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Science News Archive December 2022 - Page 20


Page 20 of 31

Co-working spaces limit creativity in the long run, finds new study

A new study by Bayes Business School found that co-working spaces can initially support collective exploration but ultimately inhibit collaborative practices. The study suggests that firms leave the space as interactions become less meaningful and stilted over time.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalOrganization·TypeCase study·DateDec 8, 2022

New STAT1-us quo? Novel STAT1 variants cause MSMD

Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University discovered three novel STAT1 variants that cause Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD) in response to the BCG vaccine. The variants result in loss of function of the STAT1 protein, preventing an appropriate immune response.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJournal of Clinical Immunology·DateDec 8, 2022

Wildlife disease ecologist launches project to help DoD monitor quality of bird habitats on military installations

A new study aims to assess habitat quality by analyzing arthropod food resources in bird diets and vegetation, providing an effective and cost-efficient way for DoD land managers to monitor threatened species. The project uses advanced genetic approaches and bioinformatics expertise to measure habitat quality on military installations.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·DateDec 8, 2022
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.

Facing the heat

Researchers found that Kellet's whelk larvae are susceptible to developmental abnormalities and mortality at high temperatures, with half of hatchlings dying off at 27.6°C and veligers more resistant to defects at 24.9°C

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Shellfish Research·DateDec 8, 2022

Masks can put cognitive performance in check

A University of Queensland study analyzing almost three million chess moves found that wearing a mask reduces the average quality of player decisions due to annoyance caused by the masks. The effect subsides after four to six hours of playing, suggesting mask-wearing impact depends on task type and duration.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 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.

How selfish genes succeed

A study published in PLoS Genetics reveals the mechanism by which a selfish gene in yeast, wtf4, enables its function using a poison-antidote strategy. This strategy involves the production of poison protein that can kill spores, but is countered by an antidote protein produced only by those spores that inherit the drive allele.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

New method of reducing carbon dioxide could be a golden solution to pollution

Researchers at Tsinghua University Press developed a gold-based hybrid material that enhances the efficiency of electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2 RR) through cucurbit[6]uril modification. The material allows for tunable CO2 enrichment and selective adsorption, leading to improved catalytic performance.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateDec 8, 2022

Dietary fiber deficiency in lactating mother can lead to obesity in mouse offspring, biomedical sciences researchers find

A new study published in Cell Host & Microbe found that mice offspring from fiberolean mothers gained striking amounts of weight when fed a Western-style diet. The research suggests that microbial diversity plays a crucial role in obesity development, and that fiber is only beneficial if it's metabolized by beneficial bacteria.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

Polarization after COVID-19: Global study published in Nature reveals that the unvaccinated face prejudice in most countries

A global study published in Nature finds that the unvaccinated face significant prejudice in most countries, with many vaccinated people harboring discriminatory attitudes towards them. The study suggests that this prejudice could lead to severe consequences for society, including hindered vaccination uptake and increased mistrust.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 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.

Flocking to fire: wildfires don’t deter Americans from moving to at-risk regions

A team of scientists found that Americans are moving to regions prone to wildfires, defying expectations that natural hazards would deter migration. The study suggests that economic factors play a larger role in migration decisions in metropolitan areas, where people are drawn to desirable landscapes with higher year-round temperatures.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Dynamics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2022

Say hello to the toughest material on Earth

Researchers have created a new metal alloy that boasts the highest recorded toughness, with properties that improve at lower temperatures. The alloy, CrCoNi, exhibits exceptional strength and ductility, making it ideal for structural applications, despite most materials becoming brittle at low temperatures.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateDec 8, 2022

New findings on how to avert excessive weight loss from COVID-19

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers blood vessel formation in fat tissues, leading to thermogenic metabolism and significant weight loss. Blocking this process with an antiangiogenic drug restored weight loss in mice and hamsters infected with the virus.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

Breast cancer patients who interrupted endocrine therapy to pursue pregnancy did not experience worse short-term recurrence rates

Younger breast cancer patients who paused endocrine therapy to pursue pregnancy experienced similar short-term rates of breast cancer recurrence as those who continued therapy. The study found that many women were able to conceive and deliver healthy babies, with conception and childbirth rates comparable to the general public.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 8, 2022

Volatile pay for gig workers linked to health problems

Research by the American Psychological Association reveals that gig workers relying on tips, commissions, and performance bonuses experience worse physical health symptoms, including poor sleep quality and headaches. Businesses and lawmakers are advised to consider implementing more stable forms of compensation to protect workers' health.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateDec 8, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chemically modified nanosheets for biomedical applications

Researchers have developed chemically modified nanosheets that can effectively deliver drugs to diseased cells, reducing side effects. The nanosheets, made from molybdenum disulphide, can exchange natural thiols with attached ligands, allowing for targeted drug delivery.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalACS Nano·DateDec 8, 2022

Computational system streamlines the design of fluidic devices

A new computational tool can generate an optimal design for a complex fluidic device without requiring manual assumptions about its shape. The system uses anisotropic materials to represent tiny voxels, allowing it to create smooth curves and intricate designs that other methods cannot.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 8, 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.

Scientist mimic nature to make nano particle metallic snowflakes

Researchers in New Zealand and Australia created metallic nanocrystals by experimenting with gallium, a soft metal that liquifies at room temperature. The resulting 'metallic snowflakes' exhibit six-branched symmetry and self-assemble using atoms, offering a novel bottom-up approach to nanostructure formation.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

Mode-division demultiplexing spectrometer

The authors propose a new concept for MDM spectroscopy and demonstrate the first integrated mode-division demultiplexing spectrometer. The spectrometer combines mode demultiplexing and spectral detection by dispersion of structure and photocurrent measurement, achieving high spectral resolution.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Science·DateDec 8, 2022

Researchers harvest electricity from wood soaking in water

Scientists at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a method to harness electricity from wood placed in water, producing small amounts of bioelectricity. By nanoengineering the wood's surface area and porosity, they improved electricity generation by 10 times compared to natural wood.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2022

Animal herbivores hamper nitrogen fixation in tropical forests

Research in tropical forests reveals that nitrogen-fixing trees are vulnerable to herbivory by insects, limiting their growth and survival. This constraint could undermine reforestation efforts and the role of these trees in sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2022
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.

Inequities, research gaps in ophthalmology

A review of 75 publications found significant knowledge gaps on health inequities affecting the LGBTQ+ community and minority groups, including American Indian and Alaska Native individuals. The study emphasizes the importance of investigating barriers to clinical studies and medical trainee recruitment in under-resourced areas.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateDec 8, 2022

Strengthen oversight of risky research on pathogens

A recent guidance framework highlights substantial gaps in biosecurity policies for dual-use research of concern and work proposing to enhance pandemic pathogens. Experts suggest expanding pathogen governance and making risk assessments publicly available.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 8, 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.

Graphene scientists firstly manufactured a difunctional composite for high-performance Li-S batteries under extremely low temperatures

Researchers developed a novel separator using graphene oxide, acetylene black and polypropylene to suppress lithium polysulfide dissolution and improve lithium-ion transportation. The new separator enables efficient Li-S batteries with better performance and stability.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateDec 8, 2022

Astronomers discover enigmatic cosmic explosion

Researchers observed a gamma-ray burst that defied categorization, sparking an international investigation. The team discovered a kilonova, a smoking-gun proof of neutron star collision, which challenged existing theories on short gamma-ray bursts.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 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.

An important step towards strong and durable biobased plastics

Researchers have overcome the low reactivity of biobased secondary diols in polyester synthesis by incorporating an aryl alcohol. This leads to high molecular weight materials with improved mechanical- and thermal properties, outperforming existing plastics like PET.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

Hundreds-fold electrochemical measurement output brings data science to reveal microbial electricity generation mechanisms

Researchers developed a device capable of taking hundreds of times more electrochemical measurements than conventional devices, enabling the analysis of molecular mechanisms that enable microorganisms to efficiently generate electricity. The technique can also be used to analyze materials interacting with microorganisms.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalPatterns·DateDec 8, 2022

Could a nasal spray treat sleep apnea?

A nasal spray has shown promising results in treating obstructive sleep apnea by preventing airway narrowing during sleep. The treatment, which targets specific receptors on the upper airways, improved airway stability and was well-tolerated in a small clinical trial.

SourceFlinders University·JournalCHEST Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 8, 2022

Treatment decision guided by circulating tumor cell count may improve long-term outcomes for patients with metastatic breast cancer

Using circulating tumor cell (CTC) count to guide treatment decisions between chemotherapy and endocrine therapy improved overall survival in patients with metastatic, estrogen receptor-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer. CTC count-based strategies resulted in better long-term outcomes for patients with high vs. low CTC counts.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 8, 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.

How big, bulky drugs get into our cells

Researchers at UCSF and Arc Institute have discovered a cellular uptake pathway for larger drug molecules composed of linked subunits. This knowledge can be harnessed to create new drugs that are efficiently taken up by target cells, overcoming a fundamental challenge in drug discovery.

SourceArc Institute·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

Scientists propose novel open-path multi-pass cell to measure atmospheric H2O and CO2 fluxes on line

A research team from Chinese Academy of Sciences proposed a new design for online measurement of atmospheric H<sub>2</sub>O and CO<sub>2</sub> fluxes using an open-path and anti-pollution multi-pass cell. The cell's unique coating design improved stability and durability, achieving accuracy comparable to commercial instruments.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalOptics Express·DateDec 8, 2022

Predicting future landscape of a river

A joint research team used an eco-morphodynamic model to predict the future landscape evolution of Naeseongcheon Stream in Korea. The model simulated vegetation growth and development, resulting in a 20% tree cover by 2031. This modeling can aid decision-making for river and vegetation management.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·DateDec 8, 2022

P53 could be key to therapies for salivary gland cancer

Researchers found that activating the non-mutated form of P53 can change the fundamental makeup of cancer stem cells in mouse models of mucoepidermoid carcinoma. This new therapy approach shows promise for treating this lethal form of salivary gland cancer.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 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.

Do former football players age faster?

A new study published in British Journal of Sports Medicine found that former professional football players, particularly linemen, tend to develop age-related diseases earlier than the general population. The research team analyzed data from nearly 3,000 former NFL players and found their health spans were reduced by nearly a decade. T...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateDec 8, 2022

Going with the flow

Lei Fang's NSF-funded project models interactions between active matter and transport barriers to improve understanding of ocean currents and drone technologies. The study uses a laboratory flow system with tiny zooplankton, brine shrimp, to examine the effect of their movement on transport barriers.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateDec 8, 2022

Estrogen may offer protection against delirium

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai found that estrogen can prevent symptoms of delirium in mice with urinary tract infections, reducing IL-6 levels in the blood and protecting neurons. The study suggests estrogen may be a tool to mitigate delirium, particularly in older women with UTIs.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 8, 2022

Scientists reveal the role of immune progenitor cells in the repair of inflamed intestinal tissue

Researchers from Kumamoto University reveal how hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells orchestrate intestinal tissue repair through microbial signals. The study found that acute gut inflammation triggers the activation and expansion of immune progenitor cells, which migrate to lymph nodes to promote tissue repair.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 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.

UCSF researchers uncover new pathway for molecular cancer drug therapies

Researchers at UCSF have uncovered a cellular uptake pathway important for larger molecules, enabling the creation of new drugs for cancer and other diseases. The discovery of an endogenous pathway involving interferon-induced transmembrane proteins promotes the efficient entry of diverse linked chemotypes into target cells.

SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Medical Center·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

Digital healthcare, location optimization and road improvements are recommended to improve healthcare in Ho Chi Minh City

A study by the University of Eastern Finland and Vietnam National University found that people in urban areas have better access to healthcare than suburban residents. The researchers recommend digital healthcare solutions to improve healthcare quality and accessibility in a cost-effective manner.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalBMC Health Services Research·DateDec 8, 2022

Electric car sales drive toward cleaner air, less mortality

Research found that widespread electric vehicle adoption will significantly reduce air pollution and associated mortality in US metropolitan areas, with Los Angeles projected to see 1,163 fewer premature deaths annually. Electric vehicles could bring up to $12.61 billion in economic health benefits by 2050.

SourceCornell University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateDec 8, 2022

Palaeontology: No supersonic boom for dinosaur tails

A modelling study published in Scientific Reports found that diplodocid tails were unlikely to create a supersonic boom due to their slow movement speed. The authors simulated tail movements using a model and found that adding hypothetical structures to the end of the tail did not allow it to reach the speed of sound without breaking.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 8, 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.

The messy death of a star

A team of astronomers used JWST images to piece together the death of a 500-million-year-old star, which created shrouds of gas and left a remnant dense white dwarf. The study reveals evidence of two or three companion stars that hastened its death, with implications for supernovae and gravitational wave systems.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2022

Largest study of its kind reveals adjuvant chemotherapy improves overall survival for pancreatic cancer patients

A nationwide retrospective study showed that adjuvant chemotherapy after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and surgery significantly improved overall survival in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, regardless of lymph node status or resection margins. The study included nearly 900 patients and was published in JAMA Oncology.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 8, 2022

Argentine ants will do anything for sugar, but they won’t do this

In a surprising twist, researchers found that starving Argentine ants exercise caution when foraging in high-risk environments, unlike expectations. This counterintuitive strategy may contribute to their success as an invasive species and agricultural pest.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCurrent Zoology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 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.

Researchers gain a better understanding of how the most commonly used ADHD medication works

A new study has shed light on how the most commonly used ADHD medication, methylphenidate, works in the brain. The research found that methylphenidate increases dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens and improves coordinated brain network activity, resulting in more stable sustained attention in children with ADHD.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2022

Your dog’s behavior is a product of their genes

A study analyzing DNA samples from over 200 dog breeds and nearly 50,000 pet-owner surveys pinpointed genes behind canine behavioral traits. The researchers found that common sets of genes were responsible for behaviors among dog breeds well-suited for similar tasks, such as hunting or herding.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2022

Adding capivasertib to fulvestrant improves progression-free survival in patients with advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

A phase III clinical trial found that adding the AKT inhibitor capivasertib to fulvestrant doubles median progression-free survival in patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer resistant to aromatase inhibitors. This improvement is associated with a lower risk of tumor progression and manageable side effects.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 8, 2022