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Science News Archive August 2022


Page 35 of 38

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Monitoring polar ice melting by combining data from different satellites

A recent study combined elevation data of the Antarctic ice sheet from two different satellites, CryoSat-2 and Sentinel-3, to obtain a more accurate map of latest elevation changes. The results showed that the average elevation of the ice sheets had decreased at a rate of 4.3 cm/year during 2016-2019.

Premature menopause is associated with increased risk of heart problems

A study of over 1.4 million women found that premature menopause is associated with a higher risk of heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Women who experienced premature menopause had a 33% higher risk of heart failure and a 9% higher risk of atrial fibrillation compared to those without a history of premature menopause.

Scientists identify key mechanism controlling skin regeneration

A Northwestern University research team has identified a molecular switch, CDK9, that plays an early and critical role in the differentiation process of skin stem cells. The switch is turned on when specific cellular signals are activated, triggering rapid gene expression and cell fate switching.

Huddersfield researchers secure funding to illuminate chemistry

Huddersfield researchers are working on a new project to develop novel and sustainable molecular materials that harness light to drive useful chemical reactions. The project aims to address the limitation of using rare and expensive elements like ruthenium and iridium in current applications. By exploring the intrinsic properties of li...

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.

Molecules promoting plant-plant communication below ground?

Strigolactones act as a cue for neighboring plant presence and root density-sensing mechanism in flowering plants. This discovery suggests that strigolactone biosynthesis is driven by supra-organismal environmental levels, enabling plants to adapt to their rhizospheric environment.

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.

Hand signals help overcome Zoom fatigue in online meetings

A study published in PLOS One found that using hand signals, such as waving or raising a hand to show empathy, can improve communication and social connection in online meetings. The research team trained participants to use these gestures, which led to better interaction, increased feelings of closeness, and improved learning outcomes.

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.

Muscle mechanics: Improving sports performance with muscle mechanical properties

A recent study investigated the relationship between passive muscle mechanical properties and dynamic performance in athletes. The research found a positive correlation between the shear modulus of the vastus lateralis muscle and performance outcomes during high-speed activities, suggesting that passive muscle properties are essential ...

Gender affects driverless car performance

A recent study published in Nature Scientific Reports has found that women are better at taking over control of automated cars compared to men. The research involved 76 drivers who participated in a driving simulator study and showed that women exhibited faster reaction times and more stable operation of the steering wheel.

When particles move

The study explores the relationship between cohesion and erosion, revealing a scaling law that can predict erosion thresholds for different grain sizes. This understanding could improve modeling of erosion in various applications, such as soil stability and dust removal from solar panels.

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.

Scientists uncover new therapeutic target for treating colorectal tumors

A new study by Tokyo University of Science researchers reveals that dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR) plays a crucial role in the development of colorectal tumors. Blocking DCIR may prevent ulcerative colitis and colon cancer, offering a potential therapeutic target for treating these diseases.

The bacteria powering a truly green revolution in personal electronics

A UMass Amherst team has engineered a biofilm capable of producing electricity from the energy in evaporation and converting it into a steady supply. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize wearable electronics by powering small devices and potentially entire electronic systems.

How CAMSAP2 proteins organize microtubule networks

Researchers discovered that CAMSAP2 proteins utilize phase separation to form an 'aster' structure, which then organizes into a microtubule network. This process is crucial for the formation of specialized cell shapes, such as those found in heart muscle and nerve cells.

An effective new treatment for chronic back pain targets the nervous system

A new treatment has shown clinically meaningful effects on pain intensity and disability, with participants reporting improved quality of life and long-term benefits. The sensorimotor retraining approach alters how people think about their body in pain and normalizes communication between the back and brain.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

First global map of cargo ship pollution reveals effects of fuel regulations

A new study used satellite data to determine the effect of fuel regulations on sulfur pollution from cargo ships. The research team found significant changes in pollution after regulations went into effect, and their data can contribute to understanding how pollutants interact with clouds and affect global temperatures.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Insecure: New study links tap water avoidance and food insecurity

A new study from Penn State and Northwestern University finds that avoiding tap water is associated with a 20-30% increase in food insecurity among Americans. Tap water avoidance can divert funds meant for nutritious food, leading to higher reliance on prepackaged and restaurant food.

Persistent low wages linked to faster memory decline in later life

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that sustained low wages during working years are associated with significantly faster memory decline in older age. Low-wage earners experienced approximately one excess year of cognitive aging per a 10-year period compared to those who never earned low wages.

Coolants in Puff electronic cigarettes present health hazard

A recent study has highlighted the need for regulation of flavor chemicals and synthetic coolants in Puff electronic cigarettes due to their high levels of toxicity. The researchers found that the chemicals in disposable Puff ECs are at high levels and cytotoxic, posing a risk to public health.

Molybdenum caught holding the hydrogen

Researchers at KAUST have found that molybdenum plays a central role in electrochemical hydride transfer, a process for producing valuable chemicals or carbon-free fuels. The discovery could enable more sustainable production of sustainable fuels and chemicals.

Smaller airways increase COPD risk for women

A large multicenter study found that smaller airways in women, independent of smoking status, are associated with a higher risk of COPD. Women's airways were found to be narrower and less efficient than men's airways, leading to poorer lung function and increased symptoms.

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.

Using light to restore cell function

University of Cincinnati researchers have discovered a technique using light-activated proteins to normalize dysfunctional mitochondria in cells. This method has the potential to treat certain diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

The health risks of COVID-19 spurred more smokers to quit

A new study found that COVID-19 health risks spurred more smokers to quit, with cigarette purchases declining by 20-30% and quitting rates increasing by 10 percentage points. The decline was sustained for at least a year and may lead to longer-term benefits on population health and life expectancy.

World-first study reveals physical toll on law enforcement recruits

A new study by Edith Cowan University identified the most common injury types and body regions affected among police recruits, with knee injuries having the greatest impact. The study also found that men under 30 had a substantially reduced injury risk, highlighting the importance of tailored training programs to reduce injury rates.

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.

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.

Gene therapy approach shows promise in treating ALS

A new gene therapy approach using the neuroprotective protein SynCav1 has shown promising results in slowing down ALS disease progression and increasing life span in rodent models. The treatment preserved spinal cord motor neurons and extended longevity in mice, with similar effects observed in a rat model of ALS.

Study tracks plant pathogens in leafhoppers from natural areas

Researchers extracted DNA from archival leafhopper specimens and used molecular approaches to detect and identify phytoplasmas. The study identified new phytoplasma strains and found associations between leafhoppers and bacteria that cause crop diseases, shedding light on the role of insects in spreading plant pathogens.

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.

Researchers create biosensor by turning spider silk into optical fiber

A new light-based sensor harnesses the light-guiding properties of spider silk to detect and measure small changes in the refractive index of a biological solution, including glucose and other types of sugar solutions. The sensor is practical, compact, biocompatible, cost-effective, and highly sensitive.

Light as a tool for the synthesis of complex molecules

Chemists at the University of Münster developed a novel method for synthesizing complex organic molecules using visible light. The method produces biologically valuable β-amino acids, including a bifunctional oxime oxalate ester with both amine and ester functionalities.

The strength of the strong force

Researchers at Jefferson Lab have extracted the strength of the strong force, a quantity that supports theories accounting for 99% of ordinary mass. They found that strong force coupling grows quickly before leveling off and becoming constant with increasing distance between affected bodies.

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.

Feeling the pressure

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology used AFM and finite element simulations to describe plant cell wall stiffness in relation to elasticity and turgor pressure. Their findings suggest that tension from turgor pressure regulates cell stiffness, providing a better understanding of how plants resist stress.

The resolution of a molecular orchestra

A new photoswitching fingerprint analysis overcomes the sub-10 nm resolution barrier in super-resolution microscopy, enabling the imaging of dynamic interactions with other molecules in cells. This breakthrough reveals molecular functions and architectures at the nanoscale, shedding light on cellular processes such as learning and memory.

Why breast-fed premature infants have a healthier gut than formula-fed ones

Research found that breastfed premature infants have improved gut barrier function and nutrient absorption due to the presence of Bifidobacterium breve. This strain strengthens the intestinal wall, protecting against disease. The discovery could lead to promising clinical interventions to increase survival rates of vulnerable preemies.

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.