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Science News Archive September 2021 - Page 34


Page 34 of 40

The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation completes the largest coral reef survey and mapping expedition in history

The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation has completed the largest coral reef survey and mapping expedition in history, assessing over 1,000 reefs in 16 countries. The Global Reef Expedition provided a comprehensive dataset for coral reef conservation, highlighting the status and major threats to these ecosystems.

SourceKhaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation·TypeObservational study·DateSep 7, 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.

Analyzing marijuana legalization, use among high schoolers

A new study published in JAMA Network Open analyzed the relationship between marijuana legalization and adolescent use, finding no significant association. The researchers used updated estimates from survey data, concluding that state-level marijuana legalization does not impact teenage marijuana use.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 7, 2021

$2 million grant will help at-risk students through parent-teacher partnerships

Researchers will provide training to teachers on effective parent engagement, creating class-wide communication plans and tailored interventions for struggling students. By fostering collaborative relationships between parents and schools, academics and behavioral issues can be addressed, ultimately improving student performance.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateSep 7, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

21.4% record efficiency for flexible CIGS solar cells

Scientists at Empa have pushed flexible solar cell efficiency to a new limit, achieving 21.4% conversion rate. The study's findings also show that the technology remains stable after exposure to combined heat and illumination.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·DateSep 7, 2021
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.

Chemotherapy drug puts young children with cancer at high risk of hearing loss

A new study by UBC researchers found that chemotherapy drug cisplatin is more likely to cause hearing loss in young children, particularly those under five years old. The study, published in Cancer, shows that the hearing of these children is impacted early during treatment and is affected to a greater extent than older children.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCancer·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 7, 2021

Think climate change is bad for corn? Add weeds to the equation

Researchers found that late-season weeds had a significant impact on corn yields, with minimal control resulting in an average loss of 50% and exacerbating crop losses under hot or dry conditions. The study suggests that climate change is not the only factor affecting corn yield, but rather its interaction with weeds.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateSep 7, 2021

Mining waste could be used as an ingredient for cheaper hydrogen fuel production

Researchers have discovered a way to use mining waste as part of a potential cheaper catalyst for hydrogen fuel production. The new catalyst triggers water splitting reactions using aluminosilicate minerals found in mining waste, which could lead to lower production costs and increased efficiency.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy and Sustainability Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2021

Singapore scientists develop AI-powered system to diagnose glaucoma using eye images

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University and Tan Tock Seng Hospital have developed an AI-powered system to diagnose glaucoma from stereo fundus images, achieving an accuracy of 97% in diagnosing the condition. The automated method could potentially be used in less developed areas where patients lack access to ophthalmologists.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalMethods·DateSep 7, 2021
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.

History of traumatic brain injury linked to higher rates of prescription opioid use and misuse

Adults with a history of traumatic brain injury are at increased risk of using and misusing prescription opioids, with nearly 52% increased risk for use and over 65% increased risk for misuse. The findings support the 'Perfect Storm' hypothesis, suggesting that TBI increases vulnerability to pain and opioid risks.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateSep 7, 2021

Researchers identify a mechanism that can help guide the development of new STING-activating drugs using imaging

A new study found that STING-activating drugs significantly alter nucleotide metabolism in pancreas cancer cells, which can be visualized using [18F]FLT PET imaging. This provides a non-invasive tool to track the effects of these drugs and fine-tune treatments for hard-to-treat cancers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Injuries to youth by law enforcement

A recent study found that Black youth in California have significantly higher rates of injuries caused by law enforcement than their non-Black peers. The researchers used California emergency department and hospitalization data to examine the overall rates of such incidents.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 7, 2021

Physicists point out window of opportunity for manned Mars mission

Researchers at Skoltech have identified a favorable window of opportunity for manned Mars missions in the mid-2030s. The study suggests that launching during the decaying phase of solar activity can help shield astronauts from cosmic rays, allowing for longer flight durations.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalSpace Weather·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 7, 2021

Highly efficient vibration concentration by disordered metamaterials

Scientists at Huazhong University of Sci. & Tech. present a soft and disordered hyperuniform elastic metamaterial (DHEM) that achieves remarkably high efficiency vibration concentration in broad frequency band, reaching up to ~4000 enhancement factor. The DHEM design covers a range of frequencies from ~100 Hz to ~10 kHz.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateSep 7, 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.

Bacteria could learn to predict the future

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that bacteria can adapt to changing environments by learning statistical regularities, enabling them to predict the future faster than traditional evolutionary methods. The study reveals a simple regulatory architecture that allows bacteria to process information and mak...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournaleLife·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 7, 2021

The Vilcek Foundation awards $250,000 in prizes to immigrant scientists

The Vilcek Foundation has awarded four prizes worth $250,000 to foreign-born scientists in the United States. The prizes recognize outstanding career contributions to biomedical science and innovative research. This year's recipients include Vishva M. Dixit, Markita del Carpio Landry, Hani Goodarzi, and Harris Wang.

SourceVilcek Foundation·DateSep 7, 2021

Spread of Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant driven by combination of immune escape and increased infectivity

The Delta variant's ability to evade neutralizing antibodies and its increased infectivity have contributed to its spread, making vaccination and infection control crucial in the post-vaccination era. The variant was found to be more efficient at replicating and spreading than other variants, giving it a selection advantage.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateSep 6, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Building a better bioartificial pancreas

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have designed a convection-enhanced macroencapsulation device that offers improved cell loading capacity, increased cell survival, glucose sensitivity, and timely insulin secretion. The device has the potential to be an autonomous system for minimally invasive treatment of type 1 diabetes.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2021

Buttes on Mars may serve as radiation shelters

Researchers found that buttes on Mars can block about 20% of radiation from the sky, reducing the dose by a significant amount. However, this effect is limited by albedo radiation, which increases when the terrain reflects and emits radiation backwards.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 6, 2021

Ancient Greek ‘pop culture’ discovery rewrites history of poetry and song

Researchers discovered a four-line ancient Greek poem with stressed and unstressed syllables, challenging traditional views on classical poetry. The poem's simple language and emphasis on individual expression suggest a 'democratising form of literature' that could represent a 'missing link' between ancient and modern forms.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Cambridge Classical Journal·DateSep 6, 2021

New filtering method promises safer drinking water, improved industrial production

A new filtering technology inspired by biology can separate fluoride from chloride ions with twice the selectivity, potentially preventing waterborne diseases like fluorosis. The technology also has potential applications in industrial processes such as chemical production and mining.

SourceTufts University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2021
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.

Using video for the early detection of autism

Researchers at UNIGE developed an AI algorithm using automated video analysis to detect autism spectrum disorder in children under 5. The system correctly classified 80% of cases and showed a convincing result in just 10 minutes, providing an initial screening tool for parents.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·TypeNews article·DateSep 6, 2021

Hummingbirds can smell their way out of danger

Researchers at the University of California - Riverside discovered that hummingbirds can avoid insects with defensive compounds, such as formic acid, which harm birds. The study shows that scent plays a crucial role in hummingbird foraging decisions and ecosystem function.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2021

Sn2+ sensitization improves the photoelectric performance of PbS-based photodetectors

Researchers created high-quality Sn2+-sensitized PbS films to improve photoelectric performance, achieving over 9 times increased photoresponsivity. The new photodetectors demonstrated excellent stability and switching behavior under high-frequency pulsed light illumination.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2021

Neurons are much smarter than we thought

Researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem have developed a new deep learning artificial infrastructure inspired by individual neurons. Their approach uses complex mathematical modeling to replicate the brain's electrical processes and create more intelligent AI systems.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNeuron·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 6, 2021

Koala killer being passed to joeys from mum

Researchers at University of Queensland discover koala retrovirus is transmitted from mother to joey through close proximity, highlighting a significant threat to wild koala populations. This finding may lead to re-thinked conservation plans and the use of antiretroviral treatment to prevent transmission.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2021
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.

Fruit fly metabolism could pave the way for new obesity and diabetes drugs

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered a hormone in fruit flies that regulates human metabolism, potentially leading to new treatments for obesity and diabetes. The CAPA hormone plays a crucial role in maintaining energy balance, raising blood sugar levels, and regulating insulin secretion.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2021

Electronic nose can sniff out when a lung transplant is failing

A new electronic 'nose' has been developed to detect when a lung transplant is beginning to fail, with 86% accuracy. The device uses machine learning algorithms to analyze exhaled breath patterns and identify lung diseases, offering new hope for patients diagnosed with chronic allograft dysfunction.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2021
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.

Fact-checking works across the globe to correct misinformation

A new study found that fact-checking works across the globe, reducing false beliefs and increasing factual accuracy. The researchers tested five unique fact-checks in four countries and found that fact-checks increased accurate beliefs by .59 points on a scale of 1-5.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2021

Advances of SERS and SEIRA: from nano/micro-structures to macro-optical design

Researchers have developed new strategies to optimize multiscale design of macro optics to micro/nanophotonics, enhancing the spectral sensitivity of surface-enhanced Raman and infrared absorption spectroscopies. This enables effective signal detection even for molecules with small scattering or absorption cross-sections.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateSep 6, 2021

Human antibiotic use affects wild bears

Researchers found that human antibiotic use increased resistance to antibiotics in bears' bacteria, affecting even those far from civilization. The study suggests that reducing antibiotic use can help decline resistance rates.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 6, 2021

Panic buying is driven by fear, perceived lack of supplies and social pressure, finds NTU Singapore study

A recent NTU Singapore study reveals that individuals experiencing fear, social pressure, and perceived scarcity are more likely to engage in panic buying. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing the psychological and social components of panic buying to mitigate its detrimental impact on societies.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 6, 2021

One-way for thermal radiation

Scientists at LMU's Nano-Institute have developed a method to cool samples using thermal radiation, reducing energy consumption. The technique, called radiative cooling, uses long-wave thermal radiation emitted by a sample to effectively cool it.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 6, 2021
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.

Astronomers explain origin of elusive ultradiffuse galaxies

Researchers used simulations to detect extended dwarf galaxies with low surface brightness, challenging previous theories. The study found that these 'quenched' UDGs originated in backsplash orbits and are isolated from their parent systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 6, 2021

Longer relationship between elephant and its handler improves their co-operation during working tasks

A study by researchers from the University of Turku found that elephants who worked with their handlers for over a year performed better in new work tasks than those with shorter relationships. The team also observed that older elephants were more reluctant to cross a novel surface, suggesting a decrease in curiosity with age.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 6, 2021
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.

Increased CO2 in the atmosphere makes dung beetles smaller

A new study led by Dr. Claudia Tocco found that elevated CO2 levels directly impact the development and survival of tunnelling dung beetles. The study reveals that beetles grown under heightened CO2 levels experience lower survival rates and are smaller in size compared to those raised under pre-industrial conditions.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2021

HKU environmental scientists solve key observational issues in new generation of satellites, transforming the way to track fine-scale changes of our planet from space

HKU environmental scientists have developed novel observational methods to overcome limitations in CubeSat observations, enabling more accurate tracking of fine-scale changes on Earth's surface. The research advances the monitoring of atmospheric cloud covers and improves data quality assessments for land-surface monitoring.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateSep 6, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study explores why asthma worsens at night

Researchers investigate how the internal circadian clock affects asthma severity. The study found that people with worse asthma experience greater drops in pulmonary function at night, and exhibit more symptoms-driven bronchodilator use during nighttime hours. This understanding could lead to new treatments for asthma.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2021

A picture of MRSA in the PALOP Countries

A whole genome analysis of a Staphylococcus aureus collection recovered from Cape Verde reveals high genetic variability among isolates. The study identifies three primary genetic clusters associated with lineages ST152, ST15, and ST5, commonly found in S. aureus infections worldwide.

SourceInstituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa ITQB NOVA·JournalJournal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance·DateSep 6, 2021
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.

Study shows how aspen forests maintain the diversity needed to adapt to changing environments

A decade-long study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers shows how aspen stands change their genetic structure over time, adapting to environmental fluctuations. The findings suggest that exposure to various environmental changes can maintain diverse forests capable of responding to different stresses.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2021