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Science News Archive August 2022 - Page 16


Page 16 of 38

Change in surgical volume during COVID-19

A severe decline in surgical procedure volumes was observed across various subspecialties during the COVID-19 peak. The overall volume failed to fully recover after the peak and vaccine release periods, with varying rates of recovery among different specialties.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 18, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A novel drug suppresses muscle inflammation and restores muscle weakness

Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University found a novel GLP-1R agonist, PF1801, that can suppress muscle inflammation and restore muscle strength in patients with polymyositis. The study suggests PF1801 could be used to treat patients with muscle wasting disease and improve symptoms associated with inflammatory myopathies.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJournal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle·DateAug 18, 2022

Chicken bones and snail shells help archaeologists to date more precisely

Researchers have made precise dating of archaeological finds using a multi-proxy approach combining animal remains, plant analysis and written evidence. The study reveals that events such as the destruction of Tell Iẓṭabba occurred in spring, with chicken bones and snail shells providing key clues.

SourceCluster of Excellence "Religion and Politics"·JournalAntiquity·TypeSurvey·DateAug 18, 2022

Accelerating photoprotection recovery in soybean plants boosts crop yield

Accelerating photoprotection recovery in soybean plants has been shown to improve photosynthetic efficiency and biomass in field-grown tobacco plants. Researchers engineered the same change into the widely cultivated soybean plant, resulting in yield up to 33% higher than unmodified plants across 5 independent events.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 18, 2022

New method enables long-lasting imaging of rapid brain activity in individual cells deep in the cortex

Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a new sensor that allows neuroscientists to image brain activity without missing signals, for an extended time and deeper in the brain than previously possible. The sensor uses genetically-encoded voltage indicators to capture fast brain signals while identifying specific cell types.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

Dentists should give antibiotics to high-risk patients to help prevent life-threatening heart infection

A new study from the University of Sheffield suggests that giving antibiotics to those at high risk of developing a life-threatening heart infection significantly reduces their risk. Current UK guidelines against routine use of antibiotics for these patients may be putting them at unnecessary extra risk.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 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.

Exploring quantum electron highways with laser light

Topological insulators exhibit unique quantum properties, with electrons flowing freely along surface edges but not through the interior. Researchers used spiraling laser light to generate harmonics from materials, allowing them to distinguish between superhighway and insulating states. By varying laser polarization and material compos...

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 18, 2022

Advanced material will allow to move heavy objects in harsh environments

Researchers have improved a magnetostrictive material that can withstand extremely low temperatures and is suitable for use in space. The compound, which includes terbium and iron, exhibits high magnetostriction values even at liquid nitrogen temperatures, making it ideal for controlling the position of space telescopes.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateAug 18, 2022

Historical rates of enslavement predict modern rates of American gun ownership

A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found a strong correlation between historical rates of enslavement and present-day gun ownership in the US. The study suggests that American attitudes towards guns are shaped by historical events, such as the legacy of slavery, and are influenced by social transmission of beliefs.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2022

Natural substances show promise against coronavirus

Researchers have identified three natural compounds that bind to a key enzyme in the coronavirus, potentially blocking its replication. Hydroxyethylphenol, hydroxybenzaldehyde, and methyldihydroxybenzoate showed reduced activity against the papain-like protease enzyme, with effects ranging from 50-70%.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 18, 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.

Recreational runners benefit from adjusting their training based on recovery status

A study at University of Jyväskylä found that recreational runners who trained based on their recovery status improved their 10 km running time by twice as much as those in a traditional program. This approach reduced the risk of low training response and showed better performance outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateAug 18, 2022

Greenland’s Indigenous population favours extracting and exporting sand from melting ice sheet

A national survey of 1000 adults in Greenland found that 3 out of 4 support extracting and exporting sand from the melting ice sheet, with most preferring local involvement. The study highlights a rare example of an Arctic Indigenous population wanting to be involved in decision-making about adapting to accelerated Arctic changes.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeSurvey·DateAug 18, 2022

Simple method destroys dangerous ‘forever chemicals,’ making water safe

Chemists at UCLA and Northwestern University developed a simple way to break down nearly indestructible 'forever chemicals' at relatively low temperatures with no harmful byproducts. The technology uses common reagents in heated water to sever molecular bonds in PFAS, leaving only harmless compounds.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateAug 18, 2022

Touch and sight are linked before birth

In embryonic stages, tactile stimuli simultaneously activate tactile and visual neural pathways. Shortly after birth, the superior colliculus separates these pathways, allowing separate processing of touch and vision.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalScience·TypeNews article·DateAug 18, 2022
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.

UTIA receives grant to analyze and develop price risk management tools

Researchers will conduct a national survey to identify barriers to adopting price risk management tools and assess perceptions of tool effectiveness. A free mobile application will be developed to provide information needed for making informed decisions, aiming to improve US beef cattle producers' economic sustainability.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateAug 18, 2022

Scientists create new map of the developing cerebral cortex

Researchers mapped brain cortex development from two months before birth to two years after, revealing functional regions and growth rates. The study provides a valuable resource for further research on brain development conditions.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 18, 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.

Scientists construct MK-7 synthetic strain with novel strategy

Researchers developed a high-efficiency MK-7 synthetic strain using a bottom-up approach, improving synthesis efficiency and reducing by-product formation. The recombinant bacteria achieved 53.07 mg/L MK-7 production, surpassing native Bacillus subtilis 168.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalMicrobial Cell Factories·DateAug 18, 2022

Scientists thought they knew how the nose ‘knows,’ new research suggests otherwise

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discover that nasal cell receptors activate few G protein molecules to produce a signal, contradicting the mainstream idea of high amplification. The study found that the probability of an odorant receptor activating just one G protein is 1 in 10,000, supporting weak signaling.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 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.

To bee or not to bee

A new study by University of Missouri and Webster University scientists finds climate change linked to decline of bumblebees in alpine regions. Warming temperatures are creating a longer growing season, allowing lower-elevation bees to migrate to alpine areas, where they struggle to adapt.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateAug 18, 2022

Climate change threatens food supply chains with cascading impacts on diet quality, income – new modelling shows

New University of Sydney research models the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on Australia's food systems, finding potential job losses, nutrient availability declines, and localized food price increases. The study highlights the need for climate preparedness and mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable populations.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 18, 2022

Better wildlife observation with new counting method

Researchers at Linköping University developed a new analysis model to estimate the number of wild animals harvested through hunting in Sweden. The model provides a better estimation of wild animal populations and reduces uncertainty, making it easier to track changes in ecosystems.

SourceLinköping University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 18, 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.

Why some people suffer more from COVID-19 than others

Researchers at the Berlin Institute of Health have found genes and proteins associated with a higher risk of severe COVID-19. The study identified a protein called ELF5, which is present in lung cells and may contribute to the severity of the disease.

SourceBIH at Charité·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 18, 2022

Key mechanisms of airway relaxation in asthma revealed in new study

A new study identifies nitric oxide as a key molecule in the β2-adrenergic receptor feedback loop, mediating airway relaxation. The research team discovered that preventing nitric oxide's feedback mechanism leads to a powerful airway relaxant. Mice with a specific mutation in the β2 AR gene are resistant to bronchoconstriction and asthma.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 18, 2022

A warming planet could mess with our sleep – and make us more vulnerable to infectious disease

Research suggests rising temperatures could disrupt sleep patterns and blunt the immune response, making people more susceptible to infections. This is particularly concerning for low-income communities and communities of color who face heightened risks from heat and limited access to air conditioning.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalTemperature·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 18, 2022

Study of more than 150,000 people identifies genes strongly linked to autism and neurodevelopmental disorders

A new study of over 150,000 participants has identified more than 70 genes strongly associated with autism and over 250 with strong links to the condition. The analysis provides insights into the molecular roots of brain development and neurodiversity.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2022
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.

Researchers design new inks for 3D-printable wearable bioelectronics

A team of researchers at Texas A&M University has developed biomaterial inks that mimic native characteristics of highly conductive human tissue. These inks are essential for 3D printing and enable the creation of complex electronic devices, such as stretchable sensors with integrated microelectronic components.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 18, 2022

Early use of oral tecovirimat successfully eases pain in two patients with monkeypox and severe proctitis

Researchers report two cases of successful treatment with oral tecovirimat for patients with monkeypox and severe proctitis. The medication rapidly alleviated rectal pain with no serious adverse effects. Early use of tecovirimat may be a promising treatment option until randomized controlled trials can be conducted.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeCase study·DateAug 18, 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.

“Food-delivery” revolution ripe for policy and research

The 'food-delivery revolution' has led to a surge in low- and middle-income countries, transforming the food systems and impacting local labor markets. The authors argue that new policies can help advance progress toward UN Sustainable Development Goals, reducing malnutrition and poverty.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 18, 2022

Random acts of kindness make a bigger splash than expected

Researchers found that givers underestimate the positive impact of their actions on recipients, while receivers focus on feelings of warmth. In experiments, random acts of kindness increased happiness and led to more generous behavior.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology General·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

CRISPR-based technology targets global crop pest

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a precision-guided sterile insect technique (pgSIT) to control invasive fruit fly populations. The technology uses CRISPR editing to target key genes in female viability and male fertility, resulting in a fertility dead end for the species.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGEN Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022
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.

Building blocks of the future for photovoltaics

A research team from the University of Göttingen has observed the build-up of dark Moiré interlayer excitons for the first time using femtosecond photoemission momentum microscopy. This breakthrough allows scientists to study the optoelectronic properties of new materials in unprecedented detail.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

Engineers fabricate a chip-free, wireless electronic “skin”

MIT engineers create a flexible, semiconducting film that conforms to the skin like electronic Scotch tape, harnessing gallium nitride's piezoelectric properties for sensing and wireless communication. The device wirelessly transmits signals related to pulse, sweat, and UV exposure without chips or batteries.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateAug 18, 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.

New study estimates over 5.5 million U.S. adults use hallucinogens

A new study estimates that over 5.5 million U.S. adults used hallucinogens in the past year, with a significant increase in LSD use between 2002 and 2019. The study found that PCP use decreased during this period, while Ecstasy use also declined since 2015.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAddiction·DateAug 18, 2022

Arctic mercury levels drop during the depths of the winter

Researchers found a 33% drop in total mercury concentrations in the Barents Sea during the polar night, attributed to a scavenging process involving manganese particles. This decrease in surface levels may lead to increased toxic mercury formation in sediments and potentially more methylmercury in Arctic food webs.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

Sharpest image ever of universe’s most massive known star

Researchers use Gemini Observatory's Zorro instrument to observe R136a1, finding it may be less massive than previously thought, potentially altering understanding of element formation. This breakthrough pushes the capabilities of ground-based telescopes, rivaling those of Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2022

New transitional care clinical pathway improves health equity

The THRIVE clinical pathway provides intensive case management, care coordination, and continuity of care to support patients transitioning from hospital to home. Early results show reduced 30-day ED visits and readmissions among participants.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalBMJ Open Quality·DateAug 18, 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 links the decline of alpine bees to climate change

A new study by Webster University researchers found that alpine bumble bees are losing ground due to warming temperatures, as colonizing bees from lower elevations thrive and displace them. The study predicts the local extinction of alpine bee populations in areas where they can't migrate further upslope.

SourceWebster University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2022

First-ever dietary study for tigers and clouded leopards in southeast Asia's evergreen forests

A study published by the Wildlife Conservation Society reveals that both tigers and clouded leopards in Laos prefer to feed on serow, which may indicate adaptations for larger prey consumption. The findings highlight the need for increased protection and management of serow populations, including possible reintroductions.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2022

Glycoprotein GPNMB is a possible biomarker for Parkinson’s Disease risk

Researchers discover glycoprotein GPNMB as a possible biomarker for Parkinson's Disease risk through interaction with alpha-synuclein and increased plasma concentrations in patients. The study establishes GPNMB as a risk gene and potential therapeutic target for the debilitating neurodegenerative brain disorder.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 18, 2022

UBC researchers discover ‘weak spot’ across major COVID-19 variants

Researchers at UBC have discovered a key vulnerability across all major COVID-19 variants that can be targeted by neutralizing antibodies. The 'master key' identified is the antibody fragment V H Ab6, which effectively neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 by attaching to the epitope on the spike protein.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 18, 2022

New pediatric investigation study explores how active parent participation can improve neonatal health and reduce parental stress

A new study explores how active parent participation can improve neonatal health and reduce parental stress. The study found that cultural attitudes, collaboration between medical staff and parents, and availability of equipment are key factors in enabling parent-infant closeness.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeSurvey·DateAug 18, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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