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Science News Archive April 2022 - Page 25


Page 25 of 37

Study suggests why most smokers don’t get lung cancer

A recent study led by scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine suggests that some smokers have robust mechanisms to limit mutations, protecting them from lung cancer. The findings could help identify those with an increased risk for the disease and warrant close monitoring.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·TypeCase study·DateApr 11, 2022

A single memory is stored across many connected brain regions

A new study by MIT researchers confirms that a single memory is stored across many connected brain regions, challenging long-held assumptions. The study used advanced imaging techniques to map memory encoding and recall activity in mice, revealing dozens of brain regions involved in memory storage.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 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.

Converting solar energy to electricity on demand

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have successfully converted solar energy into electricity using a thermoelectric generator. The new technology can store solar energy for up to 18 years and release it when needed, making it a promising solution for renewable energy production.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

Clarifying carb confusion: experts propose evidence-based scoring system to assess the overall healthfulness of carb-containing foods

A new 'Carbohydrate Food Quality Score' considers a comprehensive approach to quantify CF quality, incorporating fiber-to-carbohydrate and free sugar ratios, sodium, potassium, and whole grain content. The scoring system aims to offer relevant recommendations to improve nutrient intake and public health.

SourceThe Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE)·JournalNutrients·DateApr 11, 2022

Study links fracking, drinking water pollution, and infant heath

A new study finds that fracking is linked to poor birth outcomes and contaminants in public drinking water. The research, which analyzed data from Pennsylvania between 2006 and 2015, shows a significant increase in preterm births and low birth weight among infants exposed to fracking-related chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Health Economics·DateApr 11, 2022

Study sheds new light on the origin of civilization

A new study by University of Warwick researchers finds that the adoption of cereal crops is the key factor in the emergence of complex hierarchies and states. Contrary to conventional theory, high land productivity does not lead to the development of tax-levying states.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateApr 11, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Accounting for genetic factors that cause normal variations in PSA levels may improve the accuracy of prostate cancer detection

A study suggests that accounting for genetic factors causing normal variations in PSA levels could improve the accuracy of prostate cancer detection. By analyzing data from over 95,000 men, researchers identified a polygenic score that accounted for 7.3-8.7% of variation in baseline PSA levels and was not associated with prostate cancer.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 11, 2022

Aprotinin is effective in COVID-19 patients – researchers of Goethe University and University of Kent paved the way

Researchers from Goethe University and University of Kent found aprotinin effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Delta and Omicron, by preventing virus entry into host cells. A recent phase III clinical study demonstrated the treatment reduced hospital stays by five days.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2022

Collision hotspots for migrating birds revealed in new study

Researchers used GPS data from 65 bird tracking studies to identify areas where migrating birds are more sensitive to onshore wind turbine or power line development. These 'collision hotspots' are concentrated along important migration routes, coastlines, and near breeding locations in Europe and North Africa.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 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.

Even in a virtual classroom, preschoolers can gain reading skills

A new study by the University of Washington's Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences finds that children can develop key reading skills in a virtual classroom with other students. The 'Reading Camp' program demonstrates not only its effectiveness but also its potential to reach larger numbers of students remotely.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateApr 11, 2022

Cloud server leasing can leave sensitive data up for grabs

Researchers found that cloud tenants are vulnerable to receiving sensitive customer data when IP addresses are leased and released back to the public. To mitigate this risk, companies and cloud-service providers must implement practices such as preventing IP address reuse.

SourcePenn State·DateApr 11, 2022

Cancer-fighting viruses soften up their victims before attacking

Researchers developed a virus that infects cancer cells, killing them while sending signals to nearby uninfected cells for viral attack. This approach shrinks tumors and enhances cancer-killing efficacy in various models, including pancreatic and ovarian cancers.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 11, 2022

Neptune is cooler than we thought: Study reveals unexpected changes in atmospheric temperatures

A new study by University of Leicester researchers reveals Neptune's atmospheric temperatures have dropped by roughly 8 degrees Celsius between 2003 and 2018, with unexpected stratospheric warming at the south pole. The cause of these changes is currently unknown, but may be related to seasonal variations in atmospheric chemistry.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPlanetary Science·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 2022

Researchers map lung development after birth into late childhood for the first time

Scientists have constructed a detailed map of lung development after birth, providing insights into the genetic and epigenetic factors that affect lung health. The study used next-generation single-cell sequencing technologies to analyze over 80,000 human and mouse lung cells, revealing clues on how cell types communicate and develop.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Genomics·DateApr 11, 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.

Chemists harness the sun to upcycle plastic waste

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a way to use light and oxygen to upcycle polystyrene into benzoic acid, a product stocked in chemistry labs and used in various products. The process is mild, climate-friendly, and scalable to commercial waste streams.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 11, 2022

Pediatric cancer patients in lower- and middle-income countries faced significantly higher mortality risk during the COVID-19 pandemic

Pediatric cancer patients from lower- and middle-income countries faced a higher risk of all-cause mortality than those in high-income countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that patients in LMICs had 35.7 times the risk of all-cause mortality compared to those in HICs.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalBMJ Open·DateApr 11, 2022

New transistor could cut 5% from world’s digital energy budget

A new magneto-electric transistor has been developed by researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University at Buffalo. The design can reduce energy consumption by up to 75% and retain memory in event of power loss, making it a promising alternative to silicon-based transistors.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 11, 2022

Researchers publish most thorough study yet of 'smart,' spitting archerfishes

A new study published in Integrative Organismal Biology sheds light on the evolutionary history and anatomical variation of archerfishes, a group of fishes known for their ability to spit water from their mouths. Researchers found that all species can shoot, but there are differences among them.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalIntegrative Organismal Biology·DateApr 11, 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.

Study boosts support for single-dose HPV vaccine regimen

A randomized controlled trial of 2,275 women in Kenya found a single dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to be highly effective. The study results support the adoption of a single-dose HPV vaccination, which could increase accessibility in low- and middle-income countries.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNEJM Evidence·DateApr 11, 2022

Concussion worse if fighters rapidly cut weight before boxing and MMA matches, ground-breaking study reveals for the first time

Researchers found that fighters who rapidly cut weight before bouts are more likely to suffer concussions or be misdiagnosed with head trauma. The study also discovered that the practice may not offer a competitive advantage and can leave fighters at a disadvantage more often than not.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalClinical Journal of Sport Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateApr 11, 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.

Foreign languages slow down brain ageing

Research found that bilingualism can slow down age-related changes in the human brain, with longer language proficiency linked to improved conflict resolution skills. Bilingual speakers showed better performance in a flanker task, indicating enhanced inhibitory executive control.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateApr 11, 2022

Regular cycling helps patients with ‘accelerated aging’ disease

A study at McMaster University found that cycling for 35 minutes three times a week increased overall fitness in people with myotonic dystrophy by 32%. Patients also saw significant gains in muscle mass and reductions in body fat.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2022

Lung cancer drug could improve survival rates for bladder cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

A phase two randomised placebo controlled trial showed giving patients nintedanib, as well as chemotherapy before surgery or radiotherapy, significantly increased overall survival rates at one, two and five years. Nintedanib blocks different proteins from sending signals to cancer cells to grow, causing the cancer cells to die.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2022
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.

Think piece

Researchers have developed a new MRI technique that captures the brain's function during normal behavior, revealing its activities on a scale previously unknown. This 'time-lapse' imaging method, called manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI), uses manganese as a contrast agent to highlight brain cell activity and neural projections.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalNMR in Biomedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 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.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy shows promise for opioid addiction treatment

A pair of studies published by Washington State University scientists found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help individuals with opioid addiction reduce their methadone dose and better manage pain and withdrawal symptoms. The treatment involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, resulting in significant dose reduct...

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Addictions Nursing·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2022

Sex-specific guidelines needed to accurately treat women

Current guidelines for treating women's obesity, hypertension and diabetes are based on men's studies. Researchers call for sex-specific guidelines to accurately treat these conditions in women, as they have different risk factors and manifestations.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 11, 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.

Structure‒tissue exposure/selectivity relationship (STR) correlates with clinical efficacy/safety

Researchers investigated the structure‒tissue exposure/selectivity relationship (STR) in correlation with observed clinical efficacy/toxicity using seven selective estrogen receptor modulators. The results showed that tissue exposure/selectivity of SERMs was correlated with clinical efficacy/safety, while plasma exposure was not.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalActa Pharmaceutica Sinica B·DateApr 11, 2022

Optical vortex crystals for photonic simulations of complex systems

Scientists at IIT realized coupled light vortices forming an ordered structure, a light crystal. They developed metasurfaces to control laser beams and created 100 light vortices with tunable topology, enabling new properties for optical communications and simulations of complex systems.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Meat industry not threatened by plant-based alternatives, study suggests

New research suggests that plant-based meat alternatives have grown in market share but are not replacing traditional meat, instead serving as an add-on. The study found that consumers buy both plant-based and animal products, with plant-based meats accounting for only 0.4% of total fresh meat expenditures.

SourceOhio State University·JournalApplied Economic Perspectives and Policy·DateApr 11, 2022

New tool reveals how immune cells find their targets

MIT biological engineers have developed a new technique that allows them to precisely identify interactions between immune cells and their target antigens. This tool, which uses engineered viruses, enables large-scale screens of such interactions and could accelerate the development of more effective vaccines and immunotherapies.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 11, 2022

New approach for delivery of anti-HIV antibody therapy shows promise in phase I clinical trial

A phase I clinical trial demonstrated the safety and efficacy of a novel adeno-associated viral vector-based treatment for HIV, producing measurable amounts of a broadly neutralizing antibody. The treatment showed wide-ranging clinical implications for potentially preventing or treating HIV and other infections.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 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.

Former partners-in-crime likely to violently turn on one another – UK crime gang study

A UK crime gang study found that OCG members who previously offended together are more likely to become victims of violence, with a 56-fold increase in risk. The study also revealed cycles of escalating violence within the criminal milieu, with harassment increasing the potential for violence by 243 times.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Quantitative Criminology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 2022

The Kryptonite of the “superhero ideal”

A recent study by Wellesley College psychologist Sally A. Theran suggests that cultivating authentic relationships can help combat the negative effects of the 'superhero ideal' on mental health. Authenticity in relationships is key to mediating the relationship between the pressure to be a perfect achiever and depressive symptoms.

SourceWellesley College·JournalActa Psychologica·TypeSurvey·DateApr 11, 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.

Multidisciplinary approach to weight management – including bariatric surgery – is a viable option for adolescents with obesity

A new study published in Surgical Endoscopy found that adolescents with obesity who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy benefited from reduced obesity and concomitant organ damage, regardless of their age at the time of surgery. Additionally, adolescents with a family history of bariatric surgery had a higher weight prior to weig...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalSurgical Endoscopy·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 11, 2022

COVID-19 led to a rise in loneliness & depression in older adults: Report

Rates of depression and loneliness surged among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly women aged 65-74 who experienced a 67% increase in loneliness. Effective interventions are needed to address social isolation, including digital technology education, virtual group fitness classes, and outreach programs for youth.

SourceSimon Fraser University·DateApr 11, 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.

Researchers study how to unlock clinical risk-prediction models so they can be applied to multiple clinical settings

A team of NYU Tandon researchers investigated the variability of mortality prediction models when applied to different hospitals and geographic regions. They found that these models exhibit a lack of generalizability due to dataset shifts in race and clinical variables, leading to disparities in performance across racial groups.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 2022

Columbia accelerates research into next-generation radiation therapies

Researchers at Columbia University are studying the effects of heavy ion radiation therapy on hard-to-treat cancers, aiming to improve treatment outcomes. The new linac booster will help scientists better understand how carbon ions work against cancer, potentially leading to more effective therapies.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateApr 11, 2022