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Science News Archive February 2022


Page 1 of 40

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.

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.

Discovery of an innate immunological memory in the intestine

Researchers found that innate effector cells can acquire a memory to strengthen gut mucosal defenses against repeated infections over time. This discovery demonstrates a new antibacterial immune defense mechanism and could lead to novel therapeutic approaches to treat intestinal diseases.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Novel method realizes image-free moving object position

Researchers from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science developed an image-free moving object position method using moment modulation patterns, achieving high frame rates of up to 11kHz. This approach reduces data deposit and computation power requirements by over two orders of magnitude.

Team uses MRI to image epigenetics in the brain

A multidisciplinary team at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has devised a new approach to 3D imaging that captures DNA methylation, a key epigenetic change associated with learning in the brain. The technique uses standard MRI technology and biological markers already in use in human medicine.

Neurology: Long-term benzodiazepine use attacks synapses

Researchers have discovered how long-term benzodiazepine use damages brain synapses, leading to cognitive decline. Benzodiazepines, commonly used for anxiety and sleep disorders, trigger microglial activation, resulting in the degradation of neural connections.

Fighting COVID-19 with milk?

A new study found that bovine lactoferrin, a protein in cow milk, is effective against various SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the WA1, B.1.1.7, and Delta variants. The research suggests that bovine lactoferrin could be used as a preventive or post-exposure treatment for COVID-19.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Indian Ocean warming could weaken summer monsoon rainfall in South Asia

Researchers found that Indian Summer Monsoon rainfall was less intense during the Last Interglacial period than in the current warm period, contradicting paleoclimate model simulations. The study suggests that sea surface temperature plays a dominant role in shaping monsoon variability in South Asia.

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.

MIS-C diagnosis rare in vaccinated children with no previous COVID-19 diagnosis

A recent survey found that out of 21 million vaccinated children, only 21 cases met the definition of MIS-C. The risk of MIS-C after vaccination is estimated to be 1 in 1 million for all children and 1 in 3 million for those without known COVID exposure. This study provides reassurance on the safety of COVID vaccines in children.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

A potential breakthrough for production of superior battery technology

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a method to produce micro-supercapacitors, which can increase battery lifespan and enable fast charging. The new production process is scalable and could lead to significant environmental benefits by reducing battery recycling needs.

Now THAT is a wrap!

New research confirms RepelWrap sheds both viruses and bacteria, increasing its utility for interrupting infection transmission. The technology has been filed for patents and is moving towards scaled-up production.

How a two-faced molecule can silence problematic genes

Scientists create a hybrid technology called heteroduplex oligonucleotide (HDO) that can safely and effectively silence disease-causing genes in certain immune cells. The HDO delivery method has shown promise in improving symptoms of autoimmune disorders and cancers by regulating the function of T and B lymphocytes.

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.

Overlooked channels influence water flow and flooding along Gulf Coast

A study by University of Texas at Austin researchers found that narrow but deep channels across the coastal plain landscape play a significant role in moving water, particularly during floods. The channel networks covered over 12,000 square miles and were separated into distinct drainage basins.

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.

Donuts and laser beams

Topologists have successfully applied their tools to lasers, enabling the creation of a laser beam whose energies follow a topologically non-trivial loop. This property leads to unique amplification patterns in the light emitted by the laser.

Ring my string: Building silicon nano-strings

Scientists at EPFL have created strained crystalline nanomechanical resonators with ultralow dissipation, enabling the creation of high-purity quantum states. These nanostrings could be used as precision force-sensors, taking advantage of interactions such as radiation pressure and magnetic fields.

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.

Immunotherapy drug bolsters head and neck cancer treatment

A University of Cincinnati clinical trial showed promising results for patients with intermediate risk head and neck cancer when an immunotherapy drug, pembrolizumab, was added to standard treatment regimens. The study found improved one-year disease-free survival rates compared to historical controls.

Harmless or deadly? New study examines evolution of E. coli bacteria

Research suggests that genetic material from E. coli bacteria in farm animals may contribute to the evolution of deadly pandemic strains. The study found that ColV plasmids in pigs, cattle, and chickens can increase the likelihood of antimicrobial resistance and extra-intestinal infections in humans.

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.

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.

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.

Ultrasound scan can diagnose prostate cancer

A new type of ultrasound scan has been shown to detect most prostate cancer cases with good accuracy, potentially replacing expensive and time-consuming MRI scans. The study found that the ultrasound scan missed only 4.3% more clinically important prostate cancer cases compared to MRI scans.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

OU meteorologist’s cloud research recognized by National Science Foundation

A $763,930 NSF CAREER Award is supporting OU meteorologist Scott Salesky's project to improve cloud representation in weather and climate models. The research aims to better understand interactions between turbulence and clouds, with potential applications for predicting precipitation and understanding Earth's climate.