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Science News Archive December 2022 - Page 14


Page 14 of 31
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.

NIH-funded study finds hepatitis C treatment gap for individuals with alcohol use disorder

A new NIH-funded study found a significant treatment gap for individuals with both hepatitis C and alcohol use disorder, highlighting the need for better care coordination. Researchers analyzed data from over 133,000 veterans and found that those with AUD were less likely to receive direct-acting antiviral treatment for HCV.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateDec 14, 2022

Nearly half of deaths for 12 cancers in California due to tobacco, higher than previously reported

A new UC Davis study reveals that close to half of the cancer deaths in California over two years (2017-2019) were associated with tobacco use, totaling 93,764 Californians. Tobacco control efforts have contributed to a decline in cancer mortality in California, but quitting is essential for patients with cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 14, 2022

Mild ammonia synthesis

A team of researchers has discovered that reactive boron compounds can efficiently target and activate molecular nitrogen, converting it to ammonium chloride at room temperature without metals or hydrogen gas. This radical-based approach opens up possibilities for ammonia production without fossil-based raw materials.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2022

Highest metal concentrations in US public water systems found among Hispanic/Latino and American Indian communities

A new study finds higher arsenic and uranium concentrations in public drinking water linked to communities with higher proportions of Hispanic/Latino and American Indian residents. The findings highlight inequalities in public water contaminant exposures affecting regions with more residents from communities of color.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 14, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Climate change belief not split along political divide

A QUT study found that climate change believing southeast Queensland residents are more divided by socio-economic factors than political views. Climate change deniers predominantly have right-wing perspectives and are older and less educated.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalLand Use Policy·TypeSurvey·DateDec 14, 2022

Using machine learning to improve the toxicity assessment of chemicals

Researchers developed a machine learning-based strategy for direct classification of acute aquatic toxicity, explaining 90% of training set variance and 80% of test set variance. The approach resulted in a fivefold decrease in incorrect categorization compared to QSAR regression models.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 14, 2022

Inhibiting imitation of others can increase understanding of others

Inhibiting imitation of others can increase understanding of others by allowing them to recognize facial expressions in others regardless of their situations. Imitation-inhibition training has been shown to enhance the ability to distinguish between oneself and others, as well as increase empathy.

SourceHokkaido University·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 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.

Breaking up is hard to do: Separation of Fiji and Vanuatu tied to Samoan seamounts

A new study analyzes volcanic rock samples collected in the 1980s to explain the geologic histories of Fiji and Vanuatu. The research attributes their current locations to subduction of the Samoan Seamount Chain, which caused a double-saloon door tectonic event leading to their separation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalGeochemistry Geophysics Geosystems·DateDec 14, 2022

Tracking plasma cell survival

A study by Osaka University tracked the survival of antibody-producing plasma cells, finding that most die shortly after immune response, but a small population can survive for months or years. The researchers identified molecular markers distinguishing these long-lived plasma cells from short-lived ones.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2022

Discovery could explain why women are more likely to get Alzheimer’s

Researchers discovered a modified form of an inflammatory immune protein called complement C3 that is present at higher levels in women's brains with Alzheimer's compared to men's. This finding may explain why women are more likely to develop the disease, as estrogen levels drop during menopause and lose their brain-protective effects.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 14, 2022

New tool offers hope in the fight against plant extinction

A new study provides insights into which pressures cause damage to plant species, revealing that agricultural activities pose a significant threat across diverse ecosystems. The transformation of production practices can mitigate this risk, reducing extinction rates by up to 54% in Norway.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalConservation Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 2022

Drug discovery offers potential treatment for common kidney disease

A new study suggests that existing medicines can prevent long-term damage to the kidney and cardiovascular system caused by acute kidney injury. In mice, endothelin-blocking medicines showed promising results in reducing inflammation, blood pressure, and scarring in the kidney.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 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.

SLAS Technology's December issue looks at a 3D printed model for improving vasodilation research

A new method for creating freestanding hydrogel lumens that can accurately replicate blood vessels and facilitate vasodilation research. This approach allows researchers to study vasodilation in a more efficient and effective manner, overcoming limitations of existing methods.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS TECHNOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2022

Machine learning reveals how black holes grow

Using supercomputers and machine learning, researchers created simulations of millions of computer-generated universes to test astrophysical predictions. The study found that supermassive black holes grow in the same way as their host galaxies, revealing a long-elusive relationship.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 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.

Olfactory viral inflammation associated with accelerated onset of Alzheimer's disease

A new study suggests that olfactory viral inflammation may accelerate the onset of Alzheimer's disease by disrupting connections between the sense of smell and memory centers. Researchers found altered myelination in the olfactory tract, leading to inflammation in the hippocampus, which controls memory and learning.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2022

Precision insights can be found in wastewater

Researchers developed a machine learning model that uses microbiome data from wastewater to estimate the number of individuals represented in a sample. The method was trained on over 1,100 people's samples and can be used to link wastewater properties to individual-level data.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2022

Gut microbes can boost the motivation to exercise, Penn Medicine study finds

A Penn Medicine study found that certain gut bacteria produce metabolites that stimulate sensory nerves, increasing dopamine levels in the brain during exercise. This increase reinforces the desire to exercise, boosting performance. The study suggests a new pathway for improving public health and potentially modifying motivation and mood.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 14, 2022

New study reveals how entrepreneurs avoid burnout and accumulate happiness

A large-scale study revealed that entrepreneurs are less at risk of burnout than salaried employees due to the positive psychological effects of entrepreneurial work. Entrepreneurs show less daily work recovery after regular working hours, indicating a 'positive workaholism'. This leads to a lower risk of burnout and increased happiness.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalJournal of Business Venturing·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 2022
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.

NEJM study: Hidden genetic anomaly behind common late-onset cerebellar ataxia

Researchers have identified a well-concealed genetic variation in the FGF14 gene causing late-onset cerebellar ataxia, a brain disorder affecting coordinated movement. The study's findings could lead to new diagnostic tools and treatments for patients suffering from this condition.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 14, 2022

A potential gamechanger in beating antimicrobial resistance

A new project aims to develop a method for producing antimicrobial peptides, which have shown promise in overcoming antibiotic resistance. The peptides' ability to delay microbial resistance development makes them an attractive alternative to conventional antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateDec 14, 2022

Pandemic’s many effects on older women documented in journal

The COVID-19 pandemic had significant effects on the lives of older women, including impacts on their health, living situations, lifestyle, healthcare access, and SARS-CoV-2 testing behaviors. Despite experiencing disruptions to daily life, many women showed remarkable resilience.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series A·DateDec 14, 2022

Space-frequency-polarization-division multiplexing of information metasurface makes wireless communications more powerful

Researchers design reflection-type polarization-independent phase-controllable anisotropic STCM to realize frequency-polarization-division and space-frequency-polarization-division multiplexed modulation. Experimental validations confirm the practicability of proposed wireless communication architectures, enabling independent and synch...

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateDec 14, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A potential screening method to support drug development for dementia treatment featured in the December issue of SLAS Discovery

A new neuronal cell-based reporter system has been developed to identify compounds that inhibit histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) with minimal effect on its partner enzyme HDAC1. This innovation holds promise for dementia drug development by targeting the root cause of memory impairment.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2022

USTC make breakthroughs in atomistic neural network representations for chemical dynamics simulations

A USTC team has made significant advancements in atomistic neural network (AtNN) representations for chemical dynamics simulations. By decomposing system properties into atomic contributions, AtNN can satisfy different symmetries and periodicities, achieving accurate and efficient molecular dynamics simulations of complex systems.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalWiley Interdisciplinary Reviews Computational Molecular Science·DateDec 14, 2022

Research links gene variants to medication-induced fatal brain infection

Research confirms a strong link between four genetic mutations and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare but often fatal brain infection. Patients with these variants are at an increased risk of developing PML, highlighting the potential for genetic screening to reduce disease risk.

SourceEmerald Lake Safety·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 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.

Shedding light on photosynthesis at sea

Researchers studied the photosynthetic antenna of Codium fragile, a marine algae, to understand how it efficiently utilizes weak blue-green light. The study revealed that siphonaxanthin and chlorophyll b play key roles in absorbing green and blue-green light, respectively.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalBBA Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2022

Humans and nature: The distance is growing

A recent meta-analysis found that humans are currently living an average of 9.7 km away from a natural area, which is 7% further away than in the year 2000. This decline in interactions with nature is primarily driven by urbanization in Europe and East Asia.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 14, 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.

Pollination loss removes healthy foods from global diets, increases chronic diseases causing excess deaths

A new study finds that inadequate pollination leads to a 3-5% loss of fruit, vegetable, and nut production, resulting in 427,000 excess deaths annually from lost healthy food consumption. The health burden is greater in middle- and higher-income countries with high rates of non-communicable diseases.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 14, 2022

Intermittent fasting may reverse type 2 diabetes

A new study found that intermittent fasting can lead to complete diabetes remission in people with type 2 diabetes, with 55% of participants discontinuing their medication and maintaining it for at least a year. The study also showed that diabetes medications costs decreased by 77% after intermittent fasting.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateDec 14, 2022

Chaos gives the quantum world a temperature

Computer simulations demonstrate that chaos plays a crucial role in the emergence of thermodynamic behavior from quantum theory. A quantum system with indistinguishable particles and a thermometer-like particle shows a temperature distribution consistent with Boltzmann's rules only when the system exhibits chaos.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalEntropy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 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.

Fruit flies use two muscles to control pitch for stable flight

Researchers identified two components of a fruit fly's flight stabilization system responsible for angular displacement and angular velocity. By studying genetically engineered flies with optogenetics and magnetic perturbation, they found that two muscles control pitch, enabling stable flight.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 14, 2022

Researchers map deep brain stimulation target for Alzheimer's disease

A recent study suggests that stimulating the intersection of two particular brain networks correlated with better patient outcomes than stimulating nearby sites for patients with Alzheimer's disease. Cognitive improvement was associated with DBS to the direct interface between the fornix and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 14, 2022

A message that resonates

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed an optoelectronic resonator that enhances the sensitivity of an electron pulse detector, allowing for ultrafast electronic characterization of proteins or materials. This breakthrough may aid in the study of biomolecules and industrial materials.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalACS Photonics·DateDec 14, 2022

Confining quarks

Physicists propose new method to confine quarks, which could reveal why matter has mass. The strong force, a fundamental force of nature, is believed to be responsible for this property. By exploring quark confinement, researchers hope to gain insights into the structure of the universe.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 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.

National hotline provides effective virtual supervision for substance users

A new hotline has shown promising results in preventing overdoses and saving lives by providing virtual supervision for people using substances alone. The National Overdose Response Service received over 2,100 calls from unique callers, with no reported deaths during a pilot period.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 14, 2022

Surgical risk persists for patients who’ve had COVID

Researchers found that surgical risk for COVID patients diminishes with elapsed time from diagnosis, decreasing by half every 100 days and eventually leveling off at around 8% after 400 days. The study's findings suggest that doctors should consider the patient's proximity to COVID when deciding on surgery timing.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 14, 2022

Four genes identified as heightening risk of suicidal thoughts/actions

A large genome-wide analysis of 633,778 U.S. military veterans identified four genes associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These findings advance understanding of inherited risk factors in the pathology of suicidal thoughts and actions.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateDec 14, 2022

Early humans may have first walked upright in the trees

A new study found that wild chimpanzees in Tanzania's savanna-mosaic habitat spent as much time in the trees as those in dense forests. The researchers suggest that bipedalism may have evolved to move around trees, contradicting traditional theories that link open habitats to upright walking.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 14, 2022
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.

An ecological rule breaker shows the effects of climate change on body size evolution

A study by McGill University researchers found that Northern Tree Shrews' body size increased with warmer climates, contradicting Bergmann's rule. The team analyzed museum specimens and historical climate data, revealing a reversal of the Island rule as well, highlighting the complex interaction between ecological factors.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 2022

Alcohol abstinence essential even in advanced liver cirrhosis

A recent study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that complete alcohol abstinence significantly reduces complications of liver cirrhosis and increases lifespan in patients with pronounced portal hypertension. Regular medical check-ups are crucial for those affected.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateDec 13, 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.

New study sheds light on boric acid transport and excretion in marine fish

Researchers have discovered a new molecular mechanism for the transport and excretion of boric acid in marine pufferfish, finding that a unique gene, Slc4a11A, plays a crucial role in this process. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for understanding boric acid transport in animals.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2022

Study finds microbiota transfer therapy provides long term improvement in gut health in children with autism

A new study by Arizona State University researchers found that microbiota transfer therapy significantly improved the abundance of beneficial bacteria and normalized altered bacterial gene expression in children with autism. The treatment showed substantial increases in populations of beneficial bacterial species and improvements in ge...

SourceArizona State University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2022

Reducing opioids prescribed after total knee and hip arthroplasty can be beneficial for patients and doctors

A study published in The Journal of Arthroplasty found that prescribing smaller initial opioid prescriptions can reduce the risk of refill in patients after surgery. This approach also creates an opportunity for doctors and patients to discuss the risks of continuing opioids if needed.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Arthroplasty·TypeSurvey·DateDec 13, 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.