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Science News Archive May 2021


Page 23 of 47

Pet trade may pose threat to bushbaby conservation

A new study suggests that the pet trade in bushbabies could be causing genetic changes within their wild populations, affecting their ability to adapt to human expansion. Researchers analyzed DNA samples from bushbabies across South Africa and found unusual gene mutations that may indicate secret animal trafficking.

Investigating energy explosions in space

A NASA mission evaluates interactions between the sun and earth's magnetic fields, which can cause explosive energy transfers disrupting technology systems. A UTA professor recruits a first-year doctoral student to join the mission, where he will learn about meaningful magnetospheric events.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pollutants rapidly seeping into drinking water

Researchers found that pollutants can reach groundwater supplies quickly, posing a significant risk to drinking water quality. The study highlights the increased risk of pollution in karst regions with thin soils, such as the Mediterranean region.

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.

Exposure to lead can cause epigenetic changes even at relatively low levels

Researchers found that even low levels of lead exposure can cause epigenetic changes, including a decrease in DNA methylation, which may precede cellular disorders. The study suggests that these changes could be an early warning sign of potential health problems, highlighting the need for better public policy to minimize lead exposure.

Newly published data provides clearer picture of volcano collapse

New data on Anak Krakatau volcano flank collapse provides a clearer picture of the event, which triggered a devastating tsunami in Indonesia. The research used synthetic aperture radar images, field observations, and aerial photographs to create a more accurate model of the volcano before and after it collapsed.

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.

Mammals in the time of dinosaurs held each other back

A new study suggests that it was not dinosaurs but other mammals that competed with modern mammals before and after the mass extinction of dinosaurs. The research identifies the evolutionary limits placed on different groups of mammals, revealing a more complex story of competition between distinct mammal groups.

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.

Mother's scent triggers face-selective responses in infants

Research using electroencephalography found that exposure to maternal odors facilitates categorization of face-like objects in infants' brains. This study suggests that the right occipitotemporal cortex plays a key role in this process, potentially indicating an earlier emergence of hemisphere advantages for face recognition.

Shortcut for dendritic cells

Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered that dendritic cells can migrate more quickly to lymph nodes via a newly found pathway during inflammation. This route allows them to bypass the slow and energy-intensive process of entering capillary vessels, enabling faster immune activation and response.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New approach to growing cubic boron nitride: a pathway to next-gen semiconductors

A new method for growing bulk single-crystal nitrides has been developed by Lehigh University materials scientist Siddha Pimputkar, which could lead to more-efficient and less-costly electronic devices. The approach involves using lithium nitride as a precursor and a specialized pressure cooker to overcome the challenges of growing lar...

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.

New technology makes tumor eliminate itself

Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a new technology called SHREAD that enables cancer tumors to produce therapeutic agents on demand, reducing side effects and improving delivery of Covid-related therapies.

Multi-gene testing could detect more hereditary cancer syndromes

A new study found that up to 38.6% of colon cancer patients with a hereditary cancer syndrome may be undetected by current universal tumor-screening methods. Researchers recommend implementing multi-gene panel testing as part of the standard care for all colorectal cancer patients.

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.

Rare COVID-19 response in children explained

A Yale-led study discovered that children with multi-system inflammatory response (MIS-C) exhibit unique immune system signatures, including elevated alarmins and adaptive immune responses. These findings may aid in diagnosis and early treatment of the condition, which can be fatal if left untreated.

Diamonds engage both optical microscopy and MRI for better imaging

Researchers have developed microdiamond tracers that can provide information via both MRI and optical fluorescence simultaneously, allowing high-quality images up to a centimeter below the surface of tissue. This technique enables faster imaging and overcomes the limitation of light microscopy in probing deeper tissues.

How plankton hold secrets to preventing pandemics

A University of Colorado Boulder study suggests that invertebrate immunity can prevent disease transmission, offering insights into COVID-19 and other zoonotic diseases. Researchers observed that some plankton can stop fungal spores from entering their bodies, while others clear infections within a limited window after exposure.

Routine testing before surgery remains common despite low value

Preoperative testing is often unnecessary for low-risk surgeries, yet it continues to be ordered despite evidence suggesting its low value. Patients who had a complete medical history and physical done during a visit were more likely to have had preoperative testing.

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.

Air quality linked to increased risk of Alzheimer's

Researchers at UC Davis found a link between traffic-related air pollution and an increased risk for age-related dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Exposure to polluted air accelerated Alzheimer's disease characteristics in both rats with and without the risk gene.

Engineered organism could diagnose Crohn's disease flareups

Researchers at Rice University engineered a pH-sensing gut bacteria to diagnose inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease. The organism glows green when it encounters acidic conditions, reflecting the level of acidity. This discovery could lead to non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring of acidosis in humans.

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.

Permafrost thaw emissions and global climate goals

A study highlights the significant impact of permafrost thaw on carbon emissions and climate goals. The authors warn that permafrost thaw is expected to increase as temperatures rise, potentially exacerbating global warming beyond the 2°C limit.

Scientists find new way of predicting COVID-19 vaccine efficacy

Australian researchers have identified an immune response associated with protection from COVID-19, enabling the measurement of neutralising antibody levels as a proxy for immune protection. The discovery may lead to annual vaccine boosters and more efficient vaccine development.

Measuring and predicting collective intelligence

Collective intelligence in groups can be quantified by considering individual skill, group collaboration, and gender composition; proportion of women positively correlates with social perceptiveness. The findings suggest that diverse groups are more intelligent due to increased social interaction

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.

Additional data, feedback on hospital care did not improve heart failure outcomes

A randomized controlled trial found that an additional auditing and feedback program on hospital care for heart failure patients did not improve outcomes, including reduced rehospitalization and death rates. The study's lead author suggests future interventions may employ digital tools or focus on care delivery outside the hospital.

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.

Warnings on the dangers of screen time are ill founded -- New study

A major international review of screen time research found that estimates of usage were only accurate in about five percent of studies. The study's findings challenge the validity of research on the impact of screen time on mental health, highlighting the need for more reliable measurement practices.

Stunning simulation of stars being born is most realistic ever

The STARFORGE simulation reveals that protostellar jets play a vital role in determining a star's mass, with jets disrupting the inflow of gas toward the star. This breakthrough helps researchers better understand star formation and its impact on galaxy evolution.

ORNL partners on science kits for STEM schools

The Tennessee Distance Learning Initiative provides hundreds of free science kits aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, promoting hands-on activities in STEM-designated schools. The program aims to engage and inspire students in science and engineering fields.

New tools needed to prevent plant disease pandemics

Plant diseases can spread rapidly across borders and oceans, threatening global food security. Researchers call for integrated surveillance, detection systems, and predictive modeling to prevent future outbreaks.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Mechanics of the infinitely small: NanoGear, towards a molecular gear

Researchers at the University of Bologna developed NanoGear, a device consisting of interlocked molecular components that function as a gear. The device exhibits unusual properties, such as 'specific lubrication' in different solvents, which could lead to radical technological innovations.

Gut hormone triggers craving for more proteins

A new study using fruit flies has uncovered the mechanism behind a gut hormone's role in inducing cravings for protein-rich foods. The research found that CNMamide, released by enterocytes in response to protein deprivation, conveys nutrient status to the brain, triggering a desire to consume essential amino acids.

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.

Study reveals new options to help firms improve the food recall process

A new study from the University of Notre Dame proposes that food companies can reduce recall uncertainty by embedding recall options into their decision-making. The research identifies three key recall options: scale, deferral, and abandonment, which can help managers segment recalls and make informed decisions as they evolve.

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.

"Heat not burn" product compared with cigarettes and e-cigarettes

A study by Queen Mary University of London compared the safety and effects of heat not burn product IQOS with cigarettes, Juul, and refillable e-cigarettes. IQOS delivered less nicotine, had lower nicotine delivery than Juul, and was less effective in reducing urges to smoke.