Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive October 2021


Page 8 of 40

Why some Darwin’s finch nestlings have yellow beaks

A study published in Current Biology found that a mutation affecting the expression of a key carotenoid pigment gene is responsible for the yellow color of some Darwin's finch nestlings. The genetic basis for this variation was poorly understood, but researchers were able to identify the underlying mechanism using modern genetic tools.

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.

A new 3D printing frontier: Self-powered wearable devices

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have developed an all-printed piezoelectric wearable device that detects hand gestures and heartbeats without an external power source. The device utilizes a new hybrid printing method combining multi-material aerosol jet printing and extrusion printing.

How robots can rule roads

Experts say that connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) can reduce road casualties, but require a framework for ethical goals to meet their potential. The introduction of CAVs will depend on the development of new rules and regulations.

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.

Sex, drugs, and genes: Moral attitudes share a genetic basis

A new study published in Psychological Science found that moral views concerning recreational drugs and openness to noncommitted sex are approximately 50% heritable, with the remaining 50% explained by unique environment. The researchers also discovered substantial overlap in genetic effects underlying both factors.

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.

Many new college students report pet separation anxiety

A recent study by Washington State University researchers found that 75% of new first-year college students experience some level of pet separation anxiety, with one in four reporting moderate to severe symptoms. Students who treated their pets like people were more likely to experience high levels of anxiety.

Ancient permafrost bacteria can be resistant to modern antibiotics

Scientists found ancient bacteria in permafrost resistant to streptomycin, spectinomycin, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline. Genome analysis revealed limited differences between ancient and modern strains, suggesting a potential threat to human health due to global warming.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tumor reasons why cancers thrive in chromosomal chaos

Researchers describe how cancer cells exploit genetic and cellular processes to promote tumor survival and growth. The study found that aneuploidy, a condition of abnormal chromosome number, intersects with the stress response mechanism in cancer cells, leading to immune cell dysregulation.

Broadband spintronic-metasurface terahertz emitters with tunable chirality

Researchers developed a novel spintronic-metasurface terahertz emitter that generates broadband, circularly polarized, and coherent terahertz waves. The design offers flexible manipulation of the polarization state and helicity with magnetic fields, enabling efficient generation and control of chiral terahertz waves.

New public health education programs to address workforce needs

The grant aims to educate diverse students for vital jobs in public health informatics and technology. UMass Lowell will offer new undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as certificates, to increase representation from underrepresented communities in the public health IT workforce.

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.

Managing water resources in a low-to-no-snow future

A new study analyzes when a low-to-no-snow future might arrive and its implications for water management. If greenhouse gas emissions continue, low-to-no-snow winters will become regular occurrences in the western U.S. in 35 to 60 years.

How a natural disaster can bring couples closer

A new study found that couples in the Houston area experienced a significant increase in relationship satisfaction after Hurricane Harvey, despite previous research suggesting stress spillover would decrease satisfaction. The researchers discovered that those who were unhappy before the hurricane saw the largest jumps in satisfaction.

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.

Teaching robots to think like us

Researchers use physical reservoir computing to teach robots to think like humans by simulating brain signals. The system enables goal-directed behavior without additional learning, highlighting a potential breakthrough in AI development.

New molecule targets, images and treats lung cancer tumors in mice

Researchers developed a molecular agent that can target lung and other cancer cells for imaging and treatment, distinguishing between healthy and cancerous cells. The new approach uses a unique chemistry method to tune the reactivity of the molecule, avoiding off-target effects.

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.

The path from pollutants in food to a heightened allergic response

Cadmium exposure has been linked to an increased risk of developing allergies, particularly asthma, in children. Researchers found that gut bacteria over-produce an enzyme degrading vitamin D after cadmium ingestion, mimicking a deficiency, leading to enhanced allergic reactions.

Study reveals a gene crucial to sperm cell production

The study reveals that the Cdc42 gene is essential for proper alignment and function of Sertoli cells, which support sperm cell development. Disruptions in this gene can lead to reduced testicular function and infertility. Researchers hope to develop non-invasive diagnostic tests to identify specific causes of male infertility.

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.

Discovery of a new species of fish thanks to sounds

Researchers have identified a new species of damselfish, Dascyllus emamo, based on distinct sounds emitted during mating and territorial defense in different populations. The discovery was confirmed through genetic analysis, revealing significant differences between the sound-producing populations.

What causes disease outbreaks?

A study by the University of Georgia's Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases identified contaminated water as the most common driver of large-scale zoonotic disease outbreaks. The researchers analyzed over 4,400 outbreaks and found that unusual weather patterns and changes in vector abundance were also significant contributors.

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.

Fermented soybeans suppress asthma-induced airway inflammation

A new study published in Nutrients found that consuming fermented soy product ImmuBalance reduces eosinophilic-related inflammation in the bronchi of asthma model mice. The researchers also discovered a suppression of proteins that induce eosinophilic inflammation, suggesting beneficial effects for allergic asthma.

Fossil rivers of the Sahara tell of the threat of warming

A UNIGE-led team studied fossil rivers to reconstruct the Sahara's rainfall rates that led to a major migration of people away from the Nile valley 10,000 years ago. The research found a sharp increase in intense rainfall events, forcing riverine populations to migrate to central Egypt.

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.

Grant funds study of free-living nitrogen fixers in organic systems

Researchers will test inexpensive techniques to increase asymbiotic nitrogen fixation, aiming to reduce reliance on expensive certified organic fertilizers. The project aims to provide evidence for a cheap, effective, and sustainable form of nitrogen for organically managed crops.

Warmer water, less nutrition

Researchers found that warmer seawater temperatures decreased the nutritional content of giant kelp, a vital food source for many marine species. This decline could lead to population declines among consumers of kelp, including fish, invertebrates, and shorebirds, with far-reaching effects on entire ecosystems.

The young plant’s pantry does more than just feed it

A UNIGE team discovered that the endosperm's role extends beyond nutrition to influence seedling development, including cuticle formation. In its absence, seedlings fail to develop normally, highlighting the tissue's crucial protective function.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Transplants for alcohol-related liver inflammation surge during pandemic

During the pandemic, registrations for alcoholic hepatitis and deceased donor liver transplants increased by over 50%, associated with rising alcohol sales. Alcoholic hepatitis can lead to permanent scarring and long-term damage if left untreated, highlighting the need for public health interventions around excessive alcohol consumption.

Magnetic material 3D-printed from nonmagnetic powder

Researchers at Skoltech and their colleagues have successfully created a magnetic material by 3D printing a gradient alloy from nonmagnetic powders. The resulting alloy exhibits ferromagnetic properties, opening up potential applications in machine engineering, such as electrical motors.

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.

Clinically significant cataract linked to increased risk of vascular death

A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that individuals with clinically significant cataracts have a higher risk of dying from strokes and heart attacks. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 participants and found that the risk of death was 36% higher for those who had undergone cataract surgery.

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.

3 teens with COVID-19 developed sudden severe psychiatric symptoms. Why?

A new study found that COVID-19 can trigger severe psychiatric symptoms in adolescents, with anti-neural antibodies playing a potential role. Two patients with mild/asymptomatic COVID developed suicidal thoughts and paranoid fears, while another patient without prior psychiatric history recovered fully after treatment.