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Science News Archive August 2022 - Page 19


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Lungless salamanders develop lungs as embryos despite lung loss in adults for millions of years

A new study reveals that four living amphibian clades, including the dominant Plethodontidae family of lungless salamanders, develop lungs as embryos but lose them as adults. This finding sheds light on the evolution of lung loss over millions of years and suggests that losing lungs may have enabled their remarkable evolutionary success.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 17, 2022

Sea secrets surface in the Great Australian Bight

Oceanographers have discovered substantial subsurface phytoplankton layers deep beneath the eastern part of the Great Australian Bight, supporting rich marine biodiversity. This finding explains how the region's productivity survives even when surface phytoplankton blooms disappear during certain upwelling seasons.

SourceFlinders University·JournalContinental Shelf Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

GlyNAC supplementation reverses mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and aging hallmarks to boost strength and promote health in aging humans

A randomized clinical trial found that GlyNAC supplementation improves age-associated defects in older humans, including oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. This led to improvements in muscle strength, gait speed, exercise capacity, and other health outcomes, showing promise for promoting healthy aging.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series A·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 17, 2022

Breaking in a new planet

Researchers found large impacts can fracture a planet's crust, introducing porosity that increases its potential for life. This discovery has implications for early Earth and Mars, suggesting life could have survived in pore spaces during intense impact periods.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 2022

Preschoolers with larger vocabulary before they begin education, perform better in class – study shows

A study published in Early Education and Development journal found that preschoolers with stronger vocabulary skills at the start of the year display more positive engagement with teachers and peers. The researchers also discovered that inhibitory control is crucial for classroom engagement and learning.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalEarly Education and Development·TypeSurvey·DateAug 17, 2022

Mechanistic insights into contact hypersensitivity could pave the way for drug discovery

A study by Japanese researchers from Fujita Health University sheds light on the molecular mechanisms of contact dermatitis, revealing that neutrophil extracellular traps play a key role in the condition. The team's findings suggest that inhibiting NET formation could be a new therapeutic strategy for treating contact dermatitis.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2022

New principles for biological fieldwork will build equity for researchers and local communities

A new paper outlines principles for reducing power imbalances in biological fieldwork, including procedures for permitting and licensing developed at the University of Kansas. The guidelines aim to ensure safety, legal, and ethical conduct, prioritizing communication and transparency in fieldwork planning.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 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.

New method detects gut microbes that activate immune cells

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a new method to identify which human gut microbes contribute to inflammatory diseases. By analyzing protein levels in blood serum, the team discovered specific bacteria that trigger immune activation and inflammation.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 17, 2022

International team determines structure of a key player in antibiotic resistance

A collaborative effort by UT Southwestern computational biologist Qian Cong and molecular biologists at the University of London elucidated the 3D structure of the Type IV secretion system (T4SS) complex. The study's findings provide a blueprint for designing drugs that can slow the development of antibiotic resistance.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2022

Risk of volcano catastrophe ‘a roll of the dice’, say experts

Researchers from the University of Cambridge's CSER highlight the need for improved surveillance and public education to mitigate the impact of volcanic eruptions. The risk of a magnitude seven explosion in the next 100 years is one-in-six, with potential consequences including abrupt climate change and collapse of civilizations.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2022
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.

Can water quality trading effectively reduce water pollution?

A comprehensive review of water quality trading programs worldwide reveals that agricultural production remains largely unregulated, hindering their effectiveness. The authors suggest that nudging political will and creating regulatory drivers can help evolve water quality trading into a cost-effective pollution control instrument.

SourceWiley·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateAug 17, 2022

Premiere for superconducting diode without external magnetic field

Researchers at Brown University achieved a zero-field superconducting diode effect in small-twist-angle trilayer graphene, enabling lossless current flow. The discovery confirms theoretical assumptions and paves the way for future quantum electronics applications.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 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.

Mental impairment plea casts shadow over defendant’s future: study

A new study led by Flinders University found that a mental impairment plea can lead to negative effects on a person's social standing and even civil rights. The research suggests that such pleas may be perceived as increasing dangerousness, resulting in exclusionary policies and treatment.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 17, 2022

All rise!

A study found that combining a height-adjustable desk with an education programme, such as SMART Work and Life, can significantly reduce sitting time in the workplace. Participants using both the programme and a desk spent over an hour more time on their feet per day compared to those receiving the programme alone.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust·JournalBMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 17, 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.

Bruin biophysicist’s research pushes forward development of cultured meat

Amy Rowat's research on cultured meat has made significant progress, with a new study showing the potential for efficient production methods. By using gelatin and food-grade enzymes to create edible microcarriers, Rowat's team is paving the way for lab-grown meat alternatives.

SourceCalifornia NanoSystems Institute·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2022

Live-seq: sequencing a cell without killing it

Scientists have developed Live-seq, an innovative approach that keeps cells alive during RNA extraction for further study. This technique uses FluidFM to manipulate tiny volumes of fluids in a sample under the microscope, allowing for the insertion and extraction of mRNA from single cells without killing them.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 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.

Musical tests can detect mental deterioration in old age

Researchers developed a method combining musical tests with EEG measurement to detect cognitive decline in old age. The study tested 50 elderly people who scored low on the mini-mental test, showing promising results in detecting mental deterioration.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateAug 17, 2022

How scientist facilitated the development of LEO mega constellations

The development of LEO mega constellations has significantly impacted human scientific progress in communication, navigation, and remote sensing. However, unrestrained deployment poses a threat to spacecraft safety and space environment stability, requiring rational surveillance and governance mechanisms.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace Science & Technology·DateAug 17, 2022

“Nutri-Score” label may counter misleading sugar claims on groceries

A new analysis suggests that Nutri-Score labeling can help consumers make healthier food decisions by countering misleading sugar claims. The study found that participants were more likely to perceive unhealthy foods as healthier when a Nutri-Score was absent, but the presence of this label reduced misconceptions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 17, 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.

AgriLife research to study lice-mammal coevolution

A Texas A&M AgriLife Research project investigates the ages-long interaction between parasitic lice and mammal species, including humans. The researchers aim to answer why various louse species parasitize specific hosts and what makes these species good hosts.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateAug 17, 2022

New research uncovers favoritism in order assignment

A recent paper by Darren Grant found favoritism in order assignment in various contests, including Texas and West Virginia primary elections. The author applied statistical methods to detect this behavior, which was often overlooked despite its significant impact on outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateAug 17, 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.

Study presents the first data-driven model of cranial bone development in children

A new study presents the first data-driven sex-specific model of pediatric cranial bone development, providing a quantitative normative reference for local cranial bone development during the first ten years of life. The model improves current understanding and clinical diagnoses of cranial development disorders.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 2022

Floating ‘artificial leaves’ ride the wave of clean fuel production

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed ultra-thin, flexible devices that can convert sunlight into fuels as efficiently as plant leaves. The devices, inspired by photosynthesis, could be used on polluted waterways, in ports or even at sea to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2022

Machine learning models predict hepatocellular carcinoma treatment response

A proof-of-concept study developed three machine learning models to predict posttreatment recurrence in early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma patients. The models achieved high accuracy using imaging data alone, while combining clinical data did not significantly improve performance.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 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.

Investigation into plastic pollution moves inland

A recent study found that microplastics in agricultural soils can cause a decrease in germination rate and changes to seed production, which could have negative consequences for food production. The presence of microplastics also alters soil characteristics such as its structure and microbial communities.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2022

Plate tectonics drives ocean oxygenation

Researchers used a three-dimensional climate model to recreate Earth's history and found that changing continents significantly increased ocean oxygen levels. This new study reveals the previously underestimated role of plate tectonics in shaping ocean biodiversity.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2022

New evidence proves saccorhytus is ecdysozoan

Research team analyzed hundreds of new fossil specimens to clarify the anatomy and evolutionary affinity of Saccorhytus. They found evidence supporting its classification as an ecdysozoan, including a terminal mouth, cuticle integument, and radially arranged circumoral structures common to Cambrian and extant ecdysozoans.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2022

Palmer amaranth in two southern states now resistant to S-metolachlor

Research finds Palmer amaranth populations in Arkansas and two Southern states are resistant to S-metolachlor, a Group 15 herbicide. Resistant populations require more herbicide to control seedling emergence, but remain susceptible to other VLCFA inhibitors like dimethenamid-P and pyroxasulfone.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalWeed Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022

Social connection drives learning in bird brain

Scientists at OIST Graduate University discovered the neural circuitry that enables juvenile zebra finches to learn songs through social interaction with a tutor. The locus coeruleus-caudomedial nidopallium circuit plays a crucial role in attention and arousal, guiding the bird's focus on the tutor's song.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 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.

A fast, accurate, equipment-free diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 and its variants

A team of researchers from Princeton University and the Broad Institute created a fast, accurate, and equipment-free diagnostic test for COVID-19. The test uses CRISPR technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants and can be performed at home without special equipment, improving sensitivity and specificity compared to existing tests.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022

Sleep medication use drops dramatically among Americans

The study found a 31% decline in sleep medication use between 2013 and 2018, with the strongest decrease in FDA-approved medications. Behavioral treatments for insomnia are increasingly encouraged due to their effectiveness and reduced risk of adverse outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 2022

How the earth is changing

Long-term research at LTER sites reveals climate change effects on ecosystems, including altered productivity and biodiversity. Coastal ecosystems, such as kelp forests and coral reefs, are particularly vulnerable to changes in water temperature and storms.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalBioScience·DateAug 16, 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.

Mars model provides method for landing humans on Red Planet

A team of researchers from Australian National University developed a mathematical model to simulate the impact of prolonged exposure to zero gravity on the cardiovascular system. The model assesses the risk of fainting or medical emergencies when stepping out of a spacecraft on Mars, providing crucial insight for human mission planning.

SourceAustralian National University·Journalnpj Microgravity·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 16, 2022
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.

Machine translation could make English-only science accessible to all

A new paper introduces free machine translation services to convert scientific papers into multiple languages, promoting accessibility and global collaboration. Researchers at UC Berkeley developed these tools to address the dominance of English in scientific research, enabling scientists worldwide to share their work.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalBioScience·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 16, 2022

SUTD researchers unravel cell biology through artificial intelligence

Researchers used artificial intelligence to demonstrate the correlation between cytoskeleton organisation and nuclear position in eukaryotic cells. The study successfully predicted the presence and location of nuclei in over 8,000 cells with high accuracy, transforming the way scientists approach complex biological systems.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 16, 2022

Interdisciplinary panel offers solutions to improve recruitment for Alzheimer’s clinical trials

The expert panel identified actionable and inclusive solutions to accelerate the development of novel therapies for Alzheimer’s disease. The panel suggested strategies such as increasing diverse population representation, addressing logistical, financial, and trust barriers to participate in trials.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 16, 2022

A novel method for monitoring the ‘engine’ of pregnancy

Researchers developed a novel method to monitor oxygen levels in the placenta using optical measurements and ultrasound, providing insights into its function and structure. The device showed promise in detecting placental dysfunction and differentiating between healthy and diseased placentas.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 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.

A virtual trip to the museum can improve the health of seniors stuck at home

A randomized controlled trial found that virtual museum visits significantly improved the health of seniors stuck at home, reducing social isolation and improving well-being, quality of life, and frailty. The study recruited 106 participants aged 65 and older who attended guided tours online once a week for three months.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 16, 2022

Indigenous youth film project turns the lens on nutrition and food security

The project empowers Indigenous youth to create films about locally available foods and other concerns, raising awareness of nutritional deficiencies and gender discriminatory norms. The initiative aims to improve dietary diversity and promote transformative change through self-expression and participation.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·DateAug 16, 2022