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Science News for April 19, 2022


Temple research team uncovers changes in the people and places impacted by interpersonal firearm violence following COVID-19 containment measures in Philadelphia

The study found an increase in mass shootings and proportion of women and children shot, highlighting worsening structural inequalities. The researchers emphasize the need for investment in public education, employment, and social services to address gun violence.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateApr 19, 2022

Sending out bacteria-carrying mosquitoes to protect people from dengue

Researchers developed a model to identify vulnerable geographic areas for Wolbachia-carrying mosquito release, maximizing protection against dengue. The approach prioritizes areas with the greatest vulnerability, allowing targeted interventions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalChaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science·DateApr 19, 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.

MIT engineers introduce the Oreometer

Researchers subject Oreos to various tests, finding that the cream almost always separates onto one wafer, regardless of flavor or amount of filling. The team's study provides insights into the properties of yield stress fluids and offers a new approach to understanding non-Newtonian materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 19, 2022

Online program improves well-being of stroke survivors

A new online program has been shown to improve health-related quality of life among adult stroke survivors. The study found that participants who received access to the program had higher scores on health-related quality of life and reported fewer problems with personal care and daily activities.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 19, 2022

Particles released by red blood cells are effective carriers for anti-cancer immunotherapy: Singapore study

A study demonstrated that red blood cell vesicles can effectively carry immunotherapeutic RNA molecules to target breast cancer cells. This technology shows promise for delivering therapeutic RNA molecules to disease sites without degradation.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2022

Cross-racial study of 1.87m vets shows wide disparities in dementia

A cross-racial study of 1.87 million US veterans found significant differences in dementia incidence across five racial groups, with Hispanic and Black veterans at highest risk. Rates were significantly higher for Hispanics (99%) and Blacks (55%), while Asian veterans showed a 24% increase compared to whites.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA·DateApr 19, 2022

Phase transitions in the early universe and their signals

A University of Helsinki research team used holographic duality to model early universe phase transitions and their potential impact on gravitational wave signals. The study, published in Physical Review Letters, suggests that such collisions could create powerful ripples in spacetime detectable by satellite missions like LISA.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 19, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Regulating the regulators of the immune system

Researchers discovered that checkpoint inhibitors can activate regulatory T cells, which can counteract the immune response. Blocking PD-L1 enhanced effector Treg activity, reducing ability to control parasite infections. This finding highlights complexity of immune system's balance between controlling pathogens and protecting healthy ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2022

Twisting Oreos shows creme filling sticks to one side

Researchers from MIT found that Oreo creme tends to stick consistently to one side of the cookie, regardless of twisting speed or milk exposure. The study used a custom-made 'Oreometer' instrument to investigate cookie mechanics and encourage further research on rheology.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 19, 2022

Online program improves well-being of stroke survivors

A randomized controlled trial found that an online program improved health-related quality of life among adult stroke survivors by promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors and reducing disability. The study showed significant benefits in personal care and daily activities for those who received access to the online program.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 19, 2022

Praising essential workers — nurses, grocery workers, corrections officers — is not just a good thing, it’s critical to their recovery from burnout

A new study finds that public praise energizes essential workers, while those who don't receive it experience negative emotions and poor coping mechanisms. Essential workers in less visible fields like corrections officers face significant challenges due to lack of appreciation.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2022
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.

Fruit snack or edible? Study finds some cannabis products look like popular snacks

A new study led by NYU researchers found that cannabis edibles mimicking popular snack foods have high THC content and may be easily confused for them, increasing the risk of accidental ingestion by children. The products often exceeded maximum limits set by state regulations, raising concerns about public health.

SourceNew York University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateApr 19, 2022

Pacific Northwest wildfires alter air pollution patterns across North America

Wildfires in the Pacific Northwest are altering seasonal air pollution patterns and causing a spike in unhealthy pollutants in August. The research found that carbon monoxide levels have increased sharply, indicating the extent of smoke's impacts on clean air gains.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2022
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Regenstrief informaticians identify golden opportunities for improving delivery of preventive care and monitoring of acute and chronic conditions

Researchers propose that well-designed computerized clinical decision support can facilitate team approaches to healthcare, enhancing communication and coordinating group effort. The tool provides evidence-based information and guidance, enabling primary care physicians to oversee a diverse healthcare team more efficiently.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·DateApr 19, 2022

Study reveals new therapeutic option for head and neck carcinomas

A study has identified a new protein, Creb-binding protein (CBP), as a prognostic marker for above-average patient survival in HPV-positive head and neck carcinoma. CBP inhibitors are being developed as targeted therapies that can improve quality of life by reducing side effects associated with conventional chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalPharmaceuticals·DateApr 19, 2022

Bone growth protein might help more newborns survive severe lung disorders

A study published in Nature Communications found that BMP9 treatment restored capillary density and improved alveolarization in mice with ACDMPV. The treatment showed promise for improving care for BPD and CDH, two conditions that also affect lung development.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2022
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.

Novel treatment effective for sidewall brain aneurysm

A novel mesh plug treatment, Woven EndoBridge (WEB), has been shown to be equally effective in treating sidewall brain aneurysms compared to bifurcation aneurysms. The study found a complication rate similar between the two approaches and demonstrated the safety and efficacy of WEB for sidewall aneurysms.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateApr 19, 2022
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.

Portable, point-of-care COVID-19 test discerns alpha variant from earlier strains

A new portable COVID-19 test can detect and differentiate the alpha variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from earlier strains in saliva samples. The test uses a genetic phenomenon called S-gene target failure to identify the alpha variant, and can be used at home or other settings.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2022

No glacial fertilization effect in the Antarctic Ocean

A recent study led by the University of Bonn found no evidence of iron fertilization stimulating algae growth and sequestering CO2 in the Antarctic Ocean during ice ages. Instead, other processes such as sea ice cover and ocean stratification prevented CO2 from escaping into the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 19, 2022

SLAS Technology April Issue available now

The SLAS Technology April issue delves into the potential of single-cell transcriptomics for producing transcriptomes from heterogeneous samples. Kind et al. present a new process that reduces sequencing library preparation time by over 75% using the 10X Genomics Single Cell 3' kit.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS TECHNOLOGY·DateApr 19, 2022
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.

COVID-19 pneumonia increases dementia risk

Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia are at a higher risk of developing new-onset dementia compared to those with other types of pneumonia, according to a recent study. The median time interval between infection and dementia diagnosis was 182 days for COVID-19 patients.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 19, 2022

A better way to reduce child maltreatment

A national study found that differential response programs, which provide voluntary services to families at risk of child maltreatment, were associated with a 19% reduction in substantiated reports of child maltreatment and a 25% decrease in neglect reports. These programs also led to a 17% reduction in foster care placements.

SourceOhio State University·JournalChild Maltreatment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 19, 2022

HKU biologists find a new protective factor against excessive lipid accumulation in the liver of obese mouse - providing a potential treatment for fatty liver disease

Researchers at HKU have identified a new protein, SBK1, that regulates lipid metabolism in the liver and alleviates health problems caused by fatty liver disease. The study found that SBK1 activity reduces lipid accumulation, inflammation, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia in mice with fructose-induced fatty liver disease.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalHepatology·DateApr 19, 2022

Psychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer´s disease

Researchers found a clear link between elevated amyloid beta levels and the development of anxiety and apathy in Alzheimer's patients. These symptoms occur mainly due to underlying brain changes, not psychological reactions. The study suggests that psychiatric symptoms could be used as alternative outcome measures in treatment trials.

SourceLund University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 19, 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.

Three Gorges Dam: Friend or foe of riverine greenhouse gases?

A study on the Three Gorges Dam reveals that it has caused significant reductions in annual average CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions in the Yangtze River. The dam's impact extends thousands of kilometers downstream, challenging previous assumptions about large dams' effects on greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateApr 19, 2022

Mental illness associated with increased death from cardiovascular disease

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 108 studies found that people with severe mental illness, including schizophrenia, have twice the cardiovascular-related mortality rate as the general population. The association has grown stronger over recent decades, with a possible link to changes in antipsychotic use and smoking prevalence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 19, 2022

Product label changes do not prevent accidental acetaminophen overdoses

A Canadian study of over 12,000 hospital admissions found that updated product label changes did not reduce rates of accidental acetaminophen overdose. The study suggests additional measures are needed to prevent these episodes beyond just labeling changes.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 19, 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.

When neurons behave like a double-edged sword

A new study found that microglia regulate neuronal subtypes differently in response to bacteria, affecting intrinsic excitability. Pyramidal cells exhibited lower excitability, while Purkinje cells showed higher excitability when modulated by microglia.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCurrent Research in Neurobiology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2022

Revising the lifecycle of an important human parasite

Scientists tracked Cryptosporidium in real-time, revealing a simplified lifecycle that completes in three days with only three stages: asexual cells, male cells, and female cells. This understanding paves the way for potential vaccines or therapies to combat the disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 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.

The origins and ID of pancreatic endocrine cells

A team from UNIGE demonstrates that stem cells giving rise to beta cells cease to exist after birth, and defines the 'identity card' of other hormone-producing cells. This discovery has significant implications for developing cell-based therapies to treat diabetes.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateApr 19, 2022

Cancer burden facing Asian Americans partly caused by racism

A recent commentary in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute highlights the disproportionate cancer burden facing Asian Americans, largely attributed to historical prejudices and language barriers. The authors emphasize the need for increased funding and representation in clinical trials to address these disparities.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 19, 2022

Jupiter’s moon has splendid dunes

Scientists have found a new way dunes can form on Io's surface, which is icy and roiling. The researchers used mathematical equations to simulate the forces on a single grain of basalt or frost and calculate its path.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 19, 2022
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.

Interferon drives cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease model

A Baylor College of Medicine study finds that type I interferon is a major driver of memory and cognitive loss in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Blocking IFN reversed these memory and cognitive deficits in the animal model, suggesting that inflammation plays a key role in AD progression.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2022
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.

A geometrical mechanism determining the tile pattern of compound eyes

Research reveals that the compound eye tile pattern is controlled by geometrical patterns based on concentric circle growth, not just physical stability. The study found that individual eyes show a hexagonal pattern when evenly distributed, but change to square-type when the compound eye extends in the vertical direction.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 19, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Genes can affect our nutrient tolerance

A study found that small genetic variations impact an organism's ability to utilize energy from various nutrients. Researchers identified several genes contributing to sugar tolerance in fruit flies, which are also present in humans and linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 19, 2022

Rewiring the biology of leukaemia cells to reverse drug resistance

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London identified a way to overcome resistance to cancer drugs in leukemia cells by manipulating cellular pathways. By using a sequential treatment approach, the team was able to kill about 50% of leukemia samples and potentially develop a new treatment strategy for this devastating disease.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalScience Signaling·DateApr 19, 2022

April Issue of SLAS Discovery Now Available

The April issue of SLAS Discovery highlights innovative approaches to accelerating lead identification for pancreatic cancer therapies. Authors explore the potential of completely scaffold-free 3D models and automated organoid assays to improve disease modeling and drug discovery.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateApr 19, 2022

Wearables can track COVID symptoms, other diseases

Researchers developed an algorithm to analyze wearable heart rate data, discovering new signals indicating COVID-19 infection and disease progression. The study's findings could enable the use of wearables in tracking disease at home or during pandemics.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateApr 19, 2022

Measuring nature’s effects on physical and mental health

Researchers created two scales to measure factors related to time spent in nature, finding correlations between TSN and self-efficacy, intentions, and age. The study aims to inform future interventions to increase outdoor activities among adults.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalBMC Psychology·TypeNews article·DateApr 19, 2022
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.

A ‘greener’ alternative for red-colored smoke

Researchers at ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering have identified a less toxic dye called pigment red 254 (PR254) as a greener alternative to current anthraquinone dyes used in signal smokes. PR254 forms a red-colored smoke cloud more effectively and is thermally stable, making it suitable for use in heat-generating systems.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateApr 19, 2022

Unexpected protein could play role in common brain disorder

Researchers at UCLA have discovered that amyloid fibrils in the brains of patients with frontotemporal degeneration are composed of the protein TMEM106B, not TDP-43 as expected. This finding may lead to new focus on TMEM106B in FTLD and similar brain diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature·DateApr 19, 2022

New guidance for preventing healthcare-associated bloodstream infections

Five medical societies release recommendations for preventing central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in hospitals. The new guidance highlights the need to strengthen infection prevention programs amid worsening rates of these infections during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateApr 19, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Five diseases attack language areas in brain

A study of 118 PPA autopsies found five diseases causing language impairments, each impacting a distinct part of the language network. The findings can inform targeted interventions and treatment approaches for patients with PPA.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalBrain·DateApr 19, 2022

Deforestation of Indigenous lands could prevent Brazil from achieving climate change mitigation targets

Deforestation in Indigenous lands, particularly in Apyterewa Territory, poses a significant threat to Brazil's ability to meet its international climate change mitigation targets. The Brazilian government must take effective action to enforce environmental laws and protect the Amazon region.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 19, 2022
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.

How air pollution alters lung tissue, increasing cancer susceptibility

A study in eLife found that fine air pollution particles can increase the risk of lung cancer by altering lung tissue structure and reducing immune cell infiltration. The researchers identified peroxidasin as a key enzyme responsible for this effect, which could lead to new approaches for preventing or treating lung disease.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2022

Bioengineers visualize fat storage in fruit flies

Researchers have developed a new optical microscopy platform that allows them to visually track the timing and location of fat storage within intact cells of fruit flies. The tool is being used to untangle links between diet and phenomena like obesity, diabetes, and aging.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2022
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.

New technology 3D-prints glass microstructures with rays of light

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a new way to 3D-print glass microstructures using computed axial lithography (CAL), which produces objects with higher optical quality and design flexibility. The CAL process enables smooth surfaces and complex geometries, making it ideal for manufacturing microscopic glass objects.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2022

A new understanding of how the immune system deals with malaria

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet study how the immune system protects against malaria, finding that people who have contracted the disease before develop a tolerance that prevents severe disease. This knowledge can aid in the development of more effective vaccines.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 19, 2022

Almost ready for prime time: deep UV photodetectors head to real-world testing

Researchers are taking stock of advancements in ultrawide bandgap (UWBG) photodetectors with deep UV capabilities, highlighting their efficiency and potential for solar-blind applications. Further work is needed to optimize device performance, particularly in assembling materials over large area substrates.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 19, 2022
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.

New approach against chronic inflammation

Researchers have developed a new treatment for chronic inflammation by targeting the ASC protein with nanobodies, which can dissolve harmful molecular complexes and counteract inflammation. The treatment has shown promising results in mouse models, alleviating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateApr 19, 2022

Researchers create 3D model for rare neuromuscular disorders, setting stage for clinical trial

Scientists have created a 3D model of two rare neuromuscular diseases using a tissue chip platform. The model mimics the biology of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and multifocal motor neuropathy, allowing researchers to study how a drug could potentially treat these devastating conditions.

SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·JournalAdvanced Therapeutics·DateApr 19, 2022

The University of the Basque Country on track to cut its environmental and social footprint

The University of the Basque Country is taking steps to cut its environmental and social footprint by analyzing its impact through life-cycle assessment and modeling. By identifying areas for improvement, such as reducing transportation emissions and extending computer lifespan, the university aims to reduce its impact by up to 30%.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalData in Brief·DateApr 19, 2022