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Science News Archive October 2021


Page 11 of 40

AZ HEROES data show first responders at higher risk of COVID-19 infection

A study analyzing COVID-19 test results from over 1,700 essential workers in Arizona found that first responders had a twice-highest incidence of infection compared to frontline healthcare personnel. Researchers urge increased vaccine promotion and tailored mitigation strategies for these vital professionals.

Why super sandstorm 2021 in North China?

A severe sandstorm in North China was triggered by a combination of factors, including persistently lower surface air temperatures and reduced winter precipitation. The resulting dry and loose land surface created a significant dust source that led to the storm.

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.

Nurses think about suicide more than other workers

A national survey of over 7,000 US nurses found that they experience suicidal ideation at a rate nearly 1% higher than the general workforce, with 40% screening positive for depression and 33% exhibiting burnout symptoms. The findings highlight the need for urgent attention and system-based interventions to address nurse well-being

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.

Project to study marine life in Gulf Of Mexico Reefs

A team of researchers is studying the Flower Garden Banks and other reefs in the Gulf of Mexico to understand how fish populations use natural banks and habitats. The four-year study aims to improve knowledge of essential habitats for key reef fish components.

Two-handed movements require more neural effort as people grow older

Aging affects bilateral coordination, particularly anti-phase movement, by altering alpha and beta neural activity. Researchers discovered that older subjects displayed lower synchronization between sides of the body during anti-phase movements, making such tasks more challenging.

Fossils of two early Cretaceous species discovered in southwest Arkansas

The discovery of two new species, a skink and a fish, sheds light on the variety of animals inhabiting North America during the Early Cretaceous Period. The findings confirm that North America had limited faunal diversity during this time, with many species similar to those found in other regions.

Innovative design of titanium alloy with supreme properties by 3D printing

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong created a new titanium-based alloy using additive manufacturing, boasting unprecedented structures and properties. The alloy exhibits high tensile strength, excellent work-hardening capacity, and is up to 40% lighter than stainless steel, making it suitable for various structural applications.

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.

Machine learning predicts antibiotic resistance spread

Researchers at Cornell University used machine learning to predict the spread of antibiotic resistance genes among bacteria, identifying potential networks of exchange and driving factors. The approach could help control the spread of antibiotic resistance and develop new targets for novel antibiotics.

NIH will fund study of how the brain and fat tissue communicate

Researchers aim to generate a model of brain-fat communication system to regulate metabolism during environmental challenges. The study uses cutting-edge techniques like immunolabeling-enabled imaging to identify new components of neural circuits controlling brown and white fat tissues.

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.

SHARK, making stretchable and self-healable hydrogel artificial skin possible

Researchers have developed a single-layer composite hydrogel with improved mechanical and electrical properties, featuring high stretchability, self-healing capabilities, and ultrasensitive mechanical sensing. The SHARK material can be stretched up to 77 times its original length and completely self-heal in less than a minute.

Majority of 15–19-year-olds wanted COVID jab

A study of 702 Swedish adolescents aged 15–19 found that 54.3% were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, with many citing a desire to protect others. Anxiety about vaccination and misinformation from parents contributed to reluctance.

A good night’s sleep may mitigate infant obesity risks

A new study suggests that newborns who get more sleep and wake up less throughout the night are less likely to be overweight in infancy. Researchers found a 26% decrease in infant obesity risks with just one additional hour of sleep.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Black hole thermodynamics: a history from Penrose to Hawking

Historical context of black hole thermodynamics investigated through Roger Penrose's energy extraction theory and its influence on Stephen Hawking's groundbreaking discovery of black hole radiation. The study explores the connections between Western and Soviet physicists, shedding new light on the development of this field.

Infant planet discovered by UH-led team using Maunakea telescopes

A team of scientists led by University of Hawaii at Manoa has discovered a newly-formed planet, 2M0437b, which can be directly observed. The planet is estimated to be several times more massive than Jupiter and formed with its star around the time of main Hawaiian Island emergence.

Stretchy, bendy, flexible LEDs

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis developed a new material for stretchy flexible LEDs using an inkjet printer, combining the benefits of organic and inorganic LEDs. The new material, called perovskite, can be printed onto unconventional substrates, including rubber, and is elastic and stretchable in nature.

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.

Fighting multiple sclerosis with cold

Scientists at UNIGE discovered that cold therapy can reduce symptoms of multiple sclerosis by shifting energy resources away from the immune system. This approach shows promise for treating autoimmune diseases and could be relevant to other immune-mediated or infectious diseases.

Mechanism behind ineffective psoriasis drugs identified

New study reveals that blocking interleukin-23 is more effective than targeting both interleukin-23 and interleukin-12 in treating psoriasis. Interleukin-12, previously thought to contribute to the disease, actually protects against it by maintaining normal skin cell function.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Traces of an ancient road in a lake

Researchers found three phases of landscape development over 800 years, influenced by wars, politics and climate. Wars led to devastation and 'renaturalization', while agriculture and settlements had a lasting impact.

Update: Repurposing rheumatology drugs for COVID-19

The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) has updated its points to consider on the use of immunomodulatory drugs in severe COVID-19 treatment. The new guidelines focus on repurposing rheumatology drugs, with WHO recommending dexamethasone and anti-IL-6 receptor antibodies for treatment.

Gene therapy shows early promise as angelman syndrome treatment

A gene therapy strategy has shown encouraging early results against Angelman syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting approximately one in every 20,000 children. The therapy restores function of the UBE3A gene in neurons, preventing key signs of the condition and improving motor skill-learning and behaviors.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Mechanism underlying the emergence of virus variants unravelled

Scientists have identified the molecular origins of recombination in RNA viruses, a process that can lead to the emergence of new variants. The study reveals a new class of antiviral drugs that target this mechanism, but warns of potential risks when used in large quantities.

Examining the accelerating universe

Researchers examine the accelerating expansion of the Universe, a phenomenon driven by dark energy. The study reveals disparities between observations and theoretical models, highlighting the need for new understanding and precision experiments.

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.

This pyramid scheme could be helpful

Rice University researchers have developed a method to control the growth of tetrahedron-shaped nanoparticles, which can be used as building blocks for unique metamaterials. The team discovered that balancing thermodynamic and kinetic forces during crystallization allows for symmetry breaking, forming pyramid-shaped nanocrystals.

Drought curbs a vine disease

Researchers at INRAE found that drought conditions do not trigger esca leaf symptoms in vines. The scientists used controlled drought conditions to monitor the physiological state of 51 Sauvignon blanc vines, half under drought, and found no correlation between drought and disease development.

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.

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.

Rutgers researchers find links to genetic disorders in walking patterns

Researchers at Rutgers University have linked Fragile X and SHANK3 deletion syndrome, both associated with autism and health problems, to walking patterns. The study used motion-sensored sneakers to detect gait problems 15-20 years before clinical diagnosis, offering a potential framework for early intervention.

Seamless wayfinding by a deafblind adult on an urban college campus: A case study

A case study evaluated the experience of a deafblind adult using three wayfinding support tools on an urban college campus. The tactile map proved to be the most successful tool, while the mobile application yielded the lowest performance and confidence. Simplifying wayfinding tools and tailoring information to individual preferences a...

Quantum battles in attoscience: Following three debates

The attoscience community has clarified points of tension through discussions among researchers, exploring the scope and nature of analytical and ab-initio approaches. Researchers also investigated the physical observables of quantum tunnelling experiments, aiming to explain differing conclusions.

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.

Shape of virus may determine RSV infection outcomes

A recent study published in eLife reveals that the shape of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) plays a crucial role in determining infection outcomes. Researchers found that RSV viruses change from long, rod-shaped particles to more rounded ones during infection, which affects the activation of complement proteins by the immune system.

Palaeontology: Earliest evidence of herd living in dinosaurs

A study published in Scientific Reports found fossilized remains of sauropodomorphs, including eggs and skeletal remains, that suggest the earliest evidence of herd living in dinosaurs. The fossils, dated to approximately 193 million years old, show age-specific clusters of individuals, indicating possible herding behavior.

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.

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.

Thirsty cities need a human/nature infrastructure combo

Research by Michigan State University scientists highlights the importance of balancing built and green infrastructure to address water insecurities and climate change. The study found that natural infrastructure, such as protected forests and wetlands, plays a crucial role in sustaining freshwater flows to cities.