Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive December 2022


Page 19 of 31

Covid vaccines also help protect HIV patients

Researchers found that Covid vaccines effectively protect HIV-positive individuals, particularly after a third booster shot. The study also revealed a surprisingly strong cellular immune response in HIV-positive people, similar to those in healthy individuals.

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.

Baby seals show off vocal skills #ASA183

Seal pups possess an innate ability to change their voice pitch and volume, as well as recognize and respond to rhythmic sounds. This study suggests a possible evolutionary link between human-like language abilities and vocal plasticity in seals.

Researchers shed (laser) light on emerging water treatment technique

A team of researchers from the University of Rhode Island has discovered new details about the chemical reaction that occurs when ferrate is exposed to visible and ultraviolet light. The findings could help optimize the use of ferrate in water treatment applications, making it a promising option for smaller systems.

Study explores how "me-time" affects social interaction

A new study by University at Buffalo researchers explores how spending time alone affects social interaction, finding that solitude may not be restorative for all individuals. Those who seek solitude due to fear or dislike of social interactions experience increased anxiety when interacting with others on days with increased alone time.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Racial, ethnic disparities in swimming skills found across generations

Research reveals stark racial and ethnic differences in swimming skills, with Black and Latine parents less confident in their abilities and fewer children taking swim lessons. Culturally tailored water-safety programs are crucial to eliminating these disparities and reducing child drownings.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Paper-thin solar cell can turn any surface into a power source

MIT engineers create ultralight fabric solar cells that can generate 18 times more power-per-kilogram than conventional solar cells, making them ideal for wearable power fabrics or deployment in remote locations. The technology can be integrated into built environments with minimal installation needs.

Rapid fluorescent mapping of electrochemically induced local pH changes

This study uses ultra-pH-sensitive polymeric fluorescent probes to image local pH changes in electrocatalytic processes with subsecond resolution. The technique allows for rapid imaging of proton concentration changes, enabling the study of heterogeneous reactions and mass transport in electrocatalysis.

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.

Padgett named NSF BRITE Fellow

Jamie Padgett, a Rice University professor, has been awarded a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation's BRITE Fellows program. With this funding, she will develop methods for infrastructure resilience modeling in response to uncertain, evolving conditions resulting from earthquakes, hurricanes, and other disasters.

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.

Structural studies offer “how-to” guide for designing cancer drugs

Researchers have discovered the three-dimensional structure of phosphoinositide 3-kinase alpha (PI3Kα) and how it changes with cancer-associated mutations. This knowledge enables the design of targeted drugs that can specifically bind to mutated versions, potentially eliminating side effects associated with current PI3Kα inhibitors.

Aging is driven by unbalanced genes

Researchers found that longer genes are linked to longer lifespans and shorter genes to shorter lifespans, with aging causing a shift towards short genes. This imbalance leads to subtle changes in thousands of genes across various tissues, suggesting systems-level changes contribute to aging.

Hubble detects ghostly glow surrounding our solar system

Astronomers using Hubble Space Telescope data found a small but significant excess of light in the sky, equivalent to the glow of 10 fireflies. This residual glow could be caused by a tenuous sphere of dust from comets falling into the solar system, adding a new component to the known architecture of the solar system.

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.

Synthesis of a silicon-integrated organic framework film

A research team at NIMS successfully synthesized a two-dimensional silicon-integrated covalent organic framework film on a metal surface. The technique may be applied to develop new materials in a bottom-up manner, with potential applications in battery materials and catalysts.

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.

New optical computing approach offers ultrafast processing

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a new optical computing approach that uses circularly polarized light to operate logic gates, resulting in ultrafast processing speeds. The technology operates about one million times faster than existing technologies and can be integrated into a single device.

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.

Recycled gold from SIM cards could help make drugs more sustainable

Researchers have developed a low-cost way to extract gold and other valuable metals from electronic waste, which can be used as catalysts for reactions in pharmaceutical manufacture. The process has the potential to improve the sustainability of drug production by reducing dependence on environmentally damaging mining practices.

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.

Curved spacetime in the lab

Heidelberg University researchers successfully simulated an entire family of curved universes using ultracold quantum gases. The experiment allowed them to investigate different cosmological scenarios and compare the results with a quantum field theoretical model.

A big step toward producing rhino gametes

Researchers at the Max Delbrück Center have successfully generated primordial germ cells from stem cells, a world's first for a large mammalian species. This milestone aims to save the northern white rhino subspecies from extinction through lab-grown egg and sperm cells.

Bending the curve of biodiversity: Research-based policy brief available at COP15

The EU project SHOWCASE has issued its first policy brief providing concrete research-based recommendations on how to trigger an uptake of nature-positive farming systems that reinforce biodiversity. Policymakers can take five specific actions to support agricultural products from biodiversity-enhancing farming systems with subsidies.

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.

How a viral toxin may exacerbate severe COVID-19

A new study suggests that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein contributes to vascular leak, a dangerous release of fluids from blood vessels leading to respiratory failure. Researchers believe blocking this pathway could help prevent severe COVID-19 symptoms and shed light on other emerging infectious diseases.

Epigenetic emergency switch improves defense against infections

Scientists at German Cancer Research Center have discovered an epigenetic switch in blood stem cells that improves defense against infections. The switch triggers the immune system's emergency response, increasing the production of immune cells and enhancing its ability to clear infections.

Racial and ethnic disparities in swimming skills found across generations

A survey of over 1,300 parents found significant racial and ethnic differences in swimming skills, with White parents reporting higher comfort levels and more children receiving swim lessons. Culturally tailored programs to address these disparities may help reduce drowning rates among Black and Latine communities.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Symbiotic CO2 sequestration

Researchers genetically engineered a microbial community that can convert CO2 into sugar and produce useful chemicals, effectively acting as a living carbon sink. The community, consisting of bacteria and cyanobacteria, produces chemicals with a negative carbon balance.

Trail section resurfaced using volcanic ash in Oregon

A quarter-mile segment of the Klamath Geo Trail was successfully resurfaced using volcanic ash from Mount Mazama, demonstrating its potential as a more sustainable and locally sourced pozzolan. The surface treatment improved firmness and stability, making it accessible to people with mobility devices.

UConn researcher aims to uncover plant invasions in the tropics

A UConn researcher has compiled a comprehensive database of invasive plant species in Central America, revealing that over 60% have been introduced for ornamental purposes. The study highlights the urgent need for action against tropical invasions, which threaten biodiversity, ecosystems, and human health.

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.

The genes of the sixth sense

Scientists have identified genes that enable proprioception, a crucial sense for coordinated movement and balance. The discovery could lead to better understanding of neurological disorders such as spinal cord injuries, scoliosis, and hip dysplasia, ultimately enabling the development of novel therapies.

Tobacco use, incidence of adverse oral health outcomes

Current tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery systems use associated with increased risk of bleeding after brushing or flossing. Longitudinal studies highlight the importance of tobacco cessation counseling in clinical practice.

Expanding the arsenal of drugs against COVID-19

A team of researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University has designed and synthesized novel compounds that have the potential to be effective drugs against COVID-19. The compounds target the main protease enzyme of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is essential for viral replication.

An interview with Anthony Fauci

Fauci emphasizes the importance of pushing back against false information and promoting scientific communication as a process. He plans to use his experience to support two initiatives going forward.

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 reveals strong uplift of northeastern Tibet Plateau in late Miocene

A joint research team reconstructed the mid-range paleoelevation sequences of the northeastern Tibet Plateau since the middle Miocene. The study reveals that the region underwent strong uplift about 11 to 7 Ma, exerting significant environmental effects. This uplift had a profound impact on climate and biodiversity in the region.

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.

Developmental Lung Cell Atlas uncovers 144 cell states

A spatial cell atlas of the developing human lung describes 144 cell types and their interactions, uncovering new links between developmental cells and lung cancer. The atlas provides a unique resource for understanding healthy lung development and investigating disease origins.

Americans flocking to fire: national migration study

A national study found that Americans are moving to regions with the greatest risk of wildfires and significant summer heat, despite climate change projections. The top migration destinations were cities in the Pacific Northwest, parts of the Southwest, Texas, Florida, and the Southeast, which already face significant wildfire risks.