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Science News Archive August 2022


Page 4 of 38

Studying the OCD cycle

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology developed a new model of obsessive-compulsive disorder based on principles of reinforcement learning. The model suggests that imbalanced learning between reinforcement and punishment can lead to disordered behavior in OCD. This work helps explain how OCD develops and may be used t...

Study of 300-million-year-old feces finds meat on the menu

Researchers analyzed 306-million-year-old fossilized animal feces and found biomolecular information about long-extinct diets. The study revealed that an unidentifiable extinct animal was a meat-eater or on a predominantly carnivorous diet, with high proportions of cholesterol-derived molecules and a lack of plant-derived biomarkers.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

2D lattice-confined Cu atoms enable room-temperature methane conversion

Researchers develop a new strategy to activate methane under mild conditions by confining copper atoms in ultrathin two-dimensional Ru nanosheets. This approach enables highly selective and efficient room-temperature conversion of methane to liquid C1 oxygenates with an over 99% selectivity.

Diamonds and rust at the Earth's core-mantle boundary

Researchers found that under the extreme conditions of the core-mantle boundary, carbon from the core reacts with iron alloy to form diamond. This process may have occurred for billions of years, supplying enough carbon to explain high amounts in the mantle.

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.

Study reveals flaws in popular genetic method

A new study from Lund University reveals that PCA, a widely used statistical method in population genetics, is deeply flawed. The method can produce flexible and unreliable results, leading to misconceptions about ethnicity and genetic relationships.

Study reveals fentanyl's effects on the brain

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that fentanyl stops breathing before noticeable changes occur, leading to a high risk of death when used illicitly. The discovery could enable safer opioid administration through EEG monitoring.

How COVID-19 may have reversed gains in maternal and child mortality

The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread disruptions in healthcare utilization, resulting in projected increases of 3.6% in child mortality and 1.5% in maternal mortality globally. In low- and lower-middle-income countries, the pandemic reversed years of progress in women's and children's health, causing thousands of preventable deaths.

Strength of results consistency and agreement

A team of scientists from Poland, Germany, the USA, and the UK collaborated to measure the intensities of carbon monoxide overtone lines with high accuracy. Their results showed that different measurement methods and laboratories agreed on a promille level for the first time, paving the way for precise spectroscopic analysis in atmosph...

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.

Scale use and abuse: How to make the most of your measurement tools

Researchers from Vanderbilt University and the University of Georgia identify ways scales can be misused in consumer research, emphasizing the importance of using validated measures. The study offers guidance on applying existing scales effectively, reducing the risk of distorted results and streamlining research.

Researchers use infrared light to wirelessly transmit power over 30 meters

A new wireless laser charging system uses infrared light to transfer high levels of power over distances of up to 30 meters, sufficient for charging sensors. The system automatically shifts to a safe low power delivery mode if an object or person blocks the line of sight, achieving hazard-free power delivery in free space.

First mouse model with mitochondrial tRNALeu mutation developed

A team from the University of Tsukuba has developed a mouse model carrying a disease-associated mitochondrial mutation, which reveals that faulty RNA processing is responsible for metabolic disorders. The study provides new avenues for scientific discovery in understanding mitochondria and multiple diseases.

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.

Poor management the biggest risk factor for workplace bullying

A recent study found that poor management is the biggest risk factor for workplace bullying, with a new evidence-based screening tool developed to address the problem. The tool identifies nine major risk areas in day-to-day practices, highlighting the need for organisations to proactively assess and mitigate underlying risk factors.

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.

Entangled photons tailor-made

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have successfully generated up to 14 entangled photons using a single atom, enabling efficient creation of quantum computer building blocks. This breakthrough could facilitate scalable measurement-based quantum computing and enable secure data transmission over greater distances.

How do quality seed systems impact food and nutrition security?

Seed system-oriented interventions have shown positive impacts on food security, household resilience, dietary quality, and nutrition status. The review highlights the importance of seed system research for improving diets and nutrition in vulnerable populations.

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.

Low-cost disease diagnosis by mapping heart sounds

Researchers developed a method to identify valve dysfunction using complex network analysis that is accurate, simple to use, and low-cost. The diagnostic tool works by analyzing the sounds produced by the heart, creating a graph of connected points, and identifying correlations between nodes.

Music helps patients with dementia connect with loved ones

A new music intervention called Musical Bridges to Memory sparks an emotional connection between patients with dementia and their caregivers. The program enhances social engagement and reduces neuropsychiatric symptoms in both patients and caregivers.

Efficacy, cash and more will increase booster shot acceptance

The study found that a booster shot's effectiveness is the primary factor influencing people's willingness to receive it. Those who believe in vaccine efficacy are more likely to accept the booster shot, especially if it is made by Moderna or Pfizer. A partisan divide persists, with Democrats more willing and Republicans less willing.

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.

Inside the head of one of Australia’s smallest fossil crocs

Researchers have used state-of-the-art technology to study the prehistoric Trilophosuchus rackhami, a tiny crocodile found in north-west Queensland. The analysis reveals distinctive ridges on its skull and brain cavity similarities with distantly related terrestrial extinct crocs from Africa and South America.

Light-based therapy weakens antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers developed a light-based therapy, photodynamic therapy (aPDT), to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The treatment showed promise in weakening bacteria, allowing lower doses of current antibiotics to effectively eliminate them.

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.

How scientists designed centered error entropy-based sigma-point Kalman Filter

Researchers designed a centered error entropy-based sigma-point Kalman Filter to enhance the filtering algorithm's robustness in spacecraft attitude determination. The proposed CEEUKF outperformed classical methods and other robust algorithms in simulating non-Gaussian noise, achieving higher accuracy and faster convergence rates.

Driving simulations that look more life-like

A new method for generating realistic images in driving simulations uses machine learning to improve visual fidelity. This enables better testing of driverless cars and study of driver distraction, ultimately enhancing safety and interaction between humans and AI on the road.

AI spurs scientists to advance materials research

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a machine learning model to predict melting temperatures for any compound. The model enables faster and more accurate calculations of melting points, which is critical for designing high-performance materials in various industries.

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.

New hafnium polyhydrides are discovered superconductivity above 80K

Researchers at Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences have discovered new hafnium polyhydrides exhibiting superconductivity above 80K, a temperature threshold previously unattained by any 5d transition metal hydride. The study reveals these compounds display high critical fields and Ginzburg-Landau superconducting coherent l...

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.

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.

Ancient landslide destroyed area size of Cincinnati

A massive landslide in Nevada's Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area flattened an area larger than downtown Cincinnati, covering over 7 square miles. Geologists studied the landslide to better understand its dynamics and predict future landslides, which are a growing concern in areas with significant topography.

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.

Partner-drug resistance accelerates resistance of first-line malaria drug

A new study reveals that partner-drug resistance facilitates artemisinin resistance in malaria parasites. The research collaboration found a 10-fold increase in partner-drug resistant genotypes led to earlier artemisinin resistance establishment among these parasites, resulting in significant treatment failures globally.

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.

RIPE researchers report faster screening of photoprotection in crops

The study developed a high-throughput method for screening non-photochemical quenching rates in field-grown plants using pulse amplitude modulated chlorophyll fluorescence analysis. This approach enables testing hundreds of genotypes within a day, paving the way for genome-wide association studies.

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.

IBS discussed collaboration with two renowned institutes in the U.S.

The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) collaborated with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital to increase virus research capacity and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. IBS and NIAID discussed potential research cooperation opportunities, including joint symposia and resource sharing.