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Science News Archive February 2022


Page 17 of 40

DNA design brings predictability to polymer gels

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a tuneable, elastic and temperature-sensitive gel by using complementary DNA strands to connect star-shaped polymer molecules together. The gel exhibits predictable behavior, self-healing properties and durability suitable for medical and engineering applications.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

CABI-led study ranks potentially harmful invasive alien plant species in Ghana

A CABI-led study has ranked nearly 200 potentially harmful invasive alien plant species in Ghana that could have a detrimental impact on agriculture, forestry, and biodiversity. The top-ranked arthropod and pathogenic species include the pink hibiscus mealybug, melon thrips, cassava brown streak virus, and maize lethal necrosis disease.

Heart attack survivors may be less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease

Researchers found that heart attack survivors were less likely to develop Parkinson's disease over a 21-year follow-up period. The study adjusted for various factors and found an inverse relationship between heart attacks and Parkinson's risk, suggesting cardiac rehabilitation should focus on preventing other cardiovascular diseases.

Breakthrough in converting CO2 into fuel using solar energy

Researchers at Lund University have developed a way to convert carbon dioxide into fuel using solar energy, creating a potential solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The process uses advanced materials and ultra-fast laser spectroscopy, allowing for the conversion of CO2 to carbon monoxide.

Flies possess more sophisticated cognitive abilities than previously known

Researchers at UC San Diego's Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind discovered that fruit flies possess more sophisticated cognitive abilities than previously known. Using virtual reality and real-time brain imaging, they found attention, working memory, and conscious awareness-like capabilities in flies.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

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How socioeconomics may impact COVID-19-associated stress in youth

A new study from Children's Hospital Los Angeles reveals that parents in low-income communities are more likely to discuss COVID-19 preventative behaviors with their kids, reducing stress for both families. Despite higher risk of infection, these communities exhibit lower rates of worry and disease burden.

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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Researchers locate novel targets for development of male contraceptive

Scientists discovered two new targets, EPPIN domains, to block sperm motility, a complex process that allows sperm to reach the egg. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using mice as models for in vivo trials, simplifying preclinical studies and paving the way for novel male contraceptives.

Hotter, drier nights mean more runaway fires

A new study found that hot, dry nights have increased by 45% in the US West over the past four decades, leading to more intense and frequent wildfires. The warmer nighttime conditions make it harder for firefighters to slow down or extinguish fires, which are becoming 28% more intense.

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.

New COVID-19 study links nurses’ mental health to quality of care

A new study found that severe mental health symptoms among nurses are linked to lower ratings of patient care quality and safety. The research highlights the importance of addressing work environment factors, such as heavy workloads and inadequate staffing, to protect nurse mental health.

Orangutans instinctively use hammers to strike and sharp stones to cut

In a study published in PLOS ONE, researchers found that untrained captive orangutans can complete two major steps in making and using stone tools: striking rocks together and cutting using sharp stones. This suggests that the use of stone tools may have existed in our last common ancestor with orangutans 13 million years ago.

Dissolving oil in a sunlit sea

A team of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers discovered that nearly 10% of the oil floating on the Gulf of Mexico after the Deepwater Horizon spill was dissolved into seawater by sunlight. The process, called photo-dissolution, has significant implications for understanding the fate and potential toxicity of these compounds.

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Superfluids provide new insight into turbulence

Researchers studied vortices in a superfluid, merging into large clusters like cyclones. The results validate Onsager's model, explaining vortex equilibrium and shedding light on turbulent fluid flows.

UH researchers receive $4.4M to develop clean energy technologies

The University of Houston has received funding to develop lithium and transition metal-free battery technologies with high-energy charging capabilities. Additionally, a gallium nitride-based miniaturized pulsed power system architecture is being developed for mission-critical applications, including healthcare tech.

Increased infectivity, antibody escape drive SARS-CoV-2 evolution, studies say

Researchers analyzed over 1.5 million SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences to understand the evolution of the virus, finding that increased infectivity is a driving force behind its spread. The omicron variant is predicted to compromise current vaccines and therapies, highlighting the need for new generation of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.

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.

The immune system also helps a healthy body

Researchers found that the immune system helps produce ketone bodies, which energize the brain and body, even in healthy individuals. The discovery sheds light on how the immune system maintains bodily equilibrium.

Embryonic development and cancer cell growth

Researchers from the University of Barcelona discovered that embryonic development signals can also control cancer cell growth, inhibiting proliferation and inducing differentiation in lung cancer cells. The study's findings have implications for developing new therapeutic strategies to fight lung cancer.

Association of mental disorders with dementia

Researchers found a significant association between mental disorders and dementia in a 30-year New Zealand study involving 1.7 million citizens. The study suggests that individuals with mental health conditions may be at higher risk of developing dementia, highlighting the importance of mental health care in preventing cognitive decline.

Pushing past pancreatic tumors’ defenses

Researchers discovered that cancer cells use a combination of proteins to repel T cells and protect themselves from the immune system. By disabling this protection, scientists were able to allow T cells to infiltrate and attack pancreatic tumors, leading to shrinkage or disappearance.

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.

Where wild honeybees survive

Researchers found that wild honeybee colonies can survive in Galicia, Spain, particularly in areas with semi-natural habitats. The study suggests that extensive forms of land use and restoration of near-natural landscape features are crucial for insect conservation.

Cornell, startup receive $7 million for novel clean energy tech

Researchers at Cornell University have received over $7 million in federal grants to develop innovative clean energy technologies. The funds will support two projects: a wirelessly charged dynamic system for electric vehicles and the development of low-carbon construction materials from waste. These breakthroughs aim to reduce greenhou...

‘Prescribe ivermectin for COVID-19 only in large-scale randomized trials’

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University advise against prescribing ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19 due to the lack of reliable evidence. They emphasize the importance of relying on proven therapeutic innovations and vaccinations to combat the pandemic, citing the risks of unproven treatments like ivermectin.

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.

Recently identified protein group plays major role in nature

A new protein group has been identified that functions as a switch to regulate biological activity, found in all domains of life and essential for cellular activities such as gene expression and metabolism. The discovery opens up new possibilities for the development of novel drugs targeting these switches.

Creating universal blood-type organs for transplant

A study published in Science Translational Medicine has proved that it is possible to convert blood type safely in donor organs intended for transplantation, eliminating the need for matching by blood type. This breakthrough could significantly improve fairness in organ allocation and decrease mortality for patients on the waitlist.

Ultraprecise atomic clock poised for new physics discoveries

Researchers develop multiplexed optical lattice atomic clock, achieving unprecedented precision and enabling new physics discoveries, including testing gravitational waves and detecting dark matter. The clock's performance surpasses expectations, allowing for longer experiments and potential applications in real-world settings.

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.

Composition of gut microbiome predicts the onset of type 2 diabetes

A study found that specific bacterial groups from the Lachnospiraceae family were associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research used machine learning techniques and analyzed fecal samples from a large Finnish population cohort, identifying microbial biomarkers that predicted disease incidence.

Fact checks, not false tags, counter COVID-19 misinformation

Researchers found that fact checks are a more effective counter to COVID-19 misinformation than false news tags. The study, published in Public Opinion Quarterly, tested the impact of fact checks and false tags on public perception of false claims about the pandemic.

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.

A potentially longer-lasting cholera vaccine

Researchers have created a new type of cholera vaccine consisting of polysaccharides displayed on virus-like particles, generating long-lasting antibody responses in mice. The vaccine shows promise as a next-generation cholera vaccine, potentially replacing current vaccines that last only 2-5 years.

URV researchers discover a way to predict the degradation of a neural network

A research team led by Professor Àlex Arenas from Universitat Rovira i Virgili has discovered a theoretical explanation for the degradation of neural networks, allowing for predictions on when they will stop functioning. This breakthrough can help in understanding neurological diseases and optimizing network systems.

Preclinical study finds gut fungi influence neuroimmunity and behavior

A preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers reveals that a specific group of fungi residing in the intestines can protect against intestinal injury and influence social behavior in mice. The findings suggest a novel signaling system connecting fungi in the gut to their host's cells, including immune cells and neurons.

A possible cure for sickle cell?

A recent study suggests that gene therapy could be a possible cure for sickle cell disease, with the added benefit of preventing complications and extending lifespan. However, the high cost and limited accessibility of this treatment pose significant challenges for patients worldwide.

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.

Clean-energy discourse from energy giants not reflected in investments

A new study analyzed the clean energy discourse of four large oil and gas companies, finding that their business actions and investments do not align with their climate change pledges. Despite increased use of keywords like 'climate' and 'transition', the companies have made limited progress towards decarbonization.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

COVID-19 survivors face increased mental health risks up to a year later

Research reveals that people who have had COVID-19 are more likely to experience mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders, within a year after recovery from the virus. The study found that COVID-19 survivors were 60% more likely to suffer from mental health problems than those who were not infe...

Google's 'CEO' image search gender bias hasn't really been fixed

A recent study found that Google's image search for occupations like CEO still displays significant gender bias, even after the company claimed to have fixed the issue. The researchers proposed three algorithms to address this problem and tested them on four major search engines.

eDNA a useful tool for early detection of invasive green crab

A new study published in Ecological Applications shows that eDNA-based detection can be a useful tool for early detection of invasive green crab. The technique involves collecting water samples and analyzing DNA to detect the presence of the species, which can help wildlife managers contain future invasions and prevent new outbreaks.

Researchers use solar cells to achieve fast underwater wireless communication

A new approach using an array of series-connected solar cells as detectors simplifies underwater optical data links, offering a cost-effective and low-energy way to transmit data underwater. The system demonstrated the highest bandwidth ever achieved for a commercial silicon solar panel-based optical communication system.

VA research spells out COVID’s down-the-road risks for mental health

A VA research team found increased risks of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders, in individuals who had COVID-19 infection. The study analyzed medical records of nearly 154,000 patients with COVID-19 and compared them to over 11 million people without COVID-19.

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.