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Science News Archive May 2021 - Page 8


Page 8 of 47

Deep oceans dissolve the rocky shell of water-ice planets

New experiments show that water selectively leaches magnesium from typical rock minerals under extreme pressure and temperature conditions. This process could produce chemical gradients in the early history of water-rich sub-Neptune exo-planets, potentially preserving tracks of initial interactions between water and rocky material.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMay 26, 2021

The path to more human-like robot object manipulation skills

According to a review article in Science Robotics, researchers are making progress in learned robot manipulation, which enables robots to adapt to changing stimuli. The authors propose nine promising areas for future exploration, including representation learning, modular design, and task/skill customization.

SourceLehigh University·JournalScience Robotics·DateMay 26, 2021
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.

Identifying new, non-opioid based target for treating chronic pain

Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin discovered a non-opioid based target to alleviate chronic touch pain and spontaneous pain in mice. The target, TRPC5, is expressed in both mouse and human neurons that send pain signals to the spinal cord.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 26, 2021

Disease of the smallest heart blood vessels is important global health problem

A global health problem has been identified as microvascular angina, a disease affecting the smallest heart blood vessels. The study found that patients with MVA experience chest pains similar to those of a heart attack, yet are often misdiagnosed due to the lack of definitive diagnostic criteria.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMay 26, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Researchers examine record-shattering 2020 trans-Atlantic dust storm

A massive Saharan African dust plume traveled across the Atlantic in June 2020, affecting Caribbean and Gulf Coast states. Researchers used satellite data to understand the mechanism behind the phenomenon, which could occur more frequently due to climate change, posing health risks and disrupting transportation systems.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateMay 26, 2021

What is the true cost to companies of IT security?

Researchers at the University of Göttingen are developing a method to assess IT security measures and their costs for businesses. The ProBITS project aims to evaluate the business process effects of IT security measures, taking into account operational impacts on employee productivity and flexibility.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·DateMay 26, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Coronavirus testing made quick and easy

The new test combines electrochemical biosensors with engineered protein constructs to detect coronaviruses with high precision. It can be used on unprocessed blood or saliva samples, making it a game-changer for containing the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMay 26, 2021
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.

Hundreds of antibiotic resistant genes found in the gastrointestinal tracts of Danish infants

A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that Danish one-year-olds carry several hundred antibiotic resistant genes in their bacterial gut flora. The presence of these genes is partly attributable to antibiotic use among mothers during pregnancy, and well-developed gut flora may reduce the incidence of resistant bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalCell·DateMay 26, 2021

Study of promising photovoltaic material leads to discovery of a new state of matter

Researchers at McGill University have gained new insight into the workings of perovskites, a semiconductor material that shows great promise for making high-efficiency, low-cost solar cells. They discovered a phenomenon known as quantum confinement occurs within bulk perovskite crystals, leading to the formation of 'quantum drops', whi...

SourceMcGill University·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateMay 26, 2021

Otago study aids understanding of invisible but mighty particles

Tiny charged electrons and protons have been studied by University of Otago scientists in a Geophysical Research Letters publication. By analyzing data from GPS satellites, the researchers found that EMIC waves can cause changes in the number of particles in Earth's radiation belts, affecting satellite orbits and atmospheric chemistry.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 26, 2021
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.

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.

Resetting the biological clock by flipping a switch

Researchers from the University of Groningen and Nagoya University developed a compound that can elongate the 24-hour cycle and be activated or deactivated using light. The study shows that it is possible to change the 24-hour cycle in cells or tissues to a 28-hour cycle, providing a new approach to analyzing the circadian clock system.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2021

Racemases: The hunt for drugs to neutralise these critical enzymes

Scientists from the University of Bath explore racemases, critical enzymes linked to cancers and other life-threatening diseases, and propose strategies for finding drugs that neutralize them. Lab experiments show promising outcomes in targeting these enzymes, with potential applications in treating various diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalChemical Society Reviews·DateMay 25, 2021
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.

Grass replaces plastic in take-away food packaging

A new project aims to develop a sustainable alternative to disposable plastics in take-away food packaging using upcycled grass fibres. Replacing plastic with bio-based packaging can reduce carbon emissions from production by approximately 210,000 tonnes CO2 annually.

SourceAarhus University·DateMay 25, 2021

Maximizing cancer survival, minimizing treatment side effects with AI

Researchers developed an AI system to guide oncologists in treating head and neck cancer patients, considering treatment efficacy and potential future decisions. The system analyzes real patient data to provide personalized recommendations and maximize survival outcomes while minimizing chemotherapy and radiation side effects.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateMay 25, 2021

Scientists to present new findings on atoms, molecules, and optics

Researchers will discuss fundamental questions and applied technologies in physics, including dark matter, quantum information science, and ultrafast physics. New findings on creating unusual non-local interactions and detecting COVID-19 biomarkers with ultrasensitivity will also be presented.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateMay 25, 2021
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.

How army ants' iconic mass raids evolved

Researchers found that army ant mass raids originated from group raiding behavior in smaller colonies, with a massive increase in colony size correlating to the evolution of mass raids. The study uses custom computer vision software to track individual ants and analyze their behavior.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2021

Silver attacks bacteria, gets 'consumed'

Researchers found silver nanoparticles' shape transformed from triangles to circles after interacting with E. coli cells, affecting their optical properties. The study suggests silver is 'consumed' by the bacteria without impacting its antibacterial properties.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalChemical Physics Reviews·DateMay 25, 2021

LHAASO detect dozen sources of ultra-high energy gamma-rays

The LHAASO observatory detected 12 Ultra-high Energy gamma-ray sources, prompting the presence of active or recent PeVatrons. The team identified possible candidates, including pulsar wind nebulae and supernova remnants.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Newly discovered enzymes are not heavy metal fans

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have identified two metal-independent carbonic anhydrase enzymes that improve our knowledge of the global carbon cycle. These enzymes may play a crucial role in CO2 metabolism, particularly in metal-poor environments.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBMC Biology·DateMay 25, 2021

AI spots neurons better than human experts

A new AI-powered algorithm, WeakGCSeg, accurately detects and tracks ganglion cells in the retina, surpassing human expertise. This technology enables early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases like glaucoma, improving treatment options.

SourceDuke University·JournalOptica·DateMay 25, 2021

Food scraps get a bold new life

Researchers at The University of Tokyo have developed a new method to recycle discarded fruit and vegetable scraps into strong construction materials. The process uses vacuum-dried, pulverized food scraps, such as seaweed and cabbage leaves, and produces materials that are at least as strong as concrete.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·DateMay 25, 2021

Is deference to supernatural beings present in infancy?

Researchers at the University of Oxford discovered that infants aged 12-16 months exhibit a tendency to attribute social dominance to individuals with supernatural powers. In experiments, infants expected characters using counterintuitive methods to win rewards, suggesting they perceive these abilities as superior.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 25, 2021

Press (re)play to remember - How the brain strengthens memories during sleep

Scientists have discovered that slow oscillations and sleep spindles play a crucial role in memory formation and consolidation, with the precise combination of these patterns creating windows for reactivation of previously learned information. This process helps solidify memories in long-term stores and improves recall.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 25, 2021
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.

Geology helps map kidney stone formation from tiny to troublesome

Researchers map kidney stone formation from tiny to troublesome, revealing microspherules merge to form larger crystals, and stones undergo multiple cycles of partial dissolution and growth. The new classification scheme and GeoBioCell device aim to accelerate research, diagnostic testing, and individualized treatment targets.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Reviews Urology·DateMay 25, 2021

Made in the shade or fun in the sun

Phytochromes help plants detect light direction, intensity, and duration, as well as temperature, allowing them to adapt to various environments. The study fully characterized the phytochrome family in Arabidopsis thaliana and found surprising differences between isoforms.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2021
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.

Road verges provide opportunity for wildflowers, bees and trees

Researchers estimate that UK road verges, covering 1.2% of land in Great Britain, can be managed for nature by reducing frequent mowing and planting trees. This approach could create better habitats for pollinators, capture carbon, and contribute to the UK government's tree-planting ambitions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateMay 25, 2021

Researchers seek deeper understanding on how cells in the body operate

A team of researchers at Texas A&M University used experimental cellular evolution to study how cells respond to controlled mechanical properties. They found that cellular mechanosensing is not optimal but a tradeoff, and that cells can evolve under selection pressure from biomaterials of controlled stiffness.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMay 25, 2021
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 study shows how to boost muscle regeneration and rebuild tissue

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals clues about molecular changes underlying muscle loss tied to aging. The researchers found that using molecular compounds increased the regeneration of muscle cells in mice by activating precursors of muscle cells, called myogenic progenitors.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 25, 2021
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.

Decreased testing could lead to surge in sexually transmitted infections

A study by Penn State and Quest Diagnostics researchers found a 63% decrease in STI testing for men and 59% for women during the early months of the pandemic. This may lead to an increase in future STI cases, potentially resulting in adverse health outcomes such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 25, 2021