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Science News Archive May 2021


Page 19 of 47

New FAST discoveries shed light on pulsars

The Galactic Plane Pulsar Snapshot (GPPS) has discovered 201 pulsars using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST), including many very faint and millisecond pulsars. The survey reveals more electrons in the Milky Way's spiral arms than previously known.

Lockdowns may affect children's fitness -- Study

Research has found that strict lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic delayed normal cardiorespiratory development in adolescents. The study, which involved 89 children aged 12-14 from Spain, found lower levels of fitness and health based on age and sex.

Researchers shed light on the evolution of extremist groups

Researchers at George Washington University found that extremist groups like Boogaloo and ISIS exhibit similar mathematical patterns in their online support, despite ideological differences. This knowledge can help social media platforms disrupt the growth of such groups.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A protein modification of MECP2 can convey neuroprotection under inflammation

Researchers discovered that phosphorylation of MECP2 protein decreases in brain cells as Alzheimer's disease progresses, while abolishing this phosphorylation enhances neuronal viability and gene expression. The study suggests that modifications of MECP2 could be a therapeutic target for developing specific therapies against AD.

Long search finds grain of hope in the glume

Researchers at the John Innes Centre identified a key gene controlling grain elongation and glume characteristics in Polish wheat, which could lead to improved productivity and sustainability in wheat production. The discovery highlights the importance of understanding genetic control of agronomic traits for major crops like wheat.

Robotic 'Third Thumb' use can alter brain representation of the hand

Researchers at University College London developed a robotic 'Third Thumb' that allows users to perform dextrous tasks with one hand. The study found that participants' brains adapted to the extra thumb, changing their natural hand movements and reporting it felt like part of their body.

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.

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.

Synaptic transmission: Not a one-way street

Researchers at IST Austria discovered that key synapses in the hippocampus can send information in both directions, influencing pre-synaptic plasticity. The mossy fiber synapse adapts to the post-synaptic neuron's activity status, improving information storage in downstream networks.

Brain scans could offer sign of postpartum psychosis risk

Researchers found altered connectivity in brain networks associated with goal-directed behaviour and increased executive network activity in women at risk of postpartum psychosis. This could offer a vital marker for resilience to relapse, enabling earlier intervention.

How a virtual program may help kids get ready for kindergarten

Researchers found that a virtual Summer Success at Home program was feasible, popular with teachers and parents, and had modest success in helping children learn literacy skills, early math skills, and emotion understanding. The study suggests virtual interventions may be successful in promoting kindergarten readiness skills.

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.

'45 is the new 50' as age for colorectal cancer screening is lowered

The USPSTF has recommended lowering the age for colorectal cancer screening to 45 years of age, aligning with the American Cancer Society's 2018 guideline. This change aims to catch more early deaths and preventions due to increasing cases in younger individuals. Further research is needed to identify underlying causes and risk factors.

A randomised trial comparing imaging-guided PCI with Orsiro vs Xience

The CASTLE study investigated the role of imaging-guided percutaneous cardiac intervention (PCI) in clinical outcomes difference between ultra-thin strut biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent (Orsiro) and durable polymer everolimus-eluting stents (Xience). The results show no significant differences in target lesion failure rat...

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.

Alien radioactive element prompts creation rethink

The discovery of plutonium-244 and iron-60 in ocean crust suggests violent cosmic events occurred near Earth millions of years ago. The study's findings imply that supernovae can produce these heavy elements, complicating our understanding of their origins.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Mapping the Midwest's soil topography

Researchers at Iowa State University are developing new models to predict soil erosion and topography changes in Iowa. The models use big-data technology and validate soil measurements from real-world LiDAR data, enabling more accurate predictions of environmental conditions.

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.

Towards a universal flu vaccine for Indigenous populations

Researchers identified specific influenza targets to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from severe disease through a universal T cell-based vaccine. The study aims to harness immune responses to protect high-risk populations, including those with high HLA-A*24:02 protein prevalence.

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.

Did Earth's early rise in oxygen help multicellular life evolve?

Researchers used directed evolution and mathematical modeling to test the Oxygen Control Hypothesis, finding that oxygen levels strongly constrain the evolution of macroscopic multicellularity. This contradicts previous theories suggesting oxygen should promote larger organisms.

Toward overcoming solubility issues in organic chemistry

A team of four scientists from Hokkaido University developed a rapid and efficient protocol for cross-coupling reactions using ball milling, expanding the pool of chemicals usable in organic synthesis. They successfully applied this method to mostly-insoluble aryl halides, yielding desired products.

Grant to accelerate AI materials discovery for emissions-free driving

Researchers at Cornell University are using artificial intelligence to discover new materials that could help achieve emissions-free driving. The four-year project combines data-driven deep learning with knowledge-driven reasoning and optimization techniques to accelerate the discovery of new clean energy materials.

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.

A new meta-analysis supports elective revascularization and medical therapy

A new meta-analysis of 19,806 patients with chronic coronary syndromes found a statistically significant 21% relative risk reduction in cardiac death with revascularization plus medical therapy. The study also showed a parallel significant reduction in spontaneous myocardial infarction, but no difference in all-cause death.

Portable, affordable, accurate, fast: Team invents new COVID-19 test

Researchers at University of Illinois developed a rapid, highly sensitive, and accurate COVID-19 test using saliva samples that can detect as little as one viral particle. The device, called Scalable and Portable Testing (SPOT), is estimated to cost less than $78 and can be operated by anyone with minimal training.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

PNNL invention reduces risk of battery explosions

A sensor system developed by PNNL can prevent buildup of flammable gases in outdoor battery enclosures, reducing the risk of explosion. The technology, IntelliVent, responds to smoke, heat, or gas alarms and automatically opens cabinet doors.

New antimicrobial surface reduces bacteria build-up on medical instruments

Researchers at Monash University have engineered a new antimicrobial surface that significantly reduces bacterial attachment and biofilm formation on medical instruments, including urinary catheters. The surface, with smooth 3D micro features, effectively combats the three most common UTI-causing bacteria.

How to become 'ant-i-social'

Researchers sequenced the genomes of three socially parasitic ant species, finding evidence of widespread genomic rearrangements and gene losses. The study sheds light on the evolutionary consequences of transitioning from social to parasitic behavior, with significant impacts on sensory capabilities and behavioral repertoire.

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.

PCR STATEMENT on the 2-year clinical outcomes from the Evolut low risk trial

A randomized trial demonstrates that TAVI with a self-expanding supraannular bioprosthesis is comparable to surgical aortic valve replacement in terms of mortality and stroke risk at 24 months. Additionally, the study reveals that TAVI is superior to surgery in terms of valve hemodynamics but not in pacemaker implantation rates.

What happens in the brain when we imagine the future?

A study by University of Pennsylvania neuroscientist Joseph Kable reveals the default mode network splits into two sub-networks: one for constructing and predicting imagined events, and another for evaluating their positivity or negativity. This finding sheds light on the neural basis of imaginative abilities.

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.

Ancient Australian Aboriginal memory tool superior to 'memory palace' learning

A study published in PLOS One found that an ancient Australian Aboriginal memory technique significantly improved retention of facts among medical students compared to the 'memory palace' method. The Aboriginal technique, which used narrative and locations to facilitate recall, was also found to be more enjoyable for students.

Combining immunotherapies against cancer

Researchers developed a microparticle-based cancer vaccine that kickstarts an immune response, increasing the proportion of mice cured of tumors to 75%. Combining the vaccine with immune checkpoint inhibitors greatly improves treatment success, offering a promising approach to improving cancer treatment.

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.

Spintronics: Improving electronics with finer spin control

Scientists at DGIST have discovered a novel way to control the alignment of magnetic atoms within antiferromagnetic materials using mechanical vibration and a magnetic field. This process replaces traditional heating and cooling methods, enabling more precise control over magnetic spins in spintronics devices.