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Science News Archive April 2022 - Page 33


Page 33 of 37

Boosting liver mRNAs curbs appetite, body weight in obese mice

A breakthrough discovery has identified a novel approach to tackle metabolic diseases by inhibiting a liver enzyme that regulates appetite and energy expenditure. The treatment, which stabilizes key proteins in the blood, resulted in significant weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity in obese mice.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022

Loud and clear: High-energy ads keep viewers tuned in, study shows

A new study from the University of Notre Dame confirms that high-energy commercials hold viewers' attention and are related to their psychological state of arousal. The research suggests that advertisers should focus on matching the energy level of ad content with consumers' emotional state to increase acceptance and effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateApr 5, 2022

Like college roommates, vampire bats bond when randomly paired

Researchers found that forced proximity increased social grooming in random pairs of vampire bats, which persisted for over two months. The study suggests a causal relationship between being forced into close proximity and forming preferences for each other, echoing the human experience of college roommates.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateApr 5, 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.

Over half a million dollars for space telecommunications research

A team of researchers led by Prof. Federico Rosei is developing high-power active optical fibers doped with erbium and ytterbium for ultra-fast satellite communications. The goal is to convert heat dissipated by the fibers into electrical energy, enabling near real-time Earth observation imaging.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateApr 5, 2022

Highlighting COVID-19 racial disparities can reduce support for precautions

New research from the University of Georgia suggests that highlighting COVID-19 racial disparities can lead to reduced fear and increased skepticism towards public health measures among white Americans. The study found that acknowledging structural causes of these disparities can actually make individuals more fearful and supportive of...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateApr 5, 2022

Dental anomalies among childhood cancer survivors differ according to type of anticancer treatment received

A study found that childhood cancer survivors who received combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy have a higher risk of dental developmental anomalies. The first signs of dental disturbances can appear within one or two years after treatment. Researchers identified specific treatments and age factors associated with increased DDA risk.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 5, 2022

Experimental evidence of two liquid waters

Researchers have successfully observed reversible transitions between two liquid states of water at low temperatures and high pressures, revealing the existence of two liquid waters. This finding explains anomalous behavior in low-temperature liquid water and has implications for aqueous solutions and biomolecules.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022

Global recommendations released to reduce sedentary time at school

The Sedentary Behaviour Research Network has released international guidelines to minimize health impacts of sedentary behaviour in schools. The recommendations aim to counteract excessive screen time and promote healthy movement behaviours among students.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateApr 5, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New technique offers faster security for non-volatile memory tech

Researchers have developed a new encryption technique that leverages hardware and software to improve file system security for next-generation non-volatile memories. This approach allows for faster performance than existing software security technologies, making it suitable for large data centers and cloud systems.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 5, 2022

Discovery provides insight into neglected tropical disease

A team of UTSW researchers has identified a molecule produced by male parasitic worms called gli1, which prompts female sexual maturity and lays eggs responsible for schistosomiasis. Dosage with the peptide b-alanyl-tryptamine can trigger sexual maturity in females without a male present.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell·DateApr 5, 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 global “plastic flood” reaches the Arctic

A recent study reveals alarming levels of plastic pollution in the Arctic Ocean, affecting ecosystems and potentially exacerbating climate change. Plastic debris from rivers, air, and shipping has reached all spheres of the Arctic, including the seafloor, remote beaches, and even ice and snow.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·DateApr 5, 2022

Treated plastic waste good at grabbing carbon dioxide

Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to turn treated plastic waste into an effective carbon dioxide sorbent, capable of removing CO2 from flue gas streams. The process involves heating plastic waste in the presence of potassium acetate, producing particles with nanometer-scale pores that trap CO2 molecules.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022

Miniature brain models help understand autism

Scientists at ISTA used brain organoids to study the effects of CHD8 mutations on brain development. The study found that mutant organoids produced larger amounts of neurons, leading to brain overgrowth and macrocephaly similar to patient symptoms.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022

Newly identified neutrophil subset is a promising therapeutic target

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified two distinct subtypes of neutrophils, with one subtype being a drug target for treating inflammatory diseases. The discovery paves the way for more targeted therapies that address chronic inflammation without suppressing anti-infection functions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022

Fitness needs the right timing

The study found that cryptochromes are conserved across various green organisms, influencing cell structures responsible for photosynthesis. The researchers discovered that a specific cryptochrome can actually lead to increased growth despite appearing darker green due to denser packed cell membranes.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateApr 5, 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.

Global team of scientists determine ‘fingerprint’ for how much heat, drought is too much for forests

A global team of scientists has identified a consistent pattern of hotter-drought conditions leading to forest mortality events. The study reveals that limiting Earth's warming will determine the survivability of many forests, with higher temperatures projected to double tree-killing droughts.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 5, 2022

Combination of biomarkers can identify common cognitive disease

A study by University of Gothenburg researchers has identified two biomarkers that can distinguish between patients with subcortical small-vessel disease, Alzheimer's disease, and mixed dementia. The discovery opens up new possibilities for diagnosis, treatment, and medication development.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Diagnosis Assessment & Disease Monitoring·DateApr 5, 2022

Vitamin K shows evidence of brain benefits in rats

A new study found that vitamin K2 supplementation improved spatial memory, learning ability, and reduced evidence of cognitive impairment, depression, and anxiety in rats. The researchers suggest that vitamin K may help preserve cognitive functions by affecting biological pathways involving inflammation and antioxidant activity.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 5, 2022

Coming soon to cellphones, drones and eyeglasses: lenses as thin as 1/1000 of a hair

Researchers at Hebrew University have developed a standardized method to compare flat lens technologies, enabling the creation of ultra-thin lenses that are cheap, lightweight and efficient. This breakthrough has significant implications for various industries, including consumer electronics and VR headsets.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Photonics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 5, 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.

Autism-associated brain differences can be observed in the womb

Researchers analyzed prenatal MRI scans of children later diagnosed with autism and found significant differences in brain structures at 25 weeks' gestation. These differences may be a strong biomarker for predicting ASD emergence, with the insular lobe showing increased volume.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 5, 2022

Newborn cells in the epileptic brain provide a potential target for treatment

Researchers discovered newborn neurons and immature astroglia in patients with epilepsy, which could lead to new anti-seizure medications. The study suggests that targeting immature astroglia may be an effective approach to controlling seizures without aggressive brain surgery.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022

‘Freeze-thaw battery’ is adept at preserving its energy

The 'freeze-thaw battery' can store energy for months without significant loss of capacity, making it a key step towards seasonal energy storage. The battery uses molten-salt and common materials to achieve this, with the potential to enhance grid resilience during severe storms or power outages.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateApr 5, 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.

How to track a shark

A massive dataset reveals complex ecological relationships between sharks and game fish, offering a clearer understanding of their interactions. The study's innovative use of acoustic telemetry and machine learning helps inform fisheries management strategies to protect both species.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEcological Applications·DateApr 5, 2022

Artificial intelligence may improve diabetes diagnosis

A new study published in Radiology found that a fully-automated artificial intelligence deep learning model can identify early signs of type 2 diabetes on abdominal CT scans. The model analyzed pancreatic features, visceral fat, and surrounding abdominal muscles to accurately discern patients with and without diabetes.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateApr 5, 2022

Researchers discover bacteria capable of killing fungus that causes yield-reducing disease in sugarcane

Researchers have discovered three strains of Pseudomonas bacteria that can inhibit and even kill the fungus responsible for pineapple sett rot, a disease that affects sugarcane yields. The study found that these bacteria produce volatile organic compounds that downregulate genes essential to fungal growth, leading to cell death.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateApr 5, 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 at the GIST identify new medicines using interpretable deep learning predictions

A new deep learning-based model called Highlights on Target Sequences (HoTS) predicts binding between drugs and target molecules, providing interpretable results. The model can predict target proteins' binding regions and interactions with drugs without a 3D complex.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of Cheminformatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 5, 2022

Solar cell keeps working long after sun sets

Researchers developed a photovoltaic cell that harnesses energy from temperature differences between the cell and surrounding air, generating 50 milliwatts per square meter at night. The device avoids need for batteries and can be incorporated into existing solar cells, making it suitable for remote locations with limited resources.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 5, 2022

Decoding the molecular clock that controls neurogenesis in the visual center of Drosophila

In a study published in Nature Communications, researchers uncovered the molecular players involved and how timing is controlled for creating neural diversity. Single-cell RNA sequencing technology revealed a temporal patterning gene network in Drosophila medulla neuroblasts, including nine new transcription factors.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 5, 2022

Novel framework for classifying chaos and thermalization

Researchers developed a novel framework to characterize weakly chaotic dynamics in complex systems with many constituent parts. By investigating Lyapunov spectrum scaling, they identified emerging quasi-conserved quantities that shed light on quantum computation and physical models.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 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.

Late-onset alcohol abuse can be a presenting symptom of dementia, researchers find

Research finds that late-onset alcohol abuse may be a presenting symptom of dementia, particularly in patients with frontotemporal dementia. The study identified that up to 7% of patients with frontotemporal dementia started abusing alcohol late in life, and 5% did so as the first symptom of the disease.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 5, 2022

New UCI-led study lays foundation for establishing base editing as a one-time, durable treatment for inherited retinal degeneration

A new UCI-led study indicates base editing has tremendous potential to treat inherited retinal degeneration, particularly in Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) patients. The treatment rescued cone photoreceptors on a long-term basis, suggesting a one-time, durable treatment for LCA patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 5, 2022

Honey holds potential for making brain-like computer chips

Researchers at Washington State University have demonstrated a way to make memristors using honey, which can mimic the work of human synapses and process data in memory. The honey memristor chips could lead to the development of neuromorphic computing systems that function like the human brain.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Physics D Applied Physics·DateApr 5, 2022

Recent changes in bird morphology - probably due to global warming

A comprehensive study of 8,000 birds in Israel found significant changes in bird morphology over the past 70 years, likely due to global warming. Some species became lighter while others gained size, increasing their surface area-to-volume ratio to facilitate heat loss.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateApr 5, 2022

New link between greenhouse gasses and sea level rise

A new study provides evidence that long-term warming of the Amundsen Sea, a key contributor to global sea level rise, is linked to rising greenhouse gases. The research suggests that ocean temperatures in the region have been rising since before records began and are expected to continue if greenhouse gas emissions increase.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 5, 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.

Women seen as happy and men as angry despite real emotions

A University of Essex study found that people subconsciously attribute happiness to women and anger to men, with emotion influencing sex perception more than vice versa. The research suggests this bias may be an evolutionary advantage.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalEmotion·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022

‘Robot scientist’ Eve finds that less than one third of scientific results are reproducible

A study using AI-powered robot scientist Eve analyzed over 12,000 research papers on breast cancer cell biology and found that less than one third of the results were reproducible. The researchers found that significant evidence for repeatability was found in 43 papers, while 22 papers showed replicable results under different conditions.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateApr 5, 2022

Are strokes a social justice issue? A new study suggests they could be

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that non-white Americans and those with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to have severe strokes, long-term disability, and shorter life expectancy compared to their white counterparts. The study suggests that hospitals may be disincentivized to tre...

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateApr 5, 2022

Touchy subject: 3D printed fingertip ‘feels’ like human skin

Researchers at the University of Bristol created a 3D-printed artificial fingertip that produces nerve signals similar to those from human tactile nerves. The innovation could improve robot dexterity and prosthetic hand performance by giving them an in-built sense of touch.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022

Effective mRNA protection by poly(l-ornithine) synergizes with endosomal escape functionality of a charge-conversion polymer toward maximizing mRNA introduction efficiency

Researchers have developed a novel nanocarrier system that synergizes poly(l-ornithine) for mRNA protection with charge-conversion polymer for endosomal escape. This innovation enhances protein expression efficiency by approximately 80-fold, outperforming traditional PLL-based systems.

SourceInnovation Center of NanoMedicine·JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 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.

With a whiff ‘e-nose’ can sense fine whisky

A new e-nose prototype, NOS.E, can distinguish between six whiskies by brand names, regions, and styles in under four minutes, with 100% accuracy for region detection and 96.15% for brand name identification. The technology has applications beyond whisky, including counterfeiting detection in perfume and wine.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022

BU study: racial disparities in child exposure to gun violence worsened

A new study found that non-White children experienced greater exposure to neighborhood firearm violence before the pandemic and saw an increase in disparities during COVID. The study quantified racial disparities in childhood exposure to gun violence with data from every US neighborhood.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 5, 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.

Chatbots deployed in response to COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers analyzed 61 COVID-specific chatbots in 30 countries, finding common uses such as risk assessment, symptom data collection, and appointment scheduling. They also discovered that anonymity of user interactions varies across cultures, affecting the effectiveness of follow-up services.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateApr 5, 2022

Loss of neurons, not lack of sleep, makes Alzheimer’s patients drowsy

A study reveals that Alzheimer's patients experience lethargy due to the degeneration of neurons that keep them awake, not a lack of sleep. Researchers developed a hypothesis that these patients have trouble staying awake and are testing a treatment approach to shut down the system keeping them awake.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 4, 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.

Engineers pave way for next-gen deep ultraviolet lasers

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a high-quality crystal of aluminum nitride and created an optical cavity to trap emitted light, enabling the production of a deep-ultraviolet laser with exceptional precision. The breakthrough has significant implications for various applications, including sterilization, sensing, and ph...

SourceCornell University·JournalAIP Advances·DateApr 4, 2022

Towards more effective treatments for immunocompromised patients

Researchers at Institut Pasteur found that immunocompromised patients experience disrupted immune mechanisms, including reduced production of antibodies and increased pathogenic bacteria, after a bone marrow transplant. This discovery could lead to more effective treatment protocols for these patients.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalBlood·DateApr 4, 2022

How deforestation is triggering an irreversible transition in amazon forests?

A new study finds that Amazon deforestation causes a substantial reduction in evapotranspiration, leading to drier lower atmosphere and severe atmospheric desiccation. The study suggests an emerging transition in the Amazon hydrological cycle, but also highlights the potential for forest conservation to prevent ecosystem collapse.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateApr 4, 2022

Pancreatic cancer cells harness normal tissue turnover to build protective barriers

Researchers found that pancreatic cancer cells trigger the breakdown of collagen proteins, which increases arginine levels and signals stellate cells to build fibrotic meshes around tumors. This process, known as desmoplasia, creates a dense environment that promotes aggressive growth and blocks access to therapies.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

Study: Vaccine protects most cancer patients from COVID, but risk remains higher for patients with blood cancers

A study using the nation's largest COVID-19 data resource found that the vaccine protects most cancer patients from getting COVID, but those with certain types of cancer have a higher risk of breakthrough infections. The research also highlights the importance of continued vaccination efforts to protect cancer patients.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 4, 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.