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Science News Archive May 2021


Page 34 of 47

MOF metallic mastery

KAUST researchers have developed a robust catalyst that converts carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide gas with 100% selectivity, overcoming the limitations of precious metals. The innovative method uses MOFs to create mixed metal catalytic nanoparticles in a homogenous mixture.

To enhance creativity, keep your research team fresh

Research team freshness significantly impacts research performance, with fresh teams producing papers of higher originality and greater multidisciplinary impact. Newer collaboration relations and younger team members are key contributors to this effect.

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.

Researchers achieve 50dB noiseless at all optical isolation

Chinese researchers successfully achieved a record-breaking 51.5dB non-reciprocal isolation in an atomic ensemble, surpassing the previous limit of 30dB. The new device has excellent robustness and is insensitive to external magnetic fields, opening up new possibilities for practical applications.

Understanding family members' grief for a living loved one

A new study found that individuals experiencing pre-loss grief symptoms can adjust, but certain factors such as gender and caregiving burden exacerbate the experience. The research documented a significant correlation between dementia patients' family members and severe pre-loss grief.

Errors at the start of life

Scientists discovered that errors often occur when genetic material from each parent combines immediately after fertilization, leading to incorrect numbers of chromosomes. This process is surprisingly inefficient and can result in developmental defects and miscarriage.

How Legionella makes itself at home

Researchers identify key protein MavQ that helps Legionella bacteria set up house in human cells, remodeling endoplasmic reticulum to create protective dwellings. This discovery could lead to new treatments for various infections.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Implanted wireless device triggers mice to form instant bond

Northwestern University researchers have successfully implanted a wireless device in mice, allowing them to form instant social bonds through optogenetics. The device uses light to activate neurons and enables the mice to interact normally without restraints.

Long-term stress in dogs linked to the owner-dog relationship

Researchers found that hunting dog breeds show clear links between owner personality and dog-stress levels, while ancient breeds are less affected. The study suggests breeding for collaboration with humans influences stress synchronization in herding dogs.

Top educational apps for children might not be as beneficial as promised

Research analyzed 100 popular children's educational apps, finding most scored low on quality criteria, including facilitating active thinking and minimizing distraction. Experts recommend parents co-play with their kids and app developers collaborate with child development experts to create high-quality educational content.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Does driving wear you out? You might be experiencing 'accelerousal'

Researchers at the University of Houston discovered 'accelerousal,' a phenomenon describing stress triggered by acceleration events. Half of the participants exhibited heightened stress during stop-and-go periods, with 'accelaroused' drivers experiencing nearly 50% more stress and feeling more overloaded.

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.

New mapping technique reveals epigenetic drivers of cancers

A new machine learning technique, MethSig, analyzes DNA methylation changes in tumor cells to infer which ones are driving tumor growth. The algorithm identifies a small number of cancer-driving events, consistent across patients and tumor types.

Do purines influence cancer development?

Researchers found that purines can trigger a functional disturbance of BRD4 and impact chromatin accessibility. Adenine restores BRD4 functionality, suggesting its potential as a new therapeutic approach for BRD4-induced cancer types.

As global climate shifts, forests' futures may be caught in the wind

A new study by UC Berkeley researchers found significant correlations between wind speed and direction and genetic diversity throughout forests globally. Tree populations connected by stronger winds tend to be more genetically similar, while those in the direction of prevailing winds have greater genetic diversity.

Autonomous robot learning

Researchers developed a modular robot that autonomously adapts to its environment, achieving optimal behavior without a central controller. The robot learned to navigate and maintain behavior even with damage, paving the way for miniaturized robotic materials for various applications.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Alcohol consumption and physical distance

Researchers found that individuals who consumed alcohol in social settings exhibited reduced caution around strangers, leading to increased physical proximity and potential for viral transmission. In contrast, friends showed no significant changes in physical distance regardless of beverage consumption.

Light meets superconducting circuits

Scientists have developed a new method to read out superconducting circuits using light, enabling the engineering of large-scale quantum systems without requiring enormous cryogenic cooling power. This breakthrough overcomes scaling challenges and facilitates long-range transfer and networking between quantum systems.

Research results challenge a decades-old mechanism of how we hear sounds

The study reveals that inner hair cells are stimulated by sound vibrations through a calcium-based mechanism, contradicting the long-held assumption that only outer hair cells interact with the tectorial membrane. This new understanding may lead to improved cochlear implants for treating hearing loss.

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.

Monash study may help boost peptide design

Scientists have discovered a crucial aspect of peptide machinery, providing a breakthrough in re-engineering peptides. The study sheds light on how selectivity is achieved in the assembly lines that produce peptides, enabling single amino acid changes without altering multiple components.

For twins, gesture and speech go hand-in-hand in language development

Research from Georgia State University psychology researchers shows that twins produce fewer gestures and use language less than their singleton peers. However, when one child lags behind in gesture, the other tends to lag as well, suggesting a close link between gesture and speech in early development.

Microneedle patch delivers antibiotics locally in the skin

Researchers developed a microneedle patch that delivers vancomycin directly into the affected skin area, significantly reducing MRSA bacterial population. This innovative approach aims to transform the treatment of skin infections by improving quality of life for patients.

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.

Blocking lipoxygenase leads to impaired cardiac repair in acute heart failure

A preclinical study by USF Health found that blocking lipoxygenase with a synthetic inhibitor alters the innate inflammatory response, delaying heart tissue repair after cardiac injury. The study suggests that preserving lipoxygenase is crucial for maintaining immune-mediated acute inflammation and preventing heart failure.

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.

Intense light may hold answer to dilemma over heart treatment

Scientists at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus discovered that intense light can enhance the expression of the ANGPTL4 gene, which regulates fatty lipids in plasma. This could lead to a new tool for safely blocking the gene and reducing cardiovascular risk.

Patients may not take advice from AI doctors who know their names

Researchers found that patients are less likely to take health advice from AI doctors who know their medical history and use first names. On the other hand, patients want to be on a first-name basis with human doctors. This study suggests that machines must navigate a fine line in serving as doctors.

Volcanoes on Mars could be active

Researchers at University of Arizona discovered evidence of recent volcanic activity on Mars, suggesting eruptions could have taken place in past 50,000 years. The discovery of a previously unknown volcanic deposit raises possibility of habitable conditions below Martian surface.

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.

The surprising evolutionary history of our oral bacteria

A new study reveals that the oral microbiome of ancient humans and Neanderthals is surprisingly similar, with some bacterial strains shared between species. The analysis of fossilized dental plaque also suggests that early humans consumed starch-rich foods, potentially contributing to brain evolution.

3D printing lays the foundation for a new range of diagnostic tests

Researchers at KU Leuven developed a 3D printing technique for advanced diagnostic tests that can detect various biomarkers, including allergies and cancer. The new tests are quick, affordable, and easy to use, offering opportunities for cheaper diagnosis in both developed and developing countries.

Diagramming the brain with colorful connections

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have created a new tool called BARseq2 that uses genetic tags to label brain cells and trace thousands of brain circuits simultaneously. This allows researchers to examine the complex interactions between neurons, enabling a better understanding of brain function and behavior.

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.

Materials research says yes to wood

Scientists at Graz University of Technology are producing biodegradable materials from wood components to combat climate change. They aim to create plastic-free and recyclable paper packaging with improved barrier properties.

Prenatal exposure to famine heightens risk for later being overweight

A study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that men prenatally exposed to the Dutch famine of 1944-45 were 30% more likely to be overweight with a BMI of 25 or over at age 19. The researchers speculate that changes in DNA methylation may contribute to this increased risk.

Timing is everything in new implant tech

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new implant technology that allows for coordinated stimulation therapy for spinal cord and heart conditions. The system uses wireless magnetic fields to power and program multiple implants from a single transmitter outside the body. This breakthrough enables more efficient treatment optio...

Underestimated risk of groundwater contamination

A recent study reveals that up to 50% of contaminants reach groundwater before degrading through focused recharge, posing a significant challenge for water and land use management. Focused recharge can lead to higher levels of pollutants in groundwater, exceeding maximum permissible concentrations in Europe.

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.

How the oral microbiome evolved

A recent study analyzed 124 dental biofilm metagenomes from various primate species, revealing 10 core bacterial genera that have been maintained throughout African hominid evolution. These microbial groups played a key role in oral biofilms for over 40 million years and adapted to starch-rich diets early in human evolution.

Parallel universes cross in Flatland

Scientists have discovered a way to modify the energy landscape of 2D materials by arranging them in a 3D configuration, creating parallel worlds with unique properties. This new arrangement, known as a nanomesh, has strong nonlinear optical properties and opens up possibilities for quantum computing and communication applications.

Study led by Penn Medicine reveals new mechanism of lung tissue regeneration

Researchers at Penn Medicine discovered a new mechanism of lung tissue regeneration in infant lungs, where alveolar type 1 cells reprogram into alveolar type 2 cells after injury. This finding could impact the development of regenerative lung therapies and explain why COVID-19 affects children differently than adults.

Long-lasting medications may improve treatment satisfaction for opioid use disorder

A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that extended-release formulations of buprenorphine may improve treatment satisfaction for patients with opioid use disorder. The study found that the extended-release injection was well-tolerated and produced more positive patient-reported outcomes compared to daily oral buprenorphine.

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.

Fifty shades of reading: Who reads contemporary erotic novels and why?

A recent study by the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics investigates the readership of erotic novels, uncovering surprising insights into the motivations and experiences of readers. The majority of participants found that reading erotic novels provided a sense of relaxation and ease, while also being emancipated and feminist.

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.

Firefighting chemical found in sea lion and fur seal pups

A new study has found Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in endangered Australian sea lions and fur seals, with high concentrations detected in newborns. The presence of PFAS poses a threat to the species' survival, as well as potential risks to humans through contaminated seafood and water.

New neuroelectronic system can read and modify brain circuits

A Columbia University team designed a high-performance implantable system that can read and modify brain signals, suppressing pathological coupling in epileptic animal models. The multiplex-then-amplify (MTA) system enables simultaneous stimulation of arbitrary waveforms on multiple independent channels.

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.