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Science News Archive August 2022


Page 25 of 38

Behavior problems and excessive use of gadgets - cause or effect?

A study from the Alpha Generation Lab found that hyperactive children are more likely to use digital devices, while fidgety children may be more prone to social problems. The researchers suggest a two-way street where digital devices and behavior problems influence each other.

Over 20 J THz laser pulse generated at 1 kHz in gas media

Researchers achieved a breakthrough in generating terahertz waves with a conversion efficiency of 0.35% using a dual-color femtosecond laser filamentation technique. The study investigated the influence of ambient gas species on THz generation efficiency and demonstrated improved performance in argon gas.

Repurposed drug could help patients with motor neuron disease

A new study finds that the drug terazosin has shown protective effects on motor neurons in models of motor neuron disease (MND), including zebrafish, mice and stem cell models. Researchers hope to launch a full clinical trial if the drug proves successful in a feasibility study involving 50 patients.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

U.S. FDA takes steps away from animal testing requirement

The US FDA is reassessing its need for animal tests in product development, exploring alternative methods that could improve efficacy and safety predictions. New technologies like microphysiological systems may replace traditional animal studies, enabling faster product approval.

Highlights from the journal CHEST®, August 2022

The August issue of the CHEST journal features 47 articles on clinically relevant topics such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary vascular disease. A highlighted article examines barriers to palliative care in interstitial lung disease.

Minorities bore disproportionate mental health impact of pandemic

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that racial and ethnic minorities bore a disproportionate mental health burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. After controlling for various factors, Black participants were 1.16 times more likely to screen positive for depression, while Hispanic participants were 1.23 times more likely to do so.

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.

Female monkeys with female friends live longer

Researchers found that adult female capuchin monkeys who are well-integrated into social networks with other females survive longer. In contrast, heterosexual relationships showed no survival-related benefits to females, but may still provide benefits for some individuals in specific circumstances. The study also reveals complex behavi...

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.

PET scan visualization can measure effects of STING-activating drugs

Researchers have discovered a functional link between STING signaling and immunometabolism, suggesting that PET imaging could measure the pharmacodynamic effects of STING-activating drugs. This approach may enable a whole-body analysis of immune activation in humans, guiding clinical development of anti-tumor therapy.

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.

AI may come to the rescue of future firefighters

Researchers developed a Flashover Prediction Neural Network (FlashNet) model to forecast deadly fire events, beating other AI-based tools with up to 92.1% accuracy across various building floorplans. The model's performance improved when given real-world data, highlighting its potential for saving firefighter lives.

New programmable materials can sense their own movements

MIT researchers developed a method to create 3D-printed materials with tunable mechanical properties and embedded sensors, enabling real-time feedback on movement and interaction. The sensing structures use air-filled channels that deform when moved or squeezed, providing accurate feedback for robotics and wearable devices.

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.

Wealthiest homeowners experience highest wildfire hazard risk

A new study published in Environmental Research Letters reveals that high-value properties in the western United States are disproportionately exposed to wildfire hazards. Researchers found that both low- and high-income communities bear a disproportionate burden of wildfires.

Sponge ‘sneezes’ waste

A new study reveals sponges have a unique mechanism to clear their water channels: a sneeze-like process. Sponges release a type of mucus that is consumed by other animals, providing a food source inaccessible to most sea creatures.

Johns Hopkins researchers find link between dementia and atrial cardiopathy

Researchers found a link between atrial cardiopathy and dementia in older adults, with those having the condition at a higher risk of developing dementia over time. The study suggests that subtle changes in the left atrium may be an independent risk factor for dementia, even after controlling for other vascular risk factors.

On the way to quantum sensors

The IQ-Sense project brings together researchers from two German universities to develop and demonstrate integrated quantum sensors for spectroscopic and imaging applications. The project will enable precise measurements of temperature, pressure, magnetic or electric fields, crucial in various scientific and medical fields.

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.

New prognostic marker discovered for multiple sclerosis severity

A MedUni Vienna study has identified retinal layer thinning as a reliable prognostic marker for multiple sclerosis severity. The analysis revealed that thinner retinas are associated with increased risk of permanent disability and more aggressive treatment is recommended.

Secret behind ‘nic-sickness’ could help break tobacco addiction

Researchers mapped out the brain network responsible for nicotine's negative consequences, opening the door to interventions that boost aversive effects to help people quit smoking. The discovery suggests that manipulating this network could treat nicotine dependence by inducing an acute aversive effect.

Chemists develop new reagent for deelectronation

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have created a novel deelectronator made from a commercially available chemical, allowing for the production of previously unknown cluster cations. This breakthrough enables the efficient removal of electrons while preserving complex structures.

New insights on the significance of willpower to self-control

Researchers at Rutgers University have disentangled the two ways of thinking about self-control, highlighting the importance of diachronic regulation and the limited effectiveness of synchronic regulation. This distinction has implications for understanding willpower's role in helping people break habits.

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.

The cost of climate change on economic growth

A study from the University of California, Davis, found that economies are sensitive to persistent temperature shocks over a 10-year time frame, impacting growth in about 22% of countries. Climate change affects various sectors, including agriculture and cloud-based data centers.

Surprise, surprise: Subsurface water on Mars defy expectations

A new analysis of seismic data from NASA's Mars InSight mission has found that the Martian subsurface contains little or no ice, contradicting a leading idea about water on Mars. This discovery suggests that conditions are too cold to freeze water at depths below 300 meters near the equator.

Birds on island time

The study found that island size and location have a significant impact on seasonal bird species richness. Islands in the Northern Hemisphere at mid-latitudes during migration periods host the highest number of species, while tropical islands peak with species numbers during the non-breeding season.

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.

Fate of the world’s biggest ice sheet is in our hands, scientists say

A new study by Durham University suggests that the East Antarctic Ice Sheet can be protected from devastating effects of global warming if temperature increases are kept below 2°C. The researchers found that staying within this limit could prevent significant ice loss and contribute less than half a metre to sea level rise by 2500.

Educate medics about weight stigma to reduce UK’s obesity rate

A large-scale review by UCL researchers calls for better education of medical professionals on weight stigma to reduce the UK's obesity rate. Weight-inclusive approaches to education in healthcare were found to be effective in challenging stereotypes and improving attitudes among medics.

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.

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.

Prehistoric podiatry: How dinos carried their enormous weight

Researchers used 3D modeling and engineering to digitally reconstruct the function of foot bones in sauropods, discovering a soft tissue pad beneath the heel that cushioned the foot to absorb weight. This finding confirms a long-suspected idea and provides biomechanical evidence for how sauropods supported their enormous weight on land.

By studying the wing properties of a 150-year-old holotype, scientists discover that a relict group of singing insects produced pure-tone songs at low frequencies which could travel larger distances, advancing our understanding of ancient soundscapes

Researchers discovered a relict group of singing insects produced pure-tone songs at low frequencies, enabling them to travel longer distances. This finding advances our understanding of ancient soundscapes and highlights the importance of bioacoustics in understanding insect behavior.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Genetic mapping of tumours reveals how cancers grow

Researchers used spatial transcriptomics to create a map of prostate tissue, revealing areas of healthy cells with genetic characteristics of cancer. The study's findings have big implications for diagnosis and potentially treating specific cancer regions.

Monoclonal antibody reduces asthma attacks in urban youth

A monoclonal antibody, mepolizumab, decreased asthma attacks in Black and Hispanic children and adolescents living in low-income urban neighborhoods. The study identified three networks of genes associated with airway inflammation and asthma attacks that were reduced by the drug.

Sponges “sneeze” to dispose of waste

Researchers found that sponges release mucus to unclog their internal filter systems, which also serves as a food source for fish. The study published in Current Biology highlights the unique adaptation of sponges to manage their waste and environment.

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.

First stars and black holes

Researchers used Stampede2 supercomputer to simulate star seeding, heating effects of primordial black holes. The study found that these two effects cancel each other out, with little impact on star formation.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Developing antivirals for pandemic-level viruses

The Midwest Antiviral Drug Discovery Center, led by the University of Minnesota, aims to discover effective responses to pandemics through basic, translational, and clinical research. Researchers at UIC are developing an antiviral therapy for filoviruses like Ebola with a potential drug ready for human testing within three to five years.