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Science News Archive May 2021


Page 36 of 47

Chill out: Advanced solar tech runs cooler and lasts longer

Researchers have made a breakthrough in photovoltaics technology by developing tandem cells and singlet fission processes that reduce operating temperatures and extend device lifetimes. This innovation leads to a 2%-4% gain in annual energy production and doubles the lifetime of devices for every 10°C reduction in temperature.

Living memory home helps people stay connected with deceased loved ones

A new online application, Living Memory Home, offers a virtual and personal memorial space for mourners to deposit memories and feelings about their loss. The platform allows users to create a customized memorial space, share photos and messages, and reflect on both positive and negative memories and emotions.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Self-learning robots go full steam ahead

Researchers created a system of small autonomous robots that teach themselves to move forward as quickly as possible by continuously conducting small experiments. The results showed that this simple self-learning robot can tackle new situations and recover from damage, making it robust and scalable for applications in soft robotics.

Grand Challenge research harnesses AI to fight breast cancer

The BreastPathQ Grand Challenge produced encouraging results, indicating a path toward integrating artificial intelligence to streamline clinical assessment of breast cancer. Thirty-nine teams from 12 countries developed automated methods for analyzing microscopy images of breast tissue and assessing pathology.

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.

Explaining the sex gap in life expectancy

Researchers analyzed age-specific and sex-specific data to understand the life-expectancy gap between males and females. They found excess mortality among infant boys and men aged 60 years and older as primary causes of the gap.

Seismic activity in a hydrocarbon-producing region

A study analyzing industrial and geologic data reveals that seismic activity surged due to wastewater injection stresses between 1993-2020. Variations in seismic activity across the basin may help explain why earthquakes occur in some areas but not others.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

In-hospital mortality low in pregnant patients with COVID-19

A large US health care database study suggests that pregnant patients with COVID-19 have a lower rate of in-hospital death compared to non-pregnant women. The study revealed that pregnant patients were less likely to have comorbid conditions, resulting in a substantially lower mortality rate.

Engineering diseased human skin in vitro

A research team has developed an in vitro diseased skin model that displays the pathophysiological hallmarks of type 2 diabetes using 3D cell printing technology. The model exhibits slow re-epithelialization, insulin resistance, and pro-inflammatory response, similar to diabetic skin.

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.

Mediterranean turtles recovering at different rates

New research shows Mediterranean green turtle populations are recovering, but loggerhead turtles face additional threats due to high mortality rates. The study found stable reproduction rates among loggerheads, suggesting deaths among all ages impede their recovery.

Treating cerebral aneurysms with a new filling method

A new treatment method for cerebral aneurysms uses a biocompatible embolization material that fills the aneurysm at high rates and maintains structural stability. The innovative material exhibits excellent biocompatibility and can safely prevent rupture, reducing financial burden and risks associated with current coil embolization.

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.

Biomarker detects severe COVID-19 early on

A new biomarker has been discovered to predict severe cases of COVID-19 with high accuracy. The number of natural killer T cells in the blood can identify patients at risk of developing severe disease.

Scientists find mechanism that eliminates senescent cells

Researchers at UCSF have found a way to stimulate the natural surveillance system of immune cells to eliminate senescent cells, which contribute to aging and chronic diseases. This discovery offers an alternative to existing senolytic therapies and may lead to new treatments for age-related chronic diseases.

Impacts of landfill chemical waste on UK seabirds investigated

A £2.3million study is investigating the impact of chemical pollutants from UK coastal landfill waste on seabirds' health, reproduction and survival. The researchers will focus on European shags in the Firth of Forth, comparing their health and survival rates with birds that spend more time in the area.

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.

Turns out developing a taste for carbs wasn't a bad thing

A new study reveals that Neanderthals and ancient humans adapted to eating starch-rich foods as far back as 100,000 years ago. This early adaptation likely helped pave the way for the expansion of the human brain due to the glucose in starch, which is the brain's main fuel source.

Food production and air quality-related mortality

Researchers found that US agriculture contributes to 15,900 annual deaths due to poor air quality, mainly from ammonia emissions. Improving livestock manure management and using fertilizer additives can reduce mortality from poor air quality by consuming more plant-based foods.

Magnetic nanoparticles pull valuable elements from water sources

The patented technology uses magnetic nanoparticles to capture lithium and other critical materials from brines, offering a more efficient and cost-effective process. This innovation has the potential to reduce energy consumption and create new domestic supply chains for these essential elements.

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.

Feds back probe of understudied gut nervous system

Rice University neurobiologist Rosa Uribe wins $2 million NIH grant to study enteric nervous system development in zebrafish embryos. The 5-year study aims to decipher the mechanisms of neural crest cell transformation into neurons and other cell types.

Successful completion of 10,000 Ulsan Genomes Project

The Ulsan 10,000 Genome Project has successfully completed the sequencing of 10,044 whole genomes, including 5,300 patients and 4,700 healthy individuals in Ulsan. This comprehensive genomic data will help accelerate the commercialization of genomic research in Korea.

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.

Cricket bats should be made from bamboo not willow, Cambridge study finds

Bamboo cricket bats offer improved performance, including increased strength and energy transfer, according to a recent University of Cambridge study. The research also highlights the potential environmental benefits of using bamboo, as it is more sustainable and requires less waste during manufacture than traditional willow.

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.

Brain cancer breakthrough provides hope for new treatments

Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in immunotherapy design, using specifically designed receptors to completely clear brain cancer tumors in preclinical models. The approach has shown promise and could pave the way for new treatments for people with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

How proteins control information processing in the brain

Researchers at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg studied protein interactions in synaptic vesicles, uncovering how they mesh like cogs in a clockwork mechanism. This understanding helps recognize and understand malfunctions that could trigger diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Smartphone breath alcohol testing devices vary widely in accuracy

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that smartphone breath alcohol testing devices have varying levels of accuracy. Some devices failed to detect users over the legal driving limit more than half the time, highlighting concerns about their reliability and potential impact on road safety.

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.

Making the shift from blue to red for better LEDs

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have developed a more efficient red micro-LED, emitting light with high color purity and quantum efficiency. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of full-color displays using just a single semiconductor.

Vegetarians have healthier levels of disease markers than meat-eaters

A new study found that vegetarians had significantly lower levels of 'bad' cholesterol and higher levels of beneficial biomarkers like HDL cholesterol. However, they also had higher levels of fats and poorer kidney function markers, suggesting a more complex relationship between diet and health.

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.

Mild COVID-19 infection is very unlikely to cause lasting heart damage

A recent study led by University College London researchers has found that mild COVID-19 infections do not lead to lasting heart damage. The study of 149 healthcare workers with mild COVID-19 infections showed no significant differences in heart structure or function compared to healthy controls.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Turning a pancreatic cancer cell's addiction into a death sentence

Researchers found that about half of pancreatic cancer cell lines are dependent on peroxiredoxin 4 for survival. Targeting PRDX4 led to DNA damage and cell death in cancer cells, but not normal cells. This discovery reveals a potential therapeutic window with less toxicity.

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.

WVU researchers study the effects of vaping during pregnancy

A three-year study at West Virginia University is exploring the effects of vaping during pregnancy on long-term health outcomes in offspring. The research team has found that vaping can cause a similar dysfunctional response in blood vessels as smoking, leading to potential serious issues.