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Science News Archive March 2021


Page 36 of 53

Large computer language models carry environmental, social risks

A new paper warns of the dangers of large language models, which can perpetuate racist ideologies and cause significant environmental degradation. The models' huge computational needs also restrict access to smaller developers, leaving out marginalized communities.

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.

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.

The 3Rs of the genome: Reading, writing, and regulating

A high-resolution map of protein binding locations in yeast has produced two distinct gene regulatory architectures, challenging traditional models of gene regulation. The study revealed unique protein assemblages and absence of specific regulatory control signals at housekeeping genes.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Researchers solve more of the mystery of Laos megalithic jars

New research at the UNESCO-listed 'Plain of Jars' in Laos establishes that stone jars were placed in their final position from 1240 to 660 BCE. The study used Optically Stimulated Luminescence and radiocarbon dating to analyze sediment samples, revealing enduring ritual significance across historical times.

New technology could increase health inequities

A new study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology highlights how new technologies can exacerbate existing social health inequalities. Research shows that people with lower education and income have poorer health outcomes, and that wealthier individuals may buy their way to access to life-saving vaccines.

Genetic analysis of ancient massacre reveals instance of indiscriminate killing

A genetic analysis of the ancient massacre in Potočani, Croatia, reveals that 70% of the victims were unrelated, suggesting a large and stable local population. The results indicate that large-scale indiscriminate killing occurred in pre-state societies, challenging previous assumptions about the nature of violence in the past.

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.

Where am I going? Just ask your subiculum

A team at Osaka City University has found that the subiculum sorts and routes spatial information from the hippocampus to specific regions of the brain, enabling smooth navigation. This discovery could shed light on disorders such as dementia and improve our understanding of brain function.

Diet high in healthful plant-based food may reduce risk of stroke by 10%

A diet high in healthful plant-based food may reduce the risk of ischemic stroke, with participants who consumed more plant-based foods showing an 8% lower risk. Researchers found no association between vegetarian diets and stroke risk, but noted that the quality of plant-based foods was a key factor.

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.

Manure improves soil and microbe community

A study published by Lindsey Slaughter found that adding manure to pastures increases soil organic carbon and microbial activity. The results took almost a year and a half to manifest, highlighting the challenges of implementing this method in dry climates.

Trial compares two gestational diabetes screening methods

A large-scale randomized trial involving nearly 24,000 women found no significant differences in health outcomes between two gestational diabetes screening methods. The study evaluated rates of gestational diabetes diagnosis, large-for-gestational-age infants, and adverse perinatal outcomes.

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.

Are 'bacterial probiotics' a game-changer for the biofuels industry?

Scientists found that certain bacteria, like Lactobacillus amylovorus, can increase fermentation yields by up to three percent. This discovery suggests a new approach to industrial production, focusing on selecting beneficial bacteria rather than relying on broad-spectrum antibiotics or treatments.

Elite women might have ruled El Argar 4,000 years ago

Researchers from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona found evidence suggesting that elite women played a crucial role in the governance of El Argar, a Bronze Age society. The study of a princely tomb discovered in La Almoloya revealed valuable items and diadems made with silver, indicating the women's symbolic power.

A safer MRI contrast agent for high-resolution 3D microvascular imaging

Researchers developed a nanoparticle-based MRI contrast agent called SAIO for high-resolution 3D microvascular imaging, outperforming traditional gadolinium-based agents. The agent provides excellent resolution and stability, allowing for accurate diagnosis of cerebro-cardiovascular diseases.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Helpful behavior during pandemic tied to recognizing common humanity

A new study from the University of Washington found that individuals who recognize common humanity with others are more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors, such as wearing masks and helping those in need, even at personal cost. This identification with all humanity was a stronger predictor of behavior than identifying with one's c...

Study shows simple blood test could detect liver injury earlier

Researchers have developed a simple blood test that can detect acute liver damage earlier than current methods. The test uses gold nanoparticles to target the antioxidant glutathione, which is depleted in damaged liver cells. This early detection could lead to faster recovery and improved treatment outcomes for patients with liver injury.

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.

Deciphering the impacts of small RNA interactions in individual bacterial cells

Researchers deciphered the impacts of sRNA interactions on individual bacterial cells, revealing minor effects from base-pairing interactions and significant effects from disruptions in Hfq binding. The study used high-throughput sequencing and quantitative super-resolution imaging to understand the regulation of gene expression under ...

Fossils from "Vegetational Pompeii" Resolve Deep Palaeontology Mystery

Researchers have confirmed Noeggerathiales had fern-like spore propagation and seed plant vascular tissue, revealing a closer relationship to seed plants than previously thought. The study also shows that the ancestral lineage of seed plants diversified during the Devonian-Carboniferous-Permian periods.

Lockdowns linked to rise in eating disorder symptoms

A longitudinal study by Anglia Ruskin University found that lockdowns to combat COVID-19 led to an increase in symptoms associated with eating disorders. Participants experienced higher levels of morbid eating behaviors such as anorexia and bulimia, but also increased exercise rates after the first lockdown.

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.

The quest for sustainable leather alternatives

Researchers have developed innovative sustainable materials mimicking the texture and look of cowhide leather without using livestock or synthetic chemicals. Plant-based materials, mushroom leather, fish skin, and cell-culture leather are gaining attention among manufacturers.

Concerns over integrity of mRNA molecules in some COVID-19 vaccines

Early commercial batches of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine had lower than expected levels of intact mRNA molecules, a finding that raised concerns about the manufacturing process and its impact on vaccine potency. Regulators like the EMA and FDA are unsure of the implications for safety and efficacy.

Material from Russia will triple the capacity of lithium-ion batteries

Researchers from NUST MISIS developed a new nanomaterial that can replace low-efficiency graphite in lithium-ion batteries, increasing capacity and extending service life. The material provides three times higher capacity than existing batteries and allows for five times more charge-discharge cycles.

NYITCOM researcher wins prestigious NSF CAREER grant

Watanabe's project aims to improve understanding of brain-skull interactions, potentially preventing and treating neurological and cranial birth defects. He will study this topic using birds as a model system and create educational tools, including a virtual reality game.

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.

Study finds lower dose of ketamine equally effective in reducing pain

A recent Loyola Medicine study found that reducing the standard dose of IV-administered ketamine in half is as effective as the larger dose in reducing pain in adults. The study involved 98 patients and showed similar results at 30 minutes, with lower adverse event rates in the low-dose group.

Tracing and controlling High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza

Researchers found migratory birds from Europe introduced the HPAIV H5N8 virus to Japan. The team also investigated two human anti-influenza drugs, baloxavir marboxil and peramivir, which improved survival rates in infected chickens and reduced viral amounts.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

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.