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Science News Archive August 2022 - Page 14


Page 14 of 38

New research shows Louisiana State University campus mounds as the oldest known man-made structures in North America

The Louisiana State University campus mounds are the oldest known man-made structures in North America, with construction beginning at approximately 11,000 years ago. The mounds were built by ancient indigenous people and feature a coordinated alignment with the brightest star in the night sky.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Science·TypeSurvey·DateAug 22, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The electron slow motion: Ion physics on the femtosecond scale

Scientists have analyzed the interaction between highly charged ions and graphene at a femtosecond scale, revealing complex processes involved in material response. The study provides fundamental new insights into how matter reacts to short and intense radiation exposure.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022

Microscopic color converters move small laser-based devices closer to reality

Researchers developed a new method for converting light frequencies using atomically thin layers of molybdenum disulfide, enabling smaller lasers and potential applications in optical communications. The breakthrough could lead to compact phase-matched nonlinear optics and waveguide devices.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022
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.

Smartphones make consumers prefer unique, tailored products

A new study from the University of Florida finds that smartphones encourage consumers to prefer customized options, leading to increased self-expression and altered behaviors. The researchers suggest that companies should adapt their offerings based on device usage to tap into this trend.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022

Scientists are unravelling the mystery of the arrow of time

Researchers at CUNY Graduate Center explore how particles and cells give rise to large-scale dynamics that we experience as the passage of time. They found that the arrow of time emerges from simple interactions between pairs of neurons, not large groups. This discovery has implications for physics, neuroscience, and biology.

SourceThe Graduate Center, CUNY·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 22, 2022

Towards better and sustainable weather forecasting in the southern hemisphere

Researchers in Japan have demonstrated that incorporating radar data from the Antarctic Syowa Station enhances atmospheric parameter reproducibility, improving mid-latitude cyclone forecasts. This sustainable approach reduces environmental waste and error uncertainty.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalQuarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society·DateAug 22, 2022
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.

‘Drug factory’ implants eliminate mesothelioma tumors in mice

Rice University researchers have developed a treatment combining drug factory implants producing interleukin-2 with checkpoint inhibitors to eradicate advanced-stage mesothelioma tumors in mice. The treatment resulted in complete tumor destruction in all seven treated mice, offering a promising approach to this aggressive lung cancer.

SourceRice University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022

Super-fast electric car charging, with a tailor-made touch

Researchers have designed superfast charging methods tailored to power different types of electric vehicle batteries in 10 minutes or less without harm. By incorporating charging data into machine learning analysis, the team identified and optimized new protocols that significantly increase energy storage while minimizing battery damage.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 22, 2022

Study finds COVID vaccine mandates for nursing home staff effective

A study published in JAMA Health Forum found that COVID vaccine mandates for nursing home staff led to increased vaccination rates, with larger effects in Republican-leaning counties. The mandates did not significantly contribute to reported staffing shortages.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateAug 22, 2022
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.

Illinois study suggests the humble minnow can take the heat(wave)

A new University of Illinois study shows that fathead minnows can handle simulated heatwaves with few nasty side effects. Most minnows rapidly returned to normal physiological functioning after cooling down, but some became more susceptible to oxidative stress.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFreshwater Biology·DateAug 22, 2022

Survivors of modern slavery take to stage to confront global challenge

A unique performance project aims to tackle modern slavery in Ghana by empowering survivors to share their experiences. The project has uncovered detailed information about the supply chains and recruitment methods used in modern slavery, highlighting the need for support systems for survivors.

SourceUniversity of the West of Scotland·JournalJournal of Modern slavery·TypeObservational study·DateAug 22, 2022
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.

Regular physical activity linked to lower risk of COVID-19 infection and severity

Research suggests that regular physical activity is linked to a lower risk of COVID-19 infection and severity, including hospital admission and death. Adults who engaged in at least 500 MET minutes per week had a significant reduction in risk, with the highest protective effect observed at this threshold.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 22, 2022

What older adults do while they sit affects dementia risk, USC study indicates

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that long periods of sitting for sedentary behaviors like watching TV are associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. In contrast, leisure-time activities such as reading or using computers were linked to a reduced risk of dementia.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2022

DNA profiling solves Australian rabbit plague puzzle

A study published in PNAS confirms the single-origin hypothesis for Australia's invasive rabbits, tracing their ancestry back to Thomas Austin's family in England. Genetic diversity declined as the population spread across the continent, revealing a possible genetic advantage that enabled the rabbits to adapt to Australia's climate.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2022

Scientists found out how to efficiently extract silver

Researchers have created a sorbent that maximizes the absorption of precious metal from solutions, selectively extracting silver even in low concentrations. The new sorbent's properties make it useful for purifying drinking water and processing production waste.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalRussian Journal of Inorganic Chemistry·DateAug 22, 2022

A prehistoric climate feedback loop

A paleoclimatologist discovered an ancient climate feedback loop that accelerated the effects of Earth's last warming episode. The Eemian warm episode, which occurred 128,000 to 125,000 years ago, saw oceans up to 1-1.5°C warmer than today, leading to a significant increase in methane hydrates and their release into the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2022
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.

Georgians in 71 counties don’t have methadone clinic access within a 15-minute drive

A new study from the University of Georgia found that four out of five counties with the highest opioid overdose death rates do not have a methadone clinic accessible within a 15-minute drive. Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) may offer a possible solution to improving access to opioid treatment programs in rural communities.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateAug 22, 2022

This popular type of investment fund nearly always loses money

Researchers found that specialized ETFs invest in overvalued areas with an average return about 30% lower than diversified funds. These hot-topic funds are often launched when the hype is at its peak, causing them to lose value quickly.

SourceOhio State University·JournalReview of Financial Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2022

Caterpillar-like bacteria crawling in our mouth

Bacteria in the Neisseriaceae family evolved to divide along their longitudinal axis without separating, forming caterpillar-like filaments that aid in attachment and cooperation. This unique strategy helps them survive in the oral cavity, where competition is high.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2022

Researchers discover a material that can learn like the brain

EPFL researchers have discovered a material called Vanadium Dioxide (VO2) that can remember its previous external stimuli for up to three hours. The material's structural memory is capable of anticipating future events, similar to how neurons in the brain function.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Electronics·DateAug 22, 2022
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.

Psychiatrists disagree with US policy on psychoactive drugs

A national survey of US psychiatrists found discrepancies between their perceptions of certain psychoactive drugs' safety and therapeutic value and how they are categorized under the Controlled Substances Act. Psychiatrists rated psilocybin as having low misuse potential and high therapeutic potential, but it is a Schedule I drug with ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·TypeSurvey·DateAug 22, 2022

Study offers insights into how pancreatic cancer develops

A study has revealed two key transition points in the development of pancreatic cancer, shedding light on treatment resistance and possible new therapies. The research provides insights into how normal cells become precancerous and cancerous, as well as a new strategy for checkpoint immunotherapy.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 22, 2022

The prevalence of hypertension in low- and middle-income countries increases more sharply in rural areas

A meta-analysis of nearly 300 studies reveals a higher hypertension prevalence in urban areas but with a narrowing gap over time and socio-economic development, indicating rapid increase in rural areas. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and control measures in rural areas to address the growing burden of hypertension.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 22, 2022
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.

Lupus pill shows promise in mice; clinical trial underway

Researchers have developed a new compound, afimetoran, that prevents lupus-like symptoms and reverses organ damage in mice. The compound works by blocking toll-like receptors 7 and 8, which are involved in the immune system's response to viral RNA. Phase 2 clinical trials are underway to test its effectiveness in humans.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 21, 2022

Sulfur shortage: a potential resource crisis looming as the world decarbonises

A projected shortage of sulfuric acid could stifle green technology advancement and threaten global food security. Researchers estimate a shortfall in annual supply between 100-320 million tonnes by 2040, depending on decarbonisation pace. Developing low-cost methods to extract elemental sulfur is crucial to mitigate the crisis.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalGeographical Journal·DateAug 21, 2022

HKU study by remote-sensing and geoscience scholars reveals imbalance in urban greenspace planning leads to severe inequalities in access to greenspace among cities

A recent HKU study found that Global South cities experience only one-third of the greenspace exposure level of Global North cities, highlighting the need for prioritizing greening policies and actions. The research reveals a severe disparity in greenspace exposure linked to differences in greenspace provision and landscape design.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateAug 21, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Pulsed laser synthesis of advanced materials for diverse photo- and electrocatalytic applications

Researchers develop pulsed laser-assisted synthetic route to create metal nanoparticles with high purity, eliminating toxic by-products and requiring less energy and time. This technique enables the production of non-toxic, highly functional nanomaterials for various energy and environmental applications.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateAug 21, 2022
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.

Sensor could help patients stay on top of their meds

A tiny sensor can detect lithium levels from sweat on a fingertip in 30 seconds, providing a non-invasive alternative to blood tests. The sensor, developed by researchers, has the potential to improve medication adherence and patient care.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 21, 2022

A novel method of treatment high-salinity nitrogenous wastewater: Halomonas venusta TJPU05

A novel salt-tolerant HN-AD bacterium, Halomonas venusta TJPU05, was isolated and demonstrated excellent potential in treating high-salinity nitrogenous wastewater. The study showed that 86.12% of NH4+-N, 95.68% of NO3––N, 100% of NO2––N and 84.57% of total nitrogen (TN) could be removed from simulated water within 24 hours.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2022

Scientists fine-tune “tweezers of sound” for contactless manipulation of objects

Researchers have enhanced technology to lift small particles using sound waves, achieving stable lifting of particles from surfaces. By fine-tuning control using an adaptive algorithm, they have improved the stability of their 'acoustic tweezers' technology, which could be deployed in space and other environments with minimal contact.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalJapanese Journal of Applied Physics·DateAug 20, 2022

Quantum light clarifies bioimaging

Researchers at Texas A&M University created a device that harnesses quantum fluctuations to enhance spectroscopy results in Brillouin microscopy, increasing image clarity and accuracy. The new source significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for better visualization of biological structures and properties.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalOptica·DateAug 20, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Which animals can best withstand climate change?

A new study analyzing 157 mammal species found that those living a long time and having few offspring are less vulnerable to climate-driven population fluctuations. In contrast, short-lived rodents experience more extreme population changes due to their limited fat reserves and ability to quickly adapt.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournaleLife·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 2022

Mosquitoes have a bizarre sense of smell, study finds

Researchers discovered that mosquitoes process odors in a bizarre way, using multiple sensory receptors housed within one neuron. This uniquely specialized system may explain why mosquitoes are so good at sniffing out humans, even when carbon dioxide cues are eliminated.

SourceBoston University·JournalCell·DateAug 19, 2022

Global warming spawned the age of reptiles

Harvard researchers found that rapid evolution of reptiles began much earlier than previously thought, connected to increasing temperatures. The study used a dataset of over 1,000 fossil specimens and analyzed their adaptation to climatic shifts.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 19, 2022

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: rebleeding rates and rebleeding predictors found

A large-scale clinical study reveals high cumulative rebleeding rates among patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. The study identified overt OGIB, anticoagulants, and liver cirrhosis as independent predictors of rebleeding, emphasizing the importance of long-term follow-ups.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2022

Anti-Black racism linked to lower support for some gun rights

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that racially resentful white Americans are less likely to support some gun rights if they believe Black people are exercising those rights more than white people. This bias led to a quicker match of photos of white people with gun rights phrases and photos of Black peo...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateAug 19, 2022
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.

New study shows patient preference for medical cannabis products in the absence of clinical guidelines

A new study analyzed point-of-sale data from nearly 17,000 patients in New York's medical cannabis program to understand patient preferences for products and dosing. The researchers found considerable variability in product choice and dosing levels across different conditions, highlighting the need for clear clinical guidelines.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 2022

Out-of-pocket costs for naloxone

A recent observational study found that out-of-pocket naloxone costs hindered access among the uninsured population, particularly those with opioid use disorder. The study's findings suggest that cost barriers may not significantly limit naloxone use in this vulnerable group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateAug 19, 2022

Metabolism may be key to future treatment of kidney diseases

A new study from Aarhus University found that lysine, an amino acid supplement, protects laboratory animals from kidney damage and prevents hypertensive kidney disease. The research suggests that a diet rich in lysine may help prevent or treat kidney diseases, but more studies are needed to confirm the results.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2022

Ultrathin dental camera inspired by insect-eye structure

Researchers developed a novel biologically-inspired intraoral camera with a wide-angle insect eye structure, increasing field of view and resolving optical aberrations. The device provides multifunctional dental imaging, including high dynamic range, 3D depth, and autofluorescence, without discomfort or image blur.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateAug 19, 2022
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.

How do you take a better image of atom clouds? Mirrors – lots of mirrors

A team of researchers uses mirrors to gather more light and views of an object from different angles, allowing them to reconstruct a three-dimensional model of an atom cloud. This technique enables 'light-field imaging', capturing not just intensity but also direction of light rays.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalJournal of Instrumentation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2022

Comparing prevalence of HPV infection

Researchers compared HPV prevalence among women born in the 1980s, 1990s, and before/after vaccination periods. The study found significant differences in HPV prevalence between these groups.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateAug 19, 2022

Early blood tests predict death, severe disability for traumatic brain injury

Researchers developed a blood test that predicts poor outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), allowing clinicians to make decisions earlier on possible treatment. The test, which measures protein biomarkers GFAP and UCH-L1, showed high accuracy in predicting death and severe disability six months after injury.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 19, 2022