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Science News for September 5, 2021


How birds, mammals and children learn sounds

Researchers investigate how birds, mammals, and children learn sounds to understand the development of animal communication and human speech. Studies show that animals like parrots and bats can mimic sounds with varying degrees of accuracy, highlighting the complexities of vocal learning.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateSep 5, 2021
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.

Corals roll with the punches

A new study reveals corals have a high ability to pass on adaptive traits, helping them cope with climate change stress. However, reducing global warming is crucial for making the most of this adaptation capacity.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 5, 2021

New tool to predict polymer properties

Researchers developed a mathematical modelling tool to predict polymer network connections and properties, enabling design of new materials for various applications. The tool combines theoretical modelling and experimental chemistry expertise.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2021

A fluid-supported 3D hydrogel bioprinting method

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has developed a Fluid-supported Liquid Interface Polymerization (FLIP) 3D printer that can rapidly print hydrogel structures with complex geometry. This approach addresses the key nutrient supply issue in bioprinting, enabling the rapid fabrication of complex geometrical shapes.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 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.

Four independent studies show rovalpituzumab tesirine ineffective against small cell lung cancer

Recent studies published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology have found that rovalpituzumab tesirine is not effective against small cell lung cancer, despite initial promise shown in early clinical trials. The therapy has been plagued by high rates of side effects and lack of survival benefits.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 5, 2021

Fabrication of single-layer tetracene molecular crystals

A research team has successfully fabricated single-layer tetracene molecular crystals using two-dimensional inorganic crystals as substrates. The resulting material exhibits extraordinary photostability and Davydov splitting, making it a promising candidate for OLEDs and organic photoelectric energy conversion.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 5, 2021

Zirconium hydride catalyzed hydroboration of amides

Researchers developed an earth-abundant Zr-H catalyst for selective hydroboration of primary, secondary, and tertiary amides. The reaction pathway involves unusual C-N bond cleavage-reforming followed by C-O bond cleavage, enabling efficient amine synthesis.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateSep 5, 2021

The Lancet journals: "Emergency action on climate and nature crisis cannot wait for the pandemic”, says unprecedented joint editorial from health journals

Health professionals call for world leaders to take emergency action to transform societies and limit climate change, restore biodiversity, and protect health. The editorial urges governments to intervene with short-term plans to reduce emissions, conserve nature, and support low-income countries.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 5, 2021
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.

Baby birds tune in from egg

Researchers at Flinders University found that embryos of three bird species can distinguish between their parents' calls and non-specific sounds, building on complexity of vocal learning. This study paves the way for new insights into evolutionary and developmental timescales.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2021

Physical activity during pregnancy is linked to lung function in offspring

A study of 814 babies found that those born to physically inactive mothers had lower lung function compared to those born to active mothers. Regular physical activity during pregnancy may reduce the risk of impaired infant lung function, potentially improving respiratory health later in life.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 5, 2021