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Science News Archive February 2022


Page 12 of 40

Trust your gut: how your gut microbiota can save you from cancer

A recent review highlights the effects of different intestinal bacteria on colorectal cancer, exploring new therapies for disease prevention and treatment. Beneficial probiotics, such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, exhibit anticancer properties and reduce CRC cell proliferation.

Risk of second allergic reaction to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that the risk of immediate allergic reactions to a second dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines is low among patients who experienced an immediate allergic reaction to their first dose. The study included 1,366 patients and showed no significant increase in severe immediate reactions or anaphylaxis.

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.

Sequencing puts carnivore chromosomes in context

Researchers used Hi-C sequencing to identify three-dimensional chromosome structures in 11 carnivore species, showing conserved chromatin structures across families despite millions of years of evolution. This approach could facilitate identifying related genes and placing them in context.

Perfecting the EV battery recycling process

A new study from Chalmers University of Technology outlines an optimized recycling process for electric vehicle batteries, reducing thermal treatment times to just 30 minutes and operating at room temperature. This process can increase the efficiency of metal recovery, lower environmental impacts, and reduce costs.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Mortality among adults with COVID-19 being treated for cancer

Researchers investigated COVID-19 mortality in adult cancer patients, finding that systemic treatments and comorbidities played a role in increased risk. The study analyzed 2,500 patients and identified specific tumor subtypes associated with higher mortality rates.

New study sheds light on seed vigor control in rice

Researchers discovered a bZIP23-PER1A module that regulates rice seed vigor, improving crop quality. They found two cultivars with huge phenotypic differences, Kasalath and Jigeng88, and identified a novel detoxification pathway to enhance seed vigor.

Colombia: Climate protection at the mercy of politics

A new study in Frontiers in Environmental Science reveals the impact of politics on climate change in Colombia. Deforestation dynamics vary significantly depending on municipality area and region, with coca farming predominating in the Andes and cattle ranching in the Amazon.

Peace has led to more deforestation in Colombia

A new study reveals that Colombia's peace agreement has led to more forest loss, primarily due to increased coca farming and cattle ranching in the Andes and Amazon respectively. The research highlights the importance of considering local factors such as land use, politics, and socioeconomics in conservation efforts.

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.

Study identifies key regulator of cell differentiation

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified BEND3 as a critical regulator of cell differentiation, discovering that it represses genes associated with cell fate. This finding has implications for understanding normal development and potentially improving cancer treatment.

New machine learning model flags abnormal brain scans in real-time

Researchers developed a deep learning framework that can accurately flag abnormalities in routine head MRI scans, prioritizing resources for critical cases. The model reduced wait times for reports from 28 days to 14 days and from 9 days to 5 days, enabling real-time applications.

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.

Xue Sherry Gao wins CAREER Award

Xue Sherry Gao has won a prestigious CAREER Award to create versatile toolkits for controlling gene expression. Her research aims to develop broadly applicable platforms for gene regulation, with a focus on precision dosing and safety features.

ZIP codes matter when it comes to severe COVID-19

A new study shows that ZIP code social vulnerability index is linked to COVID-19 severity, with more disadvantaged areas experiencing higher symptom rates. However, differences disappear when patients are discharged from hospitals, suggesting equal access to care plays a crucial role in reducing initial disparities.

Pine needles tell the story of PFAS in North Carolina

Researchers analyzed pine needle samples to track the presence and concentrations of over 70 different types of PFAS in six N.C. counties from 1961 to the present. The findings show a snapshot history of a half century of PFAS contamination, including the introduction and phasing out of new chemicals.

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.

Can machine-learning models overcome biased datasets?

Researchers studied how diverse neural network training datasets impact generalization. They found that data diversity is key to overcoming bias, but also degrade performance when neural networks are trained for multiple tasks simultaneously. The study highlights the importance of designing diverse and controlled datasets in machine le...

A study uncovers the ‘grammar’ behind human gene regulation

A research group at the University of Helsinki has discovered the logic controlling gene regulation in human cells. They found that individual transcription factors contribute to gene regulation in an additive manner and identified regulatory elements that function within closed chromatin regions.

Accelerating melt rate makes Greenland Ice Sheet world’s largest ‘dam’

Researchers have found that the Greenland Ice Sheet is losing mass at an unprecedented rate due to the conversion of gravitational energy from meltwater into heat. The ice sheet's basal melting rates are comparable to those measured on the surface, but without solar energy input, producing a significant source of hydropower.

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.

New technology fused with photosynthetic life offers path to green energy

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a hybrid device that combines living organisms with bio batteries to produce stored energy under light conditions. The technology, known as microbial electro photosynthesis, has the potential to power a wide range of products, including transportation fuels and cosmetics.

Narratives, tech, and countering disinformation

Researchers explore the intersection of technology, social sciences, and narratives to combat disinformation. Experts discuss how technical solutions can be coupled with social interventions to effectively address the issue.

A care conundrum at the intersection of class, access, and health

This study examines the care conundrum at the intersection of class, access, and health, focusing on kin networks and their impact on children in industrialized nations. The researcher argues that the narrative around choice and maternal investment is false, as parents face significant constraints due to identity and class.

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.

Are shared electric scooters energy efficient?

Researchers found that shared e-scooters waste significant energy in idle status, with up to 41.9% of energy loss on weekends. The study suggests e-scooters could be a competitive transport mode against walking and cycling in urban systems, but highlights the need for better operations and regulation.

Games, stories, and science for successful public engagement

Arizona State University professor Katie Hinde explores successful public engagement in science, highlighting the power of stories and narratives in teaching children about science. Her March Mammal Madness game has reached over half a million students, featuring simulated animal battles and providing educational resources for educators.

A date for greener membranes

A team of scientists at KAUST has created adjustable and biodegradable nanofiltration membranes from date seeds using an environmentally friendly process. The new membranes demonstrated excellent performance in oil and solvent filtration experiments, outperforming traditional methods.

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.

How vacation photos of zebras and whales can help conservation

Scientists use AI to analyze images of wildlife for crucial data, helping track endangered species and combat extinction. A new field called imageomics extracts biological information from images, providing insights into animal movements, population trends, and evolutionary adaptations.

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.

Techniques for communicating science in an age of declining trust

The workshop aims to provide tangible techniques for effectively communicating scientific results to general audiences. Researchers conducted surveys to understand the decline in public trust in science, citing insufficient science education and disinformation campaigns as key factors.

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.

How to look thousands of kilometers deep into the Earth?

Researchers use white laser beam and diamond anvil cell to measure SiO2 glass density, yielding key information on its refractive index and path length. This breakthrough helps geoscientists understand Earth's interior and solid mantle formation.

Researchers identify protein complex critical in helping control cell death

A preclinical study identified a protein complex critical for regulating apoptosis and necroptosis. Inhibiting this complex may help prevent excessive cell death and tissue damage associated with heart attacks, autoimmune disorders, and COVID-19. Researchers believe that targeting the PPP1R3G/PP1γ pathway could lead to new treatments f...

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Public opinion on transparency at the FDA

A survey study found that 71% of respondents support increased transparency in the FDA drug approval process. Public support for or opposition to transparency measures was assessed in this study.

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.

Steroid treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy may depend on the clock

A new study suggests that the timing of steroid treatment may be crucial to its effectiveness in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Researchers found that weekly doses of prednisone were more effective when administered at a specific time of day, promoting muscle function and reducing side effects.