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Science News Archive August 2022 - Page 6


Page 6 of 38

How do land sparing vs. land sharing interventions influence human wellbeing?

The study found that integrated interventions, which prioritize people and nature coexistence, positively impact local human wellbeing. In contrast, single-sector interventions like high-input conventional agriculture and strict protected areas have negative impacts on human health and ecosystems.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalPeople and Nature·DateAug 29, 2022

Mixing things up: optimizing fluid mixing with machine learning

A team of Japanese researchers used reinforcement learning to study fluid mixing during laminar flow, achieving exponentially fast mixing without prior knowledge. The method also enabled effective transfer learning, reducing training time for new mixing problems, and has potential applications across various industries.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 29, 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.

Stolen DNA strengthens immune diversity

Researchers have found that human antibodies can incorporate foreign genetic material from the mitochondria and ends of chromosomes, leading to increased immune diversity. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that antibody diversity results solely from gene mutations.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2022

Keeping Kermit: New clues to protecting frogs from deadly Bd fungus

A new study from the University of South Australia shows that captive frogs can be protected from the deadly fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) through natural skin shedding processes. However, captivity also reduces skin bacteria diversity and richness, potentially affecting the frogs' resilience to pathogens.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalTransactions of the Royal Society of South Australia·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2022

Improving the robustness of bound states in the continuum with higher topological charges

The study proposes merging bound states in continuum (BICs) using higher topological charges, significantly enhancing Q factors and suppressing scattering loss. The approach enables steerable BICs with designed momentum, improving performance for direction-related applications.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateAug 28, 2022
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.

Getting to the bottom of the Arctic sea ice decline: Investigation of heat movement near the North Pole and under the Arctic sea ice

Researchers studied heat movement near North Pole and under Arctic sea ice, providing insights into the mechanisms of Arctic sea ice decline. Their findings suggest that strong winds cause mixing of water where ice and ocean meet, leading to enhanced heat transfer and changes in seawater salinity.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Oceans·DateAug 28, 2022

Black-owned restaurants disproportionately impacted during pandemic

A new study using cellphone location data found that visits to Black-owned restaurants dropped off after initial spikes and were inconsistent across 20 US cities. The study raises questions about the effectiveness of labelling campaigns and how tech companies can better support communities of color.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAnnals of the American Association of Geographers·DateAug 28, 2022

Tip tricks control reactions in a single molecule

Scientists have developed a method to control chemical reactions in a single molecule by applying voltage pulses, resulting in unprecedented selectivity. By fine-tuning the voltage, researchers can interconvert different products formed during the reaction.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience·DateAug 28, 2022

The effects of the GATT/WTO trading system on welfare and distribution

A recent study examines the comprehensive effects of the GATT/WTO trading system on welfare and distribution across member states from 1950 to 2015. The analysis reveals a robust pattern of welfare gains for member states through trade liberalization, with non-member states experiencing losses after 1980.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateAug 28, 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.

MALDI awarded by National Institutes of Health to ASU

The MALDI mass spectrometer will enable faster turnaround times, novel capabilities such as mass spectrometric imaging, and in-house training for researchers. This instrument will support critical research on neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, infectious disease outbreaks, and energy needs.

SourceArizona State University·DateAug 28, 2022

Regulating attention for positive growth

A new module at SMU aims to integrate mindfulness with positive psychology, focusing on personal mastery, autonomy, and flourishing. Regular practice is emphasized, with techniques such as meditation and journaling, to help students develop self-regulatory skills and achieve holistic learning.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateAug 28, 2022

New risk score predicts mortality for atrial fibrillation patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement

A new risk score can help predict mortality for patients with atrial fibrillation who have undergone successful TAVR and been discharged home. The risk score was developed using data from the ENVISAGE-TAVI AF trial, which found that patients with certain clinical risks were more likely to die within a year of discharge.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateAug 28, 2022

Clinical trial, meta-analysis find diabetes drugs may benefit all heart failure patients

A meta-analysis of clinical trials found that SGLT2 inhibitors, like dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, reduce cardiovascular death and hospitalization in patients with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction heart failure. These drugs may benefit a wide range of patients, regardless of age, sex, or medical history.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 27, 2022

Weaving atomically thin seams of light with in-plane heterostructures

Scientists develop a method to produce atomically thin seams of light using in-plane heterostructures, enabling customizable strain and circularly polarized light. This technology has the potential to create efficient and chiral electroluminescence for applications in quantum optoelectronics.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 27, 2022
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.

Autoimmune disorders increase risk of cardiovascular disease

A study of 22 million patients found that those with autoimmune disorders have a substantially higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The excess risk is similar to that of type 2 diabetes and affects the entire cardiovascular disease spectrum.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateAug 27, 2022

Hydropower dams induce widespread species extinctions across Amazonian forest islands

New research from the University of East Anglia finds that hydropower developments lead to flooding forests, driving biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruptions. The study reveals widespread species extinction, especially among large-bodied species, highlighting the need for sustainable energy security and biodiversity conservation.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2022

Vital ventilation

Researchers discovered that stony corals actively transport oxygen away from areas with high photosynthetic activity to reduce oxidative stress. This targeted ventilation system, facilitated by the tiny hairs on their surface, helps corals mitigate coral bleaching caused by environmental stressors.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 26, 2022

Study: Slogans protesting federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate displayed three themes

A recent study found three distinct themes in slogans protesting federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates: Support for individual freedom/rights, opposition to government control, and anti-science misinformation/disinformation. The majority of slogans opposing vaccines were about individual rights or resistance to government control.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalFrontiers in Communication·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 26, 2022

Researchers use nitric oxide ‘scavengers’ to target triple-negative breast cancer

A new treatment approach for triple-negative breast cancer is being developed using nitric oxide scavengers. The study found that converting nitric oxide into nitrogen centred free radicals inhibits the migration of cancer cells in the tumor environment, suggesting a potential use of modified hyaluronic acid as a key material.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalBiomacromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cannabis legalization boosts use by double-digits

A study of over 3,400 adult twins found that residents in states where cannabis is legal use it 24% more frequently than those in illegal states. This trend holds true for identical twins, with those living in legal states using cannabis 20% more often.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalAddiction·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2022

Half of moms of kids with autism have high depressive symptoms

Researchers found that mothers' higher depressive symptoms did not predict increases in children's behavior problems, including those with autism. The study suggests that maternal depression may have a complex impact on caregiving families.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalFamily Process·DateAug 26, 2022

Reclaimed water aerosol is becoming a health concern

A study in China reveals high infection probabilities for populations exposed to reclaimed water aerosols containing Legionella, exceeding WHO thresholds. To mitigate the risk, researchers recommend disinfecting reclaimed water before use and setting up warning signs in parks.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 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.

Toyocamycin mode of uptake discovered: Good news for antifungal development!

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that toyocamycin's mode of uptake is key to its effectiveness against Candida albicans. By targeting the concentrative nucleoside transporter protein, new antifungal drugs may be developed with unprecedented modes of action.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2022

Obesity, alcohol use, and decreased blood clotting associated with return to operating room after liver transplant

Research finds that liver transplant recipients with a BMI of 30 or higher and those who drank heavily have a high risk of needing a second surgery within 48 hours. Coagulopathy, or decreased blood clotting, is also linked to this risk. The study aims to reduce the number of return-to-operating-room cases by mitigating these factors.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe American Journal of Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2022

Getting data to do more for biodiversity

A new model developed by MSU researchers uses low-cost data about abundant species to generate insights on harder-to-find neighbors, helping monitor and preserve biodiversity. The model can be particularly helpful for rare and elusive species, providing valuable information with minimal data.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalConservation Biology·DateAug 26, 2022

Silicon image sensor that computes

Researchers developed a silicon photodiode array for in-sensor processing, allowing for real-time image filtering and extraction of relevant visual information. The technology has potential applications in machine vision, bio-inspired systems, and intelligent imaging devices.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Electronics·DateAug 26, 2022

Hidden microearthquakes illuminate large earthquake-hosting faults in Oklahoma and Kansas

Seismologists have identified hundreds of thousands of microearthquakes along previously unknown fault structures in Oklahoma and Kansas, allowing them to map and measure earthquake clusters. The study found that nearly a 5% chance that a cluster would host a magnitude 4 or larger earthquake within a year if it reached a certain length...

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalThe Seismic Record·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Dielectric metalens speed up the development of miniaturized imaging systems

Dielectric metalenses have made significant progress in compact imaging systems, offering aberration-correction and dispersion-engineering capabilities. However, challenges such as phase discretization, diffraction constraints, and crosstalk among sub-units need to be addressed for practical development.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateAug 26, 2022

1-Pbps orbital angular momentum fibre-optic transmission

Researchers have developed a fibre-optic transmission system that integrates SDM, PDM, and DWDM over a 34-km long fibre, achieving a raw capacity of 1.223 Pb/s with a spectral efficiency of 156.8 bit/s/Hz. The system utilizes OAM modes to reduce MIMO complexity, enabling low power consumption and scalability.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateAug 26, 2022

Protein structures aren’t set in stone

Researchers found that many proteins thought to be monomeric exist as hexamers or other shapes, with some even forming tetramers. This discovery suggests a high degree of structural plasticity among proteins.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 26, 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.

Master equation to boost quantum technologies

Physicists have developed a 'master equation' to understand feedback control at the quantum level, enabling precise real-time control over quantum systems. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize quantum technologies by exploiting quantum effects and mitigating fragile system properties.

SourceFoundational Questions Institute, FQXi·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 26, 2022

Majority of clinicians in US safety net practices report ‘moral distress’ during COVID-19 pandemic

A recent study found that nearly 72% of primary care, dental, and behavioral health clinicians in US safety net clinics reported experiencing moral distress during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The distress was mainly caused by limitations on patient care, witnessing patients' struggles, and challenges in their work situations.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalBMJ Open·TypeSurvey·DateAug 26, 2022

Georgia State researchers discover novel way to treat IBD with lipid nanoparticles

Researchers at Georgia State University have discovered a novel way to treat ulcerative colitis using lipid nanoparticles that target the colon with nucleic acids. The treatment showed accelerated healing and reduced inflammation in mice with acute colitis, offering a new gene therapy strategy for IBD treatment.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 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.

Optical vortices in a topological defect of cosmic spacetime

A new study demonstrates bound vortex light on optical chips by simulating gauge fields of cosmic strings. The research team created a deformed photonic graphene inspired by cosmic strings, which can generate and transport optical vortices and control photon orbital angular momentum.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateAug 26, 2022

Academics started working even more during the pandemic

A study found that academics worldwide increased their working hours by an average of three hours per week during the pandemic. The main reasons for this increase were teaching and administrative responsibilities, with most scholars reporting difficulties in adapting to online learning platforms and new assessment methods.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 26, 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.

Climate change is increasing frequency of fish mass die-offs

A study found that air and water temperatures are reliable predictors of fish mass mortality events. The researchers predict an approximate six-fold increase in the frequency of fish mortality events by 2100 based on local water temperature projections, and a 34-fold increase based on air temperature projections.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2022

Is it a normal early childhood tantrum or an early sign of mental illness?

A University of Massachusetts Amherst psychologist is using a $428,000 NIH grant to develop a home-based system that tracks preschoolers' tantrums and predicts mental illness risk. The system uses wearable devices and machine learning algorithms to identify high-risk children and provide critical information to parents.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateAug 26, 2022

Important role of the ENSO combination mode in the maintenance of the anomalous anticyclone over the western North Pacific in boreal summer

This study demonstrates that ENSO combination mode is a stable relationship with the WNPAC during El Niô decaying summer, regardless of changes in ENSO evolution features. The C-mode mechanism appears invulnerable to changes in ENSO decaying speed, suggesting its crucial role in maintaining the WNPAC.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateAug 26, 2022

One zip of alcohol is enough to modify the brain

Research finds that a single dose of alcohol permanently changes brain structure and function, leading to increased risk of addiction. The study used fruit flies and mice models to show that ethanol-induced changes in mitochondrial dynamics and synapse balance contribute to long-lasting behavioral changes.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2022

Small molecules, giant (surface) potential

Scientists at Kyushu University have developed organic molecules that align in the same direction, creating a 'giant surface potential' when evaporated onto a surface. This alignment leads to a significant electric field, which can improve OLED efficiency and open new routes for realizing devices that convert vibrations into electricity.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2022
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.

UC Davis Health study reports on the safety, efficacy of tecovirimat in treating monkeypox

A UC Davis Health study found that tecovirimat appears to be safe and effective for treating monkeypox symptoms and skin lesions. The study, which included 25 patients with confirmed monkeypox infection, showed that 92% of patients had lesions in their genital or anal area, while 40% healed from their lesions within a week of treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA·TypeCase study·DateAug 26, 2022

NSF-funded engineering research to combat medical device infections

Researchers at the University of Kentucky are developing strategies to decrease antibiotic resistance and combat medical device infections through NSF-funded engineering research. Biofilms can form on implant surfaces, making them difficult to remove and contributing to disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·DateAug 26, 2022

Quantum heat pump: a new measuring tool for physicists

Researchers develop a quantum scale heat pump using photons, amplifying cold signals and cooling hot photons. This device enables closer measurement of hard-to-detect frequencies, including those used in dark matter hunts.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 26, 2022

“Polypill” reduces cardiovascular mortality by 33% in patients treated after a heart attack

The SECURE trial found that the polypill, containing aspirin, ramipril, and atorvastatin, achieves clinically relevant reductions in recurrent cardiovascular events among patients recovering from a heart attack. This simplified approach improves treatment adherence, leading to a 33% reduction in cardiovascular mortality.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 26, 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.

Study finds that agricultural diversity has a positive impact on food security

Researchers found that in almost two-thirds of cases, agricultural diversity had a positive effect on food security. However, the relationship was mixed or showed no effect in about one-third of cases. The study highlights the importance of preserving agrobiodiversity to ensure food systems can adapt to climate change and other stresses.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalGlobal Food Security·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 26, 2022

Bound by light

A team of researchers at the University of Vienna has found a new mechanism that fundamentally alters the interaction between optically levitated nanoparticles. By applying coherent scattering, they were able to create non-reciprocal forces and improve coupling in arrays of particles, enabling new ways to study complex physical phenomena.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience·DateAug 26, 2022

Dispersion coding of ENZ media via multiple photonic dopants

Researchers developed a technique for controlling ENZ media by introducing multiple dielectric rods, called photonic dopants. This allows for independent control of responses at specific frequencies, enabling applications such as optical tagging and digitally reconfigurable filters.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateAug 26, 2022

2023 Hertz Fellowship accepting applications

The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation is accepting applications for the 2023 Hertz Fellowship, offering five years of funding to support research that advances the nation's security and economic vitality. Past recipients include Nobel laureates and notable leaders in science and technology.

SourceFannie and John Hertz Foundation·DateAug 26, 2022