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Science News Archive April 2022


Page 28 of 37

Virtual cooking class improves children’s nutrition knowledge

A virtual cooking/nutrition program, Flint Families Cook, demonstrates success in reaching youth from low-income families and improving cooking self-efficacy and nutrition knowledge. The program encourages families to cook healthy meals together at home, using local ingredients.

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.

Scientists unveil the format of working memory

Researchers discovered that the brain formats working memory representations into a shared, line-like shape. This finding suggests that the brain selectively stores relevant information while discarding irrelevant content, and has implications for our understanding of psychiatric and neurologic symptoms such as schizophrenia.

Solar nanowire-nanotube filter offers easy access to clean drinking water

A team of scientists has developed a solar-powered water filter that can remove pathogens, pesticides, and micropollutants from contaminated water. The filter uses titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanowires and carbon nanotubes to produce reactive oxygen species that kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.

Engineered crystals could help computers run on less power

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a new material that can significantly reduce the energy required to control advanced silicon transistors. The engineered crystal composed of hafnium oxide and zirconium oxide achieves negative capacitance, which boosts performance by reducing voltage requirements.

Kaiyuan Yang wins NSF CAREER Award

Kaiyuan Yang's five-year grant will focus on enhancing the reliability and security of bioelectronic implants by making them aware of and adaptive to their physical and logical contexts. The goal is to develop WBMI bioelectronics that can be deeply implanted in humans through minimally invasive injection, ingestion or through vessels.

Deep-sea osmolyte finds applications in molecular machines

Researchers at Hokkaido University found that trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) can reversibly control the rigidity of kinesin-propelled microtubules, a crucial component of molecular machines. The study demonstrates a simple method to dynamically adjust MT property and functions.

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.

How mountain streams signal climate change

A new study found that mountain streams are signaling climate change through changes in invertebrate populations, which can indicate ecosystem health. The researchers discovered that diversity tends to increase downstream but is lowest near lakes, highlighting the need for protecting these ecosystems from diversions and habitat damage.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study examines impact of DNA evidence in sexual assault prosecutions

A new study found that DNA evidence significantly improves prosecution outcomes, with 75% of cases with a match resulting in a guilty plea or trial. The study highlights the importance of quality forensic medical exams, DNA analysis, and prosecutor training to effectively use DNA evidence.

Insomnia is linked with recurrent heart events in coronary patients

Research found that nearly half of heart disease patients have insomnia, which is significantly associated with recurrent heart events. Insomnia accounted for 16% of recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events in this study, suggesting that treating insomnia could reduce cardiovascular problems in these patients.

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.

AI predicts if -- and when -- someone will have cardiac arrest

A new AI-based approach can predict cardiac arrest with significant accuracy, identifying patients at risk and predicting the likelihood of sudden cardiac death. The technology stands to transform clinical decision-making and increase survival rates from lethal arrhythmias.

Human gene variant produces attention deficit disorder-like problems in mice

Researchers found that mice with the Val89 gene variant exhibit attention deficit disorder-like problems, including diminished cognitive performance and increased vulnerability to distraction. The study provides direct evidence of the genetic variant's effects on acetylcholine availability and its resulting cognitive impacts.

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.

Ocean water samples yield treasure trove of RNA virus data

An international team of researchers has identified 5,500 new RNA virus species that represent all five known RNA virus phyla. The study suggests there are at least five new RNA virus phyla needed to capture them and highlights the importance of marine microbes in ocean adaptation to climate change.

Researchers discover new neurodevelopmental disorder

Australian researchers have discovered a new neurodevelopmental disorder linked to the tumor suppressor gene FBXW7. The condition causes mild to severe developmental delay, intellectual disability, and other symptoms, with genetic variations in this gene found in 28 individuals from 32 families worldwide.

UGA team develops faster, cheaper COVID tests

The UGA team developed a rapid test for COVID-19 with high sensitivity and specificity, detecting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. The test has a detection time of less than 10 minutes and can detect all COVID-19 variants.

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.

Yale study finds persistent racial and ethnic disparities in sleep duration

A Yale University study found significant racial and ethnic disparities in sleep duration, with Black people persistently reporting shorter sleep durations. The study highlights the need for renewed efforts to eliminate socioeconomic and health conditions that prevent minoritized individuals from achieving adequate sleep.

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.

A granular understanding

Engineers at University of California - Santa Barbara found that suspensions exhibit distinct behaviors when measured at varying scales. The study highlights the limitations of approximations and has industrial applications in manufacturing.

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.

A Nobel Prize-worthy question: How do we sense heat, cold, touch?

Researchers have made significant advancements in understanding the cellular level of ion channels, which are fundamental to sensing environmental signals. The discovery of fundamental ion-channel sensors for temperature and pressure has led to new treatments for conditions like stroke, hypertension, and Alzheimer's disease.

High-ranking naked mole-rats are more resilient

Naked mole-rats of higher social rank have a larger spleen, which may enable them to fight infections better and deal with inflammation more easily. The researchers also suspect that the spleen influences an animal's longevity, as successful naked mole-rats live longer.

Surfer science supports seawater study

New research uses surfboard samples to analyze seasonal changes in phytoplankton, a crucial component of ocean food chains. The study finds that phytoplankton levels nearshore and offshore are similar in autumn, winter and spring, but higher nearshore during summer months.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Scientists have spotted the farthest galaxy ever

Researchers have spotted the most distant astronomical object ever: a galaxy named HD1, 13.5 billion light-years away. The team proposes two ideas: HD1 may be forming stars at an astounding rate and possibly home to Population III stars or contain a supermassive black hole about 100 million times the mass of our Sun.

Kisspeptin: A new drug to treat liver disease?

A modified version of the hormone kisspeptin has been shown to protect against the development of fat in the liver and reduce inflammation and fibrosis in a mouse model. This could potentially favorably impact the health and lives of millions of patients around the globe.

How to keep knowledge alive for emergencies

A multidisciplinary systematic review of 58 studies found that feedback, brain stimulation, and tools like gaze-guiding can help learn and retain complex skills. Minor refresher interventions, such as observing videos or practicing practical exercises, also have an impact on retaining knowledge.

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.

Barriers to an active lifestyle at older ages

A study of 3,900 older adults found factors associated with decreased physical activity include older age, living alone, obesity, adverse health conditions, and poor physical functioning. The results highlight the need for interventions targeting these barriers to promote healthy lifestyles in older age.

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.

Chemical compound promotes healthy aging

A study published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle found that BAM15 improves health outcomes for aged mice with obesity by preventing muscle loss and increasing energy expenditure. The compound helped mice lose fat, gain strength and increase physical activity.

Higher solar yield, less power effort

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new type of organic solar cell that generates electricity efficiently even with a relatively low offset of 0.1 eV. This breakthrough offers a promising solution for the production of more efficient and flexible solar panels, potentially reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

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.

Dunedin Study sheds light on New Zealand’s successful vaccination rates

A new study using 50 years of data from the University of Otago's Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health & Development Study found that vaccine resistance is linked to adverse childhood experiences. The research suggests that individuals who develop a history of mistrust during childhood are more likely to become resistant to vaccinations.

Sitting Tai Chi exercises improved recovery outcomes for older stroke survivors

A new study published by the American Heart Association found that sitting Tai Chi exercises improved short-term outcomes in stroke survivors with hand and arm weakness or partial paralysis. The modified sitting routine showed benefits in balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility, making it an effective option for these patients.

A competitive working environment may prompt knowledge leaks

A study by Bocconi University researchers finds that employees are more likely to share internal knowledge when they feel part of an organization, but rather pass it to competitors. The study's findings suggest that managing organizational climate can prevent knowledge spillovers and maintain competitive advantage.

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.

Nanomedicine for brain cancer

Recent nanomedicines are being explored for brain cancer treatment due to their ability to improve bioavailability and evade the blood-brain barrier. These supramolecular nanomedicines show potential in promoting superior therapeutic effects by targeting brain tumors specifically.