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Science News Archive 2022


Page 1 of 448

Disparities in United States COVID-19 vaccine distribution

A study by UC San Diego researchers reveals health care facilities serving diverse populations were less likely to administer COVID-19 vaccines during the initial rollout. The findings highlight inequities in vaccine distribution, contradicting national policy goals.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS Medicine

AI reveals unsuspected math underlying search for exoplanets

A machine learning algorithm has outperformed astronomers in analyzing microlensing data to find new exoplanets, revealing connections hidden in complex mathematics from general relativity. The AI algorithm uncovered a degeneracy that had been missed by experts, suggesting a broader theory is likely incomplete.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

Landing therapeutic genes safely in the human genome

A team of researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute and ETH Zurich have developed a computational approach to identify genomic safe harbors (GSHs) with high potential for safe insertion of therapeutic genes. The study validated two GSH sites in adoptive T cell therapies and in vivo gene therapies for skin diseases.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeExperimental study
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mysterious gamma-ray emitting bubbles around the center of our Galaxy explained

Large gamma-ray emitting bubbles are produced by fast blowing outward winds and the associated reverse shock. Numerical simulations successfully reproduced the temperature profile observed by an X-ray telescope, supporting this scenario.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

Engineered by KAIST mechanics - a quick but clingy creepy-crawler that will MARVEL you

M.A.R.V.E.L.'s magnetic soles made of Electro-Permanent Magnet (EPM) and Magneto-Rheological Elastomer (MRE) enable fast movement on uneven surfaces. The robot can climb at speeds of up to 70 cm/s on walls and 50 cm/s on ceilings, making it the world's fastest walking climbing robot.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Robotics·TypeMeta-analysis

Study discovers triple immunotherapy combination as possible treatment for pancreatic cancer

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a novel triple immunotherapy combination targeting checkpoints in T cells and myeloid suppressor cells, improving anti-tumor responses and survival rates in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer. The study found that neutralizing specific immunosuppressive mechanisms dramatical...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Cancer

For antiphospholipid syndrome patients, lab results don’t always paint the full picture

APS patients often experience internal feelings of poor health despite normal lab values, with significant impairments in physical and cognitive function linked to lifestyle factors and mental health medications. Researchers are now working to better understand these impacts through systematic patient-reported outcomes measures.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalACR Open Rheumatology·TypeSurvey

Seafloor video shows landslide was not the source of 1918 Puerto Rico tsunami

Researchers used seafloor video and carbon dating to determine that an underwater landslide scar is too old to be associated with the 1918 earthquake and tsunami. Instead, they propose a rupture of a two-segment fault along the eastern wall of the Mona Rift as the source of the tsunami.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·TypeObservational study
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.

Ketamine found to increase brain noise

Researchers discovered that ketamine increases background noise, impairing the function of thalamo-cortical neurons and affecting sensory perception. This finding may contribute to a better understanding of psychosis in schizophrenia.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience
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.

DGIST Professor Hwang Jae-yoon's team writes letters with ultrasonic beam! Develops deep learning based real-time ultrasonic hologram generation technology

The research team proposes a deep learning-based framework that can generate ultrasound holograms in real time, enabling precise and quick beam focusing. This technology has the potential to be used in patient-specific precision brain stimulation and general ultrasound fields.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics Ferroelectrics and Frequency Control

Water pollution, a major environmental contamination issue, solved by developing eco-friendly materials capable of purifying water at high speed with inexpensive raw materials!

Researchers developed an eco-friendly porous polymer material that removes phenolic organic contaminants and microplastics from water at ultra-high speeds. The material can be reused multiple times without losing performance, making it a promising solution for efficient water purification.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Materials
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.

Oncotarget | Serum microRNAs as new criteria for referral to early palliative care services in treatment-naïve advanced cancer patients

Researchers developed predictive models using serum microRNAs to identify patients at risk of requiring early palliative care. The study used serum samples from 178 patients with various types of cancer and found that miRNA-based models had higher accuracy than clinical models in predicting referral to a palliative care unit.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study

Study reveals how chronic blood cancer transitions to aggressive disease

Researchers at WashU Medicine identified a key transition point in the shift from chronic to aggressive leukemia, where blocking a molecule called DUSP6 prevents disease progression. Inhibiting this molecule also reduces inflammation in models of the disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Cancer

Influenza or a cold? A new technology can help you

A new microresonator technology is being developed to analyze chemicals using light, enabling faster diagnosis of diseases like COVID and diabetes. The device can retain light waves for longer periods, amplifying optical fields and making nonlinear processes easier.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study

Holding information in mind may mean storing it among synapses

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute found that the brain stores information in working memory by making short-lived changes in neural connections, contradicting the traditional idea of sustained neuronal activity. This new insight sheds light on the sophisticated flexibility of thought and its dynamic nature.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeExperimental study
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.

Guanine-egulated proton transfer enhances CO2-to-CH4 selectivity over copper electrode

Research team led by Prof. Lin Zhuang found that guanine modification boosts CH4 production and suppresses C2 product formation in electrochemical CO2 reduction. The results suggest a direct correlation between surface proton transfer capability and CO2 reduction selectivity.

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

New study on the circadian clock of the fruit fly

Researchers discovered a point mutation in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster that leads to a temperature-dependent lengthening of circadian clock periods. The mutation affects the nuclear export signal of the PERIOD protein, resulting in its retention in the cell nucleus at higher temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study
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.

Aging | DNA methylation-based measures of biological aging and cognitive decline over 16-years: preliminary longitudinal findings in midlife

A 16-year longitudinal study found associations between DNA methylation-based measures and neuropsychologically-validated cognitive decline in midlife. The results suggest that these measures may serve as biomarkers for a molecular aging mechanism, potentially identifying individuals at risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study

Laser drills elongated and crack-free micro-holes in glass

Researchers at CELIA have developed a laser drilling method that creates elongated, crack-free micro-holes in glass. This breakthrough allows for high-aspect ratio holes with smooth inner walls, enabling new applications in microelectronics.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing

Dual‐site collaboration boosts electrochemical nitrogen reduction on Ru‐S‐C single‐atom catalyst

Researchers demonstrate that a dual-site cooperative catalytic mechanism on Ru-S-C single-atom catalyst significantly enhances electrochemical nitrogen reduction. The Ru/S dual site facilitates the activation and first protonation of N2 in the rate-determining step, leading to improved activity and selectivity.

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

PPARγ acetylation in macrophages impairs adipose tissue function

Macrophage PPARγ acetylation decreases energy expenditure and worsens insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, and lipid metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet. This impairment promotes macrophage infiltration, adipose fibrosis, and hepatic steatosis.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study
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.

Scientific criteria for assessing the safety of probiotics

A new paper highlights the need for globally harmonized probiotic regulatory approaches, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive genomic characterization. It proposes a risk-tier system based on strain history and genome analysis, recommending more extensive testing for innovative strains before marketing.

SourceInternational Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics·JournalRegulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology·TypeLiterature review

Try to be a pioneer

Researchers found no evidence of a critical mass needed to start and maintain new research fields. Instead, pioneering regions with early investment can establish dominance. However, late-comers face significant costs to catch up, as seen in China's semiconductor science, where strategic interventions over decades led to a dominant role.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalChaos Solitons & Fractals·TypeData/statistical analysis
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Human brain organoids implanted into mouse cortex respond to visual stimuli for first time

Researchers have successfully demonstrated that human brain organoids implanted in mice can establish functional connectivity and respond to external sensory stimuli, including visual cues. The breakthrough uses a combination of transparent graphene microelectrode arrays and two-photon imaging, enabling real-time observation of neural ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study

Singing supports stroke rehabilitation

A recent study at the University of Helsinki found that singing-based group rehabilitation can increase communication and speech production in stroke survivors, while also reducing social isolation. The study's results suggest that this type of rehabilitation could be a valuable addition to existing aphasia treatment protocols.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBrain Communications

Modelling the collective movement of bacteria

Researchers developed a mathematical model of bacterial movement that includes cell division and death. The model predicts bacteria can form colonies through travelling waves of concentrated 'packages' of bacteria.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E
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.

Drivers of political violence in the United States

The study identifies four key drivers of political violence in the United States: toxic polarization, identity-based ideologies, erosion of democratic norms, and disinformation. These drivers contribute to increased acceptance of political violence and undermine democratic institutions.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing

A greener internet of things with no wires attached

A new form of thin-film device technology using alternative semiconductor materials could contribute to a more sustainable IoT. Wireless power harvesting from the environment using photovoltaic cells and RF energy harvesters is being explored.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Electronics

Enzyme that protects against viruses could fuel cancer evolution

A recent study found that the APOBEC3G enzyme can cause numerous mutations in bladder tumor cells, leading to increased malignancy and mortality. The research suggests that this enzyme could be a potential target for cancer treatment strategies.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalCancer Research

Dawn of solid-state quantum networks

Researchers demonstrated high-visibility quantum interference between two independent semiconductor quantum dots, an important step toward scalable quantum networks. The observed interference visibility is up to 93%, paving the way for solid-state quantum networks with distances over 300 km.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Development of bio-friendly transparent temperature sensor technology that precisely measures temperature changes by light

Researchers developed a transparent temperature sensor that can measure rapid temperature changes in less than a few milliseconds. The sensor uses the thermoelectric effect and achieves high transparency, making it suitable for various photothermal bioengineering and medical applications.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalMaterials Horizons

Exotic clasts in Chang'e-5 samples indicate unexplored terrane on moon

Researchers identified seven exotic igneous clasts in Chang'e-5 samples, providing critical information about the Moon's lithological diversity and regolith gardening process. The findings indicate that there are still unknown geological units on the moon, which may aid future lunar exploration missions.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Astronomy

Oncotarget | The role of pyrethroid derivatives in autophagy and apoptosis crosstalk signaling and potential risk for malignancies

Researchers found that pyrethroid derivatives induce autophagy, increase reactive oxygen intermediates, and alter membrane fluidity in human primary cells. These findings suggest a potential risk for malignancies and highlight the need for further investigation into pyrethroid-related cancer risks.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study

Assessment of mental health services available through smartphone apps

A study of 578 mental health apps found that most offered basic features like psychoeducation and goal tracking, but fewer innovative features like biofeedback or specialized therapies. Privacy concerns remained a significant issue, with app popularity metrics providing little help in identifying more private apps.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open

Changes in state-level cigarette sales during pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, state-level cigarette sales varied significantly across the US. The analysis found lower per capita sales in eight states and higher sales in 22 states compared to expected levels. These findings may be related to differences in state responses to the pandemic and tobacco control policies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Good and bad feelings for brain stem serotonin

Researchers at Hokkaido University identify a nerve pathway in the brain stem involved in processing rewarding and distressing stimuli, opposing a previously identified pathway. This finding could lead to developing drug treatments for mental disorders like addiction and major depression.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study

Restricted abortion access linked to increased suicide risk in young women

Researchers found a significant association between restricting abortion access and increased suicide rates among women of reproductive age. The study's findings have clinical, policy, and ethical implications, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to approach suicide risk classification in this demographic differently.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJAMA Psychiatry

Review on intrinsic electrocatalytic activity of transition metal nitrides on HER

Transition metal nitrides (TMNs) show high intrinsic electrocatalytic activities on hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), thanks to their unique electronic structures and properties. Recent strategies like facet, alloying, doping, vacancy, heterostructure, and hybridization have improved TMN performances.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study
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 glimpse of a cell’s sense of touch

Researchers reveal how cells use their sense of touch to make vital decisions during embryogenesis, including testing the surroundings and sensing tissue architecture. The study provides new insights into cell communication and may lead to the development of more robust synthetic tissues in tissue engineering.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Materials

Tissue-specific immunity may be the future, if we can first learn its rules

Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified distinct patterns of cytokine and granzyme expression in tissue-resident memory T cells, highlighting their complex biology. These findings pave the way for a new branch of precision therapeutics targeting infection, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalImmunity

Actinidia arguta (sarunashi) juice inhibits lung cancer in mice

Researchers from Okayama University found that Actinidia arguta (Sarunashi) juice and its component isoquercetin inhibit lung cancer development in mice, accelerating DNA repair and suppressing Akt-mediated growth signaling. The study suggests Sarunashi juice as an attractive candidate for chemoprevention.

SourceOkayama University·JournalGenes and Environment·TypeExperimental study

Skiing over Christmas holidays no longer guaranteed – even with snow guns

Researchers at the University of Basel have calculated that Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis ski resort's 100-day ski season is unlikely by 2100 due to warmer winters. Water consumption for snowmaking will increase significantly, with an average winter requiring 540 million liters of water.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalInternational Journal of Biometeorology

Researchers ID protein that may protect the heart during certain cancer treatment regimens

A team of researchers has identified a protein called hemopexin that may help protect the heart from damage caused by anthracycline chemotherapy. Levels of hemopexin in the blood were associated with increased cardiac toxicity, but administering hemopexin prevented the development of cardiac dysfunction in mice.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalScience Advances
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.

A checkerboard pattern of inner ear cells enables us to hear

A recent study published in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology has found that the unique checkerboard pattern of cells in the organ of Corti is essential for proper hearing. The researchers discovered that when hair cells adhere to each other abnormally, it leads to apoptosis and a decrease in hair cell numbers, resulting in h...

SourceKobe University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study

Mental health revisits at pediatric emergency departments

Pediatric mental health emergency department visits are rising, driven by markers of disease severity and healthcare access issues. Targeted hospital and community interventions can help mitigate recurrent visits and improve mental health care delivery.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics