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Science News Archive April 2022


Page 21 of 37

Missing-link black hole found lurking in plain sight

Researchers found a missing link between galaxies and quasars, discovering a supermassive black hole in archived Hubble Space Telescope data. The object, GNz7q, appears to be a black hole just starting to overpower its host galaxy in the process of becoming a quasar.

Unlocking the molecular mechanism of PTSD treatment

Researchers found that NYX-783, a newly discovered drug, modulates NMDA receptor activity in neurons to suppress traumatic memories and spontaneous recovery of PTSD. The drug was effective in reducing fear responses and improving treatment outcomes, particularly in female mice.

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.

Energy transition: New-generation solar cells raise efficiency

Researchers at the University of Cologne and the University of Wuppertal have developed a tandem solar cell that achieves an unprecedented 24% efficiency, outperforming previous records. The innovative design combines organic and perovskite-based absorbers with an indium oxide interconnect to minimize losses.

Tear-free brushing? All you need is math

A team of researchers, led by L. Mahadevan, developed a mathematical model to understand the mechanics of combing and detangling. They found that using short strokes starting from the free end can effectively remove tangles, with an optimal minimum length for each stroke identified.

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.

Research brief: Immune response to parasitic worms

A study led by the University of Minnesota Medical School found that exposure to helminths can stimulate the immune system and reduce predisposition for inflammatory bowel disease. The research revealed a unique glycosylation mechanism, O-GlcNAcylation, which activates epithelial cells to orchestrate an anti-helminth response.

Why we shout during Zoom calls if the image gets blurry

Researchers at Radboud University found that as Zoom call video quality degrades, people start shouting and using more gestures to compensate. The study tracked participants' speech and gestures over 40 minutes of calls with deteriorating video quality.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Family structure associated with delinquency for adolescents

A new study finds that asymmetrical family structures, such as single-father or single-mother households, are associated with higher delinquency rates among adolescents. In contrast, symmetrical arrangements like mother-stepfather families show lower rates of delinquent behavior.

Team discovers novel root cause of tau-induced neurodegeneration

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have identified a novel mechanism by which tau protein causes neurons to die, which can be altered pharmacologically. This discovery provides a new framework for studying vertebrate models of tauopathy and eventually clinical trials.

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.

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.

Additional COVID vaccine helps protect transplant patients

A new study shows that three doses of mRNA vaccine provide substantially greater protection against severe COVID-19 for immunosuppressed transplant patients. Boosters appear to increase effectiveness, with a regimen of two doses only 29% effective and three doses 77% effective in preventing hospitalization.

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.

What do you see when you listen to music?

A study found that listeners in Arkansas and Michigan imagined similar stories, while those in China envisioned unique narratives. The results suggest that music can generate shared experiences despite cultural differences.

Infectious bacteria force host plants to feed them, study finds

Researchers discovered that bacterial virulence factor WtsE initiates mobilization of nutrients and water into spaces where the bacteria reside in infected maize plants. This process precedes death of plant cells and could inform future breeding practices to resist devastating corn diseases.

MD Anderson research highlights for April 13, 2022

Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant advancements in treating neuroendocrine tumors with combination therapy, identified consensus subtypes for hepatocellular carcinoma to improve treatment selection, and found a targetable vulnerability in urothelial cancer due to MTAP loss.

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.

New COVID-19 nasal spray outperforms current antibody treatments in mice

Researchers developed a protein-based antiviral nasal spray that thwarts infection by interfering with the virus' ability to enter cells. The treatment neutralizes all tested SARS-CoV-2 variants, including omicron subvariants, and is more cost-effective and self-administerable than current antibody therapies.

Aotearoa's first strontium isoscape developed

The University of Otago has created the first strontium isoscape for Aotearoa New Zealand, allowing researchers to pinpoint biological material to distinct geographical regions. This innovation enables better prediction of unknown materials' origin, benefiting industries and research

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Diverse life forms may have evolved earlier than previously thought

New research suggests diverse microbial life existed on Earth at least 3.75 billion years ago, dating back to a time when the planet was still forming. The study, led by UCL researchers, analyzed ancient rock formations and found evidence of complex structures that could not have been created through chemical reactions alone.

Newborns’ brains already organized into functional networks

A new study found that newborn brains are already organized into functional networks, with five networks operating at birth. Individual variability in these networks may be related to genetic differences and could have implications for behavior in adults.

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.

Feel the attraction of zwitterionic Janus Particles

A team of researchers used a new computer simulation to model the electrostatic self-organization of zwitterionic nanoparticles, which are useful for drug delivery. They found that including transient charge fluctuations greatly increased the accuracy, leading to the development of new self-assembling smart nanomaterials.

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.

Early human habitats linked to past climate shifts

A new study by an international team of scientists links early human habitats to past climate shifts using a supercomputer model and fossil records. The research suggests that climate change played a central role in determining where different hominin groups lived and their remains were found.

UNH research finds a genomic time machine in sea sponges

A novel approach to understanding sponge evolution reveals two distinct microbiome compositions that led to different feeding strategies and predator protection. The discovery provides insights into the Earth's past and could reveal aspects of ancient ocean chemistry.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Seeing more deeply into nanomaterials

Researchers at Columbia Engineering and Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a new high-resolution x-ray imaging technique to reveal the inner structure of novel nanomaterials. The tool, which provides 7nm resolution, has enabled them to study complex 3D architectures with unprecedented detail.

How do fungal infections spread in the human lung?

A team of researchers developed a novel chip-based infection model to study invasive aspergillosis, a mold infection that affects the lungs. The model allows for live microscopic observation of damage caused by fungal hyphae and the response of immune cells.

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.

Association between physical activity, risk of depression

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 studies found significant mental health benefits from physical activity, including a reduced risk of depression. The study suggests that even moderate levels of exercise can have a positive impact on mental well-being.

Estrogen and testosterone deficiency linked to higher rates of rotator cuff repair

Patients with lower levels of sex hormones are more likely to undergo surgery for rotator cuff tears, according to a study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. Estrogen deficiency was associated with a 48% higher incidence of rotator cuff repair in women, while testosterone deficiency was linked to an 89% higher rate in men.

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.

Tumors change their metabolism to spread more effectively

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered that cancer cells suppress a key enzyme in propionate metabolism, increasing production of methylmalonic acid (MMA) and causing cells to become more aggressive. This metabolic change may hold the key to understanding how tumors metastasize and developing novel therapies.

Social connections influence brain structure of rhesus macaques

Researchers found that rhesus macaques with more grooming partners had larger brain areas for social decision-making and empathy, specifically the mid–superior temporal sulcus (STS) and ventral-dysgranular insula. The study suggests that social connections influence brain structure in nonhuman primates, with possible implications for h...

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.