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Science News Archive April 2022


Page 5 of 37

UVA-led research team pursues next big leap in radar and GPS systems

A UVA-led research team is working on a photonics-based radar and GPS system that can operate at frequencies up to 110 gigahertz, three times higher than current 5G systems. The system has the potential to provide ultra-stable signals for applications like communications, positioning, and ranging.

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.

The Trump baby bump among Republicans after the 2016 election

Research from the University of California San Diego finds a significant partisan shift in birth rates among Republicans and Democrats after Trump's 2016 election. Republican-leaning counties experienced a sharp rise in birth rates, while Democratic counties saw a baby slump, with differences amounting to 1-2% of national birth rates.

In Einstein’s footsteps and beyond

Researchers discovered near-zero index materials where light's momentum becomes zero, altering fundamental processes like atomic recoil and Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. These materials could enable perfect cloaking and have potential applications in quantum computing and optics.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Does multiple sclerosis play a role in cancer screening and diagnosis?

A new study published in Neurology found that women with multiple sclerosis (MS) are less likely to have breast cancer detected through routine screenings, despite being twice as likely to have colorectal cancer detected at an early stage. The researchers also found a higher rate of disability among MS patients, which may affect their ...

Yale researchers have a formula for getting in the flow

Yale University psychologists have developed a mathematical theory of flow that can be used to enhance immersion and engagement in almost any task. The theory is based on the concept of mutual information between desired end states and means of attaining them, and suggests that more informative means lead to greater flow experience.

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.

Tangle no more, nanotubes

Researchers develop less-corrosive solutions using methanesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid and oleum acids to separate and process nanotubes. The new method enables scalable production of advanced materials with excellent electrical and mechanical properties.

Zeroing in on a new treatment for autism and epilepsy

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have discovered that reducing protein tau levels soon after birth can prevent autism and epilepsy in an experimental model. The study pinpointed the crucial brain cells where tau levels must be reduced to avoid these problems, and showed that lowering tau is still effective when initiated after birth.

Scientists find a genetic cause of lupus

Researchers have identified a genetic cause of lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects 50,000 people in the UK. The TLR7 gene mutation causes inflammation in organs and joints, leading to debilitating symptoms. This discovery paves the way for new treatments targeting the mutated gene.

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.

Decoy receptor protects against Omicron infection

Researchers from Osaka University have developed an engineered ACE2 decoy that effectively reduces the rate and severity of infection with the Omicron variant under laboratory conditions. The decoy mimics the SARS-CoV-2 receptor, preventing the virus from binding to cells and entering them.

Discovery of the one-way superconductor, thought to be impossible

Scientists at Delft University of Technology have discovered one-way superconductivity using 2D quantum materials, enabling superconducting computing and reducing energy loss. This breakthrough could lead to faster electronics, greener IT systems, and significant energy savings.

Synthetic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS linked to liver damage

A new study systematically reviews data on PFAS exposure and liver damage, linking three commonly detected PFAS to elevated levels of a liver enzyme, ALT. The research suggests a potential link between PFAS and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a growing public health crisis affecting 25% of adults worldwide.

How one inflammatory disorder exacerbates another

A study published in Cell reveals that individuals with gum disease are more susceptible to developing arthritis due to alterations in immune cell precursors in the bone marrow. The researchers also found that this association may prompt a reconsideration of how bone marrow donors are selected.

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.

Mental health of college students is getting worse

A recent study found a consistent decline in the mental health of college students across the US over eight years, with significant increases in depression and anxiety among racial and ethnic minority students. The study also revealed a gap between symptom onset and treatment access, particularly for students of color.

Human skin has evolved to allow maximum durability and flexibility

Researchers at Binghamton University have discovered that human skin's unique structure allows it to maximize both durability and flexibility. The team created artificial skin membranes that mimicked the structure of mammalian skin, testing their puncture toughness and deformability.

A promising combination therapy for triple-negative breast cancer

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a combination therapy that targets both tumor cells and macrophages to treat triple-negative breast cancer. The therapy resulted in durable tumor regression and immune memory in animal models, suggesting potential for improved treatment outcomes.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Glimpse inside a graphene sandwich

Researchers studied twisted trilayer graphene, discovering a phase diagram that decouples into product states of graphene and bilayer graphene. The system exhibits unique insulating and semi-metallic phases in the presence of an electric field.

Solar beats nuclear at many potential settlement sites on Mars

A new study by UC Berkeley scientists finds that solar photovoltaics can provide sufficient power for extended Mars missions, outperforming nuclear fusion reactors in over 50% of the planet's surface. This breakthrough provides a more practical solution for long-term human settlements on Mars.

Dramatic events in demographics led to the spread of Uralic languages

The Uralic language family's history is reevaluated, with research suggesting the languages' westward spread began in western Siberia during the early Metal Age. The dispersal of the family is linked to three episodes: a natural environment shift, cross-cultural archaeological phenomena, and contact with Indo-Iranian languages.

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.

Brain imaging shows what happens when we question fake news

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin finds that asking a single question about article truthfulness can activate the brain's critical thinking centers, challenging biases and encouraging more critical evaluation of content. This finding has implications for social media companies looking to curb the spread of misinformation.

Study reveals genetic diversity of a particularly problematic pathogen

Researchers analyzed 451 bacterial strains of C. difficile, identifying 9,924 distinct gene clusters and categorizing them into 176 genetically distinct groups. The study provides new insights into the genetic diversity and evolution of this pathogen, shedding light on its virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance determinants.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

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Single-molecule techniques illuminate mechanisms of GPCR activation

Researchers used single-molecule imaging to study GPCR activation, gaining insight into cellular signal relay and potential drug targets for various disorders. The findings show that the receptor tail plays an autoinhibitory role, controlled by agonist binding, which affects signaling intensity and duration.

Study points to physical principles that underlie quantum Darwinism

The study investigates the role of physical principles in quantum Darwinism, finding that it relies on non-classical features, specifically entanglement, to emerge via natural selection. The researchers employed generalized probabilistic theories to analyze and compare different physical theories.

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.

Adults with asthma have a higher risk of developing obesity

A new study has found that adults with asthma are more likely to become obese later in life. The research, which included over 8,700 participants from 11 European countries and Australia, revealed that non-allergic asthma, longer disease duration, and corticosteroid treatment were associated with increased obesity risk.

The instability at the beginning of the solar system

A new theory offers an explanation for the formation and evolution of gas giants in our solar system, proposing that a 'rebound' effect triggered their current paths. Researchers found that the primordial gas disk dissipated from the inside out, providing a natural trigger for the instability.

Origin of complex cells started without oxygen

Eukaryotes emerged in an anoxic environment in the ocean, and their mitochondria-bearing cells likely resulted from a merger between archaea and bacteria. This finding contradicts the long-held view that oxygenation of Earth's surface environment led to eukaryogenesis.

Bat box design, placement matter for energy balance in endangered bats

Research finds that bat box design and landscape placement significantly impact the energetic balance of endangered Indiana bats. A study by University of Illinois researchers tested five bat box designs and four landscape placements to determine their effects on bat metabolism, development, and survival.

Lignin-based jet fuel packs more power for less pollution

Researchers developed a sustainable jet fuel from agricultural waste that increases energy density and replaces aromatics, reducing soot emissions and contrails. The fuel's properties make it suitable for blending with conventional fuels to meet aviation industry demands.

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.

RNA binding proteins help T cells pick their weapons before battle

Researchers at the Babraham Institute found that two RNA binding proteins, ZFP36 and ZFP36L1, play a crucial role in T cell development and function. The absence of these proteins enhances the potency of T cells during viral infections, leading to improved cytotoxic immune responses.

Neuronal plasticity in chronic pain-induced anxiety revealed

Chronic pain causes maladaptive emotional states and is often comorbid with psychiatric disorders. Researchers identified the neuronal circuit involved in chronic pain-induced anxiety in mice, finding that restoring its activity attenuates anxiety.

Supernova reveals secrets to Texas-led team of astronomers

Astronomers have used observations from the Hobby-Eberly Telescope to better understand how massive stars live and die. The study of supernova 2014C revealed a unique process where the hydrogen envelopes of two stars merged, forming a common-envelope configuration that shed light on the stellar explosion.

What’s old is new again: Recycling automotive glass

Researchers are developing innovative ways to reuse automotive glass, crushing it into small pieces and purifying the polyvinyl butyral (PVB) for industrial use. This approach aims to reduce waste and conserve resources as the demand for automotive glass continues to grow.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Climate resilient microalgae could help restore coral reefs

Researchers from Uppsala University developed a new method to predict temperature tolerance in individual microalgae symbionts, enabling the identification of climate resilient cells. This study aims to accelerate coral reef restoration efforts by introducing more robust coral symbionts to combat climate change.

Loneliness leads to higher risk of future unemployment, study finds

A new study published in BMC Public Health found that people who reported feeling lonely often were significantly more likely to encounter unemployment later. The research also confirmed previous findings that the reverse is true – people who were unemployed were more likely to experience loneliness later.

New study shows fewer people die from covid-19 in better vaccinated communities

A large US study found that counties with high vaccination coverage had a more than 80% reduction in death rates from COVID-19 compared to largely unvaccinated counties. The study, based on data from over 30 million cases and 400,000 deaths, suggests that increasing vaccination coverage can reduce COVID-19 related mortality and cases.

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.

Threatened South American coati found roaming in a large city

A threatened South American coati was recorded in Canoas, Brazil's fourth most populous city, using a camera trap at a remaining green space. The finding underscores the significance of urban areas for species adaptation and highlights the need for conservation efforts beyond protected zones.

Before Stonehenge monuments, hunter-gatherers made use of open habitats

Researchers investigated habitat conditions at Blick Mead site, finding partially open woodland conditions that would have supported large grazing herbivores. The study suggests hunter-gatherers used this space for 4,000 years before early farmers and monument-builders arrived in the region.