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Science News for April 15, 2022


Association of subjective memory complaints with structural brain abnormalities, cognitive decline among older adults

Researchers found a strong association between subjective memory complaints and larger white matter hyperintensity volumes, indicating abnormal brain structure. The study also showed faster cognitive decline among those with subjective memory complaints, highlighting their importance as an early sign of cognitive impairment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 15, 2022

Development of metastable-phase advanced material synthesis technology

A research team developed a novel metastable-phase palladium hydride material with improved thermal stability and twice the hydrogen storage capacity of stable-phase materials. They identified its growth mechanism using atomic electron tomography and suggested a new nanoparticle growth mechanism called multi-stage crystallization.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalNature·DateApr 15, 2022

DIY digital archaeology: New methods for visualizing small objects and artifacts

Two new methods for producing high-resolution visualizations of small artefacts are presented, allowing anyone to create high-quality images and models with minimal effort and cost. The protocols provide detailed workflows for photographic acquisition and processing, enabling replicability and reproducibility in the field of archaeology.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 15, 2022
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.

Injectable stem cell assembly for cartilage regeneration

Researchers developed a novel injectable stem cell assembly system to overcome cartilage tissue engineering challenges. The 3D IHI nanoscaffold-templated system effectively modulates the microenvironment and induces chondrogenesis, leading to accelerated repair of cartilage defects.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateApr 15, 2022

How bacteria evade bacteriophages in vivo

Scientists discovered that bacteria adapt their gene expression to evade bacteriophages in the gut environment, reducing susceptibility to infection. This finding paves the way for improved use of phages in therapeutic purposes.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2022

Many physicians have misconceptions about e-cigarettes

A Rutgers study found that nearly 70% of physicians report patients asking about e-cigarettes, yet most incorrectly believe all tobacco products are equally harmful. E-cigarettes were more likely recommended for heavy smokers seeking cessation, while FDA-approved medications were preferred for lighter smokers.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateApr 15, 2022
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.

A key brain region for substance use disorders now has a searchable atlas of distinct cell populations

Scientists have created a searchable atlas of distinct cell populations in the ventral tegmental area, a key brain region involved in reward-directed behavior and substance use disorders. The study identified 16 cell populations, including classic dopaminergic neurons, glutamatergic neurons, and GABAergic neurons.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2022

Engineers enlist AI to help scale up advanced solar cell manufacturing

A new machine learning-based system developed by MIT and Stanford researchers enables the rapid development of optimized production methods for perovskite-based solar cells. The system has already led to the manufacturing of cells with an energy conversion efficiency of 18.5 percent, a competitive level for today’s market.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateApr 15, 2022

Slow and steady wins the race – a tale of molecules dancing in a different way

Researchers have identified a new molecular process called SAP that enables liquids to equilibrate efficiently at low temperatures. This process, which is slower than structural mobility, allows molecules to cooperate and reduce their internal energy, making it possible for materials to achieve equilibrium within a reasonable time frame.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 15, 2022

Rain, floods and green infrastructure: Are cities mitigating the hazards equitably?

Research from Portland State University finds that cities are inconsistently placing green infrastructure in areas prone to flooding, disproportionately affecting non-white and low-income residents. However, some cities like Portland and Phoenix are making efforts to increase investments in these neighborhoods.

SourcePortland State University·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 15, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Rilzabrutinib for blood disorder shows promise in phase 1–2 clinical trial

A phase 1–2 clinical trial led by Massachusetts General Hospital has shown promising safety and efficacy results for rilzabrutinib, an oral Bruton kinase inhibitor, in treating immune thrombocytopenia. The study found that 40% of patients experienced a significant platelet response, with minimal treatment-related adverse events.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·DateApr 15, 2022

Unlocking complex workings of the biological clock

Researchers have studied the atomic structures of KaiC, a cyanobacterial clock protein, to understand its role in regulating circadian rhythms. The study reveals that allostery drives the clock, with phosphorylation and ATP hydrolysis cycles working like two gears.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2022

Communication between physicians, patients regarding electronic cigarette use

A survey of over 2,000 physicians found that they often struggle to discuss e-cigarette use with their patients, highlighting the need for improved communication strategies. The study identified key factors influencing physician-patient discussions on e-cigarettes, including patient demographics and medical conditions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 15, 2022
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.

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.

What physical properties of the crust affect aftershock locations?

Aftershocks form spatial clusters around mainshocks, with rates decreasing further from mapped faults and increasing with strain rate. Hardebeck's study improves models but falls short of capturing clustering density. Future research may incorporate crustal properties for better forecasts.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 15, 2022

Nationwide maps of bird species can help protect biodiversity

Researchers developed nationwide maps of bird species to aid conservation efforts, providing fine-resolution data for individual counties or forests. The maps predict bird diversity based on traits such as nesting habits and environmental factors like forest cover and temperature.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEcological Applications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 15, 2022

What drives racial and ethnic gaps in Medicare’s quality program?

ACOs with higher percentages of minority patients have lower quality performance and poorer preventive care outcomes. In contrast, ACOs with lower out-of-network primary care rates show no differences in quality performance among different racial and ethnic groups.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 15, 2022

Urban Seismology Project installs array in Myanmar during COVID-19

The Urban Seismology Project successfully installed a geophone array in Yangon, Myanmar despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The project aimed to build geophysics capacity in the nation and monitored a potentially locked subduction zone and major strike-slip fault.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 15, 2022
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.

Changes in vegetation shaped global temperatures over last 10,000 years

Research suggests that expansion of vegetation in the Northern Hemisphere led to a significant warming of global temperatures between 6,000 and 9,000 years ago. The findings align with paleoclimate proxy records and challenge previous models' limitations in accounting for vegetation changes.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 15, 2022

Delivery systems of plasmid DNA and messenger RNA for advanced therapies

Non-viral mRNA and pDNA delivery systems have shown promising results in vaccine development against COVID-19 and are being explored for therapeutic applications. These systems aim to improve upon current formulations by enhancing stability, targeting specific tissues, and stimulating innate immune responses.

SourceInnovation Center of NanoMedicine·JournalPharmaceutics·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 15, 2022
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.

Smoking reduces wealth’s tendency to increase life expectancy

Researchers found that wealth was associated with a 19 percentage point increase in survival rates from age 65 to 85, but smoking dominated other factors in shortening lifespan. The study suggests that avoiding smoking is crucial for living longer, regardless of wealth levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 15, 2022

Low jaw strength reflects hard to swallow in old age

A recent study published in Gerontology found that jaw-opening force can be used as an index for swallowing difficulties in older adults. Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University discovered that individuals with higher jaw strength are less likely to experience dysphagia.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalGerontology·DateApr 15, 2022

Upper airway infections in children with the Omicron variant

Researchers investigated Omicron's impact on children's upper airway infections and found a significant increase. The study suggests that as Omicron became the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant, cases of upper airway infection among children rose sharply.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 15, 2022
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.

A new toolkit to engineer safe and efficient therapeutic cells

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and UC San Francisco have developed a comprehensive rule book for designing therapeutic cells with improved specificity and safety. The new receptor system, dubbed SNIPRs, is small enough for cost-effective engineering into human cells and can detect and respond to even small amounts of its target. T...

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell·DateApr 15, 2022