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Science News Archive 2022


Page 171 of 448

Traces of 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill still detectable in 2020

Small amounts of highly weathered oil residues from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster were still present in the surroundings ten years later. The study suggests that many environmental impacts are caused by chemically altered oil components, which can have different toxicities and physical properties.

Graphene synapses advance brain-like computers

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed synaptic transistors using graphene that mimic brain synapses, enabling devices to learn on the fly and improve performance over time. The new material is also biocompatible, paving the way for potential medical applications.

Leadership online: Charisma matters most in video communication

A new study by Petra Nieken found that charismatic leadership tactics and consistent video communication lead to better performance in remote work. In contrast, traditional charisma questionnaires did not predict staff performance. The study suggests that managers should convey a consistent impression when using the video channel.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scripps, UCLA chemists achieve “molecular editing” feat

The new approach enables chemists to synthesize novel, potentially pharmaceutically relevant structures that were previously difficult to synthesize. The techniques employ directing templates that efficiently direct CH functionalization at desired sites.

Collagen a key player in breast cancer metastasis

Researchers discovered that high levels of collagen type XII can trigger breast cancer cells to spread from the tumour to other parts of the body. The study suggests that measuring collagen XII levels in a patient's tumour biopsy could be used as an additional screening tool to identify aggressive breast cancers.

B.C. ocean’s worth of almost $5 billion to GDP likely an underestimate

A new study by the University of British Columbia suggests that BC's ocean contributed around $4.9 billion to provincial GDP in 2015, with marine transport sector making the highest contribution. However, this estimate is likely an underestimate due to excluded ecosystem services and cultural value.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Tiny optical sensors could put an end to hospital bed sores

Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed tiny optical fibre sensors to monitor movement and record vital signs, reducing the risk of pressure sores. The technology can detect when patients remain motionless for extended periods, prompting nurses to adjust their position.

Uncovering the secret of insulin growth factor ternary complex

Researchers determined the cryo-EM structure of IGF Ternary complex and its assembly & activation mechanism. The study reveals how IGFBP3 and ALS form a stable complex with IGF1, regulating its activity. The findings provide new insights into growth-related diseases such as growth hormone deficiency and ALS deficiency.

Dietary salt substitutes lower risk of heart attack/stroke and death

A pooled data analysis of 21 international clinical trials involving nearly 30,000 people found that salt substitutes lowered blood pressure and reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, and early death. The benefits were consistent across different geography, age, sex, and health conditions.

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.

Future medical applications in drug design

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have identified the Wnt6 morphogen as a crucial regulator of heart development in vertebrates. The study used mathematical modeling and experiments to understand how Wnt6 morphogen distribution is regulated, with potential implications for drug design and tissue repair.

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.

UTSW scientists identify pathway to curb spread of brain cancer

UT Southwestern researchers have identified a molecular pathway responsible for glioblastoma's spread and found an existing drug that curbs tumor growth in animal models. A clinical trial is underway testing the effectiveness of tofacitinib in treating glioblastoma.

Understanding how rechargeable aqueous zinc batteries work

A team of scientists from the University of Illinois Chicago discovered that hydrogen ions, not zinc, cause damage to manganese dioxide in rechargeable aqueous zinc-manganese batteries. This finding challenges existing knowledge about the charging mechanism and opens up new strategies for improving battery sustainability.

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.

New model sheds light on day/night cycle in the global ocean

Scientists have developed a new model incorporating the day/night cycle into a global ocean biogeochemistry model to investigate its effects on phytoplankton. The study found that diel light cycles significantly impact phytoplankton competition, particularly at lower latitudes.

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.

New project to create accessible library makerspaces

The project seeks to create accessible maker programs for blind and visually impaired learners, developing training materials for librarians and maker professionals. The initiative aims to enhance BVI learners' computational thinking skills and STEM interests, while helping librarians become more confident in working with BVI populations.

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.

Potential long-term treatment for asthma found

Researchers at Aston University have developed a new approach to tackle one of the underlying causes of asthma, not just its symptoms. The treatment, which targets the structural changes made by asthmatic airways, shows promising results in mice, reducing symptoms within two weeks and returning airways to near normal.

Measuring the “woodwork effect” in medical insurance

A new study led by MIT economist Amy Finkelstein found that for every nine adults who gained access to Medicaid in Oregon, one previously eligible child was added to the Medicaid rolls. The effect is modest but economically meaningful, with children costing four times less to cover than adults.

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.

Stars determine their own masses

Researchers used STARFORGE simulations to uncover what determines star masses, finding that stars regulate their own formation. This discovery may enable better understanding of star formation within our galaxy and other galaxies.

Do ‘bouncing universes’ have a beginning?

A new study by University at Buffalo physicists Will Kinney and Nina Stein reveals that the latest cyclic model introduces a new problem: the universe must have a beginning. This finding contradicts previous theories, which aimed to address entropy concerns by proposing endless cycles of expansion and contraction.

A smashing solution for cancer therapy

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a cancer therapy model that utilizes a protein degrading system to transiently degrade and reduce the PD-1 protein, which blocks immune function. This approach has shown high therapeutic efficacy in inhibiting cancer cell growth in mice.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Clearing the mist hiding the genome

A new mathematical method, RECODE, eliminates noise in single-cell RNA sequencing data, enabling precise understanding of cell activity. The method outperforms other analysis methods and is simpler to use, with potential implications for basic science, clinical applications, and drug discovery research.

Sexual dysfunction high among women with lung cancer

A recent study found that women with lung cancer experience significant changes in their sexual desire and vaginal pain/discomfort after diagnosis. The research highlights the need for addressing sexual health in thoracic oncology care to improve patients' quality of life and overall well-being.

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.

First study of its kind links moms’ problems to adolescent attachment

Mothers with personality disorder symptoms have a higher likelihood of insecure attachment with their adolescents, who are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and substance use problems. Maternal recalled experiences with caregivers also play a mediating role in this relationship.

Poor must not shoulder responsibility for reducing healthcare carbon emissions

Global health researchers argue that poor and vulnerable populations are already bearing the brunt of climate change and will be disproportionately affected by net zero healthcare targets. The NHS in England faces significant challenges in meeting its ambitious emissions reduction goals without exacerbating existing health inequalities.

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.

How college students perceive academic stress affects their mental well-being

A Rutgers study found that nonbinary and female college students, as well as those in their second year, are most affected by academic stress, leading to poor mental well-being. The researchers recommend colleges provide tailored mental health resources, stress-management strategies, and peer support groups to help build resilience.

Rice models moving ‘washers’ that help DNA replicate

Researchers have modelled a key mechanism by which DNA replicates, revealing details about how helicases wrangle DNA during replication. The simulations showed each step of translocation can travel more than 12 nucleotides along the backbone, pinpointing interactions involved in long-distance movement.

Body posture affects how oral drugs absorbed by stomach

A new study uses a biomimetic in-silico simulator to investigate the effect of body posture and stomach motility on oral drug bioavailability. The simulation reveals that stomach contractions can induce pressure, generating complex pill trajectories and affecting drug dissolution rates.

Banana peels make sugar cookies better for you

Researchers found that incorporating banana peel flour into sugar cookie batter makes the treats more healthful. The addition of banana peel flour resulted in cookies having less fat and protein, higher amounts of phenols, and better antioxidant activities compared to conventional cookies.

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.

A role for cell ‘antennae’ in managing dopamine signals in the brain

A new study found that neuronal cilia play a crucial role in ensuring proper signaling of dopamine receptors, which regulate motivated behavior and movement. Mice lacking functional cilia on dopamine receptor 1-expressing neurons became obese and sedentary, highlighting the importance of cilia in dopamine-dependent neural signaling.

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.

BU study: BCG vaccine prevents tuberculosis in young children, but not adults

A recent study suggests that the BCG vaccine is effective in preventing tuberculosis (TB) in children under 5 years old. However, adolescents and adults may require additional protection to maintain immunity beyond childhood. The researchers emphasize the need for booster vaccinations and new TB vaccines to supplement the BCG vaccine.

A new way to detect infection

Scientists have discovered a new way to detect infection by sensing physical forces produced by bacterial invasion. Cells use mechanosensor protein PIEZO1 to detect changes in surface tension, triggering an early and fast immune response.

Drought increases microbe-laden dust landing in Sierras

Research shows higher concentrations of pathogenic dust landing at lower elevations in the Sierra Nevada mountains, carrying fungi and bacteria that can cause crop failures and human respiratory disease. The study highlights the increasing threat of microbe-laden dust as the Earth dries out.