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Science News Archive April 2022


Page 36 of 37

Mineral supplement could stop fatty liver disease progression

A preclinical study found that mice fed a high-fat diet and given the mineral supplement Aquamin did not develop liver cancer, unlike those without the supplement. The researchers observed a dramatic reduction in late-stage consequences of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in animals receiving the supplement.

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.

Electronic alert improves guideline adherence for heart failure treatment

A new study found that customized digital alerts via an electronic health record system significantly increased the number of guideline-directed medications prescribed for heart failure patients. The alerts improved medication use by over a quarter of patients, translating to one medication addition per every 14 alerts received.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Personalized, in-store nutritional intervention boosts diet quality

A study presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session found that personalized nutrition education in grocery stores significantly improved DASH diet adherence. Participants who received six one-on-one sessions with a dietitian showed an average increase of 4.7 points on their DASH scores.

A prune—or six—a day may keep inflammation at bay

A recent study suggests that eating nutrient-rich prunes every day may benefit bone health in postmenopausal women by reducing inflammatory factors. The research found significant reductions in inflammatory markers in prune-eating groups compared to a control group.

New record! High-entropy alloy with uniformly composited 21 elements

Researchers have synthesized a high-entropy alloy with 21 uniformly composed elements, improving solar steam generation performance. The alloy's unique structure enhances interband transitions and reduces thermal conductivity, leading to improved photothermal conversion efficiency.

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.

Scientists synthesize terpenoids with microbial consortium

A team of researchers has developed a microbial consortium that enhances the synthesis of terpenoids, including vitamin K2, by combining Escherichia coli and Elizabethkingia meningoseptica. The co-culture strategy improves vitamin K2 biosynthesis and realizes material exchange between bacteria.

Generic drug reduces bleeding after noncardiac surgery

Researchers found that patients treated with tranexamic acid had significantly less serious bleeding and needed fewer blood transfusions compared to those who received a placebo. No significant difference in adverse events such as heart attacks or blood clots was observed.

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.

Update: Cedars-Sinai’s LA barbershop study

Researchers analyzed interviews with participants and found that the program's success was due to its community context, support network, and direct contact with pharmacists. The team plans to track barbershop patrons and explore how public health measures during COVID-19 impacted community-based health interventions.

Exercise improves health markers in young female survivors of childhood trauma

A progressive exercise training program improves health markers in young female survivors of childhood trauma, reducing systolic blood pressure and endothelin-1 levels. Participants showed improved goal-planning and hope, suggesting a potential psychophysiological relationship between physical activity and cardiovascular risk factors.

Smokers less likely to survive a heart attack

Researchers found smokers have significantly lower A1AT levels, which may reduce cardiac tissue protection during a heart attack. No difference was detected in hypertensive and non-hypertensive individuals.

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.

Cutting salt intake shows some benefits for people with heart failure

The SODIUM-HF trial found that reducing sodium intake for one year improved quality of life and slowed heart failure progression in patients. However, it did not significantly reduce major adverse events or hospitalizations. The study suggests that individualized recommendations may be beneficial for certain patients.

Novel electrochemical aptasensor developed to detect thrombin in serum

A team developed a high-sensitivity electrochemical aptasensor for picomolar thrombin detection, demonstrating excellent anti-interference and stability. The sensing platform shows great potential for analyzing other biological or environmental substances by rational design of target-binding aptamer.

Blueberry extract may aid wound healing

Researchers found that a blueberry phenolic extract improved vascularization and cell migration in live wounds, leading to a 12% increase in wound closure. The study suggests wild blueberries have the potential to enhance wound healing, particularly for patients with chronic wounds.

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.

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.

Crowdsourcing campaign identifies drivers of tropical forest loss

A crowdsourcing campaign has compiled data on the drivers of tropical forest loss between 2008 and 2019, resulting in a high-resolution dataset. The analysis found that agriculture expansion, road construction, and wood extraction are major contributors to deforestation.

After wildfires, California communities struggle with budgets

A new study finds that California wildfires increase both revenues and expenditures in municipalities, resulting in a budget shortfall over many years. The unique state constitution limits property assessments, but still leads to higher taxes and a boom in housing reassessments after fires.

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.

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.

Periodic volcanism triggered multiple Jurassic extinctions

A new study provides strong evidence that periodic volcanic activity in the Karoo province triggered multiple Jurassic extinctions. The research reveals that volcanism occurred over a longer period than previously thought, with three distinct stages of activity, and had a significant impact on the environment.

Wildfire smoke exposure in early pregnancy affects infant monkey behavior

A new study found that infant monkeys conceived while their mothers were exposed to wildfire smoke showed increased inflammation, memory deficits, and a more passive temperament compared to those conceived later. The effects suggest that some component of wildfire smoke can act as a teratogen, affecting fetal development.

Researchers identify ways to limit transferred cancer growth

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a key role in malignant cancer progression, but the mechanism of their plasticity remains unknown. Researchers have identified DKK1 as a pivotal molecule that autonomously diminishes CSC population and promotes metastatic colonization.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Solving the challenges of robotic pizza-making

Researchers at MIT developed a framework for robotic manipulation systems that can perform complex tasks using a two-stage learning process. This allows robots to learn abstract ideas about manipulating deformable objects, such as pizza dough, and execute skills to complete tasks.

Origins of the Avars elucidated with ancient DNA

A multidisciplinary team analyzed ancient DNA from the Carpathian Basin to reveal clues about the Avars' origins. The research found that the Avar elites had ancestry from Northeast Asia and the North Caucasus, suggesting a rapid trans-Eurasian migration

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.

Losing a hectare of wetlands could cost upward of $8,000 in flood damages

A new study by Resources for the Future and Columbia University finds that losing a hectare of wetlands can cost society an average of $1,900 in flood damages per year. In developed areas, this figure rises to over $8,000. The research highlights the importance of preserving wetlands for flood mitigation.

Plant compound shows promise for alleviating food allergies

Researchers have identified formononetin as a potential therapeutic for treating food allergies, which affect nearly 10% of the world population. The plant compound has been shown to decrease IgE production and influence gene and protein targets regulated in food allergy and mast cell diseases.

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.

Pandemic's urgency drove new collaborative approaches worldwide

A global team of scientists developed a collaborative approach to track SARS-CoV-2 variants, enabling faster vaccine development and improved public health responses. The SAVE program, comprising over 130 researchers from 58 institutions, utilized advanced tools and data analysis to predict variant risks.

Researchers validate the origin of mantle eclogites

Researchers validated the origin of mantle eclogites through Zn-, Mg- and O-isotope analysis, supporting the magmatic model. Type II eclogites formed through kinetic isotopic fractionation of melt-peridotite reaction, resulting in heavy Zn and light Mg isotope enrichment.

New research shows survival rate improvement for extremely pre-term infants

A new study found significant improvement in survival rates of extremely pre-term babies born at 22 and 23 weeks. The study, which examined data from 2013-2018, showed a considerable increase in survival rates compared to previous studies, with survival rates reaching 30.0% at 22 weeks and 55.8% at 23 weeks.

Cellular structure of the human metathalamus revealed in novel 3D map

Researchers created detailed 3D maps of the metathalamus using BigBrain dataset, gaining insight into its cellular structure and subcortical nuclei. The maps have clinical relevance for diagnosing neurological disorders and aiding neurosurgery, as the metathalamus is involved in many conditions.

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.

Camping reservations: ‘A wicked problem of equity,’ finds UM researchers

A study by UM researchers found that online camping reservations systems can exacerbate existing inequalities in national park access. Campers from higher-income areas and predominantly white communities are more likely to secure coveted sites. The team suggests a lottery system could help balance accessibility with protection of natur...

Higher blood fats more harmful than first thought

Researchers discovered that elevated blood fats in people with metabolic diseases create stress in muscle cells, leading to cell death and worsening the illness. Ceramides, a signal created by stressed-out cells, can be passed on to other cells, increasing the risk of severe symptoms.