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Science News Archive December 2022 - Page 9


Page 9 of 31

New theory on timing for human settlement of some parts of tropical Pacific

Researchers propose that some Micronesian islands were settled around 3,330 years ago, challenging the current assumption of a 1,000-year gap. Sea-level rise data suggest interaction between northern and southern migration routes, potentially revealing more about Pacific peopling.

SourceTufts University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 19, 2022

Texas Biomed at forefront of Sudan ebolavirus biomedical R&D

Texas Biomed is at the forefront of developing a Sudan ebolavirus vaccine and antibody therapeutic to combat the ongoing outbreak in Uganda. The Institute has been awarded millions of dollars in contracts to run studies required for FDA approval, utilizing its BSL-4 laboratory facilities.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalVaccines·DateDec 19, 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.

Scientists use machine learning to get an unprecedented view of small molecules

A new machine learning model developed by Aalto University researchers can identify small molecules with unprecedented accuracy, distinguishing between mirror image molecules. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, and identifying micropollutants in the environment.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateDec 19, 2022

Study shows how machine learning could predict rare disastrous events, like earthquakes or pandemics

Researchers from Brown and MIT developed a new framework that uses machine learning and sequential sampling to predict rare disasters like earthquakes and pandemics with less data. The framework, called DeepOnet, has been shown to outperform traditional modeling efforts in predicting scenarios, probabilities and timelines of rare events.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Computational Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 19, 2022

More than the sum of its parts

Researchers found that simultaneously acting global change factors decrease grassland plant community diversity, regardless of individual factor quality. This effect is linked to increased biomass production due to the influence of highly influential factors like eutrophication.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2022

What triggers flow fluctuations in heavy-ion collision debris?

Scientists study flow patterns from heavy-ion collisions to understand fluctuations in particle behavior, aiming to calculate the properties of quark-gluon plasma. The results point to initial state influences as the primary trigger for these fluctuations, with collision energy and nucleus size also playing a role.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 19, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Surge in pediatric firearm injuries during pandemic

Rates of pediatric firearm injuries increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, persisting through 2021. Non-Hispanic Black children and those with public insurance were disproportionately affected, highlighting a pressing need for gun safety measures.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 19, 2022

The Donnan Potential, revealed at last

Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have made the first direct measurement of the Donnan electric potential, a phenomenon that has eluded researchers for over a century. The measurement could yield new insights into membrane transport, ion exchange, and energy storage strategies.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2022

Santa should phase out coal as punishment in Christmas stockings

Experts, including a pediatrician, suggest phasing out coal as punishment in Christmas stockings due to its damaging effects on children's health and the environment. They propose alternative gifts, such as recycled or plant-based options, to foster friendships and combat anxiety.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeNews article·DateDec 19, 2022

Mouse study suggests new therapeutic strategy to reduce cardiovascular disease in cancer survivors

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center discovered that common cancer treatments cause long-term damage to heart tissue by activating a key inflammatory signaling pathway. Inhibiting this pathway may reduce the risk of cancer survivors developing heart disease later in life.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2022

New 3D live hologram technology to save lives in field hospitals

Researchers at ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems have developed a miniaturized optical system that can be integrated on a chip, allowing for the creation of 3D holograms. This technology has the potential to replace current 2D imaging, enabling less invasive surgeries and better surgical outcomes.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 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.

Cosmological enigma of Milky Way’s satellite galaxies solved

Researchers used new data from the European Space Agency's GAIA space observatory to project the orbits of satellite galaxies into the past and future, revealing the plane form and dissolve in a few hundred million years. The findings remove one of the main objections to the validity of the standard model of cosmology.

SourceDurham University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 19, 2022

Psychosocial stress tied to higher risk for acute stroke

A recent University of Galway-led study found that psychosocial stress increases the risk of stroke by 17%, with severe work stress being a significant contributor. The research also revealed that individuals who reported feeling more in control had lower stroke risks.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalJAMA·TypeCase study·DateDec 19, 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.

Why don’t T cells destroy solid tumors during immunotherapy?

A study published in Cancer Research found that the stress response in T cells can hinder cancer immunotherapy. The researchers discovered that targeting key proteins involved in this stress response could help develop more potent cancer immunotherapies.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2022

Alien planet found spiraling to its doom around an aging star

Researchers have spotted an exoplanet spiraling towards its star due to tidal interactions, shedding light on the late stages of planetary orbital decay. The discovery provides new insights into how evolved stars affect their planets' orbits, and may help explain why one exoplanet appears brighter than expected.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 19, 2022

New study finds animals play key role in restoring forests

A new study published in The Royal Society journal found that animals play a crucial role in reforestation by dispersing seeds into previously deforested areas. This natural regeneration approach is less costly and labor-intensive than traditional methods, offering a promising solution for restoring biodiversity and capturing carbon.

SourceYale University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateDec 19, 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.

A way to make asthma drugs last longer

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have identified a new compound that can be added to existing asthma medications to make them more potent and longer-lasting. This approach could lead to improved symptom relief and reduced side effects for patients who require frequent doses.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2022

York research: AI better than human eye at predicting brain metastasis outcomes

A new AI-based predictive method has been created to detect radiotherapy failure in brain metastasis, showing an 83% accuracy rate compared to the human eye's 65%. The technique uses deep learning and attention mechanisms to analyze MRI images and provide more informed treatment decisions.

SourceYork University·JournalIEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 19, 2022

Toward net-zero emissions nitrogen fertilizers

Researchers propose alternative fertilizer production methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but emphasize the need for careful environmental assessment. The global food supply depends on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which require significant energy and lead to carbon pollution.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 19, 2022

NTU Singapore doctors find mental health chatbots are effective in helping treat symptoms in people with depression

A study by NTU Singapore found that mental health chatbots engage users in empathetic conversations and offer support and guidance through psychotherapeutic exercises. The chatbots displayed a 'coach-like' personality, but were not able to deliver personalised advice.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 19, 2022

Later brand reveal in advertisements leads to better sales

A University of Otago-led study found that television advertisements are more successful when the product is shown first and the brand is revealed later. This approach creates unresolved tension and attention, leading to prolonged processing and positive associations. The results contradict standard marketing theory and practice, highl...

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalInternational Journal of Market Research·TypeObservational study·DateDec 19, 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.

Making a bad thing worse: “Belief in just deserts” regarding COVID-19 infection

Researchers found that individuals who strongly agree with government restrictions on individual behavior during public emergencies are more likely to believe in just deserts. Men are also slightly more likely to hold this belief than women, while those who think it's unlikely they'll get infected have lower levels of just deserts.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPeerJ·TypeObservational study·DateDec 19, 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.

Fermi kinetics transport program models high-speed semiconductor devices better, Journal of Applied Physics editor’s pick study says

Researchers compared two semiconductor simulation tools and found that the Fermi kinetics transport solver outperforms a commercial hydrodynamics software package in modeling electronic heat flow and electron temperature, particularly in high-speed applications. The custom-developed code converges faster and provides more consistent re...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateDec 19, 2022

Study finds link between patient satisfaction and likelihood of bariatric surgery

A study published in JAMA found that patient satisfaction with their physicians is associated with the likelihood of following through with metabolic or bariatric surgery. The research suggests that high-quality care and strong patient-physician relationships are crucial for successful surgery completion.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA·DateDec 19, 2022

Fossil CSI: Analysis of giant extinct marine reptile graveyard suggests mysterious site was ancient birthing grounds

A team of scientists found evidence that 37 ichthyosaurs died in the same location, suggesting they were migrating to give birth over hundreds of thousands of years. Geochemical tests revealed no signs of environmental disturbance or mass stranding events, pointing to a more plausible explanation for their demise.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 19, 2022

Activity “Advent calendar” could help boost activity and cut sitting time

A Christmas-themed physical activity intervention during Advent showed promise for increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time among inactive adults. The study, published in the BMJ, found that participants who received a daily email with physical activity ideas reported participating in more moderate-to-vigorous intensity...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 19, 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.

People who practice consensual non-monogamy can face negative social stigma, new research finds

New research reveals that people in CNM relationships report experiencing a negative stigma that takes a toll on their psychological distress. A thematic analysis of survey responses identified four themes: discomfort/disapproval, loss of resources/threatening behavior, devaluation/diminishing of character/relationship.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeSurvey·DateDec 19, 2022

Daylong wastewater samples yield surprises

Composite wastewater samples taken over 24 hours reveal a more accurate representation of antibiotic-resistant genes, with levels 10 times higher than 'snapshots'. Chlorination can negatively impact water quality, highlighting the need for improved treatment protocols.

SourceRice University·JournalACS ES&T Water·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2022

Increased use of pharmaceuticals increased carbon emissions during the COVID-19 pandemic despite carbon footprint reduction efforts

A Nagoya University study found that increased use of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a 27% increase in hospital carbon emissions. Despite reduced electricity and gas consumption, the overall carbon footprint rose due to longer hospital stays and increased intensive care needs.

SourceNagoya University·JournalGlobalization and Health·DateDec 18, 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.

High-voltage cryo-electron microscopy reveals tiny secrets of ‘giant’ viruses

Researchers used high-voltage electron microscopy to image frozen tokyovirus particles in detail, revealing a novel capsid protein network and scaffold protein component. The study provides new insights into the structure and function of giant viruses, which are larger than small bacteria.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 18, 2022

Of mice and men

Researchers from Complexity Science Hub and Medical University of Vienna found that high doses of cholesterol-lowering statins impair bone quality in mice, with a significant increase in osteoporosis risk. The study confirms previous findings on the correlation between statin use and osteoporosis diagnosis in humans.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2022

Germ-cell precursors pave the way to help save endangered species

Researchers at Osaka University have successfully induced precursors of eggs and sperm in white rhinoceros cells, paving the way to possibly rebuilding northern white rhino populations. This breakthrough uses advanced assisted reproductive technologies to address a key challenge in conservation efforts.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2022

Improving diamond open access across Europe

The EU project CRAFT-OA aims to strengthen institutional publishing using Diamond Open Access model across Europe. The project will enable local platforms and service providers to expand their content services with the aim of networking them with other information systems in science.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·DateDec 17, 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.

A new neurodevelopmental epilepsy disorder and its genetic cause discovered

Researchers identified a novel neurodevelopmental epilepsy disorder caused by alterations in the EIF4A2 gene, leading to intellectual disability, hypotonia, and epilepsy. The study used fruit flies to demonstrate the causal role of EIF4A2 mutations, providing insights into protein translation regulation and brain development.

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2022

Researchers unravel a population of ‘cheating’ cells in cancers

A team of researchers identified a population of 'cheating' cancer cells that can bypass constraints imposed by lack of oxygen, allowing them to continue growing. These cells manipulate the HIF-1 protein, which normally slows down cell growth under hypoxic conditions.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalCell Systems·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 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.

Linking fossil climate proxies to living bacteria helps climate predictions

A new study reveals that certain types of lipids found in ancient fossils are produced by specific living bacteria. By identifying these microorganisms and understanding how they produce the lipids, scientists can create more accurate climate reconstructions. This discovery also sheds light on the early evolution of life on Earth.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 16, 2022

What goes into a retailer’s decision to lower prices?

Researchers found three reasons retailers are reluctant to adjust new product prices: lack of price changes on related products, state-level pricing laws requiring price stickers, and 99-cent endings. Larger price frictions often lead to product discontinuation, hindering sales success.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 2022

Dramatic change from pandemic brought on stress for mothers

A large-scale study of mothers reveals those who experienced greatest pandemic-related change are more susceptible to traumatic stress symptoms. Mothers with higher incomes and education were found to be in the high-change group, while those with lower socioeconomic status reported fewer disruptions.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 16, 2022

ACMG publishes evidence-based clinical practice guideline recommending that noninvasive prenatal screening become the standard screening option for all pregnant individuals

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recommends that noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) become the standard screening option for all pregnant individuals. NIPS has been shown to have a high accuracy rate, with detection rates of 98.8% for Trisomy 21 and 99.6% for sex chromosome abnormalities.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 16, 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.

Climate change played key role in dinosaur success story

New research shows climate change played a key role in dinosaurs' rise to success during the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic periods. The planet's warming after the Triassic-Jurassic mass extinction event allowed sauropod-like dinosaurs to thrive and expand across new territories, becoming the dominant species.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2022

Child labor contributes to the preservation of forest cover

A new study reveals that child labor plays a significant role in preserving forest cover in southwestern Ethiopia. However, the economic-environmental synergy of smallholder shade coffee production is compromised by an undesirable reliance on child labor, leading to negative effects on children's schooling.

SourceStockholm University·TypeSurvey·DateDec 16, 2022

What pretend play tells us about social cognition

Children as young as two engage in pretend play, demonstrating ability to distinguish between pretence and reality. This cognitive skill allows them to adopt different perspectives, even in the presence of others, suggesting early-stage development of social cognition.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalSynthese·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 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.

Catching up to climate change by tracking big-picture patterns

By analyzing satellite imagery and tracking net primary productivity, researchers aim to predict how ecosystems will respond to climate change. Their model suggests that the rate at which ecosystems adapt to changing conditions is a critical component to reducing uncertainty about future projections.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalEcology Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 16, 2022