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Science News Archive October 2021


Page 1 of 40

Plasmon-induced trap filling at grain boundaries in perovskite solar cells

A novel core-shell plasmonic metal nanostructure enhances coupling with perovskite material, effectively filling deep level trap states at grain boundaries. The incorporation of this technology improves photo-generated current and device performance by increasing open circuit voltage and filling factor.

The 5:2 diet - a good choice for gestational diabetes

New research from the University of South Australia finds that the 5:2 diet is just as effective as a continuous energy-restricted diet in achieving weight loss and preventing type 2 diabetes in women with a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes. The study suggests that this diet offers greater choice and flexibility for women loo...

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.

Mammals’ noses come from reptiles’ jaws

Researchers discovered that mammals developed protruding, flexible noses from reptilian jaws through cellular studies and fossil analysis. This finding explains the origin of mammals' strong sense of smell and provides potential new animal models for studying facial development disorders like cleft palate.

Three-channel Kondo effect discovered in cubic holmium compound

Researchers have discovered a three-channel Kondo effect in a cubic holmium compound using numerical methods, predicting an exotic quantum ground state and potential applications. The study found a residual entropy value at ultra-low temperatures, matching the predicted value by the three-channel Kondo effect.

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.

Army grants to bolster unique, new semiconductor fabrication facility

The Army Research Office and Army Research Laboratory have awarded $5.4 million in grants to support the development of a unique silicon carbide semiconductor fabrication facility at the University of Arkansas. Researchers will focus on producing energy-efficient and heat-resistant integrated circuits for military applications.

Molecular shape puzzles

Researchers designed a fast and efficient way to determine Cilostazol's concentration using molecularly imprinted polymers. The sensor works like a three-dimensional shape puzzle, selectively binding to the target molecule.

Solving complex learning tasks in brain-inspired computers

A new algorithm has been developed to train spiking neural networks, mimicking the human brain's structure and function. This approach enables these powerful, fast, and energy-efficient systems to solve complex tasks like image classification with high precision.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

US Bureau of Justice Assistance awards $50,000 to study gun crime

The University of Arkansas will receive a grant to analyze gun crime patterns in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with the goal of reducing frequency of violence. The researchers aim to understand where, when, and at what frequency gun crime occurs to inform evidence-driven practices.

Researchers discover new type of nerve cell in the retina

A team of scientists at the University of Utah has discovered a new type of interneuron in the mammalian retina called the Campana cell. The discovery marks a notable development for the field, as scientists work toward a better understanding of the central nervous system by identifying all classes of neurons and their connections.

Is it worth trying to sway the most staunch climate deniers?

A Boston University researcher found that while many climate deniers are receptive to disinformation, some are also open to the science. Her study suggests that engaging with individuals most vulnerable to climate disinformation is crucial in stopping its spread.

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.

Climate change: We're acting, but are we making a difference?

A study has created a massive database of academic papers documenting global adaptation actions to climate change. The research found that people are taking action, but these efforts tend to be fragmented and may not be enough to deal with the expected effects of climate change.

Drug-like molecule points to novel strategies for cancer therapy

A team of scientists developed a drug-like molecule that can counteract the effects of mutated epigenetic regulators, which are known to drive certain types of cancer. The molecule targets the 'reader' CBX8, which is critical for the proliferation of cancer cells, but more dispensable in healthy cells.

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.

Waste of space

Researchers have discovered a way to manipulate orbiting debris with spinning magnets, allowing for gentler maneuvering and potential repair of malfunctioning objects. The technology has the potential to help clear space junk from Earth's orbit and extend the life of satellites.

Twisted bilayer graphene dances with light

Researchers have discovered that twisted bilayer graphene can guide and control light at the nanometer scale due to its unique interaction with collective electron movements. This property enables the material to be used as a platform for optical sensing of gases and bio-molecules.

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.

Cardiac MRI of myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination in adolescents

A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found a link between COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and myocarditis in adolescent males. Cardiac MRI was used to assess suspected myocarditis post-vaccination, with late gadolinium enhancement persisting in two patients undergoing repeat MRI.

A novel way to generate visible light

A research team led by Professor Luca Razzari at INRS has successfully generated coherent, intense visible light pulses with femtosecond duration using a simplified setup. This innovation opens up new possibilities for studying various phenomena in physics, chemistry, and biology.

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.

Financial hardship of pregnant, postpartum US women

Financial hardship was common among pregnant and postpartum US women, with many reporting unmet healthcare needs due to cost. The study found significant financial stress affecting these individuals, impacting their overall well-being.

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.

How foodborne diseases protect the gut's nervous system

A new study reveals that mice infected with bacteria or parasites develop a unique tolerance mechanism to shield their enteric neurons from death. This finding has potential clinical implications for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, where neuronal loss can lead to severe gastrointestinal disease.

How mining companies can better protect workers from injury and death

A new study from Edith Cowan University identifies four pathways regularly associated with Western Australian mining deaths, including design flaws and poor management. The research recommends that companies prioritize these pathways to reduce workplace fatalities and improve worker safety.

Needle-free COVID-19 vaccine shows promise

Researchers at University of Queensland successfully protected mice from COVID-19 using a US-developed vaccine candidate delivered via a pocket-sized, pain-free applicator. The vaccine produced strong immune responses and neutralized multiple variants, including UK and South Africa variants.

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.

Dopamine’s many roles, explained

A new study by Vanessa Ruta and her team found that dopamine neurons in fruit flies correlate strongly with ongoing behavior, reflecting motivation or goal underlying actions. The activity of these neurons not only encode mechanics of movement but also provide moment-to-moment reinforcement, guiding beneficial actions.

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.

Reported health care use by sexual orientation among teens

A study of 10th graders found that LGB individuals reported more unmet medical care needs and had lower health care utilization rates compared to their non-LGBTQ peers. This disparity highlights the need for improved health care access and communication for LGBTQ youth.

Detector advance could lead to cheaper, easier medical scans

Researchers have demonstrated a new technique for cross-sectional medical images without the need for tomography, enabling faster and more accurate imaging. The breakthrough is made possible by ultrafast photon detectors that can precisely determine the arrival times of photons, allowing for reconstruction-free positron emission imaging.

Study identifies new potential drug target for pneumonia

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that interleukin-26 plays a critical role in bacterial pneumonia by directly killing bacteria and modulating the immune system. This finding positions IL-26 as a new potential target for biological treatment of pneumonia, an increasing global health threat.

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.

Ultra-broadband sound absorber

Researchers create ultra-broadband sound absorber with an average absorption coefficient of 0.93, surpassing previous limitations. The metamaterial's design utilizes near-field non-locality to suppress excessive response and achieve efficient impedance matching.

UTSW scientists eliminate key Alzheimer’s feature in animal model

Researchers at UTSW Medical Center discovered a way to abolish the formation of amyloid beta plaques in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting the NHE6 gene. This breakthrough suggests a possible treatment approach for preventing late-onset Alzheimer's, a condition affecting nearly 6 million Americans.

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.

A scientific competition assesses methods for anomalous diffusion

Researchers launched an open competition to benchmark existing and novel methods for quantifying anomalous diffusion. The analysis of results provided an objective assessment of method performance, contributing to the definition of standard tools for trajectory analysis.

Study finds the SARS-CoV-2 virus can infect the inner ear

Researchers develop cellular models to study SARS-CoV-2 infection of the inner ear, finding that the virus can infect hair cells and Schwann cells. The pattern of infection matches symptoms observed in a study of 10 Covid-19 patients with ear-related issues.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

A better way to raise chickens for low-intensity, small stakeholders

A new production model has been introduced to the Rwandan broiler industry, allowing smallholders to increase productivity and profitability. The model, which employs a hybrid asset-building approach, provides an entry point for small-scale producers to compete with larger operations.