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Science News Archive April 2022 - Page 21


Page 21 of 37

Missing-link black hole found lurking in plain sight

Researchers found a missing link between galaxies and quasars, discovering a supermassive black hole in archived Hubble Space Telescope data. The object, GNz7q, appears to be a black hole just starting to overpower its host galaxy in the process of becoming a quasar.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2022

Unlocking the molecular mechanism of PTSD treatment

Researchers found that NYX-783, a newly discovered drug, modulates NMDA receptor activity in neurons to suppress traumatic memories and spontaneous recovery of PTSD. The drug was effective in reducing fear responses and improving treatment outcomes, particularly in female mice.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2022

Sports participation by transgender youth: Providers’ perspectives

Providers of care to transgender youth believe restrictive sports legislation would worsen discrimination and stigmatization. The study found that such laws could lead to increased mental and physical health morbidities among transgender youth.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalLGBT Health·TypeCase study·DateApr 13, 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.

Energy transition: New-generation solar cells raise efficiency

Researchers at the University of Cologne and the University of Wuppertal have developed a tandem solar cell that achieves an unprecedented 24% efficiency, outperforming previous records. The innovative design combines organic and perovskite-based absorbers with an indium oxide interconnect to minimize losses.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2022

A swarm of 85,000 earthquakes at the Antarctic Orca submarine volcano

Researchers identify magma intrusion as cause of 85,000-quake swarm in Antarctica, largest ever recorded. The swarm peaked with two large earthquakes before subsiding, marking the end of a sustained magmatic unrest.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2022

Tear-free brushing? All you need is math

A team of researchers, led by L. Mahadevan, developed a mathematical model to understand the mechanics of combing and detangling. They found that using short strokes starting from the free end can effectively remove tangles, with an optimal minimum length for each stroke identified.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalSoft Matter·DateApr 13, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research brief: Immune response to parasitic worms

A study led by the University of Minnesota Medical School found that exposure to helminths can stimulate the immune system and reduce predisposition for inflammatory bowel disease. The research revealed a unique glycosylation mechanism, O-GlcNAcylation, which activates epithelial cells to orchestrate an anti-helminth response.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2022

Why we shout during Zoom calls if the image gets blurry

Researchers at Radboud University found that as Zoom call video quality degrades, people start shouting and using more gestures to compensate. The study tracked participants' speech and gestures over 40 minutes of calls with deteriorating video quality.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 13, 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.

Family structure associated with delinquency for adolescents

A new study finds that asymmetrical family structures, such as single-father or single-mother households, are associated with higher delinquency rates among adolescents. In contrast, symmetrical arrangements like mother-stepfather families show lower rates of delinquent behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateApr 13, 2022

Groundwater level threatens to fall in Germany due to climate change

A recent study by KIT and BGR predicts declining groundwater levels in Germany until 2100, regardless of the climate scenario. The worst-case scenario indicates significantly falling groundwater levels in North and East Germany by the end of the century.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 13, 2022

Team discovers novel root cause of tau-induced neurodegeneration

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have identified a novel mechanism by which tau protein causes neurons to die, which can be altered pharmacologically. This discovery provides a new framework for studying vertebrate models of tauopathy and eventually clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 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.

Kiss of sleep: How blood cancer cells put the immune system’s Natural Killer cells to sleep

Researchers have discovered that blood cancer cells steal membranes from immune cells like Natural Killer cells through a process called trogocytosis. This process allows the cancer cells to put the NK cells to sleep, shutting down their anti-cancer activity. The study also sheds light on how PD-1 inhibitors can be used to 'wake up' th...

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2022

Physics models better define what makes pasta al dente

Researchers created a theoretical model to describe the swelling, softening, and elastocapillary adhesion of cooked pasta. The study found that cooking time is directly related to the degree of noodle stickiness.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 13, 2022

Structure of the active ingredient bismuth subsalicylate in Pepto-Bismol revealed

Scientists at Stockholm University have revealed the structure of bismuth subsalicylate, a century-old pharmaceutical ingredient used to treat nausea and diarrhea. The discovery was made possible by advanced transmission electron microscopy techniques, which provided atomic resolution images of the molecule's molecular packing.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 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.

Additional COVID vaccine helps protect transplant patients

A new study shows that three doses of mRNA vaccine provide substantially greater protection against severe COVID-19 for immunosuppressed transplant patients. Boosters appear to increase effectiveness, with a regimen of two doses only 29% effective and three doses 77% effective in preventing hospitalization.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateApr 13, 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.

Maximizing the effectiveness of therapeutic vaccines a step closer

Researchers have made a breakthrough in enhancing the antiviral T cell response triggered by therapeutic vaccines for chronic hepatitis B. By removing natural killer cells and activating them with cytokines, they boosted the control of HBV infection.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2022

What do you see when you listen to music?

A study found that listeners in Arkansas and Michigan imagined similar stories, while those in China envisioned unique narratives. The results suggest that music can generate shared experiences despite cultural differences.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2022

Infectious bacteria force host plants to feed them, study finds

Researchers discovered that bacterial virulence factor WtsE initiates mobilization of nutrients and water into spaces where the bacteria reside in infected maize plants. This process precedes death of plant cells and could inform future breeding practices to resist devastating corn diseases.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 13, 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.

MD Anderson research highlights for April 13, 2022

Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant advancements in treating neuroendocrine tumors with combination therapy, identified consensus subtypes for hepatocellular carcinoma to improve treatment selection, and found a targetable vulnerability in urothelial cancer due to MTAP loss.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateApr 13, 2022

Structural racism and pandemic stressors associated with postpartum depression and anxiety among Black individuals

A recent study found that structural racism and COVID-19 pandemic stressors are significantly associated with postpartum depression and anxiety among Black individuals. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, analyzed data from a large birthing cohort and found that participants who experienced worse pandemic-related worries, interper...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateApr 13, 2022

New COVID-19 nasal spray outperforms current antibody treatments in mice

Researchers developed a protein-based antiviral nasal spray that thwarts infection by interfering with the virus' ability to enter cells. The treatment neutralizes all tested SARS-CoV-2 variants, including omicron subvariants, and is more cost-effective and self-administerable than current antibody therapies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 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.

Validating models for next-generation fusion facilities with the PPPL flagship

Recent simulations and analysis suggest that the PPPL flagship, NSTX-U, can serve as a model for an economically attractive next-generation fusion pilot plant. The facility's unique capabilities make it a candidate for generating clean and safe power for electricity production by the 2040s.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNuclear Fusion·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 13, 2022

Aotearoa's first strontium isoscape developed

The University of Otago has created the first strontium isoscape for Aotearoa New Zealand, allowing researchers to pinpoint biological material to distinct geographical regions. This innovation enables better prediction of unknown materials' origin, benefiting industries and research

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeContent analysis·DateApr 13, 2022

Researchers find limited economic cost to robust carbon emission goals

A new study finds that while immediate economic benefits of carbon emissions reductions are limited, most scenarios have net economic benefits after 2050. The benefits are most dramatic for developing countries, with a median net benefit of 6.0% of GDP for a 1.5°C reduction target.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalOxford Open Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2022

Diverse life forms may have evolved earlier than previously thought

New research suggests diverse microbial life existed on Earth at least 3.75 billion years ago, dating back to a time when the planet was still forming. The study, led by UCL researchers, analyzed ancient rock formations and found evidence of complex structures that could not have been created through chemical reactions alone.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 13, 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.

Newborns’ brains already organized into functional networks

A new study found that newborn brains are already organized into functional networks, with five networks operating at birth. Individual variability in these networks may be related to genetic differences and could have implications for behavior in adults.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNeuroImage·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 13, 2022

Noncancerous chest CT features for predicting survival in stage I lung cancer

A retrospective study found that higher coronary artery calcium score, higher pulmonary artery-to-aorta ratio, and lower thoracic skeletal muscle index independently predicted worse overall survival. The PA-to-aorta ratio was the most important predictor of overall survival.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2022

Feel the attraction of zwitterionic Janus Particles

A team of researchers used a new computer simulation to model the electrostatic self-organization of zwitterionic nanoparticles, which are useful for drug delivery. They found that including transient charge fluctuations greatly increased the accuracy, leading to the development of new self-assembling smart nanomaterials.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 13, 2022

Long-term quality of life in breast cancer patients after breast conservation vs mastectomy, reconstruction

Researchers compared long-term quality-of-life outcomes in women with breast cancer treated with breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy versus mastectomy and reconstruction without radiation therapy. Mastectomy and reconstruction was associated with lower overall quality of life, but not physical function or mental health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateApr 13, 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.

Show them the money: Pay the vaccine-hesitant to get their COVID-19 shots

A $1000 cash incentive significantly increased COVID-19 vaccination rates among hesitant individuals, reaching 87 percent. The study highlights the effectiveness of monetary incentives in addressing collective action problems like vaccine hesitancy and climate change.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2022

Chinese researchers report integrated robot system for ultrasound-guided prostate percutaneous intervention

A new robot system enables automatic insertion of needles for prostate diagnosis and treatment, reducing trauma and improving success rates. The 8-joint robot uses a parallel structure for precise control and can be calibrated using particle swarm optimization.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Mechanical Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 13, 2022

New findings show effectiveness of meningococcal B vaccine against gonorrhoea

Researchers have found that the meningococcal B vaccine is 33% effective against gonorrhoea in adolescents and young adults. The study aims to reduce not only gonorrhoea infection but also its long-term effects, such as infertility and blindness in babies born to infected mothers.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2022

Early human habitats linked to past climate shifts

A new study by an international team of scientists links early human habitats to past climate shifts using a supercomputer model and fossil records. The research suggests that climate change played a central role in determining where different hominin groups lived and their remains were found.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 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.

UNH research finds a genomic time machine in sea sponges

A novel approach to understanding sponge evolution reveals two distinct microbiome compositions that led to different feeding strategies and predator protection. The discovery provides insights into the Earth's past and could reveal aspects of ancient ocean chemistry.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 13, 2022

Edible, fluorescent silk tags can suss out fake medications

Researchers created edible tags with fluorescent silk proteins to track medications, providing a new way for consumers to verify authenticity. The codes are readable by a smartphone app and can be ingested without causing harm.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateApr 13, 2022

Seeing more deeply into nanomaterials

Researchers at Columbia Engineering and Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a new high-resolution x-ray imaging technique to reveal the inner structure of novel nanomaterials. The tool, which provides 7nm resolution, has enabled them to study complex 3D architectures with unprecedented detail.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 13, 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.

How do fungal infections spread in the human lung?

A team of researchers developed a novel chip-based infection model to study invasive aspergillosis, a mold infection that affects the lungs. The model allows for live microscopic observation of damage caused by fungal hyphae and the response of immune cells.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2022

Layered controls can significantly curb exposure to COVID-19

A new model shows combining face masks, distancing, and increased ventilation can reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection risk by more than 98% in most cases. The study found that layered controls are highly effective in curb exposure to COVID-19.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalIndoor Air·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 13, 2022

Obesity significantly increased heart failure risk among women with late menopause

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that late menopause, occurring at age 55 or older, significantly increases heart failure risk among obese women. Obesity was a major contributing factor, with the risk being greatest among women who experienced late menopause.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 13, 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.

Association between physical activity, risk of depression

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 studies found significant mental health benefits from physical activity, including a reduced risk of depression. The study suggests that even moderate levels of exercise can have a positive impact on mental well-being.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateApr 13, 2022

Estrogen and testosterone deficiency linked to higher rates of rotator cuff repair

Patients with lower levels of sex hormones are more likely to undergo surgery for rotator cuff tears, according to a study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. Estrogen deficiency was associated with a 48% higher incidence of rotator cuff repair in women, while testosterone deficiency was linked to an 89% higher rate in men.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateApr 13, 2022

Tumors change their metabolism to spread more effectively

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered that cancer cells suppress a key enzyme in propionate metabolism, increasing production of methylmalonic acid (MMA) and causing cells to become more aggressive. This metabolic change may hold the key to understanding how tumors metastasize and developing novel therapies.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Metabolism·DateApr 13, 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.

Social connections influence brain structure of rhesus macaques

Researchers found that rhesus macaques with more grooming partners had larger brain areas for social decision-making and empathy, specifically the mid–superior temporal sulcus (STS) and ventral-dysgranular insula. The study suggests that social connections influence brain structure in nonhuman primates, with possible implications for h...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 13, 2022