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Science News Archive December 2022 - Page 2


Page 2 of 31

Deep brain machine interfaces - interacting with human deep brain

Researchers investigate technologies to interact with the brain at different levels, enabling paralyzed patients to control robotic arms and prosthetics. Deep brain regions are heavily involved in basic life functions, and understanding their activities is crucial for clinical applications.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateDec 27, 2022

Eye scratching mechanisms in rats

Researchers investigate neural mechanisms behind itchy eyes in rodents and find the GRP-GRPR pathway plays a crucial role in transmitting itch signals. Rats exhibit a right-sided preference when scratching itchy eyes, which could lead to new therapeutic approaches for eye conditions.

SourceOkayama University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateDec 27, 2022

Brain area necessary for fluid intelligence identified

A new study has mapped the parts of the brain that support fluid intelligence, a key feature of human cognition. The research found that patients with damage to the right frontal regions performed poorly in tasks requiring problem-solving and reasoning.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBrain·TypeObservational study·DateDec 27, 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.

Low tortuosity electrode design facilitates the development of high-performance LMO batteries

A new low-tortuosity electrode design for LMO batteries improves lithium-ion diffusion, reduces concentration polarization, and alleviates irreversible phase transitions. This structure gives the battery excellent rate performance and cycling stability, making it a competitive cathode material.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 27, 2022

Health care is increasingly unaffordable for people with employer-sponsored health insurance—especially women

Researchers at NYU School of Global Public Health found that healthcare costs and out-of-pocket expenditures have continued to rise despite the Affordable Care Act improvements. Women with employer-sponsored insurance report greater difficulty paying for needed health care services, particularly dental and mental health care.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateDec 27, 2022

Alveolar macrophages help CD8+ T cells go (anti-)viral

Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology found that alveolar macrophages act as antigen-presenting cells to prime CD8+ T cell expansion in the lungs. This process involves the production of interleukin 18, leading to the development of resident memory-type cell populations.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 27, 2022

New study finds unionized health care workers earned better pay and benefits

A new study found that unionized health care workers received better pay and non-cash benefits, but not more work hours, compared to their non-unionized counterparts. Labor unionization was associated with improved worker conditions, including higher earnings and better employer-provided insurance.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJAMA·DateDec 27, 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.

tRNA-MaP: functional analyses of RNA-related enzymes using a next-generation DNA sequencer

The study developed a new high-throughput assay method tRNA-MaP to identify characteristic properties of tRNA modification enzymes. Using this technique, researchers predicted numerous natural modifications in Geobacillus stearothermophilus tRNAs and analyzed the substrate recognition mechanism of tRNA m1A22 methyltransferase TrmK.

SourceEhime University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 27, 2022

Bering Land Bridge formed surprisingly late during last ice age

Scientists found the Bering Land Bridge was flooded until 35,700 years ago, with its full emergence occurring shortly before human migration to the Americas. The study's findings suggest a less direct relationship between climate and global ice volume, casting doubt on some explanations for ice age cycles.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 27, 2022

Unlocking cancer’s ancestry

A new software developed by researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory can accurately infers continental ancestry from tumor DNA and RNA. This technology has the potential to lead to more targeted and personalized cancer treatments by identifying genetic connections between cancer and race or ethnicity.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCancer Research·DateDec 27, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Xanthan gum-based fluid thickener can help decrease blood glucose levels

Researchers found that xanthan gum-based fluid thickener decreases postprandial blood glucose levels by increasing Glp1 and Glp1r expression in the ileum. Additionally, the study reveals alterations in gut microbiome composition, favoring beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids to protect intestinal cells.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·DateDec 27, 2022

More obesity in three- and four-year-olds during pandemic

A study published in the European Journal of Public Health found a significant rise in body mass index (BMI) among Swedish children aged three to five during the pandemic. BMI rose in both boys and girls, with a notable increase in overweight and obesity rates among disadvantaged areas.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 27, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Spontaneous baby movements have purpose

Researchers found that spontaneous movements in newborns and infants develop patterns of muscle interaction, enabling them to perform sequential movements as infants. This study provides insight into the origin of human movement and may lead to earlier diagnosis of developmental disorders.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 26, 2022

Researchers discover solar wind-derived water in lunar soils

A joint research team from China has discovered high concentrations of hydrogen and low deuterium/hydrogen ratios in lunar soil grain rims consistent with solar wind origin. This finding suggests that the bulk water content in Chang'e-5 lunar soils is around 46 ppm, which could be higher in polar regions.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 26, 2022

Eating viruses can power growth, reproduction of microorganism

A team of researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has discovered that certain microorganisms, such as Halteria, can eat high numbers of chloroviruses, which are known to infect green algae. This finding suggests that virovory, a virus-only diet, can support physiological growth and even population growth in an organism.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 26, 2022

New platform integrates THz photonics with planarized low-loss polymers

A team of scientists developed a novel integrated photonic platform for THz photonics, integrating active and passive components on the same semiconductor platform. The platform enables efficient signal processing at THz and RF frequencies, with improved performance in critical figures such as dispersion, RF, and thermal properties.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateDec 26, 2022
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.

New method finds the right treatment for breast cancer patients

Researchers developed a cell-based method to predict breast cancer treatment responses, showing promising results and potential for personalized medicine. The method uses tumour cells and supporting cells from patients, allowing for efficient drug profiling and accurate treatment prediction.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 26, 2022

Comparing the cost-effectiveness of treatments for blood clots in cancer patients

A new study examines the cost-effectiveness of anticoagulation strategies for blood clots in cancer patients, finding that direct oral anti-coagulant (DOAC) drugs are more effective and cost-effective than low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). DOACs were favored as being more effective and less costly than LMWH in base-case analysis but...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 26, 2022

AI improves colorectal cancer screening in Lynch syndrome

Researchers found that AI-assisted colonoscopy significantly improved adenoma detection rates in patients with Lynch syndrome, detecting flat adenomas more effectively than standard examinations. The study suggests that AI-assisted real-time colonoscopy is a promising approach to optimize endoscopic surveillance for LS patients.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalUnited European Gastroenterology Journal·DateDec 26, 2022

Music and ayahuasca’s role in treating substance use disorders in men

Researchers have discovered the positive impact of icaros on men's recovery from drug and alcohol addictions during ayahuasca healing ceremonies. The study, led by UC Riverside doctoral student Owain J. Graham, found that 86% of patients showed statistically significant improvements on the Addictions Severity Index.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAnthropology of Consciousness·TypeCase study·DateDec 26, 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.

Bering Land Bridge formed surprisingly late during last ice age, study finds

A new study reconstructs sea level history at the Bering Strait, finding it remained flooded until around 35,700 years ago, less than 10,000 years before the height of the last ice age. This discovery challenges previous timelines and human migration routes into the Americas.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 26, 2022

Slime for the climate, delivered by brown algae

Researchers discovered that brown algae's fucoidan can remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the global cycle in the long term. The fucoidan is a recalcitrant molecule that does not return to the atmosphere quickly, making the brown algae particularly effective in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 26, 2022

DOACs more effective, cost-effective compared to LMWH for cancer-associated thrombosis

A cost-effectiveness analysis of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for cancer-associated thrombosis found that DOACs are more medically effective and cost-effective. The most cost-effective DOAC, apixaban, was also shown to be the least costly anticoagulant.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 26, 2022

Researchers revealed the important role of intermolecular hydrogen bond in the separation and purification of structurally similar compounds

The study reveals that N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) separates carbazole and anthracene due to strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Researchers used advanced liquid-state NMR techniques to analyze the interaction mechanism, finding a C=O···H-N bond between DMF and carbazole.

SourceInstitute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 26, 2022
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.

Some guts are better than others at harvesting energy

Research found that approximately 40% of Danish population has gut microbes that extract more energy from food, leading to a higher risk of obesity. This composition of gut microbes is also associated with faster digestion and greater nutrient extraction.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalMicrobiome·DateDec 25, 2022

Unraveling the selective transport of sugar and hormone that underlies male fertility in plants

The study reveals that SWEET13 transporter is necessary for pollen production, highlighting the importance of sucrose transport. Researchers used molecular docking and simulation to understand how SWEET13 selectively transports sucrose over gibberellin.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 25, 2022

Predicting calving problems before insemination

A predictive model developed by University of Groningen researchers can identify cows at risk of dystocia before insemination. The model, which uses machine learning on a large dataset, suggests that it could roughly halve the risk of calving problems.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalPreventive Veterinary Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 23, 2022

Artificial intelligence tool developed to help make real-time diagnoses during surgery

A new AI tool developed by Brigham and Women's Hospital improves the accuracy of time-critical pathology diagnostics during surgery. The tool, which leverages deep-learning technology, translates frozen tissue samples into high-quality images, increasing diagnostic accuracy and reducing the need for lengthy laboratory tests.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeObservational study·DateDec 23, 2022
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.

A seventeen-year landmark study finds that group meditation decreases US national stress

A seventeen-year study by Maharishi International University found that group meditation decreased multiple stress indicators in the US, resulting in reduced murder rates and improved overall well-being. The study suggests that collective consciousness can create coherence through the unified field level of natural law.

SourceMaharishi International University·JournalWorld Journal of Social Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 23, 2022

Research team with participation of Chemnitz University of Technology reveals intriguing insights into optical resonances determined by the fascinating topology of the Möbius strip

A study in Nature Photonics reveals the fascinating properties of optical Möbius rings, which exhibit non-integer multiples of wavelength for resonance. The degree of ellipticity in polarization decreases as the strip width narrows, allowing for controlled Berry phase manipulation.

SourceChemnitz University of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2022

New bacterial therapy approach to treat lung cancer

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a preclinical evaluation pipeline for characterization of bacterial therapies in lung cancer models. They combined bacterial therapies with other modalities of treatment to improve treatment efficacy without any additional toxicity.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 23, 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.

Nanoimprinting technique for humidity-responsive holographic images

Researchers at POSTECH have created a humidity-responsive display that changes brightness and color depending on humidity levels, allowing for infinite imaging capabilities. The technology uses polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and single-step nanoimprinting to achieve high-tunability of holographic images.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 23, 2022

Novel near-infrared light detection method using upconversion materials is demonstrated

Researchers have developed a novel near-infrared light detection method using core-shell lanthanide nanoparticles to convert weak near-infrared light to visible light with high efficiency. This achievement promotes the proposal of a new resource- and energy-saving near-infrared light detection method, improving optical sensor sensitivi...

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalAdvanced Photonics Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2022

Penalties, corruption and legislation are failing to deter harmful gas flaring in Nigeria, study shows

A new study by Dr. Urenmisan Afinotan from the University of Exeter Law School reveals that weak penalties and loopholes in Nigeria's legislation are failing to deter gas flaring in the Niger Delta, despite efforts since the 1960s. The study highlights the need for stronger regulations to mitigate climate change.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironmental Law Review·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 23, 2022

The world's largest turbulence simulation unmasks the flow of energy in astrophysical plasmas

A team of researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery that helps explain how the solar corona can be vastly hotter than its surface. The breakthrough involves magnetic reconnection, which separates and reconnects magnetic fields in plasma, converting turbulent energy into thermal energy at small scales.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 23, 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.

New technique reveals changing shapes of magnetic noise in space and time

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new technique to measure the spatial structure and time-varying nature of magnetic noise. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for understanding quantum spin liquids, materials with bizarre quantum behaviors that were previously difficult to analyze experimentally.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2022

When the body's B cell training grounds stay open after hours

A new study reveals that long-lived germinal centers, which can last for six months, are maintained by a dynamic balance between founder B cells and newly introduced naive B cells. The research provides insights into the workings of these microscopic training grounds and could inform future vaccine design.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateDec 23, 2022

Designing with DNA

A new software program developed by Duke Ph.D. student Dan Fu lets users create 3D structures made of DNA, including tiny vases, bowls, and hollow spheres. The software relies on a way to build with DNA described in 2011 by Hao Yan, which works by coiling a long DNA double helix into concentric rings to form the contours of the object.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 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.

Plants between light and darkness

Researchers discovered two ion transport proteins, VCCN1 and KEA3, that dynamically adjust photosynthetic performance in response to light fluctuations. The study found that these proteins play a crucial role in protecting plants from excessive sunlight and optimizing growth under varying light conditions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2022

Oregon State archaeologists uncover oldest known projectile points in the Americas

Researchers discovered 13 full and fragmentary projectile points in Idaho dating back to around 15,700 years ago, providing significant details about early human life in the Pacific Northwest. The findings suggest a complex technology and potential genetic-cultural connections between ice age peoples of Northeast Asia and North America.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 23, 2022

How the brain stores remote fear memory

Researchers found that remote fear memories are permanently stored in connections between memory neurons in the prefrontal cortex. The study suggests that a dysregulation of fear memory consolidation can lead to chronic maladaptive fear in PTSD, affecting about 6% of the population.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 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.

Soaring fertilizer prices could see millions more undernourished

A study suggests that high fertiliser prices could lead to an additional 100 million people being undernourished, with up to one million deaths annually. The war in Ukraine has disrupted food exports, but energy and fertiliser price spikes are the primary drivers of food price rises.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 23, 2022

Massive "marimo" algae balls at risk from deadly winter sunburn

A new study reveals that marimo algae balls are susceptible to photoinhibition when exposed to high light intensities and low water temperatures. Researchers found that while the algae can recover from brief periods of bright sunlight, prolonged exposure leads to cell damage and death.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2022

People sleep the least from early 30s to early 50s

A recent study published in Nature Communications found that people's sleep duration follows three distinct phases across the lifespan. The study, which analyzed data from 730,187 participants, reveals a decline in sleep duration during mid-adulthood until age 33, followed by a plateau until early 50s.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2022

A type of simple, DIY air filter can be an effective way to filter out indoor air pollutants

A study by Brown University and Silent Spring Institute found that inexpensive DIY air filters called Corsi-Rosenthal boxes can significantly decrease indoor air concentrations of PFAS and phthalates. The boxes, made from MERV-13 filters, duct tape, a fan, and cardboard, reduced PFAS levels by 40% to 60% and phthalates by 30% to 60%.

SourceBrown University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 23, 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.

Optical "tweezer" enables fast, low-cost screening of bacteria and cancer cells

Researchers developed optical tweezer-assisted pool-screening and single-cell isolation (OPSI) system for efficient sorting of target cells with high purity and speed. The technology reduces costs and resources while maintaining cell viability, making it ideal for studying abnormal cells or pathogens.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalLab on a Chip·DateDec 23, 2022