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Science News Archive August 2022


Page 16 of 38

Change in surgical volume during COVID-19

A severe decline in surgical procedure volumes was observed across various subspecialties during the COVID-19 peak. The overall volume failed to fully recover after the peak and vaccine release periods, with varying rates of recovery among different specialties.

A novel drug suppresses muscle inflammation and restores muscle weakness

Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University found a novel GLP-1R agonist, PF1801, that can suppress muscle inflammation and restore muscle strength in patients with polymyositis. The study suggests PF1801 could be used to treat patients with muscle wasting disease and improve symptoms associated with inflammatory myopathies.

Chicken bones and snail shells help archaeologists to date more precisely

Researchers have made precise dating of archaeological finds using a multi-proxy approach combining animal remains, plant analysis and written evidence. The study reveals that events such as the destruction of Tell Iẓṭabba occurred in spring, with chicken bones and snail shells providing key clues.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Accelerating photoprotection recovery in soybean plants boosts crop yield

Accelerating photoprotection recovery in soybean plants has been shown to improve photosynthetic efficiency and biomass in field-grown tobacco plants. Researchers engineered the same change into the widely cultivated soybean plant, resulting in yield up to 33% higher than unmodified plants across 5 independent events.

Exploring quantum electron highways with laser light

Topological insulators exhibit unique quantum properties, with electrons flowing freely along surface edges but not through the interior. Researchers used spiraling laser light to generate harmonics from materials, allowing them to distinguish between superhighway and insulating states. By varying laser polarization and material compos...

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.

Advanced material will allow to move heavy objects in harsh environments

Researchers have improved a magnetostrictive material that can withstand extremely low temperatures and is suitable for use in space. The compound, which includes terbium and iron, exhibits high magnetostriction values even at liquid nitrogen temperatures, making it ideal for controlling the position of space telescopes.

Historical rates of enslavement predict modern rates of American gun ownership

A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found a strong correlation between historical rates of enslavement and present-day gun ownership in the US. The study suggests that American attitudes towards guns are shaped by historical events, such as the legacy of slavery, and are influenced by social transmission of beliefs.

Natural substances show promise against coronavirus

Researchers have identified three natural compounds that bind to a key enzyme in the coronavirus, potentially blocking its replication. Hydroxyethylphenol, hydroxybenzaldehyde, and methyldihydroxybenzoate showed reduced activity against the papain-like protease enzyme, with effects ranging from 50-70%.

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.

Touch and sight are linked before birth

In embryonic stages, tactile stimuli simultaneously activate tactile and visual neural pathways. Shortly after birth, the superior colliculus separates these pathways, allowing separate processing of touch and vision.

UTIA receives grant to analyze and develop price risk management tools

Researchers will conduct a national survey to identify barriers to adopting price risk management tools and assess perceptions of tool effectiveness. A free mobile application will be developed to provide information needed for making informed decisions, aiming to improve US beef cattle producers' economic sustainability.

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.

Scientists construct MK-7 synthetic strain with novel strategy

Researchers developed a high-efficiency MK-7 synthetic strain using a bottom-up approach, improving synthesis efficiency and reducing by-product formation. The recombinant bacteria achieved 53.07 mg/L MK-7 production, surpassing native Bacillus subtilis 168.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

To bee or not to bee

A new study by University of Missouri and Webster University scientists finds climate change linked to decline of bumblebees in alpine regions. Warming temperatures are creating a longer growing season, allowing lower-elevation bees to migrate to alpine areas, where they struggle to adapt.

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.

Better wildlife observation with new counting method

Researchers at Linköping University developed a new analysis model to estimate the number of wild animals harvested through hunting in Sweden. The model provides a better estimation of wild animal populations and reduces uncertainty, making it easier to track changes in ecosystems.

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.

Why some people suffer more from COVID-19 than others

Researchers at the Berlin Institute of Health have found genes and proteins associated with a higher risk of severe COVID-19. The study identified a protein called ELF5, which is present in lung cells and may contribute to the severity of the disease.

Key mechanisms of airway relaxation in asthma revealed in new study

A new study identifies nitric oxide as a key molecule in the β2-adrenergic receptor feedback loop, mediating airway relaxation. The research team discovered that preventing nitric oxide's feedback mechanism leads to a powerful airway relaxant. Mice with a specific mutation in the β2 AR gene are resistant to bronchoconstriction and asthma.

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.

Researchers design new inks for 3D-printable wearable bioelectronics

A team of researchers at Texas A&M University has developed biomaterial inks that mimic native characteristics of highly conductive human tissue. These inks are essential for 3D printing and enable the creation of complex electronic devices, such as stretchable sensors with integrated microelectronic components.

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.

“Food-delivery” revolution ripe for policy and research

The 'food-delivery revolution' has led to a surge in low- and middle-income countries, transforming the food systems and impacting local labor markets. The authors argue that new policies can help advance progress toward UN Sustainable Development Goals, reducing malnutrition and poverty.

CRISPR-based technology targets global crop pest

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a precision-guided sterile insect technique (pgSIT) to control invasive fruit fly populations. The technology uses CRISPR editing to target key genes in female viability and male fertility, resulting in a fertility dead end for the species.

Building blocks of the future for photovoltaics

A research team from the University of Göttingen has observed the build-up of dark Moiré interlayer excitons for the first time using femtosecond photoemission momentum microscopy. This breakthrough allows scientists to study the optoelectronic properties of new materials in unprecedented detail.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Engineers fabricate a chip-free, wireless electronic “skin”

MIT engineers create a flexible, semiconducting film that conforms to the skin like electronic Scotch tape, harnessing gallium nitride's piezoelectric properties for sensing and wireless communication. The device wirelessly transmits signals related to pulse, sweat, and UV exposure without chips or batteries.

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.

Arctic mercury levels drop during the depths of the winter

Researchers found a 33% drop in total mercury concentrations in the Barents Sea during the polar night, attributed to a scavenging process involving manganese particles. This decrease in surface levels may lead to increased toxic mercury formation in sediments and potentially more methylmercury in Arctic food webs.

Sharpest image ever of universe’s most massive known star

Researchers use Gemini Observatory's Zorro instrument to observe R136a1, finding it may be less massive than previously thought, potentially altering understanding of element formation. This breakthrough pushes the capabilities of ground-based telescopes, rivaling those of Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes.

New study links the decline of alpine bees to climate change

A new study by Webster University researchers found that alpine bumble bees are losing ground due to warming temperatures, as colonizing bees from lower elevations thrive and displace them. The study predicts the local extinction of alpine bee populations in areas where they can't migrate further upslope.

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.

Glycoprotein GPNMB is a possible biomarker for Parkinson’s Disease risk

Researchers discover glycoprotein GPNMB as a possible biomarker for Parkinson's Disease risk through interaction with alpha-synuclein and increased plasma concentrations in patients. The study establishes GPNMB as a risk gene and potential therapeutic target for the debilitating neurodegenerative brain disorder.

UBC researchers discover ‘weak spot’ across major COVID-19 variants

Researchers at UBC have discovered a key vulnerability across all major COVID-19 variants that can be targeted by neutralizing antibodies. The 'master key' identified is the antibody fragment V H Ab6, which effectively neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 by attaching to the epitope on the spike protein.

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.