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Science News Archive June 2021 - Page 8


Page 8 of 51

Pop-up coffee table -- no assembly required

Researchers from Harvard developed a system harnessing mechanical instabilities in curved beams to create light, compact, and customizable deployable structures. The innovation enables easy deployment of objects into elaborate 3D configurations on various scales.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 28, 2021

New study sheds light on evolution of photosynthesis

A Rutgers-led study explores the evolution of photosynthesis, a process critical for plant growth. The research reveals that primary plastid endosymbiosis, a key step in photosynthesis, is rare due to its complex process.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJun 28, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Advanced care: Smart wound dressings with built-in healing sensors

Researchers developed smart wound dressings with fluorescent sensors that glow under UV light to alert patients of potential infections. The magnesium hydroxide nanosheets are non-toxic, scaleable, and up to 20 times cheaper than silver-based dressings.

SourceRMIT University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 28, 2021

Transparent mask increases comprehension of speech by 10%, study shows

A study involving 154 volunteers found that wearing transparent masks increased comprehension of speech by 10%, even for those with normal hearing. The study's findings suggest that visual cues play a significant role in facilitating communication during masked conversations.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEar and Hearing·DateJun 28, 2021

DNA data and modelling reveal potential spread of invasive species

Scientists used DNA data and predictive modelling to identify regions where an invasive sea squirt could thrive in South America. The study found that a slight change in currents and sea temperature may lead to the species' expansion across northern Chile, Peru, and Ecuador.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2021

A way to surmount supercooling

Researchers at Osaka University found that silver nanoparticles induce crystallization in clathrate hydrates, a potential application for latent heat storage materials. The study may lead to improved efficiency in solar energy and heat recovery technologies.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Materials·DateJun 28, 2021

Previous infection with COVID-19 does not affect the chance of success in IVF

A recent study found that women previously infected with COVID-19 have similar ovarian reserve and fertility treatment outcomes compared to those without a history of the virus. The study monitored hormone levels in 46 patients undergoing IVF in Spain between May and June 2020, revealing no variation in anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) lev...

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJun 28, 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.

Hotels offering rooms to homeless in pandemic reap reputational reward

Researchers found that hotels providing accommodation to homeless individuals generated greater positive word-of-mouth, while those supporting healthcare workers had little impact. The study suggests that showing concern for social welfare is a key factor in attracting tourists.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalTourism Management·DateJun 28, 2021

Baby reef fishes swim for gold

A new study found that baby coral reef fishes have evolved to grow larger muscles and swim faster than their non-reef relatives, allowing them to outpace other fish in the ocean. This adaptation is thought to be related to their association with reefs, where they need to navigate open ocean currents to find a home.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateJun 28, 2021

Deep machine learning completes information about the bioactivity of one million molecules

Researchers have developed a tool to predict the biological activity of any molecule using deep machine learning methods. The system integrates experimental data with AI models to complete incomplete information about bioactivity profiles, enabling the selection of suitable candidates for drug discovery.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

The discovery of a new type of supernova illuminates a medieval mystery

Researchers have confirmed the existence of an elusive new type of stellar explosion, the electron-capture supernova. This discovery sheds light on a thousand-year-old mystery surrounding the 1054 AD supernova visible globally, now believed to be an electron-capture supernova.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJun 28, 2021

'Unexciting' an anxious brain: Novel drug reduces anxiety-like behavior in mice

A novel drug candidate, KNT-127, has been developed to target glutamate-induced neurotransmission and reduce anxiety-like behavior in mice. The study proposes a new mechanism of action for treating anxiety disorder, which could lead to the development of evidence-based antipsychotics with a new mechanism.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateJun 28, 2021

AI and computer vision remove the need for cell biopsy in testing embryos

A new study suggests that AI can visually distinguish between euploid and aneuploid embryos based on their cell activity, potentially removing the need for cell biopsy in embryo testing. The AI-based system achieved 73% sensitivity and specificity in its results, offering a fast and economical alternative to current non-invasive methods.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJun 28, 2021

Honey, we shrunk the intense XUV laser

Scientists have developed a new scheme to generate intense XUV pulses using near-infrared lasers, shrinking the need for large laboratory facilities. The setup produces high-intensity XUV pulses with potential applications in attosecond-pump attosecond-probe spectroscopy and nanoscale imaging.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalOptica·DateJun 28, 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.

K-12 students honored as climate educators

The University of Massachusetts Lowell has recognized a group of K-12 students from Massachusetts and the Midwest for their artwork on climate change. The students' creations will be displayed on public buses to educate tens of thousands of passengers about extreme weather events.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·DateJun 28, 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.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

The ACTIV (Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines) workgroup has developed nine master protocols to evaluate therapeutic agents for COVID-19. The protocols aim to accelerate drug development and improve treatment outcomes for patients with COVID-19.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 28, 2021

Shock find brings extinct mouse back from the dead

Researchers have successfully resurrected the extinct Gould's mouse, a significant finding given the high rate of native rodent extinction in Australia. The study revealed that the species' genetic diversity did not guarantee its survival, underscoring the rapid decline of populations in the face of invasive species, habitat destructio...

SourceAustralian National University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2021

Transforming the layered ferromagnet F5GT for future spintronics

A RMIT-led international collaboration has achieved record-high electron doping in a layered ferromagnet, causing magnetic phase transition with significant promise for future electronics. Ultra-high-charge, doping-induced magnetic phase transition in Fe5Ge2 enables promising applications in antiferromagnetic spintronic devices.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 28, 2021

Pulling wisdom teeth can improve long-term taste function

A new study published in Chemical Senses found that patients who had their wisdom teeth extracted showed improved tasting abilities decades after surgery. The study challenges the notion that removal of wisdom teeth has only negative effects on taste and represents a significant finding in the field.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalChemical Senses·DateJun 28, 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.

Poor use of science jeopardizes climate lawsuits -- Oxford research

A new study by the University of Oxford and Environmental Change Institute found that evidence submitted in 73 climate lawsuits is behind state-of-the-art climate science. The study highlights the need for litigators to use more effective scientific evidence to overcome obstacles to causality.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 28, 2021

Researchers discover protein complex that promotes cancer growth

A team of researchers has identified a protein complex that promotes breast cancer growth, which can be disrupted to hinder tumor development. Non-toxic peptides were developed to prevent the abnormal interaction between RBM39 and MLL1 proteins in breast cancer cells.

SourceGeisinger Health System·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 28, 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.

Multi-material multi-photon 3D laser micro- and nanoprinting

Researchers reviewed approaches to multi-material multi-photon micro/nano-printing, enabling targeted structures with diverse material properties. Automated systems are rapidly developing for combining multiple primary materials within a single machine tool.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJun 27, 2021

USTC realizes the first on-chip valley-dependent quantum interference

Researchers from USTC realized the first on-chip valley-dependent quantum interference in silicon photonic crystals using harpoon-shaped beam splitters. The study demonstrates a novel method for topological photonics and its potential applications in complex quantum information processing.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 27, 2021

Coral enhance its environmental adaptability by adjusting trophic status

A recent study found that coral reefs in the South China Sea adjust their trophic patterns in response to environmental conditions. By analyzing zooxanthellae density, nutrient levels, and light intensity, researchers discovered that corals can shift from autotrophic to heterotrophic modes of nutrition, enhancing their adaptability to ...

SourceScience China Press·DateJun 27, 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.

Saturated fatty acid levels increase when making memories

Research reveals that saturated fatty acids play a key role in forming memories, particularly in the amygdala region of the brain. The study found that levels of myristic acid, found in coconut oil and butter, increased significantly as new memories were formed.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 27, 2021

Attomolar sensing: Fabrication of surface-enhanced raman scattering substrate

Researchers developed sensitive SERS substrates via femtosecond laser processing for real-time sensing in biomedicine and microfluidic chips. Attomolar detection capabilities were achieved through synergistic enhancement effects, opening up new avenues for monitoring and sensing applications.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJun 27, 2021

Has the stilling of the surface wind speed ended in China?

A recent study found that China's annual mean surface wind speed stopped weakening around 2014 and started strengthening, but stilling persists in certain regions. The reversal was driven by regional and seasonal variations.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateJun 27, 2021

70th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting opened

The 70th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting has opened with a record number of participants, featuring discussions on topical issues such as future pandemics, gene editing, and climate change. The meeting aims to foster dialogue among scientists from around the world and promote sustainable scientific conduct.

SourceLindau Nobel Laureate Meetings·DateJun 27, 2021

A novel method for controlling the microstructure and performance of 3D printed human implants

Researchers propose a triple-cycle heat treatment system to improve the microstructure and performance of 3D printed titanium-molybdenum alloy human implants, achieving better biocompatibility and mechanical properties matching human bones. This method enables more widespread use of 3D printed implants in the biomedical field.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJun 27, 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.

Males help keep populations genetically healthy

A new study from Uppsala University reveals that males play a crucial role in maintaining genetic health by eliminating harmful mutations. The research found that selective pressure on males leads to the purging of deleterious mutations, resulting in healthier genes and increased reproductive capacity.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEvolution Letters·DateJun 27, 2021

Researchers perform metabolomic profiling of individual enlarged lysosomes

The research team established a single lysosome mass spectrometry platform to analyze the metabolic heterogeneity of various lysosome types in cell aging. They found that each type of lysosomal subset exhibited distinct metabonomics changes, indicating lysosome type specificity in cellular aging.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Methods·DateJun 27, 2021

AI learns to predict human behavior from videos

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a computer vision technique that enables machines to predict human behavior with higher accuracy. The algorithm leverages higher-level associations between people, animals, and objects to make more intuitive predictions about future actions, ope...

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJun 27, 2021

Study reveals over a £1 million in payments from pharma companies to APPGs

A new study reveals that 16 out of 146 health-related APPGs in the UK received over £1 million in payments from pharmaceutical companies between 2012-2018. The researchers argue that a lack of transparency highlights potential conflicts of interests towards public policy, despite no evidence of wrongdoing.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 27, 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.

Toxicity of protein involved in Alzheimer's triggered by a chemical 'switch'

Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have discovered that disulfide bonds on certain amino acids stabilize tau protein, leading to its accumulation and triggering neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The study suggests that targeting these chemical groups may lead to novel treatments to reduce or prevent tau accumulation.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJun 26, 2021

Smart transfer rules can strengthen EU climate policy

The study suggests that revenues from emissions pricing should be distributed according to historical emissions, providing the greatest leeway for a consensual ambitious climate policy. This design can help overcome obstacles such as differing country sizes and wealth, ultimately strengthening EU climate policy.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateJun 25, 2021

Researchers give yeast a boost to make biofuels from discarded plant matter

Scientists have created a way to harness discarded plant matter, such as corn stover, into ethanol and plastics with near-industrial efficiency. By helping yeast survive industrial toxins and converting toxic aldehydes into harmless compounds, the system enables low-cost production of biofuels.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 25, 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.

Study shows links between youth distress and stigma around sexual orientation

LGBTQ youth experience daily stressors related to their multiple stigmatized identities, leading to greater negative emotions and associated mental health issues. The study found that minority stressors are associated with higher levels of negative affect on days when participants experienced more stressors.

SourceAmerican University·JournalJournal of Counseling Psychology·DateJun 25, 2021

UNIST announces 2021 winners of IISE LSC Division Best Paper Award

A joint research paper by Professor Sungil Kim and Ph.D. student YongKyung Oh has been commended for excellence in the 2021 IISE Annual Conference. The team developed a real-time anomaly detection model using maritime big data, showcasing a technique to quantify uncertainty in anomaly detection.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateJun 25, 2021

Putting functional proteins in their place

Researchers created designed and biologically active 2-D and 3-D protein arrays using DNA-based assembly, maintaining structural stability and biological activity. The method has potential applications in structural biology, biomaterials, nanomedicine, and biocatalysis.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 25, 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.

Actively addressing inequalities promotes social change

Research finds that actively addressing inequalities fosters social change when meeting the psychological needs of both groups. Meeting the needs of disadvantaged groups through empowerment and listening helps to bolster their interest in collective action.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJun 25, 2021

Further hope for BCG vaccine in stemming type 1 diabetes

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that the BCG vaccine significantly lowers blood sugar levels in type 1 diabetics, with faster response times and greater changes in HbA1c for younger patients. The vaccine also restores gene expression in regulatory T cells over three years.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·DateJun 25, 2021

Engineered yeast could expand biofuels' reach

Researchers develop engineered yeast that can convert toxic cellulosic byproducts into ethanol and other chemicals, opening up a wider range of non-food feedstocks. The breakthrough could potentially substitute for 30-50% of petroleum used in transportation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 25, 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.

A new concept stent that suppresses adverse effects with cells

A new technology has been developed to reduce adverse effects of medical materials in the human body. The material can be loaded with therapeutic cells and deliver them to desired sites, mitigating inflammation and blood clots.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 25, 2021