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Science News for April 8, 2022


Study shows important change in B-cells in women with PPD

Researchers found thousands of individual B-cell transcripts that were different from women without PPD, regulated by genetic variants and DNA methylation. Altered B-cell activation and insulin resistance were also implicated in the study. The findings provide new insights into the biological mechanisms behind postpartum depression.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 8, 2022

Air pollution responsible for 180,000 excess deaths in tropical cities

A new study reveals rapid degradation in air quality and increases in urban exposure to hazardous pollutants in tropical megacities. The research found significant annual increases in pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and fine particles, attributed to emerging industries and residential sources.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2022
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.

Insights into the dynamic ultrastructure of the heart

Researchers have gained unprecedented insights into the heart's dynamic ultrastructure using high-resolution electron microscopy. This knowledge is crucial for developing new therapeutic concepts for heart attacks and cardiac arrhythmias.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Reviews Cardiology·DateApr 8, 2022

How T cell-derived interleukin-22 promotes antibacterial defense of colonic crypts

A study published by the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that T cell-derived interleukin-22 plays a crucial role in antibacterial defense of colonic crypts. The researchers discovered that two types of immune cells, innate and adaptive, have distinct roles in defending against pathogenic bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2022

Dynamic rivers contributed to Amazon's rich bird diversity

A genome-based study reveals how Amazonian rivers contribute to bird biodiversity by isolating populations and sparking speciation. The research highlights previously unknown species at risk of extinction due to dynamic river systems.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2022

Swedish abortion care unimpaired during first pandemic wave

In a study published in BMJ Open, researchers found that abortion rates remained stable in Sweden during the first pandemic wave, with no significant changes in timing or decision-making. Women who sought abortions did not hesitate to proceed, citing supportive care and reassuring healthcare systems.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBMJ Open·DateApr 8, 2022

Why the births of millions of African children are not registered

A new study by Radboud University reveals that birth registrations in Africa are hindered by contextual factors such as rural-urban differences and centralized registration systems. The research suggests addressing these broader factors to increase birth registrations and ensure essential human rights for unregistered children.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Study unlocks key to success of drug-resistant bacteria

Gram-negative bacteria use a crucial component in their outer membrane that shields them from immune system and antibiotics. Researchers discovered the structure of an enzyme linked to this process, which could lead to custom-designed drugs to counteract these deadly bacteria.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2022

Dengue detection smartphone tech shows new hope for low-cost diagnostics

A new diagnostic kit called Cygnus detects Dengue Fever with improved rates, beating lateral flow testing and matching hospital-based lab diagnostics. The tests also identify the specific virus type causing the infection, offering a potential solution for widespread disease detection.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 8, 2022

Enhancing deep sleep

A mobile system developed by ETH Zurich researchers aims to promote deep sleep through auditory brain stimulation, showing promise in enhancing slow waves during deep sleep in older adults. The system involves a headband that continuously measures brain activity and triggers short auditory signals to synchronize neuronal cells.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 8, 2022

USTC found a pathway to high-quality ZnSe quantum wires

Researchers at USTC create flexible synthetic approach to control diameter and length of ZnSe QWs, achieving ultrathin stacking-fault free QWs. The resulting nanowires exhibit well-defined excitonic absorption in blue-light region with high efficiency for solar-to-H2 conversion.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateApr 8, 2022
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Catching a buzz: Robot bees to help study pollination

Researchers aim to replicate buzz pollination using microrobots to understand its importance in agriculture and conservation. The project could lead to stronger motivation for conserving diverse bee species and optimizing fruit and vegetable yields.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·DateApr 8, 2022

First integrated laser on lithium niobate chip

Harvard researchers have successfully integrated a high-power laser onto a lithium niobate chip, a major breakthrough in the development of high-performance chip-scale optical systems. The integration enables the creation of fully integrated spectrometers, optical remote sensing, and efficient frequency conversion for quantum networks.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·DateApr 8, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

High expectations, uncertain benefits: industry 4.0 and corporate sustainability performance

A study finds that Industry 4.0 technologies have largely failed to improve resource efficiency and reduce emissions, contrary to company expectations. However, companies with high digitalisation levels are better positioned to align production with demand and improve sustainability performance.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalSustainable Production and Consumption·TypeSurvey·DateApr 8, 2022

An AI model can help predict adverse events from new drug combinations

Researchers developed an AI model to predict side effects from new combination therapies by analyzing over 15 million records of adverse events. The model can recognize patterns between drugs and their side effects, enabling the prediction of adverse events for individual therapy profiles.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 8, 2022
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.

Crowning a quest into a very well-guarded secret: Structure of the kinetochore corona finally revealed

Researchers have deciphered the structure of the kinetochore corona, a complex protein assembly that plays a pivotal role in chromosome segregation. The study, published in The EMBO Journal, provides new insights into how this critical process is regulated and offers a framework for future studies on cell division.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2022

Double-stranded RNA induces bone loss during gum disease

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology discovered that double-stranded RNA molecules can activate the immune system response leading to bone deterioration in gum disease. The study found that dsRNA triggers the differentiation of osteoclasts, cells responsible for breaking down bone, leading to increased bone ero...

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 8, 2022

CRISPR gene editing reveals biological mechanism behind common blood disorder

Researchers used CRISPR gene editing to understand how deletions in one area of the genome affect nearby genes. They found that deleting a small region led to increased foetal globin expression and reduced adult globin levels, suggesting a key mechanism for asymptomatic patients with sickle cell disease.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalBlood·DateApr 8, 2022

Melting ice caps may not shut down ocean current

Researchers revised their understanding of the relationship between Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and freshwater from melting polar ice. A new model simulation suggests that AMOC is less sensitive to freshwater forcing than previously thought, contradicting long-held assumptions.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2022
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.

Patients with kidney disease may have an increased risk of cancer

Patients with mild to moderate kidney disease and kidney transplant recipients had a higher risk of cancer. They also faced a higher risk of dying from cancer, particularly from cancers such as bladder, kidney, and multiple myeloma, compared to those with normal kidney function.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateApr 8, 2022

A novel SiPh-based mode converter with multi-function

Researchers at Peking University propose a novel structure for a slot-strip mode converter, reducing optical insertion loss and supporting both TE0 and TM0 polarizations. The converter enables advanced functions like polarization division multiplexing, with low polarization-dependent losses.

SourceHigher Education Press·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2022
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.

Research Brief: Cell-cell signaling of GI bacteria can unlock future infection preventions

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have made a groundbreaking discovery about how GI bacteria communicate with each other during gene transfers. This new understanding may lead to innovative approaches in preventing hospital infections without increasing antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2022

Infrastructure inequality is a challenge to urban sustainability

A new study by Yale University researchers reveals that urbanization is constrained by infrastructure inequality, which can persist due to the durable nature of infrastructure. The findings highlight the need for policymakers to address preferential biases when allocating infrastructure to minimize inequalities.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2022

Researchers have developed a Russian-language method for the preoperative mapping of language areas

Researchers have created a Russian-language protocol for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to map individual language areas before neurosurgical operations. The study successfully validated the protocol in a control group, showing its ability to comprehensively map brain regions and reveal lateralisation of language function.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateApr 8, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New software tool allows sensitive decoding of protein glycosylation

The new software tool, Glyco-Decipher, enables the sensitive interpretation of N-glycopeptide mass spectra at high confidence. Researchers found that the fragmentation pattern of peptide backbones is not affected by attached glycans or precursor charge states.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2022

Clinical trials often fail to cite relevant past studies, researchers find

Researchers found that industry-sponsored clinical trials neglect to cite previous trials by up to 30%, while non-industry-funded trials do so at a rate of 20%. This omission may lead to redundant or less impactful research. The authors call for complete and impartial citation of prior studies in trial protocols.

SourceCell Press·JournalMed·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 8, 2022

Graphene-driving strain engineering to enable strain-free epitaxy of AlN film for deep ultraviolet light-emitting diode

A team of scientists successfully achieved a high-quality strain-free AlN film through graphene-driving strain engineering. The strain-free AlN film grown on graphene/sapphire can be used as a reliable template layer for high-quality epitaxy of DUV-LED devices.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateApr 8, 2022
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.

Study finds decrease in racial disparity and increase in survival rates in metastatic breast cancer patients due to Medicaid expansion

A new study published in JAMA Oncology finds that Medicaid expansion is associated with improved survival rates and decreased mortality rates among patients diagnosed with de novo stage 4 breast cancer. The study also reveals a significant decrease in racial disparities, with mortality rates decreasing by 5.5% among minority groups.

SourceSusan G. Komen·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateApr 8, 2022

Alzheimer’s brain barrier damage theory could pave way for new treatments

A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports suggests that damage to the blood-brain barrier is the determining cause of Alzheimer's disease. The Lipid Invasion Model proposes that lipids entering the brain due to barrier damage lead to brain shrinkage, amyloid plaques, and tau tangles, characteristic of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalJournal of Alzheimer s Disease Reports·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 8, 2022

Smarter 3D printing makes better parts faster

SmartScan software improves heat distribution and reduces deformations by up to 47% in laser powder bed fusion printers. The technology speeds manufacturing by optimizing scan sequences and minimizing heat-caused defects.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateApr 8, 2022
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.

Study finds US insiders to China news sold stock in early stages of pandemic

Researchers found that US corporate insiders with production or supply-chain activities in China sold stock ahead of the pandemic's impact, leading to significantly higher profits. These insiders were better attuned to publicly available information about COVID-19 and avoided aggregate losses of approximately $300 million.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalReview of Accounting Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2022

Better, faster, energy efficient predictions

Scientists develop models that complement simulations using reinforcement learning and numerical methods to predict climate change, turbulent flows, and morphogenesis. This approach enables faster and more energy-efficient predictions, solving complex problems in engineering and climate applications.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateApr 8, 2022

Faces of dominance: why the faces of women and men are perceived differently by liberals and conservatives

A study found that liberals and conservatives read dominance signals differently in the faces of men and women, with conservative biases against women's faces. The researchers suggest that this perception may be rooted in evolutionary psychology and traditional social hierarchies.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2022

New study reveals that healthy plant-based diets are associated with a lower risk of developing diabetes

A new study published in Diabetologia found that healthy plant-based diets, including fruits, vegetables, and legumes, are linked to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed metabolite profiles and diet indices from over 10,684 participants, revealing unique multi-metabolite profiles associated with healthy plant-...

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateApr 8, 2022

Depressive disorders can lead to changes in immune cells

Researchers discovered that individuals with depressive disorders have increased blood cell deformability, particularly in lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils. This suggests a potential link between immune system changes and sustained immune responses.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateApr 8, 2022
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.

Fighting viruses is as easy as breathing

Researchers from the Wyss Institute discovered that applying mechanical forces mimicking breathing motions suppresses influenza virus replication and activates protective innate immune responses. The Human Lung Chip was used to model these responses, leading to repurposed drugs for treating inflammatory lung diseases.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2022

UCF-developed real-time blood monitor saves doctors critical time during surgery

The UCF-developed real-time blood monitor uses an optical fiber to assess blood status and can be inserted directly into heart-lung machines or catheters without withdrawing blood from patients. This device has been shown to save doctors critical time during life-or-death operations, particularly in surgeries on infants.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalSoft Matter·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2022
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.

Simple changes in care reduced heart exposure during lung cancer radiation treatment

Raising awareness about cardiac radiation exposure reduced the number of patients receiving high heart doses in lung cancer patients. The study found that standardized cardiac dose constraints improved patient care without minimizing tumor treatment or increasing dosage to other at-risk organs.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2022

How scientists designed the space-based aperture-synthetic interferometer system?

The system uses multiple satellites to form an aperture-synthetic interferometer, meeting four key demands: high spatial resolution, contrast, sensitivity, and wide spectral range. Numerical simulations validate the method's efficiency, with reduced transfer times and stable orbit maintenance.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2022
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.

The United States and the European Union are responsible for the majority of ecological damage caused by excess use of raw materials

High-income nations, driven by US and EU, exceed sustainable resource use thresholds by 74% globally. China ranks second in global excess material use, while low- and middle-income countries account for only 8%. Researchers call for transformative post-growth approaches to mitigate ecological breakdown.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2022

Researchers redefine how liquid and solid layers stick together based on molecular forces New study reveals how intermolecular forces inform the design of smart materials

A new study by researchers from Tsinghua University redefines the interface between liquids and solid surfaces based on intermolecular forces. The findings reveal intrinsic wetting thresholds that deviate from Young's equation, providing a new perspective on wettability and its relationship with molecular interactions.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateApr 8, 2022

Tracking health care worker turnover during pandemic

The study analyzed over 125,000 US health care workers, finding that frontline workers were at highest risk of leaving the workforce due to burnout and stress. The researchers also identified specific factors contributing to turnover, such as inadequate staffing and lack of support from employers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateApr 8, 2022
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.

Development of low-power and high-efficiency artificial sensory neurons

Researchers at KIST have developed a 3T-OTS device that simulates the human brain's efficient information processing method. This innovation enables the creation of low-power and high-efficiency artificial sensory neurons, which can be used in life and safety fields.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 8, 2022