HIV infections among adult MSM in England between 2009 and 2018. The results suggest that testing and treatment strategies have been effective in reducing new infections, with a significant decrease in the number of new infections from 2,770 in 2013 to 854 in 2018.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateJun 10, 2021

'Disagreeable' married men who shirk domestic responsibilities earn more at work

A recent study from the University of Notre Dame found that disagreeable married men who do not contribute equally to household chores often have higher salaries due to increased focus on their careers. This phenomenon suggests that imbalanced social exchanges at home, particularly with spouses, play a crucial role in determining indiv...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPersonnel Psychology·DateJun 10, 2021

Novel liquid crystal metalens offers electric zoom

Researchers from Cornell University and Samsung create a first-of-its-kind metalens that can focus light using voltage instead of mechanically moving its components. The innovation allows for an ultrathin, electrically tunable lens with continuous zoom capabilities.

SourceCornell University·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 10, 2021

Bacteria hijack latent phage of competitor

Researchers have discovered a highly selective phage activation mechanism based on signal molecules in bacterial ecosystems. The study reveals that a specific bacterium produces a signal molecule that triggers the conversion of a latent phage into an active parasite, offering new possibilities for phage therapies and biotechnology.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 10, 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.

Could naked mole rats hold key to curing cancer and dementia?

Researchers at the University of Bradford say naked mole rats' long lifespan and resistance to cancer could lead to new treatments for degenerative diseases like cancer and dementia. The animals' unique DNA repair mechanism may provide insights into preventing these conditions, with potential applications in humans.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateJun 10, 2021

World-first discovery could fuel the new green ammonia economy

A team of Monash University scientists has discovered a new process based on phosphonium salts to produce green ammonia from renewable energy. The process represents a major contribution towards the development of a sustainable fuel for the future, with potential applications in fertiliser production and as an energy carrier.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience·DateJun 10, 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.

Study of harvey flooding aids in quantifying climate change

A new study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory uses a hydraulic model to quantify the impact of climate change on flooding in Houston, Texas during Hurricane Harvey. The research reveals that 14% to 15% of the cost of flooding was due to climate change.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalClimatic Change·DateJun 10, 2021

Say goodbye to your camera bump: uOttawa researchers miniaturize optics by discovering counterpart to lens

Researchers from uOttawa propose a new optical element called spaceplate, which simulates light spreading in a small device, enabling the miniaturization of optical systems. This technology has potential applications in fields like healthcare, where thin cameras or endoscopes could be used to visualize internal organs.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 10, 2021

Decoded genome of little-known disease offers hope for citrus

UC Riverside researchers have decoded the genome of a benign infection, potentially sending medicine into citrus trees. The discovery could harness its unique properties to deliver antibacterial and antiviral agents into plants' vascular systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJun 10, 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.

A study shows the unexpected effect of black holes beyond their own galaxies

A study reveals that black holes have an unexpected effect on galaxy evolution, influencing the formation of stars in satellite galaxies at vast distances. The research found a clear modulation of star formation rates depending on a galaxy's orientation with respect to its central black hole.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalNature·DateJun 9, 2021

Investigators examine brain tests of patients with COVID-19

Researchers analyzed brain scans of 193 COVID-19 patients, finding a link between brain imaging and the virus's presence in cerebrospinal fluid. The study suggests hyperintense lesions and leptomeningeal enhancement are indicative of inflammation rather than infection.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Neuroimaging·DateJun 9, 2021

Normal breathing sends saliva droplets 7 feet; masks shorten this

Researchers found that normal breathing indoors without a mask can transport virus-laden saliva droplets up to 7.2 feet in just 90 seconds. Masks significantly restrict this movement, reducing the distance to less than 6 feet after two minutes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJun 9, 2021