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Science News for February 11, 2022


Extreme climate fluctuation drives South African domestic migration

A study using modified network modeling found that South African residents were likely to leave areas with climate instability, while regions with more reliable climates attracted migrants. Socioeconomic factors, such as unemployment rates, also played a role in migration patterns.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalPopulation and Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 11, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Novel wearable armband helps users of prosthetic hands to ‘get a grip’

Researchers developed a novel wearable soft robotic armband that conveys artificial sensations of touch to prosthetic hands, enabling users to control multiple grasp functions simultaneously. The study showed improved time efficiency and precision in transporting objects, with haptic feedback being crucial for tasks.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

Paris Climate Agreement goal still within reach, suggests new CU Boulder study

A new CU Boulder analysis found that a subset of climate scenarios from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) project between 3.6 and 5.4 degrees F of warming by 2100, with a median of 3.96 F. This is cautiously optimistic good news compared to worst-case scenarios that projected as much as 7.2 or 9 F of warming.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 11, 2022

Reusable plastic bottles release hundreds of chemicals

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found hundreds of chemical substances in tap water stored in reusable plastic bottles, including some potentially harmful to human health. The study revealed that machine washing and dishwasher use can increase the leaching of toxic substances from the plastic.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateFeb 11, 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.

Our eye movements reveal our emotions during sleep

Researchers found that negative emotions during dreams are associated with rapid eye movements in bursts, while positive emotions correlate with slow eye movements. This study provides new understanding of the role of REM sleep in regulating emotions and its link to mental health.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 11, 2022

A serendipitous finding lends new insight into how atopic dermatitis develops

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have identified a cascade of inflammatory signaling that precedes skin ulcers in atopic dermatitis. A mouse model lacking an activator of NF-kB signaling led to the development of skin lesions, shedding light on the early stages of the condition.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

7 to 9 percent of all European vascular plants are globally threatened

An international research team has assessed European vascular plant species and found that 7-9% are globally endangered. This study addresses the significant data gap in global Red List of Threatened Species, with nearly 90% of known plant species lacking threat assessments.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalPlants People Planet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 11, 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.

Relief for oceans and landfills?

Researchers developed novel bioplastics using lysine-rich proteins, offering improved durability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The bioplastics can be produced without toxic chemicals or complex processing steps, making them a promising alternative for packaging, toys, and other applications.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

CityU scientist invents novel droplet manipulation method “WRAP”

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a novel droplet manipulation method called WRAP, which can transport micro-sized droplets using electromagnets or programmable electromagnetic fields. The method overcomes challenges in traditional magnetic actuation, such as contamination from added magnetic particles.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 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.

Exercise post-vaccine bumps up antibodies, new study finds

Researchers found that 90 minutes of mild-to-moderate intensity exercise after a flu or COVID-19 vaccination increased antibody production in the following four weeks. The study involved participants who exercised on a stationary bike or took a brisk walk, and similar results were seen in mice experiments.

SourceIowa State University·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

Researchers restore brain immune system function after prenatal exposure to environmental toxin

Prenatal exposure to industrial toxin TCDD may cause long-term damage to brain circuits and potentially lead to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD. Researchers found that pharmacological manipulation can restore microglia function, suggesting a possible therapeutic avenue for these disorders.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·DateFeb 11, 2022

Reopening schools in brazil during pandemic

A cross-sectional study of 643 Brazilian municipalities found no significant link between school reopening and COVID-19 case rates or mortality in São Paulo State. The study included 18,761 schools, showing that even vulnerable conditions did not lead to a rise in cases or deaths after reopening.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateFeb 11, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hospital admission with liver cirrhosis: highest mortality rate of all chronic diseases

A nationwide study in Germany found that liver cirrhosis has the highest mortality rate among chronic diseases, with 0.94% of hospital admissions affected. The study also showed a decline in mortality rates due to improvements in Hepatitis C treatment, but an increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease cases.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 11, 2022

Sex chromosomes of birds as reservoir for jumping genes

Researchers have discovered that crow sex chromosomes exhibit high transposable element (TE) activity, which may affect the aging process and fitness of female birds. High TE activity on sex chromosomes has been previously found only in the fruit fly, where it accelerates male aging.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalGenome Research·DateFeb 11, 2022

Molecular cage gives cryo-EM researchers new insights into a cancer protein

Scientists at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have created a molecular cage to study the structure of KIX, a protein used by AML cancer cells. The technique has successfully imaged KIX with cryo-EM, revealing new insights into its function and potential targets for therapy.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalACS Central Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

The secret hideouts of ovarian cancer revealed

Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered that tumour cells in ovarian cancer hide from the body's immune system by interacting with specific gene mutations. Tumours with BRCA1/2 mutations are more effectively targeted by killer T-cells, leading to better patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 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.

Distant galaxies and the true nature of dark matter

A new study published in Astronomy and Astrophysics suggests that dark matter particles interact with ordinary matter, leading to a constant density region that expands over time. The research challenges the current prevailing theory of Lambda-Cold Dark Matter, which posits that particles are inert and only interact through gravity.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateFeb 11, 2022

Planetary bodies observed for first time in habitable zone of dead star

A team of researchers detected a ring of planetary debris surrounding the white dwarf WD1054–226, suggesting a nearby planet may be present in its habitable zone. The study found that the debris is kept in a precise arrangement by a nearby planet's gravitational influence.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 11, 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.

Nanopores feel the heat

A team of researchers at Osaka University created a thermocouple made of gold and platinum nanowires to measure the temperature directly next to a nanopore. They found that thermal energy was dissipated in proportion to the momentum of the ionic flow, in line with Ohm's law predictions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

Treatment for spatial neglect based on immersive virtual reality offers advantages over traditional therapies

Researchers developed a user-centered virtual reality system to engage stroke survivors with spatial neglect in intensive therapy, showing promising results. The system uses head-mounted displays and hand-tracking technology to deliver standardized treatment in an engaging environment.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalAnnals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

Colonic gene mapping gives insights into intestinal diseases

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet used spatial transcriptomics to create a map of gene expression in the mouse colon, gaining new insights into inflammatory bowel disease. The study's findings suggest that the colon is divided into more segments than previously thought and could lead to the development of new treatments.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

New computer vision system designed to analyse cells in microscopy videos

Researchers at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid developed a computer vision system to analyze cells in microscopy videos, allowing for automatic characterization of cell behavior. The system enables faster analysis of thousands of cells compared to traditional methods, which typically involve manual segmentation and tracking.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalMedical Image Analysis·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 11, 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.

Study finds potential predictor for perimenopause

A new study has found a potential predictor for perimenopause in the form of IgG glycome composition, which may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options. The study analyzed nearly 2000 women over 15 years and discovered changes in the IgG glycome that occur rapidly during menopause.

SourceKing's College London·JournaliScience·DateFeb 11, 2022

Multiple haplotype-based analyses provide genetic and evolutionary insights into tomato fruit weight and composition

Researchers used haplotype-based analyses to study the genetic architecture of tomato fruit quality traits, increasing detection power and accuracy. Haplotypes were found to be more powerful than single-marker analysis in identifying marker-trait associations and predicting phenotypes.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeNews article·DateFeb 11, 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.

Planetary bodies observed in habitable zone of dead star

Researchers have discovered a ring of planetary debris orbiting close to a white dwarf star, suggesting the presence of a nearby planet in the habitable zone. The planet is thought to be similar in size to terrestrial planets in our solar system and could support liquid water, making it potentially habitable.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 11, 2022

Alternative transcription and feedback regulation suggest that SlIDI1 is involved in tomato carotenoid synthesis in a complex way

A novel molecular mechanism underlying the orange-fruited phenotype of tomato has been discovered through a new study. The gene SlIDI1 is found to produce both long and short transcripts simultaneously, which are involved in carotenoid biosynthesis.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeNews article·DateFeb 11, 2022

Researchers make non-alcoholic beer taste like regular beer

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have developed a method to produce non-alcoholic beer that tastes like regular beer, improving its flavor and sustainability. The technique involves using micro-factories of yeast cells to release hop aroma molecules, eliminating the need for expensive aroma hops.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 11, 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.

Machine learning outperforms clinical experts in classifying hip fractures

A new machine learning process has been developed to identify and classify hip fractures from X-rays, achieving 92% accuracy and confidence. This approach aims to improve patient outcomes, reduce care costs, and alleviate the bottleneck of unreported radiographs in the UK.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 11, 2022

Cellular tornadoes sculpt our organs

A team from UNIGE demonstrates that cells can self-organize to generate forces that model the shapes of our tissues. Topological defects create cellular tornadoes that concentrate forces and shape tissues similar to those observed in embryo development.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Materials·TypeNews article·DateFeb 11, 2022

Quantum tech in space?

Physicists at the University of Sussex have developed a remote monitoring system for quantum devices, allowing for real-time control and issue resolution. This system enables researchers to monitor environmental factors such as temperature, pressure, and laser beams in ultracold quantum laboratories.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalQuantum Science and Technology·DateFeb 11, 2022

Plant smoke detectors evolve as hormone sensors

Researchers have discovered an ancient receptor protein that can detect karrikins in smoke from burnt plant material, initiating molecular signals to speed up seed germination. The study also found that the receptors play a role in sensing growth hormones in plants, shedding light on the enigmatic karrikin signaling pathway.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 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.

Coronary artery calcium may help determine lung cancer patients’ risk of cardiovascular events during radiation treatment

Patients with severe coronary artery calcium have a significantly increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events during thoracic radiation therapy for non-small cell lung cancer. The study found that patients with severe coronary artery calcium had a 21.4 times increased risk compared to those with no coronary artery calcium.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateFeb 11, 2022

Oncology dietitians rarely ask cancer patients about food insecurity, study finds

A study by researchers at the University of Illinois found that oncology dietitians rarely ask cancer patients about food insecurity, despite awareness that many experience it. The dietitians' estimates of prevalence varied widely, and most did not use validated tools to screen for food insecurity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 11, 2022

Solar and wind power are key to decarbonizing Switzerland

A team from UNIGE and Empa recommends a domestic generation mix of wind and photovoltaic energy to reduce Switzerland's contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. The scenario would enable the country to reduce its footprint by an estimated 45%.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalEnergy Policy·TypeNews article·DateFeb 11, 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.

Fall and rise of electricity use in early pandemic

A Stanford University and Oregon State University study found that global electricity consumption declined by 7.6% in April 2020 due to government restrictions, but recovered rapidly as people returned to work and social activities. The magnitude of change was not related to the severity of restrictions or economic activity.

SourceStanford University·JournaliScience·DateFeb 11, 2022

Eye provides clues to insidious vascular disease

Researchers developed a method to diagnose atherosclerosis using self-learning software and eye photos. The algorithm accurately identified vascular changes in patients with peripheral arterial disease, even in early stages without symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 11, 2022

Researchers find hybrid metabolism in fermented food microbe

Scientists have found a new energy metabolism in lactic acid bacteria that combines features of respiration with fermentation. This hybrid metabolism enables the bacteria to thrive better and faster, potentially improving gut health by manipulating its growth.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

Boosting the immune defense: Interleukin-2 promotes fate decisions in CD8 T cells for long- or short-term immune protection

Researchers found that interleukin-2 promotes the development of two subsets of CD8 T cells, one producing IL-2 and the other not, with distinct fates. The IL-2-producing cells develop into immune memory cells with long-term protection, while the non-IL-2-producing cells gain effector traits but lose memory formation.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 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.

Sleep apnea in pregnancy associated with increased post-delivery risk of metabolic syndrome, hypertension

Research found that pregnant women with sleep apnea are at a higher risk for developing hypertension and metabolic syndrome after delivery. A study of over 1,900 women found that those with persistent sleep apnea were three times more likely to develop hypertension and two times more likely to develop metabolic syndrome.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 11, 2022

How personal commonalities foster closeness of political views

Researchers found that people with strong convictions and those with mild views both change their opinions to align with a partner's opinion based on shared personal features. This led to a decline in polarization and an increase in support for redistributive policies.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2022

Molecular mechanism of cerebral venous thrombosis discovered

Researchers discovered that activation of two specific receptors on platelets leads to cerebral venous thrombosis. The receptors CLEC-2 and GPIIb/IIIa are involved in the development of the disease, which affects younger people more often than classic strokes.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

Specific cancer driving protein plays important role in lung cancer development, Moffitt researchers say

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have identified ΔNp63 as a protein that contributes to lung cancer development by regulating stem cells and crucial elements known as enhancers. The study found that mice deficient for ΔNp63 in the lung developed fewer lung tumors and had fewer stem cells compared to control mice.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 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.

Patients undergoing treatment for cancer more susceptible to COVID-19 misinformation, study finds

A new study found that cancer patients currently undergoing treatment are more likely to believe false information about COVID-19, while those no longer in treatment are less vulnerable. This is due to heightened anxiety and increased information seeking, which can impact their critical thinking abilities.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateFeb 11, 2022

Smartphone app can vibrate a single drop of blood to determine how well it clots

Researchers developed a new method using smartphone vibration motor and camera to monitor blood clots, with accuracy similar to commercially available techniques. The device can be used at home, making it easier for patients to test their PT/INR levels, potentially reducing the need for frequent clinical visits.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 2022

Molecules at a hairdresser’s

Physicists at Nicolaus Copernicus University developed new methods of molecular spectroscopy in optical cavity structures, offering higher precision and sensitivity. The methods were tested using dual-comb cavity ring-down spectroscopy, enabling parallel broadband spectroscopy with limited spectral definition.

SourceNicolaus Copernicus University in Torun·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 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.

Chemotherapy or not? Physicists study gene expression tests

Gene expression tests examine how active genes are in tumour cells and have shown that even random genes can be prognostic. Combining multiple tests increases the probability of identifying patients who will not benefit from chemotherapy.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 11, 2022