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Science News Archive December 2022


Page 1 of 31

Engineered by KAIST mechanics - a quick but clingy creepy-crawler that will MARVEL you

M.A.R.V.E.L.'s magnetic soles made of Electro-Permanent Magnet (EPM) and Magneto-Rheological Elastomer (MRE) enable fast movement on uneven surfaces. The robot can climb at speeds of up to 70 cm/s on walls and 50 cm/s on ceilings, making it the world's fastest walking climbing robot.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Robotics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 31, 2022

Study discovers triple immunotherapy combination as possible treatment for pancreatic cancer

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a novel triple immunotherapy combination targeting checkpoints in T cells and myeloid suppressor cells, improving anti-tumor responses and survival rates in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer. The study found that neutralizing specific immunosuppressive mechanisms dramatical...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Cancer·DateDec 30, 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.

For antiphospholipid syndrome patients, lab results don’t always paint the full picture

APS patients often experience internal feelings of poor health despite normal lab values, with significant impairments in physical and cognitive function linked to lifestyle factors and mental health medications. Researchers are now working to better understand these impacts through systematic patient-reported outcomes measures.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalACR Open Rheumatology·TypeSurvey·DateDec 30, 2022

Seafloor video shows landslide was not the source of 1918 Puerto Rico tsunami

Researchers used seafloor video and carbon dating to determine that an underwater landslide scar is too old to be associated with the 1918 earthquake and tsunami. Instead, they propose a rupture of a two-segment fault along the eastern wall of the Mona Rift as the source of the tsunami.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·TypeObservational study·DateDec 30, 2022

Ketamine found to increase brain noise

Researchers discovered that ketamine increases background noise, impairing the function of thalamo-cortical neurons and affecting sensory perception. This finding may contribute to a better understanding of psychosis in schizophrenia.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateDec 30, 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.

DGIST Professor Hwang Jae-yoon's team writes letters with ultrasonic beam! Develops deep learning based real-time ultrasonic hologram generation technology

The research team proposes a deep learning-based framework that can generate ultrasound holograms in real time, enabling precise and quick beam focusing. This technology has the potential to be used in patient-specific precision brain stimulation and general ultrasound fields.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics Ferroelectrics and Frequency Control·DateDec 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.

Water pollution, a major environmental contamination issue, solved by developing eco-friendly materials capable of purifying water at high speed with inexpensive raw materials!

Researchers developed an eco-friendly porous polymer material that removes phenolic organic contaminants and microplastics from water at ultra-high speeds. The material can be reused multiple times without losing performance, making it a promising solution for efficient water purification.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 29, 2022

Oncotarget | Serum microRNAs as new criteria for referral to early palliative care services in treatment-naïve advanced cancer patients

Researchers developed predictive models using serum microRNAs to identify patients at risk of requiring early palliative care. The study used serum samples from 178 patients with various types of cancer and found that miRNA-based models had higher accuracy than clinical models in predicting referral to a palliative care unit.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateDec 29, 2022

Influenza or a cold? A new technology can help you

A new microresonator technology is being developed to analyze chemicals using light, enabling faster diagnosis of diseases like COVID and diabetes. The device can retain light waves for longer periods, amplifying optical fields and making nonlinear processes easier.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 29, 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.

Holding information in mind may mean storing it among synapses

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute found that the brain stores information in working memory by making short-lived changes in neural connections, contradicting the traditional idea of sustained neuronal activity. This new insight sheds light on the sophisticated flexibility of thought and its dynamic nature.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 29, 2022

New study on the circadian clock of the fruit fly

Researchers discovered a point mutation in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster that leads to a temperature-dependent lengthening of circadian clock periods. The mutation affects the nuclear export signal of the PERIOD protein, resulting in its retention in the cell nucleus at higher temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 29, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Aging | DNA methylation-based measures of biological aging and cognitive decline over 16-years: preliminary longitudinal findings in midlife

A 16-year longitudinal study found associations between DNA methylation-based measures and neuropsychologically-validated cognitive decline in midlife. The results suggest that these measures may serve as biomarkers for a molecular aging mechanism, potentially identifying individuals at risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateDec 29, 2022

Laser drills elongated and crack-free micro-holes in glass

Researchers at CELIA have developed a laser drilling method that creates elongated, crack-free micro-holes in glass. This breakthrough allows for high-aspect ratio holes with smooth inner walls, enabling new applications in microelectronics.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateDec 29, 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.

Dual‐site collaboration boosts electrochemical nitrogen reduction on Ru‐S‐C single‐atom catalyst

Researchers demonstrate that a dual-site cooperative catalytic mechanism on Ru-S-C single-atom catalyst significantly enhances electrochemical nitrogen reduction. The Ru/S dual site facilitates the activation and first protonation of N2 in the rate-determining step, leading to improved activity and selectivity.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateDec 29, 2022

PPARγ acetylation in macrophages impairs adipose tissue function

Macrophage PPARγ acetylation decreases energy expenditure and worsens insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, and lipid metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet. This impairment promotes macrophage infiltration, adipose fibrosis, and hepatic steatosis.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 29, 2022

Scientific criteria for assessing the safety of probiotics

A new paper highlights the need for globally harmonized probiotic regulatory approaches, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive genomic characterization. It proposes a risk-tier system based on strain history and genome analysis, recommending more extensive testing for innovative strains before marketing.

SourceInternational Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics·JournalRegulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 29, 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.

Try to be a pioneer

Researchers found no evidence of a critical mass needed to start and maintain new research fields. Instead, pioneering regions with early investment can establish dominance. However, late-comers face significant costs to catch up, as seen in China's semiconductor science, where strategic interventions over decades led to a dominant role.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalChaos Solitons & Fractals·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 29, 2022

Human brain organoids implanted into mouse cortex respond to visual stimuli for first time

Researchers have successfully demonstrated that human brain organoids implanted in mice can establish functional connectivity and respond to external sensory stimuli, including visual cues. The breakthrough uses a combination of transparent graphene microelectrode arrays and two-photon imaging, enabling real-time observation of neural ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2022

Singing supports stroke rehabilitation

A recent study at the University of Helsinki found that singing-based group rehabilitation can increase communication and speech production in stroke survivors, while also reducing social isolation. The study's results suggest that this type of rehabilitation could be a valuable addition to existing aphasia treatment protocols.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBrain Communications·DateDec 28, 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.

Modelling the collective movement of bacteria

Researchers developed a mathematical model of bacterial movement that includes cell division and death. The model predicts bacteria can form colonies through travelling waves of concentrated 'packages' of bacteria.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateDec 28, 2022

Drivers of political violence in the United States

The study identifies four key drivers of political violence in the United States: toxic polarization, identity-based ideologies, erosion of democratic norms, and disinformation. These drivers contribute to increased acceptance of political violence and undermine democratic institutions.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateDec 28, 2022

A greener internet of things with no wires attached

A new form of thin-film device technology using alternative semiconductor materials could contribute to a more sustainable IoT. Wireless power harvesting from the environment using photovoltaic cells and RF energy harvesters is being explored.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Electronics·DateDec 28, 2022
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.

Dawn of solid-state quantum networks

Researchers demonstrated high-visibility quantum interference between two independent semiconductor quantum dots, an important step toward scalable quantum networks. The observed interference visibility is up to 93%, paving the way for solid-state quantum networks with distances over 300 km.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateDec 28, 2022

Development of bio-friendly transparent temperature sensor technology that precisely measures temperature changes by light

Researchers developed a transparent temperature sensor that can measure rapid temperature changes in less than a few milliseconds. The sensor uses the thermoelectric effect and achieves high transparency, making it suitable for various photothermal bioengineering and medical applications.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateDec 28, 2022

Exotic clasts in Chang'e-5 samples indicate unexplored terrane on moon

Researchers identified seven exotic igneous clasts in Chang'e-5 samples, providing critical information about the Moon's lithological diversity and regolith gardening process. The findings indicate that there are still unknown geological units on the moon, which may aid future lunar exploration missions.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Astronomy·DateDec 28, 2022

Oncotarget | The role of pyrethroid derivatives in autophagy and apoptosis crosstalk signaling and potential risk for malignancies

Researchers found that pyrethroid derivatives induce autophagy, increase reactive oxygen intermediates, and alter membrane fluidity in human primary cells. These findings suggest a potential risk for malignancies and highlight the need for further investigation into pyrethroid-related cancer risks.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateDec 28, 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.

Assessment of mental health services available through smartphone apps

A study of 578 mental health apps found that most offered basic features like psychoeducation and goal tracking, but fewer innovative features like biofeedback or specialized therapies. Privacy concerns remained a significant issue, with app popularity metrics providing little help in identifying more private apps.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 28, 2022

Changes in state-level cigarette sales during pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, state-level cigarette sales varied significantly across the US. The analysis found lower per capita sales in eight states and higher sales in 22 states compared to expected levels. These findings may be related to differences in state responses to the pandemic and tobacco control policies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 28, 2022

Good and bad feelings for brain stem serotonin

Researchers at Hokkaido University identify a nerve pathway in the brain stem involved in processing rewarding and distressing stimuli, opposing a previously identified pathway. This finding could lead to developing drug treatments for mental disorders like addiction and major depression.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Restricted abortion access linked to increased suicide risk in young women

Researchers found a significant association between restricting abortion access and increased suicide rates among women of reproductive age. The study's findings have clinical, policy, and ethical implications, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to approach suicide risk classification in this demographic differently.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateDec 28, 2022

Review on intrinsic electrocatalytic activity of transition metal nitrides on HER

Transition metal nitrides (TMNs) show high intrinsic electrocatalytic activities on hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), thanks to their unique electronic structures and properties. Recent strategies like facet, alloying, doping, vacancy, heterostructure, and hybridization have improved TMN performances.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2022

A glimpse of a cell’s sense of touch

Researchers reveal how cells use their sense of touch to make vital decisions during embryogenesis, including testing the surroundings and sensing tissue architecture. The study provides new insights into cell communication and may lead to the development of more robust synthetic tissues in tissue engineering.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 28, 2022

Tissue-specific immunity may be the future, if we can first learn its rules

Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified distinct patterns of cytokine and granzyme expression in tissue-resident memory T cells, highlighting their complex biology. These findings pave the way for a new branch of precision therapeutics targeting infection, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalImmunity·DateDec 28, 2022

Actinidia arguta (sarunashi) juice inhibits lung cancer in mice

Researchers from Okayama University found that Actinidia arguta (Sarunashi) juice and its component isoquercetin inhibit lung cancer development in mice, accelerating DNA repair and suppressing Akt-mediated growth signaling. The study suggests Sarunashi juice as an attractive candidate for chemoprevention.

SourceOkayama University·JournalGenes and Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 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.

Skiing over Christmas holidays no longer guaranteed – even with snow guns

Researchers at the University of Basel have calculated that Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis ski resort's 100-day ski season is unlikely by 2100 due to warmer winters. Water consumption for snowmaking will increase significantly, with an average winter requiring 540 million liters of water.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalInternational Journal of Biometeorology·DateDec 28, 2022

A checkerboard pattern of inner ear cells enables us to hear

A recent study published in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology has found that the unique checkerboard pattern of cells in the organ of Corti is essential for proper hearing. The researchers discovered that when hair cells adhere to each other abnormally, it leads to apoptosis and a decrease in hair cell numbers, resulting in h...

SourceKobe University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 27, 2022

Mental health revisits at pediatric emergency departments

Pediatric mental health emergency department visits are rising, driven by markers of disease severity and healthcare access issues. Targeted hospital and community interventions can help mitigate recurrent visits and improve mental health care delivery.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 27, 2022

Improving the operational stability of perovskite solar cells

Researchers developed a method to improve power conversion efficiency and stability of pure iodide and mixed-halide perovskites by using two alkylammonium halide modulators. This approach substantially reduces drops in power-conversion efficiency and retains about 80-90% of initial efficiencies after continuous operation.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalJoule·DateDec 27, 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.

Effect of climate change impact menu labels on fast food ordering choices

A randomized clinical trial found that climate impact menu labels can effectively reduce red meat selections and encourage more environmentally sustainable restaurant food choices. The study suggests that negatively framed labels highlighting high-climate impact items were particularly effective in promoting eco-friendly options.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 27, 2022