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Science News Archive April 2022


Page 24 of 37

Measuring endocrine disruptors in wastewater

A team of researchers from INRS has developed a new tool to measure the effects of endocrine disruptors in wastewater. Using human cell lines, they can detect the presence of these contaminants and predict their harmful effects without resorting to animal testing.

Method efficiently breaks down plastic bottles into component parts

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a stable and selective catalyst for breaking down polyester-based plastics into their component parts. The method uses metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and requires only three components: plastic, hydrogen, and the catalyst.

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 4 V-class metal-free organic lithium-ion battery gets closer to reality

Researchers at Tohoku University and UCLA have made a breakthrough in high-voltage metal-free lithium-ion batteries using a small organic molecule, croconic acid. The battery has a strong working voltage of around 4V and a high theoretical capacity, potentially leading to more energy-dense and cost-effective batteries.

Greater diversity in genetic studies helps researchers uncover new insights

A new study has shown that increasing genetic diversity can improve researchers' ability to identify important genetic markers for health conditions. The study, which analyzed data from over 470,000 Hispanic/Latino individuals, identified 42 previously unidentified regions of the human genome related to BMI, height, and waist-to-hip ra...

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.

100 km, the current Longest Distance of Quantum Secure Direct Communication

A team of scientists has successfully implemented a novel QSDC system that transmits information directly using quantum states over 100 km of fiber, achieving ultra-low error rates and high transmission rates. The system uses photonic time-bin and phase states, resulting in a record-breaking distance of 100 km.

Worrying number of cancer patients in UK diagnosed through emergency routes

A study found that over a third of cancer patients in the UK were diagnosed through emergency routes, with older and advanced cancer patients being disproportionately affected. The researchers called for better symptom awareness, reduced barriers to screening, and additional diagnostic capacity to improve early diagnosis.

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.

Biomolecular insights into protein-insolubility-related disease

Extracellular vesicles play a crucial role in the aggregation and deposition of TTR amyloids in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis, according to new research. The study reveals that EVs promote the formation of V30M-TTR aggregates on cells, leading to tissue damage.

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.

Cereals take control of bacterial production of ammonia fertiliser

Researchers have made a breakthrough in controlling bacterial nitrogen fixation by cereals, enabling them to produce their own ammonia fertiliser. This development has the potential to reduce reliance on industrially produced ammonia-based fertilisers and mitigate environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Using vertical sounding data to forecast Zonda wind in the Andes region

Researchers used vertical sounding data to improve forecasting of Zonda windstorms, a severe weather phenomenon affecting Argentina's agricultural communities. By analyzing atmospheric profiles and applying principal component analysis, they achieved reliable forecasts with up to 24 hours of lead time.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study shows smoking increased in those trying to quit during COVID-19

A study published in the Ochsner Journal found that 28.2% of current smokers reported increased tobacco use during the pandemic, while former smokers experienced no relapse. Researchers identified correlates of increased tobacco use, including mental health concerns and coping strategies.

Medical assistants help close virtual-visit digital divide

Patients in low-socioeconomic-status neighborhoods and those needing language interpretation had higher connection rates for successful video visits, thanks to medical assistant involvement. Overall, the study found 87% of video visits had a successful connection.

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.

Ultrasound gave us our first baby pictures can it also help the blind see?

A new study by USC researchers uses focused ultrasound technology to stimulate the retina of blind rats, demonstrating the potential for a non-surgical solution to restore sight. The technology generates sound waves that activate neurons and send signals to the brain, bypassing traditional light-based stimulation.

Microplastics in the Cauvery River may be harming fish

A new study published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety reveals that microplastics in the Cauvery River may be causing growth defects in fish, including skeletal deformities and DNA damage. The study found that pollutants from slow-flowing and stagnant sites caused significant harm to zebrafish embryos.

Scientists crack egg forging evolutionary puzzle

A recent study by researchers from the University of Cambridge and Boston University has made a major breakthrough in understanding how cuckoo finches mimic eggs of multiple host species. The team found that female cuckoo finches inherit their egg-mimicry abilities from their mothers, allowing them to exploit different host species. Ho...

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.

Epigenetic treatments: New allies for chemotherapies?

Researchers identified genes and epigenomic marks that enable cancer cells to resist chemotherapy. By inhibiting these marks, epi-drugs can restore treatment sensitivity. Future clinical trials aim to adapt this concept for human use.

Climate change demands near perfect weed control in soybean

Research reveals that climate change and drought can cause significant yield losses in soybeans, even with high levels of weed control. To mitigate this, farmers need to adopt integrated weed management strategies, including the use of soil-residual herbicides and late-maturing soybean varieties.

Researchers identify a new treatment for metabolic syndrome

Researchers at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University have discovered a new receptor, Ptprd, that controls appetite and body weight. The receptor trap drug suppresses appetite, body weight, and blood glucose levels in obese 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.

Why 90% of clinical drug development fails and how to improve it?

Current drug optimization prioritizes potency/specificity over tissue exposure/selectivity, leading to clinical failures. A new approach, STAR, classifies drugs based on potency/selectivity, tissue exposure/selectivity, and required dose to achieve clinical efficacy/toxicity balance.

The power of kindness in improving brain health

A kindness training program adapted from Children's Kindness Network improves both parents' resilience and children's empathy. The study found that teaching kindness at home boosts parental resilience and enhances emotional intelligence in preschoolers, supporting overall brain health.

Rhesus monkeys can perceive their own heartbeat

Researchers have discovered that rhesus monkeys can sense their heartbeats, which may help understand interoception and its link to mental health conditions. This finding provides an important model for future psychiatric research.

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.

Certain personality traits associated with cognitive functioning late in life

Research by the American Psychological Association found that individuals with high levels of conscientiousness and low neuroticism tend to have better cognitive functioning late in life. Those high in extraversion may also maintain normal cognitive function longer, while high neuroticism is associated with decreased healthy cognition.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

How ovarian cancer defies immunotherapy

Researchers at UC San Diego found that ovarian cancer tumors activate FAK protein to regulate CD155 expression, creating a shield against immune detection and evading treatment. New molecular targets may boost immune response and lead to new combinatorial strategies for this disease.

Light-powered microbes are super-producing chemical factories

Researchers from Osaka University engineered microorganisms to use light as an external energy source, accelerating biomanufacturing of target compounds without disrupting the host microorganism's natural metabolism. This approach has the potential to increase efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in bioprocesses.

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.

Climate change reduces HIV treatment adherence in Africa

A new study found that climate change and drought can lead to increased rates of HIV treatment non-adherence in Africa. The review highlights the complex interactions between social, economic, and environmental factors that exacerbate this issue.

World’s first LED lights developed from rice husks

Researchers at Hiroshima University have created the world's first silicon quantum dot (QD) LED light using waste rice husks, offering an eco-friendly alternative to toxic semiconducting materials. The new method transforms agricultural waste into high-quality LED lights with high luminescence efficiency and low environmental impact.

Decoy particles trick coronavirus as it evolves

Researchers have developed a new potential COVID-19 treatment using decoy nanoparticles that mimic cells. These nanoparticles effectively inhibit viruses and bind them, rendering them inactive. The treatment has shown promise against drug-resistant variants, outperforming traditional treatments in some cases.

New study suggests wildlife may be answer to phosphorus crisis

Researchers propose that wildlife can return phosphorus to the land by restoring interconnected animal communities, revitalizing ancient pathways of natural fertilization. This approach aims to generate sources of fertilizer for farmers and increase ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change.

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.

Bladder cancer: therapeutically effective drugs identified

Researchers identified clofarabine as a promising compound with inhibitory effects on bladder cancer cells, including urothelial carcinoma and sarcomatoid carcinoma. The study suggests potential for clinical trials to treat metastatic bladder cancer patients who cannot receive traditional cisplatin-based therapy.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Children think farm animals deserve same treatment as pets

Research shows that children aged 9-11 believe farm animals should be treated like pets and think eating animals is less morally acceptable than adults. The study suggests that speciesism - a moral hierarchy giving different value to different animals - is learned during adolescence.

MU grant will help nurses boost confidence in COVID-19 vaccine

The University of Missouri has received a grant to help nurses discuss COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy with their communities. The project will equip nursing students with knowledge and confidence to promote public health through effective communication strategies.

Psilocybin rewires the brain for people with depression

A new study by UC San Francisco and Imperial College London found that psilocybin therapy reduces connections within brain areas tightly connected in depression, while increasing connections to other regions. This leads to improved depressive symptoms and better cognitive functioning in participants.