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Science News Archive December 2022


Page 5 of 31

Palau’s Rock Islands harbor heat-resistant corals

Scientists have identified genetic subgroups of a common coral species in Palau's Rock Islands that exhibit remarkable tolerance to extreme heat. The corals' larvae travel from their birthing grounds to the outer reef, where they survive and maintain their heat tolerance.

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.

What it would take to discover life on Saturn's icy moon Enceladus

A new study suggests that an orbiting space probe could provide definitive answers about the presence of life on Enceladus' ocean. The team mapped out how a hypothetical mission could gather data from the moon's plumes, which are thought to contain organic molecules and methane.

A mathematical model shows a global trend towards mutualism between species

A new mathematical model has found a clear trend towards mutualism in ecological interactions, with most relationships eventually leading to a mutually beneficial partnership. The researchers used adaptive dynamics and classical models of population dynamics to study the transitions between different ecological relationships.

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.

A rough start can lead to a strong bond

Researchers at The University of Tokyo have developed a cheap and simple method to bond polymers to galvanized steel, resulting in lightweight and durable materials. The process involves pre-treating the steel with an acid wash and dipping it in hot water, creating nanoscale needle structures that allow for strong mechanical linkages.

Cheerful chatbots don’t necessarily improve customer service

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology found that AI chatbots' positive emotional displays have no effect on customer service evaluations when the source is a bot, but improve when human agents exhibit emotions. The study suggests businesses should be cautious about equipping AI agents with emotion-expressing capabilities.

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.

Obesity researchers discover new gene mutation in children

Researchers have identified a rare gene mutation that causes severe childhood obesity, leading to a constant feeling of hunger and decreased sensation of satiety. The discovery provides a new understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying monogenic human obesity.

OB-GYN research lacks racial, ethnic inclusivity

A new Northwestern Medicine study found that all U.S. OB-GYN subspecialties lack racial and ethnic representation in clinical trials and research publications. This absence has negative consequences, including biased tools for diagnosing endometrial cancer and unacceptably low sensitivity in the Black female population.

How damaged cells inhibit muscle regeneration over lifetime

Researchers discovered that damaged cells and aging induce high levels of oxidative stress and DNA damage in a subset of cells, leading to senescence. Senescent cells repress muscle regeneration by releasing inflammatory factors, while also promoting fibrosis, highlighting the need to remove these cells for improved repair.

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 fat takes over the lymph nodes as we age

As we age, fat cells replace immune system tissue in lymph nodes, impairing their ability to fight infections and respond to vaccinations. This phenomenon, known as lymph node lipomatosis, is more common and prevalent with age, affecting the effectiveness of our immune system.

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.

POSTECH develops thermally evaporated environment-friendly semiconductors

Researchers at POSTECH developed high-performance n-type semiconductor Bi2S3 and p-type Te semiconductor through thermal evaporation, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. This method can be integrated into standard OLED manufacturing, lowering production costs and contributing to the growth of sustainable electronics.

Drying process could be key step in the development of life

University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers Hayley Boigenzahn and John Yin investigated the potential role of the drying process in prebiotic chemistry. They found that amino acids could bond together into peptides during periods of environmental change, such as when a pool of water evaporates.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

COMPASS for highly sensitive rapid tests

A new rapid test developed by the University of Würzburg uses magnetic nanoparticles to detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 with high sensitivity. The test takes only a few seconds to produce reliable results, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.

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.

Beating brassica blight: How treatment with amino acids can prevent disease

A study by researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that treating cabbage leaves with multiple amino acids can prevent disease caused by Pseudomonas cannabina pv. alisalensis, a bacterium that causes blight in brassica crops. The amino acids trigger stomatal closure, reducing bacterial entry and disease symptoms.

Carbon, soot and particles from combustion end up in deep-sea trenches

Researchers found that deep-sea trenches store 500,000 to 1.5 million tonnes of black carbon annually, which is a significant contributor to the global carbon cycle. This organic material can also support microbial life forms, counteracting the rate of CO2 accumulation in the atmosphere.

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.

Inflation Reduction Act offers significant benefits for public health

The Inflation Reduction Act offers significant benefits for public health through its tax credits and financial incentives. The law aims to reduce the adverse health effects of climate change by targeting greenhouse gases, conventional air pollutants, and carcinogenic chemical contaminants. By providing a more politically feasible appr...

Experts explain treatment options for a common cancer complication

The Endocrine Society's Clinical Practice Guideline provides suggestions for the treatment of hypercalcemia of malignancy, a common and life-threatening metabolic complication of cancer. Treatment options include intravenous bisphosphonates or denosumab medications, with denosumab recommended as the preferred choice.

The valley of recovery marks progress

A study by researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that a 'valley of recovery' marks progress after a stroke, where performance initially slows before improving. The study modeled fine motor skills regained after a stroke to better understand this process.

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.

Acids help against airborne viruses

A study found that acidification of aerosols post-exhalation significantly impacts viral load. Influenza A viruses are inactivated within minutes, while SARS-CoV-2 requires days at typical indoor pH levels.

Global breast cancer research makes significant findings

A global study has discovered a gene, SULT1A1, that may help reduce the risk of breast cancer, especially in women with BRCA1 gene mutations. The study, involving over 26,000 women, found that reducing levels of this protein can lower breast cancer risk and is being used to develop a new risk-reducing drug.

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.

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.

BC Cancer researchers develop an improved hereditary cancer test

Researchers have developed an improved genetic test that allows for more accurate prediction of which parent's genes led to an individual's increased cancer risk. The new test confirms whether a cancer predisposing gene variant is present in a patient and determines its origin, enabling targeted prevention efforts.

Sculpting the human body plan in a dish

Scientists at ASHBi have successfully generated a 3D model that recapitulates the early stages of human body plan development, including somite formation and axial skeleton development. The study revealed the importance of retinoids in this process and demonstrated its potential for understanding congenital spine disease.

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.

Collective circular dichroism by chiral plasmonic nanoparticles

Scientists at Seoul National University and Korea University created a new method to detect molecular chirality, a property crucial in biology, chemistry, and pharmaceutics. They achieved ultrasensitive detection of up to 10^-4 M using chiral plasmonic nanoparticles with four-fold rotational symmetry.

Exploring perceptions of faces paired with fake news on Twitter

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that faces paired with fake news headlines are perceived as trustworthy regardless of disputed labels. The research suggests that long-term perceptions of trustworthiness are more influenced by the content of the headline rather than the label itself.

COVID-19 pandemic increased the vulnerability of people living with obesity

A recent study by University College London reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues and food insecurity among individuals living with obesity. Nearly half of participants reported worsening mental health, while nearly a third experienced severe depression. Food insecurity also increased significantly, wi...

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.

At the edge of graphene-based electronics

Georgia Tech researchers developed a new nanoelectronics platform based on graphene, enabling smaller devices, higher speeds, and less heat. The platform may lead to the discovery of a new quasiparticle, potentially exploiting the elusive Majorana fermion.