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Science News Archive December 2022 - Page 21


Page 21 of 31

Study finds non-heavy alcohol use associated with liver fibrosis

Researchers found non-heavy alcohol use associated with liver fibrosis and at-risk nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in a large cohort of participants. The study highlights the importance of reducing alcohol intake and adherence to US Dietary Guidelines for liver health.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeSurvey·DateDec 8, 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.

One-minute bursts of activity during daily tasks could prolong your life, finds study

Research found that three to four one-minute bursts of vigorous physical activity per day can lead to significant reductions in mortality from cardiovascular disease and cancer. The study, led by the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre, used wrist-worn tracker data from UK Biobank to measure incidental physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2022

Immune system of modern Papuans shaped by DNA from ancient Denisovans

A recent study found that Denisovan DNA sequences near immune-related genes in modern Papuans regulate their activity, affecting how people respond to infections. The research suggests that Denisovan DNA contributed to the adaptation of early modern humans living in New Guinea and nearby islands.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·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.

Longitudinal field laser processing enabling high aspect ratio 10 nm features produced in sapphire

A team of scientists has developed a novel method to demonstrate a high-purity longitudinal femtosecond laser field, enabling the creation of 10nm features in sapphire with unprecedented resolution. The technique uses an 800nm wavelength femtosecond laser source and spatial light modulators to produce a high-quality annular beam with r...

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateDec 8, 2022

Researchers determine genetic variants offered protection during Black Death, associated with current autoimmune disorders

A study found that genetic variants near ERAP2 and TICAM2 provided protection against Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the Black Death. These variants were also associated with improved detection and resistance to other pathogens, but at a cost: increased risk of autoimmune disorders like Crohn's disease.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature·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.

New treatments for Huntington’s disease

An interdisciplinary team from Erlangen has found a new treatment for Huntington's disease by accelerating the degradation of a specific messenger molecule necessary for protein synthesis. This reduces the huntingtin level in patients, offering new hope for long-term implementation of RNA-modifying approaches for fatal diseases.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

Finding simplicity within complexity

A University of Houston researcher has developed a method to describe complex systems using the least number of variables possible, reducing complexity from millions to just one. This advancement speeds up science with efficiency and ability to understand and predict natural system behavior.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateDec 8, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Antibodies to common antibiotic possible new risk factor for type 1 diabetes

A study found that antibodies to common antibiotic gentamicin are associated with an increased risk of progression to type 1 diabetes in children already genetically at risk. The researchers also identified an association between the FUT2 gene and the production of these antibodies, which may be compounding risks for type 1 diabetes.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 8, 2022

Team undertakes study of lithium deposition behavior in hard carbon hosts

A team of researchers from Tsinghua University Press has developed a strategy to tackle the challenges of lithium metal anodes using hard carbon hosts. The study found that introducing lithiophilic sites and localized high-concentration electrolytes can moderate dendrite growth and inhibit volume expansion, resulting in a dendrite-free...

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateDec 8, 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.

People with disabilities who mis-use opioid drugs 73% more likely to attempt suicide, national US study finds

A national US study found that people with disabilities who misuse opioid drugs are 73% more likely to attempt suicide. The study, which looked at over 38,000 adults, also found that those with disabilities were more likely to have serious thoughts of suicide and make a plan or attempt to take their own life.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·TypeSurvey·DateDec 8, 2022

Incoherent use of ethnoracial categories in biomedical literature on COVID-19

Researchers analyzed 119 articles from the Lit Covid database to understand how researchers use ethnoracial categories in biomedical studies. The study found that many articles used terms 'race' or 'ethnicity' without clear definitions, leading to confusion and misinterpretation of research findings.

SourceInterdisciplinary Centre for Ethics, Jagiellonian University in Kraków·JournalMedicine Health Care and Philosophy·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 8, 2022

Fjords, small in size and number, are significant carbon reservoirs

A new study reveals that fjords store 11-12% of the ocean's carbon, making them small but mighty planetary 'thermostats' that regulate temperature. Fjords are highly reactive, releasing carbon back into the atmosphere during glacial periods.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2022

Even early forms of liver disease affect heart health, Cedars-Sinai study finds

A Cedars-Sinai study found that even subtle forms of liver disease directly impact heart health, with elevated FIB-4 scores associated with abnormalities in heart function and vascular dimension. Cardiac MRI scans revealed that nearly 86% of patients had at least one heart abnormality.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·DateDec 8, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

How a cell's mitochondria make their own protein factories

Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to study mitoribosome assembly in yeast and humans, revealing similarities and differences in protein involvement and RNA folding. The findings provide insights into molecular complexity and diversity, with potential implications for severe diseases such as Perrault syndrome.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateDec 8, 2022

Solving the puzzle: Cubic silicon carbide wafers demonstrate high thermal conductivity, second only to diamond

Researchers at the University of Illinois have solved a long-standing puzzle about cubic silicon carbide's thermal conductivity, which is higher than previously thought. The team measured an isotropic high thermal conductivity of over 500 W m–1 K–1, ranking it second only to diamond.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 8, 2022

FSU research links common sweetener with anxiety

Researchers at Florida State University have found that aspartame, a common artificial sweetener, can cause anxiety-like behavior in mice. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that aspartame's effects extend up to two generations from exposure, affecting male mice and their offspring.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

How intensive agriculture turned a wild plant into a pervasive weed

Research at the University of British Columbia found that intensive agriculture has driven rapid evolutionary change in waterhemp, a North American native plant, turning it into a problematic weed. The study compared genetic samples from modern farms and historical specimens to track evolution over two centuries.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2022

Babies born to Black mothers in rich countries twice as likely to die in first weeks of life

Research reveals significant disparities in perinatal outcomes between babies born to Black and white mothers in high-income countries, with Black women experiencing twice the neonatal mortality rate. The study analyzed 2.2 million pregnancies across 20 countries, highlighting systemic issues that need international attention.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 8, 2022

White Americans who believe white people are poor are more likely to support welfare policies

New research finds that White Americans' beliefs about their own poverty influence their attitudes towards the poor and support for welfare policies. These effects are strongest among those experiencing status threat from Black people, suggesting a motivation to maintain racial status quo.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·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.

THE LANCET: Racism, discrimination, and xenophobia are fundamental drivers of health disparities worldwide and must be universally acknowledged as a public health threat

A new Lancet Series reveals racism, xenophobia, and discrimination as fundamental drivers of health inequities worldwide. These social and political factors have profound effects on the health of disadvantaged populations, including higher mortality rates, poorer health outcomes, and limited access to healthcare.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 8, 2022

Harvard researchers discover embryonic origins of adult pluripotent stem cells

Researchers discovered the cellular mechanism and molecular trajectory for formation of adult pluripotent stem cells in the acoel worm Hofstenia miamia. This study provides insight into regenerative abilities of certain animals and may lead to new understanding of how stem cells are made.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalCell·DateDec 8, 2022

Explaining the DNA repair mechanism

A recent study has unveiled how nucleotide excision repair (NER) is controlled at the molecular level, shedding light on its role in cancer treatment. The research revealed that TFIIH uses XPG to stimulate motor activity and locate damaged DNA, licensing XPG nuclease activity to excise it.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateDec 8, 2022

Assessing El Niño ‘flavors’ to unravel past variability, future impact

Scientists analyze past El Niño events to better understand climate patterns over the past 12,000 years. They found that Eastern Pacific events have increased in frequency, while Central Pacific and Coastal events have decreased, resulting in changes in hydroclimate in the tropical Pacific.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·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 identify a critical inhibitory site in an energy-producing enzyme, which can lead to rational design of antibiotics

A team of researchers has discovered a new mechanism to inhibit the critical enzyme in the respiratory chain, making it effective against drug-resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The findings could lead to the development of novel antibiotics with a different mechanism of action.

SourceNational Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 8, 2022

Tin selenide nanosheets enables to develop wearable tracking devices

Researchers have synthesized 2D tin selenide nanosheets with remarkable piezoelectricity, enabling the development of self-powered wearable health tracking devices. The synthesis technique and performance of these nanosheets were improved using chemical vapor deposition.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateDec 8, 2022

Smilodon's sabre teeth

A study by University of Liège researchers provides insight into the mechanisms of Smilodon's biting efficiency, using high-precision 3D scans and simulation methods. The results show that sabre-toothed predators can effectively hunt despite their long canine teeth.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateDec 8, 2022

Radiation shielding: MAPbI3/epoxy composites exhibit superior performance

Scientists have developed a new composite material that exhibits excellent gamma-ray shielding performance, 10 times higher than epoxy. Crystal plane engineering plays a crucial role in regulating the electron density of MAPbI3/epoxy composites, improving their ability to absorb radiation.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·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.

Low nutritional quality in vegetarian meat substitutes

A recent study by Chalmers University of Technology reveals that many vegetarian meat substitutes sold in Sweden are low in iron and zinc due to phytates. The researchers analyzed 44 different products and found that even fortified ones still contain phytates, which inhibit absorption.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNutrients·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

Florida mints radiated as peninsula sank and resurfaced during ice ages

Research reveals that Florida's incredible plant diversity was shaped by the peninsula's repeated growth and shrinkage during ice ages. Scrub mints, a unique group of plants endemic to the southeastern US, radiated into multiple new species as they became isolated on islands due to sea level changes.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalJournal of Biogeography·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.

Some benefits, potential risks with alternative medicines for heart failure

A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the potential benefits and risks of complementary and alternative therapies for heart failure. The statement advises healthcare professionals to discuss CAM use with patients, monitor medication interactions, and consider pharmacists' consultations.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateDec 8, 2022

Improving the accuracy of markerless gait analysis

Researchers developed a simple and accurate method for markerless gait analysis, combining RGB camera-based pose estimation with IMU sensor data. The new technique outperformed existing methods in measuring gait parameters and joint angles, showing significant promise for clinical settings and diverse applications.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

Life-saving light beam to detect malaria

A new, non-invasive malaria detection tool developed by a University of Queensland-led team can quickly identify entire villages or towns suffering from the disease. The device uses infrared-light and is chemical-free, needle-free, and detects malaria through the skin.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPNAS Nexus·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.

First-wave COVID-19 linked to long-term depressive symptoms

A study found that those who had COVID-19 in early 2020 were more likely to experience clinically meaningful levels of anxiety after 13 months. The researchers also identified possible reasons for the increased risk, including pre-existing mental health conditions and lifestyle factors.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature·TypeSurvey·DateDec 8, 2022

Review of fluorescent probes for detecting G-Quadruplex DNA

G-Quadruplex DNA structures play a crucial role in regulating genes and cell processes, but their visualization is challenging due to the dynamic nature of double standard DNA. Fluorescence-active small molecule probes have emerged as a real-time visualization method, enabling researchers to detect G-quadruplexes with high selectivity.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Organic Chemistry·DateDec 8, 2022

Is it feasible to resume high salinity wastewater as a plant nutrient medium for plant hydroponics in CELSS?

Two crops, celery and cordifolium, were cultivated using reused medium from domestic wastewater and standard Hoagland nutrient solution. The results showed that the reused medium was effective in promoting plant growth, with cordifolium exhibiting better performance than celery, despite initial salt toxicity issues.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace Science & Technology·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.

Deepmind’s AlphaCode AI system performs competitively in programming competitions

AlphaCode demonstrates impressive code-generation abilities, solving complex programming tasks with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It achieves an overall average ranking within the top 54.3% of human participants on Codeforces' problems, showcasing its potential to revolutionize programming productivity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 8, 2022

SLAC/Stanford researchers discover how a nano-chamber in the cell directs protein folding

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Stanford University have discovered the role of a tiny cellular machine called TRiC in directing protein folding, contradicting a 70-year-old theory. The study's findings have profound implications for treating diseases linked to protein misfolding, such as certain cancers and neu...

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalCell·DateDec 8, 2022

Microbial miners could help humans colonize the moon and Mars

Researchers at UCI and Johns Hopkins discovered that microorganisms can modify minerals through a biochemical process, inspiring new biomimetic mining methods. This discovery could enable humans to build colonies on the moon and Mars using microbes to extract essential minerals.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalMaterials Today Bio·DateDec 8, 2022

Finding faults deeply stressful

Researchers at Kyoto University have found that the Tohoku earthquake may have occurred upon a complete stress release, with data suggesting normal faults in both sedimentary formations above and below the plate boundary fault. This discovery provides insights into how fault slipping contributed to the devastating tsunami.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 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.

Ultra-high-resolution photon-counting detector CT: Reconstruction kernel, slice thickness guide protocol

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that reconstruction using BI64 kernel and 0.4-mm slice thickness yielded improved bronchial division identification and pulmonary fissure sharpness without loss in pulmonary vessel sharpness or pathology conspicuity.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 8, 2022