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Science News Archive November 2021


Page 4 of 40

Which glioblastoma patients will respond to immunotherapy?

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a new biomarker that can identify glioblastoma patients who are likely to respond to immunotherapy. The treatment has shown promise in prolonging the lives of patients with this malignant brain tumor, which currently has a poor prognosis.

A rocky fate for greenhouse gases

Researchers used synchrotron X-ray scattering and quantum computer modeling to investigate temperature's impact on amorphous magnesium carbonate. The findings suggest that modifying the precursor material's physical properties can help create more efficient carbon capture technologies.

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.

Team builds first living robots that can reproduce

Researchers at the University of Vermont have created the first living robots capable of reproducing, using AI-designed Xenobots. This groundbreaking achievement has significant implications for regenerative medicine, as it demonstrates a new form of biological self-replication.

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.

In quantum mechanics, not even time flows as you might expect it to

A team of physicists discovered that quantum systems can exhibit superposition of forward and backward time flows, leading to complex laws governing time flow. In certain cases with small entropy, observing the consequences of a system's evolution along both temporal directions becomes physically possible.

Potential of hydroxyapatite in transition metal catalysis

Researchers at Kazan Federal University study hydroxyapatite's properties as a catalyst, finding that iron incorporation is energetically comparable and preferentially localized. The study uses density functional theory calculations to analyze the introduction of iron ions in the HAp lattice.

Wide-range luminescent thermometers? – Quite a challenge!

Researchers have created a wide-range luminescent thermometer using Pr3+ and YAl3(BO3)4:Pr3+,Gd3+, which offers high precision and low uncertainty in temperature measurement. This thermometer can measure temperatures between 30 K and 800 K with constant relative measurement uncertainty.

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.

The secret to DNA packing to one-millionth its size

Researchers used X-ray technology to study human chromosomes in their native state, discovering a fractal structure and a packing mechanism that condenses DNA into one-millionth its size. The findings could have significant implications for understanding genetics and uncovering the structures of other materials, such as viruses.

Moderna COVID-19 vaccine effective 5 months after 2nd dose

A Kaiser Permanente study found the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to be 87% effective in preventing COVID-19 infection and 96% effective in preventing hospitalization. The vaccine's effectiveness persisted even among those with underlying conditions, providing reassurance about its durability.

Male-biased protein expression discovered in fruit flies

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba discovered a male-biased protein expression in primordial germ cells of fruit flies. The study used the Gal4-UAS system to induce gene expression and found that male cells had more protein synthesis occurring, with stronger GFP expression.

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.

A simpler design for quantum computers

Researchers at Stanford University have proposed a new design for photonic quantum computers that can operate at room temperature and require fewer components. The proposed design uses a laser to manipulate an atom, which then modifies the state of photons via quantum teleportation, enabling the creation of complex calculations.

Scientists discover potential cause of Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers found that people with brain buildup but no dementia had normal tau protein, while those who developed plaques or tangles also had a different-handed form of tau. This suggests that a slowdown in autophagy, the process of clearing spent proteins, may be underlying cause of Alzheimer's disease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

HPV vaccination, changes in cervical cancer rates, deaths

A nationwide study found decreased cervical cancer incidence and death rates among women and girls aged 15-24 after HPV vaccine introduction. The decline was more pronounced in the younger age group compared to those aged 25-29 and 30-39, suggesting a potential association with vaccination.

Recycling of tectonic plates a key driver of Earth’s oxygen budget

A new study has found that serpentinite plays a crucial role in recycling oxygen in the Earth's tectonic plates. The research, led by Cornell University scientists, reveals that the oxidation state of the mantle is controlled by the subduction system's thermodynamic conditions and geometry.

Study reveals a protein’s key contribution to heterogeneity of neurons

A new study shows that a specific protein, tomosyn, plays a crucial role in determining the communication style of neurons. The study found that tomosyn enables tonic neurons to release glutamate in measured doses, allowing them to exhibit plasticity and adapt to changes in their circuit partners.

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.

Researchers light the way for organic glow-in-the-dark materials

Researchers from OIST and Kyushu University have developed a method to generate a glow-in-the-dark light using organic materials. The new method produces emissions that last for over one hour at room temperature, improving performance by tenfold compared to previous work.

Efficient organic solar cells processed from green solvents

Researchers at Linköping University and Soochow University have developed a method to produce energy-efficient organic solar cells using green solvents, achieving a record efficiency of over 17%. The breakthrough enables the manufacture of larger areas of solar cells with high efficiency, paving the way for commercial-scale outdoor use.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Smart wound dressing

A new smart wound dressing has been developed that can bind wounds together, ward off infection, and monitor the wound's condition directly to doctors' computers. The dressing is made of a biocompatible polymer that heals itself in under three seconds.

Spicy breast milk?

A study by the Technical University of Munich discovered that pungent substances from chili, ginger, and pepper are transferred to breast milk after consumption. These substances can be detectable in breast milk for several hours, with maximum concentrations being 70- to 350-fold below the taste perception threshold of an adult.

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.

New discovery opens the way for brain-like computers

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have successfully combined a memory function with a calculation function in the same component, enabling more efficient technologies like mobile phones and self-driving cars. The discovery opens the way for brain-like computers that can perform tasks effectively and energy efficiently.

Filtering microplastics trash from water with acoustic waves #ASA181

A new filtration system using acoustic waves successfully separates microplastics from polluted water, with a cleaning rate of 150 liters per hour. The device's efficiency varies with acoustic frequency and density of the water, but shows promise for improving marine life safety.

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.

RCSI receives Movember funding to support mental health of first responders

The SAFER Families/Friends project aims to equip families and friends of 100 first responders with the skills they need to recognize stress signs and provide basic intervention. The project, led by RCSI, will explore how family members can best support their first responder's mental health while prioritizing self-care.

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.

ECL emission of methamphetamine for accurate detection

Researchers at Shinshu University developed a novel detection principle for stimulants, including methamphetamine, using electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emission. The method allows for accurate and selective screening of stimulants with high sensitivity and selectivity.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Biopesticides can be used to degrade aflatoxin in crops

Researchers have discovered that certain strains of Aspergillus can be used to degrade aflatoxins in crops, reducing the risk of food contamination. This biological control method utilizing biocontrol products is currently the most effective way to produce safe and healthy foods and feeds.

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.

Smoking whilst pregnant linked to smaller babies in future pregnancies

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of having a small for gestational age (SGA) baby in subsequent pregnancies. The research analyzed data from nearly 17,000 mothers who received antenatal care for their first two pregnancies and found that women who smoked at the start of eith...

Waterfall sounds used as a telltale sign of water loss

Researchers developed a tool to monitor and predict water losses in waterfalls based on their soundscapes, allowing environmental managers to balance water diversion and preservation. The study highlights the importance of maintaining a minimum threshold of water flow for waterfall appearance and sound.

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.

Researchers shrink camera to the size of a salt grain

The new system can produce high-quality images comparable to those of conventional cameras, with a compact design suitable for minimally invasive endoscopy and full-scene sensing. This breakthrough could revolutionize medical imaging and robotics with size and weight constraints.

Evolution of structural dynamics in proteins

Researchers have discovered that protein structural dynamics emerged through terminal additions during long-term evolution. This process allowed for diversification of substrate specificity and ligand binding mechanisms, ultimately leading to the emergence of various biological functions.

Nibbling prehistoric herbivore sheds new light on Triassic diversity

A groundbreaking analysis of the fossilized remains of Effigia, a 205-million-year-old herbivore, has cast doubt on the prevailing notion that it fed by pecking at plant material. Instead, researchers suggest that its unique beak and jaw structure would have allowed it to nibble at soft, vulnerable tissues like young shoots or ferns.