Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive May 2021


Page 16 of 47

Solving a natural riddle of water filtration

An international team of researchers has developed a way to replicate a natural process that moves water between cells, mimicking the functions of aquaporins in our bodies. The new channels can carry water faster than current membranes while excluding protons and unwanted molecules.

The impact of early childhood interventions on mothers

Research shows that ECD interventions can improve maternal mental health, women's financial wellbeing, and overall empowerment. However, many studies overlook the indirect benefits for mothers and caregivers, leading to policy misinvestment.

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.

Slow yoga prevents fainting

A randomized study found that guided yoga therapy was more effective in preventing fainting and improving quality of life compared to standard treatment. The study enrolled 100 patients with vasovagal syncope and found that the yoga group had fewer blackouts and better quality of life scores at 3, 6, and 12 months.

A new form of carbon

A team of researchers has discovered a new form of carbon that exhibits metallic properties, unlike graphene. The material, named Biphenylene network, is made by assembling carbon-containing molecules on an extremely smooth gold surface and has the potential to be used as conducting wires in future carbon-based electronic devices.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Global acceleration in rates of vegetation change

A new study found that global ecosystem changes began to accelerate around 11,000 years ago, with a second period of rapid change starting between 4.6 and 2.8 thousand years ago. The researchers used fossil pollen records to compare rates of change across different continents and regions.

Moon mission delays could increase risks from solar storms

Scientists have discovered a clear pattern in extreme space weather events, making it possible to predict when they will occur. The findings suggest that Moon missions may be delayed to avoid the most intense periods of solar activity, which can pose risks to astronauts and satellites.

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.

Overcoming long-term trauma can be facilitated

Researchers have identified a specific brain region that facilitates recovery from long-term traumatic memories, known as the nucleus reuniens. By enhancing its activity, they found that long-lasting traumatic memories can be facilitated towards safety.

Parrot poachers striking while the market's hot

A study analyzing two decades of data reveals parrots are targeted for their attractiveness and ability to be sold on legal markets. The trade has contributed to a severe decline in the global parrot population, with one-third of species threatened by extinction.

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.

Study finds gender pay gap in large government agency

A study by the University of Georgia found a persistent gender pay gap at the US Department of Health and Human Services, with women earning 9.2% less than men in 2018. The research suggests that differences in promotion within higher pay grades may be contributing to the gap.

Palaeontology: Ancient turtle from Texas yields evolutionary insights

A 100-million-year-old side-necked turtle fossil from Texas provides evidence of marine adaptations, challenging previous understanding of the oldest known species. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of bothremydid turtles and their potential migration to North America.

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.

Red meat intake, poor education linked to colorectal cancer

A new study found that higher red meat intake and lower educational attainment are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer in people under 50. The research also linked lower fiber and folate intake to a stronger link between rectal cancer and early-onset cases.

Out of thick air: Transforming CO2 into light-emitting carbon

A team of researchers at the University of Ottawa has developed a new pathway to transform CO2 gas into solid carbon forms that emit light, creating a low-energy alternative. The breakthrough uses visible light to initiate dissociation in carbon dioxide molecules on a nanostructured silver surface.

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 impact of real-time feedback in employee reviews

New research reveals that real-time feedback from supervisors tends to be more critical, while peers do not adopt tit-for-tat strategies. Positive feedback also has a stronger effect on future ratings than negative feedback, with men rating women higher than themselves and women rating both equally.

Forensic memory detection tests less effective in older adults

New research by University of Kent found that EEG-based forensic memory detection tests have limited validity in older adults due to changes in recognition-related brain activity with aging. The study tested 30 young and 30 older adults using concealed information tests, finding only strong EEG responses in the younger group.

The driving force behind tropical mudslides

A study led by a Syracuse University Ph.D. candidate reveals that tectonically active faults are the main force behind tropical mudslides in Colombia. The research uses thermochronology data to show that erosion rates are highest near areas with active faults, not just precipitation rates.

Electrons riding a double wave

Researchers have developed a novel hybrid accelerator that uses both plasma acceleration and electron bunches to accelerate particles to high energies. The new technology has the potential to shrink existing accelerators by up to 1000 times, making them more compact and cost-effective.

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.

A brand new cocktail to fight HIV

Researchers at CRCHUM and Yale University develop a cocktail that limits viral replication and decreases the HIV reservoir by destroying infected cells. The study successfully delays virus rebound, offering promising new therapeutic avenues against HIV.

'No level of smoke exposure is safe'

A study by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers found that secondhand smoke exposure during pregnancy is associated with epigenetic changes in babies, which can increase the risk of developmental disorders and cancer. The study analyzed data from over 100 pregnant women and found correlations between low levels of cotinine, a n...

Mapping the quantum frontier, one layer at a time

Researchers at Harvard University used ultracold chemistry to test current quantum theories on chemical reactions, mapping the quantum frontier. They collected data on 57 possible reaction channels, confirming accuracy of statistical theory for most but revealing significant deviations in others.

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.

Self-affirmation can help Black med students achieve residency goals

A new study from Northwestern University found that self-affirmation can help Black medical students overcome fatigue, improve their sense of belonging, and reduce competitiveness for high-need residency spots. The intervention also showed promise in reducing stereotype threat and improving residency goal stability.

How a small fish coped with being isolated from the sea

Researchers analyzed 12,000-year-old fish bones from three-spine sticklebacks to study the evolutionary process. They found that genetic variants enabling adaptation to freshwater existed in ocean populations thousands of years ago.

Different physical activity 'cocktails' have similar health benefits

Researchers identified multiple ways to achieve the same health benefits from exercise, as long as it includes plenty of light physical activity. The study found that replacing sedentary time with just two minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise is more efficient than replacing it with light physical activity.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Nickel atoms detected in the cold gas around interstellar comet 2I/Borisov

Astronomers have discovered nickel atoms in the cold gas surrounding interstellar comet 2I/Borisov, revealing new information about an alien icy world. The presence of nickel, a heavy element not typically observed in cold environments, suggests the comet's composition is influenced by a short-lived nickel-bearing molecule.

Immunotherapy combination shows benefit for patients with advanced melanoma

A fixed-dose combination of nivolumab and relatlimab demonstrated a statistically significant benefit over anti-PD-1 monotherapy in metastatic melanoma. The study found that patients treated with the combination therapy had a median progression-free survival of 10.1 months, compared to 4.6 months for those treated with nivolumab alone.

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.

Socioeconomic disadvantage, long-term outcomes after heart attack

Patients from socioeconomically disadvantaged areas had lower long-term survival rates compared to those from more affluent areas. The study found a significant association between socioeconomic status and cardiovascular outcomes in young adults with early-onset heart attacks.

Soy kits provide earning power for women entrepreneurs in Malawi

A University of Illinois study reveals that soy kits can improve the economic conditions of Malawian women by creating value-added products from soy. The kits have potential to increase income generation and alleviate poverty, with gross margins averaging 56% and implicit wages estimated at $2 per hour.

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.

Study finds new and effective treatment for vitamin D deficiency

A new study finds that 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 is an effective treatment for vitamin D deficiency in patients with fat malabsorption syndromes, including gastric bypass surgery and obesity. This water-soluble form of vitamin D3 is better absorbed in these patients and does not get diluted by body fat.

Combination therapy achieves high rates of response for patients with ALL

A combination of ponatinib and blinatumomab achieves 100% complete response rate and 85% complete molecular remission in newly diagnosed patients, reducing the risk of treatment-related complications. The treatment is safe and well-tolerated, with no additional toxicity observed when used together.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Wireless and battery-free spintronic energy harvester

Researchers at Tohoku University and NUS developed an array of electrically connected spintronic devices that can harvest a 2.4 GHz wireless signal to power small electronic devices and sensors. The technology overcomes the challenge of synchronizing multiple magnetic tunnel junctions, enabling efficient energy harvesting.

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.

Pancreatic cancer: Mechanisms of metastasis

Researchers discovered a two-stage process leading to aggressive pancreatic cancer, where protein loss allows for tumor transformation and immune evasion. The study suggests reinstating the classical subtype could reduce metastasis.

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.