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Science News Archive May 2021


Page 39 of 47

AI is not perfect -- Domain knowledge is a key in engineering

A research team at KICT has developed a fully-automated peak-picking method for extracting modal frequencies in stay-cables without prior setting or human manipulation. The method utilizes domain knowledge based on the physical characteristics of stay-cables, outperforming state-of-the-art methods in terms of accuracy and robustness.

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.

Transforming atmospheric carbon into industrially useful materials

Scientists at Salk Institute successfully transformed tobacco and corn husks into silicon carbide (SiC) while sequestering up to 50,000-fold more carbon from seed to lab-grown plant. The process retains about 14 percent of the plant-captured carbon, offering a potential solution for climate change mitigation.

Health care use after COVID-19 diagnosis, home monitoring

Researchers found that COVID-19 patients enrolled in home monitoring programs had significantly lower healthcare use compared to those not enrolled. This suggests that home monitoring can help reduce unnecessary healthcare utilization, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Towards 2D memory technology by magnetic graphene

Researchers have experimentally confirmed that magnetic graphene can generate large spin signals and transfer spin information over long distances. This discovery paves the way for the development of ultra-compact 2D spin-logic devices with strong spin-polarization, promising high-speed and energy-saving electronics.

PCB contamination in Icelandic orcas: a matter of diet

A new study found significant variation in PCB concentrations among Icelandic orcas, with those eating mixed diets having up to 9 times higher levels. This contradicts earlier research and highlights the need for individualized assessments of health risks in killer whale populations.

Skin and immune cells coordinate defenses against assault

A new study reveals that skin's epidermis layer is comprised of an army of immune cells that station themselves at regular intervals across the skin. When necessary, these cells reposition themselves to protect vulnerable areas, forming a dynamic surveillance system.

Story tip from Johns Hopkins experts on COVID-19

Researchers developed the COVID Control app, which predicts COVID-19 outbreaks using user-reported symptoms and correlates with increased coronavirus prevalence in Baltimore City. The study showed that new loss of taste or smell was a strong predictor of confirmed cases, averaging five days before an outbreak.

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.

Small apoptotic bodies: Nirvana, birth and death

Scientists have discovered nano-scaled apoptotic bodies as a new brain-targeting drug carrier, overcoming the blood-brain barrier challenge. The small apoptotic bodies (sABs) are stable in serum, have a long circulating time, and high drug loading efficiency, making them a promising candidate for drug delivery.

Diversity and universality of jamming

The study reveals that random close packing of spheres exhibits common universal critical properties, despite the diversity of its details. The researchers showed that jammed states are marginally stable and can be described under a unified framework.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Dinosaurs that hunted in the dark

A new study found that the tiny desert-living dinosaur Shuvuuia had extraordinary vision and owl-like hearing for nocturnal life in the Mongolian desert. The team measured the size of the eyes and inner ears of over 100 bird and dinosaur species, revealing that Shuvuuia's lagena was almost identical in relative size to today's barn owl.

Insulin regulates body fat independent of dietary carbohydrates

Recent studies refute the theory that excessive carbohydrate consumption leads to insulin-driven weight gain. Instead, basal insulin levels in response to energy balance are key to regulating weight gain, suggesting alternative models for body fat regulation.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Tropical ginger treatment for blocking inflammation

A study published in International Immunology found that a tropical ginger-derived compound, ACA, attenuates mitochondrial damage and reduces inflammation by blocking the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. This suggests ACA may be a promising therapeutic strategy for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Protected by nanobrushes

Researchers developed nanosized cargo packages that can deliver water-soluble proteins into cancer cells while keeping them intact. The 'nanobrushes' use polymer strands with antibodies on the outside and protected proteins within.

Homing in on the smallest possible laser

Scientists have successfully generated a Bose-Einstein Condensate out of exciton-polaritons, enabling the creation of the smallest possible solid-state lasers. This phenomenon holds promise for technological advancements in optoelectronic circuits.

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.

Scrap for cash before coins

Researchers found evidence of bronze scrap being used as cash in Europe during the late Bronze Age (1350-800 BC), challenging traditional notions of money's emergence. This practice spread across Western Eurasia, paving the way for a global market.

In the Alps, climate change affects biodiversity

A recent review analyzed over 2,000 species in the Alps, finding that many have shifted their life cycles earlier and are moving higher up the elevational gradient as climate change intensifies. This shift is often lagging behind the rate of climate change, with some species experiencing little or no elevation change.

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.

Swiping, swabbing elevates processing plant food safety

Researchers developed a rapid-testing method to check cleaning protocols in commercial food processing plants. The ATP swab test detected microorganisms on surfaces, improving environmental hygiene and product quality. The study showed that targeted cleaning can reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

New method boosts syngas generation from biopolyols

Researchers developed a new method to generate syngas from biopolyols using photocatalytic biomass conversion at room temperature, exhibiting high efficiency and selectivity. The catalyst featuring surface sulfate ions increased electron-proton transfer, promoting syngas production with 9-fold higher CO generation rate.

Cells are more resilient to environmental changes than previously thought

A study by Toronto researchers found that Baker's yeast cells employ a consistent network of gene interactions to coordinate growth in response to various environments. The majority of genetic interactions remained present across different conditions, revealing the stability of the cellular genetic program.

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.

Unusual semimetal shows evidence of unique surface conduction states

Scientists experimentally verify exotic surface conduction states in topological semimetals, materials that conduct on the surface but insulate inside. A new study reveals a coupled pair of electronic Weyl orbits under a magnetic field, opening doors to controlling these phenomena via external fields and interface engineering.

Novel tool could fast-track cell discoveries

A new protein analysis tool, called BGIS, can quickly assess protein function with no special equipment needed. This breakthrough could accelerate basic science and medical discoveries by identifying proteins' functions and regulating their activities.

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.

ORNL's Sergei Kalinin elected Fellow of the Microscopy Society of America

Sergei Kalinin, a senior distinguished member at the Microscopy Society of America, has been elected as a Fellow. He is recognized for his pioneering work in quantitative scanning probe and scanning transmission electron microscopy. His research focuses on applying artificial intelligence to advanced electron and scanning probe microsc...

Researchers produce laser pulses with record-breaking intensity

Researchers have demonstrated a record-high laser pulse intensity of over 1023 W/cm2 to study complex interactions between light and matter. This achievement will enable exploration of high-energy cosmic rays and the development of new sources for cancer treatment.

Phonon imaging in 3D with a fiber probe

A team of scientists has developed a phonon probe that uses optical fibers to create high-resolution 3D images of biological cells and tissue. The device achieves lateral resolution of 2.5 μm and can measure object height with 45 nm precision, opening up new possibilities for non-destructive diagnostics.

In graphene process, resistance is useful

Researchers adapted their laser-induced graphene technique to create fine patterns of graphene in photoresist polymers for use in consumer electronics and other applications. The new process allows for the production of high-resolution, micron-scale lines of conductive graphene, comparable to those achieved by more cumbersome processes.

We need to build more EV fast-charging stations, researchers say

A study of charging patterns on a University of California San Diego campus found that DC fast chargers were less affected by the pandemic, with usage returning to near-normal levels. The researchers recommend deploying additional DCFCs on campus and beyond to support growing EV adoption.

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.

Researchers unveil roadmap to expand NY solar energy, meet green goals

To reach its goal of 70% renewable energy generation by 2030, New York state will need to utilize lower-grade agricultural land and dual-use (agrivoltaics) options for solar energy development. This approach can help alleviate public concerns and mitigate negative economic activity in rural communities.

Have high blood pressure? You may want to check your meds

A new study reveals that nearly 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure are taking medications that could elevate their blood pressure. Researchers identified three common culprits: antidepressants, NSAIDs, and oral steroids, which were reported by 9%, 7%, and 2% of participants, respectively.

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.

Surprising sand fly find yields new species of bacteria

Researchers discovered a new species of bacteria, Sphingobacterium phlebotomi, in sand fly rearing substrates that attracts pregnant females, offering a potential tool for reducing sand fly populations and preventing diseases like Leishmaniasis. The bacterium's volatile chemicals can be used to create ecologically safe baits or traps.

Just a few atoms thick: New functional materials developed

Researchers have designed new materials with tailored properties by combining different components, offering targeted design options for future functional materials. They discovered a physical effect that enables tuning the color of lighting technologies in a simple way.

The origin of reproductive organs

A new study led by Kotaro Sasaki elucidates the early biological processes involved in the development of ovaries and testes in human embryos. Researchers analyzed single-cell transcriptome data to understand gene expression at each developmental stage, providing insights into typical and atypical gonadal development.

India's polio vaccination provides valuable insights for mass vaccination campaigns

A study on India's successful polio vaccination program reveals that managerial strategies, including bundling healthcare services, engaging stakeholders, and implementing accountability mechanisms, were crucial to its success. The findings highlight the importance of addressing social trust and political vulnerability in mass vaccinat...

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.

Evading the uncertainty principle in quantum physics

Researchers at Aalto University have successfully evaded the uncertainty principle by measuring the position and momentum of vibrating drumheads. This experiment allows for the characterization of extremely weak forces and provides evidence of quantum entanglement in macroscopic objects.

Flooding might triple in the mountains of Asia due to global warming

The study reveals that glacial lake outburst floods in the Himalayan region and Tibetan plateau could triple in the coming decades, posing a significant threat to communities and infrastructure. The risk of transboundary disasters will also increase, with new hotspots emerging in regions like the Western Himalaya and Pamir.

'Natural disasters' increase triggers for violence against women and girls

A global review of natural disasters reveals a significant increase in violence against women and girls, with stressors like trauma and financial insecurity emerging as key triggers. The study emphasizes the need for gender-sensitive policies and inclusion of women in disaster management to prevent such violence.

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.

Kidney cancer risks higher for Hispanic, Native Americans in Arizona

Advanced-stage kidney cancer is more common among Hispanic Americans and Native Americans than non-Hispanic whites in Arizona. The study found that Arizona's Hispanic Americans have a two times higher risk of advanced-stage kidney cancer, while Native Americans face a 30% increased risk.

The natural brightness of the night sky

Researchers develop first complete reference method to measure natural brightness of night sky, revealing complex factors affecting glow in upper layers of atmosphere. The study uses network of low-cost photometers to analyze data from 44 darkest places worldwide.

New study tracked large sharks during hurricanes

A new study tracked large sharks in Miami and The Bahamas to understand their responses to major storms like hurricanes. Researchers found that different shark species behaved differently by species and location, with some evacuating shallow waters while others remained or even increased in numbers after the storm passed.