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Science News Archive April 2022


Page 2 of 37

Genetic links revealed between severe COVID-19 and other diseases

A large-scale study found genetic links between COVID-19 severity and various medical conditions, including venous embolism, type 2 diabetes, and ischemic heart disease. The analysis also revealed shared genetic architecture with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and reduced risk of autoimmune conditions.

Engineers at UBC get under the skin of ionic skin

Researchers at UBC create ionic skins made of flexible hydrogels that use ions to carry an electrical charge. These hydrogels can generate voltages when touched, producing a piezoionic effect that allows them to detect pressure and other stimuli. The technology has potential applications in prosthetics, wearable sensors, and body impla...

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.

CAR T drives acute myeloid leukemia into submission in pre-clinical studies

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a novel CAR T-cell construct that targets acute myeloid leukemia (AML) effectively. The combination of drug therapy and engineering approaches enhanced the treatment's ability to adhere to tumor cells, overcoming previous difficulties with antigen targeting.

How brains form visual maps

Researchers at State University of New York College of Optometry propose a general theory of cortical map formation that explains the diversity of visual maps in nature. The theory suggests that map diversity emerges from variations in thalamic afferent density sampling sensory space, leading to increased cortical areas and sorting of ...

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.

Researchers create self-assembled logic circuits from proteins

Scientists have developed a proof-of-concept system that uses proteins to create stable, quantum-scale logic circuits. The circuits utilize electron tunneling behavior to modulate current and operate in a stable regime, making them suitable for high-frequency applications.

Research discovery reveals how a cancer cell resists radiation treatment

Cancer cells employ a unique defense mechanism to evade the effects of radiation treatment by exploiting an enzyme called Caspase-activated DNase (CAD). Removing CAD from cancer cells increases the effectiveness of radiotherapy. Researchers hope their discovery can lead to the development of targeted drugs to enhance cancer treatment.

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.

New report calls on bioethics to take a stand against anti-black racism

A new Hastings Center special report calls on bioethics to take a lead in addressing racial injustice and health inequities in the US. The report highlights structural racism and anti-Black racism in healthcare settings and proposes transformations in bioethics scholarship, education, and research.

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.

Developing inorganic lead-free perovskite for broadband emission

Scientists have successfully developed lead-free bismuth halide perovskites with broadband emission, overcoming toxicity and instability issues of traditional lead-based materials. The new material exhibits high efficiency and stability, paving the way for potential applications in artificial lighting and displays.

Gut microbiome may alter response to cancer therapy

The composition of microorganisms living in the gut influences response to conventional cancer treatments and novel immunotherapies. Recent studies suggest that targeting the gut microbiome could diminish side effects of chemotherapy, while diet, probiotics, and antibiotic medications may also impact clinical responses.

From blurry to bright: AI tech helps researchers peer into the brains of mice

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed an AI training strategy to capture images of mouse brain cells in action, allowing scientists to understand how the brain functions and is affected by disease. The technology combines ultra-small microscopes with AI to enhance image resolution up to 52 frames per second.

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.

I know what you did on Venmo

A study found nearly 40% of Venmo users shared sensitive information, such as health conditions and political leanings, due to inadequate privacy settings. Researchers identified specific groups, like AA membership, that exposed user payments through public notes.

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.

Giant marine reptiles at 2,800 meters above sea level

Fossil finds from the High Alps reveal giant ichthyosaurs that lived around 205 million years ago, measuring up to 20 meters in length. The discovery sheds new light on these prehistoric creatures and their paleobiological implications.

Understanding Black grief

New research suggests that collective grief is a critical component of the Black grief experience, influenced by America's history of racialization and racial violence. This collective grief can be felt deeply due to strong community ties and kinship bonds formed during enslavement and historical trauma.

Cofactor engineering drives natural product synthesis

Researchers developed novel cofactor engineering strategies to enhance NADPH, FAD(H2), and SAM supply, re-localization, and recycling in yeast. This led to the efficient synthesis of phenolic acids, providing a sustainable platform for complex natural product production.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research reveals the sex secrets of amphibian singing choruses

A Dartmouth study using advanced recording technology reveals that females prefer lower frequency songs with low variance, while males time their songs to follow neighbors. The research shows how chorus composition and individual songs impact mating in wood frogs.

New theory explains mystery behind fast magnetic reconnection

Researchers at Dartmouth College have developed a new theoretical description of how the Hall effect determines the efficiency of magnetic reconnection. The study reveals that the Hall effect suppresses energy conversion from magnetic fields to plasma particles, enabling rapid energy release and explosive magnetic explosions in space.

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.

Study shows sleep deprivation impairs stem cells in the cornea

A recent study published in Stem Cell Reports found that sleep deprivation negatively affects corneal stem cells, leading to increased rates of cell multiplication and reduced tear film antioxidants. This can result in serious effects on corneal health, such as thinning and ruffling of the cornea.

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.

Service workers’ volatile shifts linked to reliance on high-cost debt

A study by Washington State University and Harvard University researchers found that service employees' volatile work schedules are a key predictor of their reliance on high-cost debt. The more schedule volatility people experienced, the more likely they were to take out expensive loans or use credit cards in problematic ways.

From seawater to drinking water, with the push of a button

Researchers developed a portable desalination unit weighing less than 10kg that removes particles and salts to generate clean drinking water. The device uses ion concentration polarization and electrodialysis processes, requiring minimal energy and maintenance.

Additions to natural history collections declining

New study reveals a 54% to 76% decline in vertebrate specimen additions to natural history collections since 1965. The declines threaten to compromise the value of existing collections and limit future discovery, posing an unfillable gap for future generations.

Tackling the consequences of Long Covid

A new study using a citizen science board of people affected by Long Covid identifies key research areas, including treatment, diagnosis, and disease management. The findings highlight the need for clear diagnoses and access to care that meets their multidimensional needs.

Unravelling the origins of the human spine

Researchers from EMBL Barcelona have successfully recreated the formation of human spinal column precursor structures in a laboratory setting. The study reveals that the segmentation clock regulates somitogenesis and that somite size is species-specific.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Clues into a sleep mystery

Researchers pinpointed the molecular basis of deep sleep regulation in mice, identifying a brain area responsible for delta wave oscillations. Disrupting a specific gene boosted delta waves and enhanced deep sleep in animal models, paving the way for precision-targeted therapies.

Immune system culprit in severe COVID cases found

Researchers found that immune cells can harbor the virus, triggering a deadly inflammation response in the lungs. Blocking the NLPR3 inflammasome pathway with antiviral treatment may provide a way to treat COVID-19 pneumonia and prevent severe cases.

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.

Study reveals Stonehenge landscape before the world-famous monument

A new study reveals that the Stonehenge landscape was once covered in open woodland with meadow-like clearings, inhabited by grazing animals and hunter-gatherers. The research found evidence of aurochs, red deer, elk, and wild boar, suggesting a favorable location for early inhabitants.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Research examines keys to developing better batteries

A new study examines how individual electrode particles contribute to battery decay and identifies key factors, including particle properties and interactions. The research aims to develop techniques to control these properties and design more efficient, long-lasting batteries.

Scientists call for cap on production to end plastic pollution

An international group of scientists calls for regulating and phasing out the production of new plastics to reduce plastic pollution. Gradually cutting production is expected to bring numerous societal, environmental, and economic benefits, including boosting recycled plastics' value and helping tackle climate change.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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