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Science News Archive April 2022 - Page 12


Page 12 of 37

Researchers boost rice yield by overcoming trait tradeoff between panicle number and size

Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a method to overcome the tradeoff between rice yield component traits, including panicle number and size. By modifying the cis-regulatory region of the Ideal Plant Architecture 1 gene, they increased grain yield by 15.9% while maintaining tiller number.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 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.

Emerging superbug MRSA in humans found in urban hedgehogs in Finland

Researchers discovered MRSA in 10% of hedgehogs in Helsinki, including a successful clone with global spread potential. The study suggests spillover of antimicrobial resistance from anthropogenic sources to urban wildlife, posing a risk for human patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 21, 2022

WHO strongly recommends antiviral drug for patients with non-severe COVID-19

The World Health Organization recommends Pfizer's nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for non-severe COVID-19 patients at highest risk of hospitalization, reducing hospital admissions by 84 per 1,000 patients. The guideline also suggests using remdesivir for high-risk patients and acknowledges cost and resource implications.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 21, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Whup' and 'grumble' calls reveal secrets of humpback whales

Researchers recorded 600 non-song calls around the Vema Seamount, including a previously unknown 'gunshot' sound. The study highlights the importance of protecting high-sea habitats and creating a network of Marine Protected Areas to ensure seamounts like Vema are protected.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJASA Express Letters·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2022

Skyrmions can remain its topology in nonlinear interaction

Scientists successfully convert diverse optical skyrmion textures without changing their spatial structure, enabling potential use as next-generation optical information carriers. The breakthrough allows for high-dimensional quantum interfaces and polarization-resolved imaging.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalOptica·DateApr 21, 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.

A fast and accurate innovative imaging technique to monitor modern semiconductor devices

Researchers at Samsung have developed a novel approach to inspect critical dimensions of semiconductor devices, improving speed and resolution. The new 'line-scan hyperspectral imaging' (LHSI) technique offers faster measurements with high spatial resolution, outperforming existing methods.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Micro/Nanopatterning Materials and Metrology·DateApr 21, 2022

Earthquake early warning moves forward in four central American countries

A regional collaboration has successfully installed earthquake early warning algorithms in four Central American countries, including Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Costa Rica. The system can produce warnings seconds before strong ground-shaking S waves arrive from offshore shallow subduction zone earthquakes.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 21, 2022

Longest known COVID-19 infection – 505 days – described by UK researchers

Researchers from King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust studied nine immunocompromised patients with persistent COVID-19 infections, finding that five developed at least one mutation seen in variants of concern. The study provides evidence that new variants may develop in immunocompromised individuals.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 21, 2022

Designing the perfect piece of chocolate

Scientists create S-shaped chocolate metamaterials with adjustable cracking properties and distinct sounds, allowing for a customizable eating experience. The research opens the door to designing foods that are enjoyable to eat and materials that optimize human interaction.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalSoft Matter·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 21, 2022
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.

Bonds from the past: A journey through the history of protein synthesis

Researchers studied peptide bond formation between tRNA molecules and a ribosomal RNA segment, revealing the potential for minihelices to bind to the primordial peptidyl transferase center. The study suggests that functional interactions between tRNA and PTC could have been 'revised' in evolution.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalLife·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Circuit that focuses attention brings in wide array of inputs

Scientists at MIT's Picower Institute mapped thousands of inputs to the anterior cingulate cortex and lateral posterior thalamus, finding that both regions receive input from non-sensory areas. The study provides a detailed roadmap for understanding selective attention in mice.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalJournal of Comparative Neurology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

People with diabetes and cognitive decline may be at higher risk for heart disease

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that people with type 2 diabetes and cognitive impairment have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Cognitive function may predict a person's future risk of heart disease, according to researchers.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 21, 2022

Breast cancer: Why metastasis spreads to the bone

A team of biologists identified a protein involved in the spread of breast cancer to bones. The discovery confirms the importance of cellular plasticity during the metastatic process and could lead to new treatments. ZEB1, a protein that increases cell plasticity, was found to direct cells with metastatic characteristics to bones.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateApr 21, 2022
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.

Tongue stimulation device reduces sleep apnea in adolescents with Down syndrome

A surgically implanted device has been found to safely and effectively reduce sleep apnea in adolescents with Down syndrome, with significant improvements in daily functioning, behavior, and language. The device, called a hypoglossal nerve stimulator, was tested in a phase I clinical trial and showed promising results.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 21, 2022

Dividing walls: How immune cells enter tissue

Researchers discovered that immune cells can enter tissues by exploiting the division of surrounding cells, which creates a gap for them to pass through. This process is crucial for the immune system's rescue service, and understanding it could lead to new strategies for cancer research and autoimmune diseases.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalScience·DateApr 21, 2022

New Alzheimer’s biomarker may facilitate rapid diagnosis

A unique ratio of metabolites in blood samples may facilitate faster diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The discovery promises to reduce reliance on amyloid fragments, which can be detected using existing equipment.

SourceBrain Chemistry Labs·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Pandemic redeployment caused stress to nurses - study

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that 90% of redeployed nurses felt stressed or anxious during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, many reported strong motivation to help, driven by a sense of duty and care for patients. The research highlights the need for comprehensive resilience strategies in healthcare services.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·TypeSurvey·DateApr 21, 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.

Humans disrupting 66 million-year-old feature of ecosystems

A study has discovered that humans are disrupting a fundamental pattern in ecosystems, which dates back at least 66 million years. The U-shaped relationship between diet and size in modern land mammals has been found to span across multiple vertebrate groups, including birds, reptiles, and fish.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 21, 2022

Haber-Bosch at the atomic scale

Researchers have directly observed N2 adsorption and tunneling electron-induced desorption processes at the atomic scale using scanning tunneling microscopy. The study reveals dominant pairwise electrostatic interactions between K and N2, weakening the molecule bond towards dissociation in the Haber-Bosch synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 21, 2022

Symptom data help predict COVID-19 admissions

Researchers used symptom data from over 10 million participants to estimate regional COVID-19 prevalence and predict hospital admissions. The findings confirm previous reports that symptoms are related to community infection rates, providing a scalable tool for pandemic preparedness.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2022

Key to improved green tech efficiency found in simple acid treatment

Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory developed a simple acid treatment to improve the efficiency of protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCECs), overcoming long-standing challenges. The treatment increases the surface area between the electrode and electrolyte, allowing for more efficient flow of hydrogen atoms and improved cell...

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022
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.

Researchers move closer to detecting venusquakes using balloons

Scientists are working on balloon-borne instruments that can detect seismoacoustic signals in Venus' atmosphere, helping to learn more about the planet's interior structure and formation history. The instruments aim to detect strong signals from ground motion on Venus due to the planet's thick atmosphere.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 21, 2022

Study illustrates nuances of gravitational pull of ice sheets

Researcher Douglas Kurtze's study reveals that gravitational pull can cause local sea level drops near melting ice sheets, contrary to global-mean sea level rises. The phenomenon occurs due to the weakening of gravity as the ice mass decreases.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAmerican Journal of Physics·DateApr 21, 2022

Fungal meningitis spreads by blocking and bursting blood vessels

Researchers have discovered how fungus blocks and bursts blood vessels in the brain, allowing microbes to spread and cause meningitis. The study identifies a simple yet effective method that microbes use to escape the immune system and enter the brain.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 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.

“Spring-loaded” system pops phosphorus into molecular rings

MIT researchers devise a chemical reaction that allows them to synthesize phosphorus-containing rings using a novel spring-loaded molecule. This method enables the creation of useful compounds with potential applications in catalysts and pharmaceuticals.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 21, 2022

Pain in the neck? New surgical method could be game-changing

Researchers develop technique to improve ACDF by testing variable angle screws, reducing risk of micro motion and subsidence. The cage-screw combination model shows promising potential for increased stiffness and reduced clinical failure.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalWorld Neurosurgery·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 21, 2022

Researchers demonstrate label-free super-resolution microscopy

A new measurement and imaging approach resolves nanostructures smaller than the diffraction limit without dyes or labels, using polarization and angle-resolved images of transmitted light. The method measures particle size and position with high accuracy, closing the gap between conventional microscopes and super-resolution techniques.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateApr 21, 2022

For cooperative teams, modesty leaves the best impression

Research found that people are less likely to collaborate with those who signal their wealth and social status. In contrast, modesty can be a strategic advantage in cooperation-based social situations.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 21, 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.

COVID-19 can directly infect and damage human kidney cells

Researchers at Duke University discovered that SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, can directly infect and damage specific types of kidney cells. The virus hijacks the cell's machinery to replicate, leading to structural damage and increased production of viral particles.

SourceDuke University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Revolutionary images of the birth of crystals

Researchers have successfully visualized crystal nucleation, a crucial stage in crystallization, using Raman microspectroscopy and optical trapping. This breakthrough enables better understanding of molecular dynamics and may lead to the development of purer and more stable crystals for pharmaceuticals and other industries.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeNews article·DateApr 21, 2022

Differences in children’s behaviour predict midlife health behaviors

A recent study found that children's socioemotional behavior at age 8 can predict midlife health behaviors, including physical activity and alcohol consumption. Well-controlled behavior in girls was linked to more physical activity, while social activity in both boys and girls predicted heavier drinking and smoking.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalPsychology & Health·DateApr 21, 2022

Study casts doubt on impact of menthol-flavored tobacco ban

A new study by Vanderbilt University researchers has cast doubt on the impact of a proposed ban on menthol-flavored tobacco cigarettes. The study found no statistically significant difference in quit rates between menthol and non-menthol smokers, despite earlier reports that menthols were harder to quit. The study's authors suggest cau...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 21, 2022

Nylon cooking bags, plastic-lined cups can release nanoparticles into liquids

A new study found that nylon cooking bags and plastic-lined cups can release trillions of nanometer-sized particles into each liter of water they come into contact with. The levels of these particles are below regulatory limits for consumption, but still pose a potential health risk.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 21, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Greening food preservation nourishes the environment

Cornell scientists have created a biodegradable polymer to extend the shelf life of salad dressings, marinades, and beverages in refrigerators. This innovation uses a bioderived material that interacts with food without migrating into it, reducing waste and environmental impact.

SourceCornell University·JournalFood Packaging and Shelf Life·DateApr 21, 2022

Study links telomere length to risk of death from COVID-19

Researchers investigated the association between relative telomere length and COVID-19 mortality in 608 adults hospitalised with the virus. In women aged 65 or older, shorter telomeres were associated with a higher risk of dying from COVID-19. Longer telomeres were linked to a reduced risk, particularly in women.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 21, 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.

Perfluorinated chemicals: Pollution is underestimated

A study reveals the presence of 86 previously unknown PFAS compounds in German and Chinese rivers, with some substances posing similar health risks to banned counterparts. The discovery highlights the need for stricter regulations on the entire PFAS group.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2022

Research Brief: Highway death toll messages cause more crashes

Researchers found that larger numbers in fatality messages increase additional crashes, particularly in areas with heavy traffic or complex highways. However, low-toll messaging had a reduction in crashes when displayed on less complex highways.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 21, 2022

New production method promises to end medical radioisotope shortages

Researchers at University of Tokyo develop alternative production method for radioisotope technetium-99m, reducing reliance on aging nuclear reactors. The new method uses linear particle accelerators and activated carbon to produce the isotope with similar effectiveness as conventionally produced versions.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNuclear Medicine and Biology·DateApr 21, 2022

Machine-learning model can distinguish antibody targets

A new study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a machine-learning model that can predict which pathogens antibodies will target, with an accuracy rate of over 85%. The model uses genetic sequences of antibodies to differentiate between influenza and SARS-CoV-2.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalImmunity·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 21, 2022

Environmental DNA reveals secret reef inhabitants

A new study using environmental DNA reveals a 16% higher fish diversity on coral reefs than traditional visual observations. The approach detects pelagic, reef-bound, and cryptobenthic species that are difficult to spot by divers.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022
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.

Novel deep learning method provides early and accurate differential diagnosis for Parkinsonian diseases

A new deep learning method, PDD-Net, uses 3D deep convolutional neural networks to extract deep metabolic imaging indices from PET scans for differential diagnosis of parkinsonian diseases. The method achieved high sensitivity and specificity rates for Parkinson's disease and other parkinsonian syndromes.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateApr 21, 2022

It’s the pore that counts

The study reveals that carbon storage in soil depends on the spatial distribution of pores, with a higher concentration of carbon found near pores. The researchers used X-ray CT to visualize pore systems and found that microbial activity decreases with increasing distance from the pores.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Scientists use machine learning to identify antibiotic resistant bacteria that can spread between animals, humans and the environment

A ground-breaking software combines DNA sequencing and machine learning to identify antibiotic-resistant bacteria transmission between humans, animals, and the environment. The study found antimicrobial genes shared across animals, farm workers, and environments, including unknown genes associated with resistance.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 21, 2022

New materials for storing flammable industrial gases

Researchers have created new patented materials that can capture and release acetylene with high efficiency, outperforming existing porous materials. The flexible Metal-Organic frameworks (MOFs) offer tunable gas storage and release conditions suitable for industrial applications.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 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.

Sapphire fiber could enable cleaner energy and air-travel

Researchers have developed a sensor made of sapphire fibre that can withstand temperatures over 2000°C, enabling significant improvements in efficiency and emission reduction in aerospace and power generation. The technology has potential applications in space and fusion power industries.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

The protein that keeps the pancreas from digesting itself

Researchers identified estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERR γ) as crucial for preventing pancreatic auto-digestion in mice. In humans, lower levels of ERR γ were found in cells affected by pancreatitis. These findings suggest new therapies regulating ERR γ activity could help prevent or treat these conditions.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGastroenterology·DateApr 21, 2022