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Science News Archive August 2022


Page 19 of 38

Sea secrets surface in the Great Australian Bight

Oceanographers have discovered substantial subsurface phytoplankton layers deep beneath the eastern part of the Great Australian Bight, supporting rich marine biodiversity. This finding explains how the region's productivity survives even when surface phytoplankton blooms disappear during certain upwelling seasons.

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.

Breaking in a new planet

Researchers found large impacts can fracture a planet's crust, introducing porosity that increases its potential for life. This discovery has implications for early Earth and Mars, suggesting life could have survived in pore spaces during intense impact periods.

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.

New method detects gut microbes that activate immune cells

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a new method to identify which human gut microbes contribute to inflammatory diseases. By analyzing protein levels in blood serum, the team discovered specific bacteria that trigger immune activation and inflammation.

Risk of volcano catastrophe ‘a roll of the dice’, say experts

Researchers from the University of Cambridge's CSER highlight the need for improved surveillance and public education to mitigate the impact of volcanic eruptions. The risk of a magnitude seven explosion in the next 100 years is one-in-six, with potential consequences including abrupt climate change and collapse of civilizations.

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.

Can water quality trading effectively reduce water pollution?

A comprehensive review of water quality trading programs worldwide reveals that agricultural production remains largely unregulated, hindering their effectiveness. The authors suggest that nudging political will and creating regulatory drivers can help evolve water quality trading into a cost-effective pollution control instrument.

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.

Mental impairment plea casts shadow over defendant’s future: study

A new study led by Flinders University found that a mental impairment plea can lead to negative effects on a person's social standing and even civil rights. The research suggests that such pleas may be perceived as increasing dangerousness, resulting in exclusionary policies and treatment.

All rise!

A study found that combining a height-adjustable desk with an education programme, such as SMART Work and Life, can significantly reduce sitting time in the workplace. Participants using both the programme and a desk spent over an hour more time on their feet per day compared to those receiving the programme alone.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers boost sensitivity and speed of Raman microscopy technique

Researchers developed a label-free Raman spectroscopy approach with enhanced sensitivity and speed, allowing for non-invasive imaging of biological samples. The new CARS microscopy system can acquire microscopic images and identify biomolecules with unprecedented resolution and speed.

Live-seq: sequencing a cell without killing it

Scientists have developed Live-seq, an innovative approach that keeps cells alive during RNA extraction for further study. This technique uses FluidFM to manipulate tiny volumes of fluids in a sample under the microscope, allowing for the insertion and extraction of mRNA from single cells without killing them.

Musical tests can detect mental deterioration in old age

Researchers developed a method combining musical tests with EEG measurement to detect cognitive decline in old age. The study tested 50 elderly people who scored low on the mini-mental test, showing promising results in detecting mental deterioration.

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.

How scientist facilitated the development of LEO mega constellations

The development of LEO mega constellations has significantly impacted human scientific progress in communication, navigation, and remote sensing. However, unrestrained deployment poses a threat to spacecraft safety and space environment stability, requiring rational surveillance and governance mechanisms.

“Nutri-Score” label may counter misleading sugar claims on groceries

A new analysis suggests that Nutri-Score labeling can help consumers make healthier food decisions by countering misleading sugar claims. The study found that participants were more likely to perceive unhealthy foods as healthier when a Nutri-Score was absent, but the presence of this label reduced misconceptions.

AgriLife research to study lice-mammal coevolution

A Texas A&M AgriLife Research project investigates the ages-long interaction between parasitic lice and mammal species, including humans. The researchers aim to answer why various louse species parasitize specific hosts and what makes these species good hosts.

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.

New research uncovers favoritism in order assignment

A recent paper by Darren Grant found favoritism in order assignment in various contests, including Texas and West Virginia primary elections. The author applied statistical methods to detect this behavior, which was often overlooked despite its significant impact on outcomes.

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.

Floating ‘artificial leaves’ ride the wave of clean fuel production

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed ultra-thin, flexible devices that can convert sunlight into fuels as efficiently as plant leaves. The devices, inspired by photosynthesis, could be used on polluted waterways, in ports or even at sea to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Investigation into plastic pollution moves inland

A recent study found that microplastics in agricultural soils can cause a decrease in germination rate and changes to seed production, which could have negative consequences for food production. The presence of microplastics also alters soil characteristics such as its structure and microbial communities.

Plate tectonics drives ocean oxygenation

Researchers used a three-dimensional climate model to recreate Earth's history and found that changing continents significantly increased ocean oxygen levels. This new study reveals the previously underestimated role of plate tectonics in shaping ocean biodiversity.

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.

New evidence proves saccorhytus is ecdysozoan

Research team analyzed hundreds of new fossil specimens to clarify the anatomy and evolutionary affinity of Saccorhytus. They found evidence supporting its classification as an ecdysozoan, including a terminal mouth, cuticle integument, and radially arranged circumoral structures common to Cambrian and extant ecdysozoans.

Palmer amaranth in two southern states now resistant to S-metolachlor

Research finds Palmer amaranth populations in Arkansas and two Southern states are resistant to S-metolachlor, a Group 15 herbicide. Resistant populations require more herbicide to control seedling emergence, but remain susceptible to other VLCFA inhibitors like dimethenamid-P and pyroxasulfone.

Social connection drives learning in bird brain

Scientists at OIST Graduate University discovered the neural circuitry that enables juvenile zebra finches to learn songs through social interaction with a tutor. The locus coeruleus-caudomedial nidopallium circuit plays a crucial role in attention and arousal, guiding the bird's focus on the tutor's song.

A fast, accurate, equipment-free diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 and its variants

A team of researchers from Princeton University and the Broad Institute created a fast, accurate, and equipment-free diagnostic test for COVID-19. The test uses CRISPR technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants and can be performed at home without special equipment, improving sensitivity and specificity compared to existing tests.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Sleep medication use drops dramatically among Americans

The study found a 31% decline in sleep medication use between 2013 and 2018, with the strongest decrease in FDA-approved medications. Behavioral treatments for insomnia are increasingly encouraged due to their effectiveness and reduced risk of adverse outcomes.

How the earth is changing

Long-term research at LTER sites reveals climate change effects on ecosystems, including altered productivity and biodiversity. Coastal ecosystems, such as kelp forests and coral reefs, are particularly vulnerable to changes in water temperature and storms.

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.

Mars model provides method for landing humans on Red Planet

A team of researchers from Australian National University developed a mathematical model to simulate the impact of prolonged exposure to zero gravity on the cardiovascular system. The model assesses the risk of fainting or medical emergencies when stepping out of a spacecraft on Mars, providing crucial insight for human mission planning.

Machine translation could make English-only science accessible to all

A new paper introduces free machine translation services to convert scientific papers into multiple languages, promoting accessibility and global collaboration. Researchers at UC Berkeley developed these tools to address the dominance of English in scientific research, enabling scientists worldwide to share their work.

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.

SUTD researchers unravel cell biology through artificial intelligence

Researchers used artificial intelligence to demonstrate the correlation between cytoskeleton organisation and nuclear position in eukaryotic cells. The study successfully predicted the presence and location of nuclei in over 8,000 cells with high accuracy, transforming the way scientists approach complex biological systems.

A novel method for monitoring the ‘engine’ of pregnancy

Researchers developed a novel method to monitor oxygen levels in the placenta using optical measurements and ultrasound, providing insights into its function and structure. The device showed promise in detecting placental dysfunction and differentiating between healthy and diseased placentas.

A virtual trip to the museum can improve the health of seniors stuck at home

A randomized controlled trial found that virtual museum visits significantly improved the health of seniors stuck at home, reducing social isolation and improving well-being, quality of life, and frailty. The study recruited 106 participants aged 65 and older who attended guided tours online once a week for three months.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Indigenous youth film project turns the lens on nutrition and food security

The project empowers Indigenous youth to create films about locally available foods and other concerns, raising awareness of nutritional deficiencies and gender discriminatory norms. The initiative aims to improve dietary diversity and promote transformative change through self-expression and participation.