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Science News Archive December 2022


Page 1 of 31

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.