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Science News Archive April 2022 - Page 13


Page 13 of 37

In western floodplains, species adapt to bullfrog, sunfish invaders

A new study found that native species in southwestern Washington floodplains adapt to bullfrogs and sunfish by changing their feeding strategies. The researchers analyzed carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in predators and prey to understand food webs, finding that some species shifted towards more abundant food sources.

SourceCornell University·JournalFreshwater Science·DateApr 21, 2022

Texas A&M AgriLife tick research gets $1 million boost

Two projects aim to develop novel acaricides and vaccines against cattle fever ticks, a growing threat to the US cattle industry. The grants seek to protect Texas cattle from deadly diseases like bovine babesiosis and anaplasmosis.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateApr 21, 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.

Japanese scientists found potential food contamination routes of a newly identified foodborne pathogen

A recent study by Japanese researchers found that Staphylococcus argenteus, a bacterial organism causing food poisoning, was present in 13.9% of tested chicken samples. The study also revealed cross-contamination among retail foods and slaughterhouses, suggesting a potential link between the two.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

A solution to perovskite solar cell scalability problems

Researchers have created a new solvothermal method to produce single-crystalline titanium dioxide nanoparticles that can enhance the scalability of perovskite solar cells. The resulting cells demonstrated improved power-conversion efficiency and operational stability, with values reaching up to 24.05% and 84.7% fill factor.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 21, 2022

New targets uncovered for treating hypertension-related fibrosis

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered two mediators of fibrosis, KLF10 and IL-9, which could be potential therapeutic targets. Injection of mice with IL-9 neutralizing antibodies reversed fibrosis and prevented organ dysfunction.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·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.

Cycloalkanes a strong candidate for reducing aviation emissions

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have explored the physical properties of cycloalkanes, finding they may reduce condensation trail formation and soot emissions compared to current fuels. This could lead to a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and mitigate climate change impacts on global security.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalFrontiers in Energy Research·DateApr 21, 2022

Cortisol in shelter dog hair shows signs of stress

A study published in Scientific Reports found that shelter dog hair cortisol levels increased by one-third after six weeks in the shelter, indicating elevated stress. After adoption, cortisol levels decreased, returning to pre-shelter values. The results suggest that even well-managed shelters can cause stress in dogs.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Firearms kill more children than car crashes, new report finds

Firearm-related deaths have surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of death among children under 19, with a widening racial gap. Secure gun storage counseling and hospital-based violence intervention programs show promise for prevention and reduction of all three categories of gun violence.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 21, 2022

Novel method for real-time live cell imaging of collagen synthesis

Researchers developed a live imaging system to observe collagen synthesis in fibroblasts, revealing the intracellular processing and transportation of collagen fibers. The study found that this step controls the speed of collagen synthesis, providing a new understanding of collagen production.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 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.

Western University researchers urge legislation to end organ donation anonymity

Researchers argue that restrictive policies are outdated and unfair, suggesting new legislation to facilitate direct contact between donor families and organ recipients. The team cites examples of provinces like British Columbia and Nova Scotia, which have mechanisms in place for mediating direct contact.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 21, 2022

THE LANCET PUBLIC HEALTH: Stricter COVID-19 measures associated with negative mental health effects and lower opinion of government’s pandemic response, new research suggests

New research suggests that stricter pandemic policy measures are associated with poorer mental health outcomes and lower life evaluations. Eliminator countries experienced fewer deaths and better mental health trends compared to mitigator countries.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2022

Arterial thromboses: Innovative treatment approach

Researchers have identified a new signaling pathway of blood clotting and demonstrated how it can be experimentally inhibited to reduce the risk of thrombosis. By targeting platelet-derived CXCL12, the approach may offer additional benefits without increasing the risk of bleeding.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalBlood·DateApr 21, 2022

Intense exercise while dieting may reduce cravings for fatty food

A study suggests that intense exercise can help rats resist cues for high-fat food pellets, even after a 30-day diet. The researchers found that exercise modulated the rats' willingness to work for these cues, reflecting their craving level.

SourceWashington State University·JournalObesity·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 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.

Safely storing dangerous gasses in pores

Scientists developed a new porous coordination polymer that can store and release acetylene, a highly flammable industrial gas, without using solvents. The material allows for the storage of large quantities of acetylene at pressures below 2 bar.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 21, 2022

Ecotourism causing northern Bahamian rock iguana’s sugar high

Research suggests that ecotourists' sugar-fed wildlife interactions are causing northern Bahamian rock iguanas to develop high blood sugar levels. The study found that iguanas on islands frequently visited by tourists had higher glucose peaks and difficulty regulating their blood sugar.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

The pandemic put university students’ study engagement to the test and greatly increased burnout

The pandemic significantly increased study burnout among university students, with engagement in studies dropping to its lowest level in late 2020. The conflict between demands and resources was a central factor, while basic psychological needs such as autonomy, relatedness, and competence played a crucial role in student wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·TypeSurvey·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.

New algorithm could simplify decisions for ship channel dredging

Researchers developed a new decision-support tool to optimize ship channel dredging and disposal activities, considering factors like navigability condition deterioration and economic values. The algorithm weighs input from local professionals and projects costs with interest and inflation included.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalTransportation Research·TypeNews article·DateApr 21, 2022

Uncovering the secret of ternary polymer solar cell success

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba and Hiroshima University investigated ternary polymer solar cells to understand why adding an extra ingredient improves their performance. They found that the acceptor molecule ITIC enhances the orientation of polymer molecules, reducing charge accumulation and increasing stability.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·DateApr 21, 2022

Microdrones with light-driven nanomotors

Würzburg physicists have developed microdrones that can be precisely controlled on a surface using light-driven nanomotors. The drones consist of polymer discs with up to four independently addressable nanomotors, enabling efficient propulsion and control in aqueous environments.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·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.

We are more satisfied with life as we age, thanks to this neurochemical

A new study found that the release of oxytocin is linked to increased kindness and life satisfaction, with participants showing more generous behavior and empathy as they aged. The findings support religious philosophies on the importance of helping others in enhancing life satisfaction.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateApr 21, 2022

Glowing spider fossils prompt breakthrough study of how they were preserved at Aix-en-Provence

Researchers at the University of Kansas discovered that microalgae-produced diatoms played a crucial role in preserving ancient spider fossils at Aix-en-Provence. The unique chemical process, similar to industrial vulcanization, stabilized carbon-based exoskeletons and promoted sulfurization, resulting in exceptional fossil preservation.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateApr 21, 2022

A luminescent material shines brighter by simultaneously stretching it and applying an electric field.

Scientists at DGIST have developed a flexible, stretchable material that lights up brightly when stretched or subjected to an electric field. The new material overcomes design issues in existing devices, offering improved luminescence and potential applications in interactive skin displays and soft robotics.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·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.

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers detect coronavirus particles with “slow light”

Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) have developed a new technique to easily visualize viruses using an optical microscope, called the Gires-Tournois immunoassay platform. The platform uses 'slow light' technology to detect coronavirus particles by slowing down light that gets reflected around them.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Waking up to an interactive coffee cup of data

A team of researchers has made a large collection of coffee samples' NMR data freely available to assess the variety under which coffee is sold. The dataset can be interactively explored using software called NMRium-browser, allowing users to visualize the molecular structure of coffee beans from different origins.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigabyte·TypeExperimental study·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.

Children with migration backgrounds less likely to receive recommended psychiatric treatment, Swedish study shows

A Swedish study found that children with migration backgrounds are less likely to receive recommended psychiatric diagnoses and treatments for conditions like ADHD and depression. They were 40% less likely to receive certain diagnoses and 30% less likely to receive psychotherapy or ADHD drugs.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEpidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2022

Plasma membrane repair protects tumor cells against killer T cell assault

Researchers found that tumor cells use endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) proteins to resist T cell attack and survive cell death. Inhibiting ESCRT activity in cancer-derived cells makes them more susceptible to CTL killing, providing new insights into cancer immunotherapy.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 21, 2022

Brains and brawn helped crows and ravens take over the world

New research from Washington University in St. Louis shows that crows and ravens' diverse traits enabled their rapid global expansion. Their intelligence allowed them to adapt to new environments, while their big bodies gave them a competitive advantage.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Volcanoes at fault if the Earth slips

A study by KyotoU scientists has discovered a significant relationship between volcanic activity and seismic faults. The research team found that the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes were triggered by the eruption of Mount Aso, which caused a shift in the fault's movement pattern.

SourceKyoto University·JournalGeochemistry Geophysics Geosystems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 21, 2022

Air lasing: A new tool for atmospheric detection

A new technique uses air lasing and coherent Raman spectroscopy to detect greenhouse gases with high sensitivity and multi-component measurement capabilities. The detection reaches a level of 0.03% and can distinguish between CO2 isotopes.

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Study suggests tree-filled spaces are more favorable to child development than paved or grassy surfaces

A recent study found that children living in areas with tree cover had better early childhood development than those in areas with grass or paved surfaces. The research also showed that tree-filled spaces mitigate air pollution, noise, and heat better than more open green spaces.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 21, 2022

CityU chemists develop a strategy for highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells

A research team from City University of Hong Kong and Imperial College London developed a new strategy for highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells using ferrocene molecules. The breakthrough invention can achieve efficiency of up to 25% while maintaining stability, making it a promising alternative to silicon solar cells.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Physicians working in physician-owned practices more likely to be satisfied with their electronic health records

Researchers found that physicians working in physician-owned practices were significantly more satisfied with their EHRs, citing staff support for documentation and appropriate time spent on documentation. These differences partially explained the disparity in EHR satisfaction between solo and non-solo practices.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2022

The application of compost shows agricultural and environmental benefits in the bacterial community

A study by the Diverfarming project found that long-term compost application improved soil bacterial community complexity and communication, increasing nitrogen fixing potential and reducing emissions. This highlights the importance of using compost in sustainable agriculture, which can reduce fertilizer and pesticide use and create mo...

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalAgronomy·TypeMeta-analysis·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.

Lower intramuscular fat for a stronger heart

A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that measuring intramuscular fat in thigh muscles can predict cardiovascular health outcomes in heart failure patients. Patients with lower intramuscular fat had higher grip strength and were less likely to be hospitalized.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalThe American Journal of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2022

Do pain relievers impede bone drug’s efficacy?

Researchers found that NSAID use negates the bone-protective effects of bisphosphonate clodronate on preventing osteoporotic fractures. The study suggests caution in extrapolating these data to more widely used bisphosphonates, as concomitant usage may lead to reduced fracture risk.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateApr 20, 2022

African dust crosses the Atlantic

Researchers found a simulated annual downward trend in surface PM10 concentrations in Senegal and Cabo Verde after the 1980s. However, there was an increase in dust over the Western Sahara transported to Cabo Verde, suggesting Eastern Atlantic dust continued on toward the U.S. and Caribbean.

SourcePenn State·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateApr 20, 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.

Using bacteria to build settlements on Mars

Researchers at Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a method to make bricks out of Martian soil using bacteria and urea. These 'space bricks' can be used for building-like structures on Mars, reducing porosity and increasing strength. The team plans to study the effect of Mars' atmosphere and low gravity on the bricks.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 20, 2022

Lab grown, self-sustainable muscle cells repair muscle injury and disease, mouse study shows

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully cultivated human muscle stem cells capable of renewing themselves and repairing muscle tissue damage in mice. The self-renewing stem cells were created by reprogramming laboratory-grown human skin cells, which then differentiated into specific cell types using a nutrient-rich broth.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 20, 2022

Einstein aging study receives $32 million grant to study Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Einstein Aging Study are investigating how social forces contribute to inequalities in cognitive health, particularly among Black and Hispanic Americans. The new grant will enable the tracking of over 700 Bronx adults with mobile technology to measure cognition directly as they engage in everyday activities.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateApr 20, 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.

Gastric inflammation: How a bacterial infection causes tissue changes

Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have discovered a novel mechanism that restricts cell division in healthy stomach tissue, protecting against cancerous changes. However, Helicobacter pylori infection deactivates this mechanism, enabling cells to grow uncontrollably and increasing the risk of stomach cancer.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2022

UK National Osteoporosis Guideline Group publishes new guidance

The UK National Osteoporosis Guideline Group has published a new guideline for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, which includes updated recommendations for vertebral fracture detection and anabolic treatment options. The guidance aims to improve service provision in both primary and secondary care settings.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalArchives of Osteoporosis·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 20, 2022

Got food cravings? What's living in your gut may be responsible

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that mice with different gut microbiomes choose different diets, influenced by substances produced by microbes. The researchers suggest that certain molecules, such as tryptophan, may be hijacking the body's natural signals to promote specific food cravings.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2022

Dying stars’ cocoons might explain fast blue optical transients

A Northwestern University astrophysics team proposes that fast blue optical transients (FBOTs) originate from the cocoons of jets launched by dying stars. The new model, fully consistent with all FBOT observations, suggests that as the jet pushes the cocoon outward, it cools and releases heat, emitting an observed FBOT emission.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 20, 2022