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Science News Archive June 2021 - Page 48


Page 48 of 51

Quantum Hall effect and the third dimension

Scientists at Max Planck Institute show that electron system of ZrTe5 remains three-dimensional even in strong magnetic fields, linking quasi-quantization to quantum-Hall physics. This finding promises a unified explanation for puzzling plateaus in Hall measurements in many three-dimensional materials.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2021

Salps fertilize the Southern Ocean more effectively than krill

Researchers found that salp fecal pellets release more bioavailable iron than krill pellets, allowing phytoplankton to take up five times more iron. This could lead to increased CO2 fixation and a shift in the Southern Ocean's food web as climate change affects krill dominance.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 2, 2021

Researchers identify how to prevent cancer metastases

Researchers have discovered that natural killer cells and interferon gamma play a crucial role in preventing cancer metastases. Targeted therapies, such as immunotherapy and interferon gamma therapy, show promise in maintaining dormant cancer cells in a state of hibernation.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature·DateJun 2, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Acoustic solutions made from natural fibers can reduce buildings' carbon footprints

Aalto University researchers discovered that wood-based pulp fibers are well-suited for making acoustic materials. These natural fibers have positive environmental impacts compared to traditional acoustic materials, absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and producing more energy-efficient products.

SourceAalto University·JournalFrontiers in Built Environment·DateJun 2, 2021

R&D exploration or exploitation? How firms respond to import competition

A study published in the Strategic Management Journal finds that firms in response to increased import penetration tend to rely more on familiar knowledge in developing innovations, rather than exploring new sources of knowledge. This shift is temporarily reversed over time, positively associated with an increased likelihood of survival.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateJun 2, 2021

Synthetic SPECIES developed for use as a confinable gene drive

Researchers create synthetic fly species with a genetic barrier to limit gene drive spread, offering a safe and reversible method of controlling populations. The technology has potential applications in disease elimination, crop protection, and pest management.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 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.

Fossil secret may shed light on the diversity of Earth's first animals

Scientists have found that exceptionally well-preserved fossils in the Burgess Shale, Canada, could have been moved by mudflows without damage, throwing doubt on the idea that they all lived together. This discovery suggests that early marine animal communities may be more complex and diverse than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJun 2, 2021

CMU Team develops machine learning platform that mines nature for new drugs

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a machine learning platform that can identify natural product drugs for treating various ailments. The platform, called NRPminer, uses genomic and metabolomics data to detect promising natural products, including four novel compounds with potential antimalarial properties.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2021

Coloring tumors reveals their bad influence

A team of researchers developed a laboratory system to dissect the pre-cancerous steps that remained undetected until present. They found that mutant cells create a hostile environment for neighboring non-mutant cells and deregulate the normal stem cell niche in mouse intestinal tissue.

SourceIMBA- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature·DateJun 2, 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.

Regulation of the genome affects its 3D structure

Researchers found that DNA methylation increases stiffness of DNA, affecting its 3D structure and gene activation. This discovery reveals a cryptic mechanism connecting epigenetic footprinting and gene programming.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2021

Study exposes increasing flood risk in the UK

A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University researchers found that floods in most UK areas no longer follow historical patterns due to climate change and human intervention. This challenges traditional flood frequency analysis methods, which may lead to underestimation of flood peaks and catastrophic consequences.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Hydrology·DateJun 2, 2021

New study may help explain low oxygen levels in COVID-19 patients

Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 infects immature red blood cells, leading to reduced oxygen levels and impaired immune response. The study also shows why dexamethasone has been an effective treatment for COVID-19 patients.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJun 2, 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 best strawberries to grow in hot locations

Researchers found five strawberry cultivars suitable for growing in hot, dry regions like Texas. These varieties have desirable berry characteristics, including sweetness and flavor intensity. The top performers were Albion, Sweet Charlie, Camarosa, Camino Real, and Chandler.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 2, 2021

Stemming the leaky pipeline of females in STEM

A Singapore study explores how female students fare in STEM careers, revealing only half of graduates stay in the field. The research aims to stem the 'leaky pipeline' by investigating early exposure to female role models and group work dynamics.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateJun 2, 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.

Activation of carbon-fluorine bonds via cooperation of a photocatalyst and tin

Researchers from Osaka University have successfully developed an organic reaction that selectively converts a specific carbon-fluorine bond in perfluorinated compounds to other functional groups. This breakthrough enables the synthesis of high-value fluorine-containing drugs, addressing a significant challenge in pharmaceutical applica...

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 2, 2021

Continuous glucose monitors help manage type 2 diabetes

The study found that continuous glucose monitors reduced emergency department visits and hospitalizations for hypoglycemia, improving blood sugar control in selected insulin-treated type 2 diabetes patients. The monitors also showed comparable results to a new diabetes medication in terms of blood sugar control.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA·DateJun 2, 2021

Current global environmental law and policy are failing, experts say

Leading scholars propose new frameworks for environmental governance, citing structural problems in current laws and international law-making processes. They advocate for a new environmental charter, reviving the United Nations Trusteeship Council, and strengthening the UN Environment Programme to address pressing global challenges.

SourceIOS Press·JournalEnvironmental Policy and Law·DateJun 2, 2021

Protein disguise could be new target for cancer immunotherapy

Researchers identified a protein that interferes with the immune system's response to cancer, allowing tumours to evade killer T-cells. Lower levels of this protein in tumours have been linked to improved survival rates in patients with specific types of cancer, such as liver, head and neck, and stomach cancers.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalCell·DateJun 2, 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.

Target protein identified for improving heart attack treatment

A new study led by Washington State University researchers has identified protein kinase A (PKA) as a potential target for improving treatment outcomes after a heart attack. The research suggests that PKA plays a role in heart muscle cell necrosis, a major type of cell death that commonly occurs after reperfusion therapy.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 2, 2021

Broadly neutralizing antibodies against pandemic flu point to new vaccine targets

Researchers found broadly neutralizing antibodies that target two conserved regions of the H1N1 influenza virus, which also neutralize various other strains. These findings suggest that vaccines targeting these regions could protect against a broader array of flu strains.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 2, 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.

Better popping potential for popcorn

A team of researchers has identified key characteristics related to popcorn expansion, enabling more efficient selection and breeding of high-quality popcorn. The study found that kernel outer layer thickness is a critical trait for increased popping expansion.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJun 2, 2021

Patients Taking Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Respond Less Well to COVID-19 Vaccine

A new study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that patients taking methotrexate for immune system disorders have a weaker antibody response to COVID-19 vaccines. This means they may not be as protected against the virus, but further research is needed to understand the issue.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 2, 2021

Neuroscience doesn't undermine free will after all

A new study published in Trends in Cognitive Science argues that recent research does not challenge free will. The article highlights computational modeling and data analysis challenges to the idea that electrical activity in the brain indicates a lack of free will.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateJun 2, 2021

At-home COVID-19 tests: How good are they?

A recent study by the American Chemical Society tested five at-home rapid tests, finding they were relatively easy to use with accurate results compared to lab testing. The cost and access to these tests are concerns, but community programs can help offset costs and build trust in testing.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 2, 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.

Under the microscope: SMU's experiential learning

SMU-X, a university-wide pedagogical experiential learning programme, is being rigorously evaluated to assess its impact on graduates. The study will investigate whether SMU-X effectively cultivates a learning mindset, sharpens workforce skills, and facilitates career-related advancements for SMU graduates.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateJun 2, 2021

Mapping intermittent methane emissions across the Permian Basin

A team of researchers has identified over 1,100 unique large methane point sources across the Permian Basin using airborne imaging spectrometry. The study found that most sources were highly intermittent, but those that were persistent accounted for a significant portion of total emissions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJun 2, 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.

Similarity of legs, wheels, tracks suggests target for energy-efficient robots

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory has developed a new formula that applies to a broad range of legged, wheeled, and tracked systems, showing they are as efficient as other ground mobile platforms. The findings have implications for designing future terrestrial robots for defense applications, particularly in challenging terrain.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 2, 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.

Researchers explore ways to detect 'deep fakes' in geography

A team of researchers has developed a method to detect deep fakes in geography, including satellite images and maps. The technique uses Cycle-Consistent Adversarial Networks (CycleGAN) to identify fake images, distinguishing them from real ones with 80% accuracy.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalCartography and Geographic Information Science·DateJun 2, 2021

Laser physics: Two-stage particle-beam booster

Laser physicists have built the first compact two-stage plasma-based accelerator, accelerating particles to near-light speed within a few millimeters. The hybrid plasma accelerator has shown more than three orders of magnitude higher acceleration fields than conventional accelerators.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2021

Building green finance in Asia

The Monetary Authority of Singapore launches a $2 billion green investments program to promote environmentally sustainable projects. The Singapore Green Finance Centre, launched by SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business and Imperial College Business School, aims to build a new ecosystem for sustainable investing in Asia. Researchers wil...

SourceSingapore Management University·DateJun 2, 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.

DNA circuits

Scientists have created a molecular switching circuit made of DNA that can change the shape of soft matter based on pH levels. The DNA switches react differently with their surroundings, allowing for potential applications in soft robotics and logical function networks.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 2, 2021

NIH supports mathematical optimization of tumor treatment

Researchers aim to develop a personalized approach to adaptive radiation therapy (ART) using computerized tomography (CT) technology. The goal is to balance the needs of patients, clinicians, and insurers by adapting treatment strategies in real-time.

SourceRice University·DateJun 2, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

How platelets help resolve lung inflammation

Researchers at the University of Münster discovered that platelet-white blood cell interactions resolve lung inflammation by secreting anti-inflammatory substances and eliminating excess neutrophil granulocytes. This finding has implications for developing new therapy concepts to combat acute respiratory failure.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 2, 2021

THOR: Driving collaboration in heavy-ion collision research

The THOR COST Action has enabled a large collection of papers on hot matter and relativistic heavy-ion collisions, thanks to extensive collaborations between researchers. Through the project, over 300 physicists have improved their methods by exchanging ideas and results.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal A·DateJun 2, 2021

Oldest human traces from the southern Tibetan Plateau in a new light

Researchers used OSL dating to directly date stone artefacts from an archaeological site in southern Tibet, revealing an age between 5,200 and 5,500 years. The analysis provides new insights into human occupation of the region and sheds light on the earliest human activities in the Tibetan Plateau.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 2, 2021

Pandemic shows essential role of ECT as treatment for severe depression

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many ECT centers reduced services, but most were able to react and return to care by mid-summer. The survey found that 70% of sites had patients return to inpatient psychiatric care due to unscheduled ECT cancellations.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJun 2, 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.

US conservatives less able than liberals to distinguish truth from falsehoods in study of responses to 240 political news stories

A study of over 1,000 Americans found that conservatives were more likely to believe false claims about politics that benefited the right, while liberals were more likely to believe true claims that favored the left. This suggests that the political environment and widely shared news plays a role in shaping conservative misperceptions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 2, 2021