Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive February 2022


Page 18 of 40

Managing contaminants in urban stormwater

Monitoring projects have identified a vast array of contaminants in urban stormwater, including tire- and vehicle-derived chemicals, PFAS, phosphorous, metals, and more. Researchers are exploring various strategies to address this issue, such as rain gardens, permeable pavement, and reducing chemical usage at the source.

A novel nanoplatform for delivering drugs into lymphocytes

Researchers develop a novel nanoplatform that can deliver drugs directly to T cells, which play a crucial role in immune reactions. The platform uses pH-sensitive dendrimers with phenylalanine and has shown promising results for cancer immunotherapy.

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.

Antibacterial/antiviral property given to every object!

KIMS researchers created an additive that generates high metal ions, increasing antibacterial and antiviral properties in various products. The new material can be applied to display films, textiles, appliances, and medical supplies without altering their optical, mechanical, or thermal properties.

A wall to stop bacterial wilt

Tomato plant varieties resistant to bacterial wilt have the ability to restrict bacterial movement in the plant. Researchers discovered that these plants synthesize reinforcement coatings containing ligno-suberin and related phenolic compounds, providing a physico-chemical barrier against pathogen colonization.

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.

Getting a step ahead of TB’s drug resistance evolution

Researchers studied microorganisms, including TB bacteria, to understand how genetic mutations drive adaptation and resistance. They found that certain types of mutations are more common than others, and this imbalance can help scientists predict which mutations will lead to drug resistance.

How hunting robber flies snatch victims from the air

Researchers discovered that robber flies employ a combination of two strategies to navigate cluttered environments and capture prey. They use an obstacle avoidance strategy to swerve around obstructions, which is then followed by a resumption of the conventional interception path once the fly has passed the obstacle.

An innovative technology for 6G communication networks

Researchers developed a new waveguide to overcome limitations in THz signal transmission and processing. The device allows for unprecedented flexibility towards manipulating THz pulses, enabling complex signal-processing functionalities such as holographic messaging.

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.

Small country with a great potential for microbiome studies

Researchers discovered that long-term antibiotic usage has a significant impact on the microbiome, partly explaining common bacterial signatures between diseases. The Estonian Microbiome Project analyzed data from over 2,500 participants, revealing changes in microbiome diversity after just 3-4 courses of antibiotics.

Decoding KODA production to augment stress resistance in plants

Scientists from Tokyo Institute of Technology have created a method to boost KODA production in plants, utilizing biotechnology. This technique involves introducing key genes into two plant species and optimizing their localization to improve yield. The findings may lead to mass-producing diverse oxylipins for fertilizers and pesticides.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The usefulness of gestures in language development

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that as children grow older, they use more non-referential gestures in their narratives, which do not visually represent the content of what they are saying. This indicates a greater ability to structure discourse and suggests progress in cognitive development.

New traineeship offers students entrée into accelerator science

The Virginia Innovative Traineeships in Accelerators (VITA) program is accepting students, providing a regional workforce development pipeline and increasing minority participation in STEM careers. Students will gain hands-on experience in particle accelerator technology, operations, and research and development.

World-first: Speed of sound used to measure elasticity of materials

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a groundbreaking technology to measure the microscopic elasticity of materials. By analyzing the speed of sound across the material's surface, they can reveal the orientation and inherent stiffness of small crystals, which is essential for material performance.

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.

Novel method produces large, high-quality crystals

Researchers developed a novel ultrafast crystal growth process using liquid metal and atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition to produce high-quality gallium selenide crystals. The new method enables the production of large-sized crystals in just five minutes, overcoming the traditional time delay in semi-conductor applications.

Anaerobic processes fuel carbon dioxide production in Tonle Sap Lake

Research found that anaerobic microbial transformation on Tonle Sap Lake's floodplains produces substantial amounts of dissolved carbon dioxide, highlighting the importance of this process in tropical freshwater ecosystems. This discovery has significant implications for understanding global carbon cycles and the impact of climate change.

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.

What we knew about water was right after all

Researchers at KAUST investigated the formation of hydrogen peroxide in micrometre-sized water droplets and found that ambient ozone is a key player. They used an ultrasensitive fluorescence-based assay to detect H2O2 with improved sensitivity, revealing up to one micromolar levels in microdroplets from commercial ultrasonic humidifiers.

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.

A new atlas of cells that carry blood to the brain

A team of researchers from MIT created a comprehensive atlas of cerebrovascular cells in human brain tissue, identifying 11 subtypes and their functions. The study reveals differences between healthy and diseased cells, potentially leading to new targets for treating Huntington's disease.

Unprecedented Australian bushfire intensity linked to British colonisation

A new study found that Australian bushfires are linked to British colonisation and climate change, with forests becoming denser and more flammable due to the increase in woody biomass. Indigenous burning practices ceased after colonial settlement, leading to an increase in shrub cover and unprecedented wildfires.

Chinese youth not engaging in heart healthy habits

Only 1.9% of Chinese children and adolescents exhibit ideal cardiovascular health status, with socioeconomic factors impacting behavior. Researchers recommend strategies like household smoking control and physical activity promotion to improve cardiovascular health in young generations.

Defense treaties affect support of military action

A new study from the University of Georgia found that Americans are more supportive of military action in foreign countries when the US has existing defense treaties with those nations. The research suggests that public opinion can be shaped by how leaders frame international commitments, particularly in relation to NATO alliances.

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.

Too soon to lift mask mandates for most elementary schools in U.S., study finds

A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study suggests that US elementary schools should only remove masks when local COVID-19 case rates are below a certain threshold to avoid increased transmission. The study provides a framework for school decision-makers to estimate the level of mitigation needed to meet their goals.

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.

Why parents in their prime produce the best offspring

Researchers have developed a mathematical model that explains how parents allocate resources to their offspring based on age. The study found that older parents can provide more resources due to increased experience, but this decreases as they get older. This pattern is observed in many mammals and insects, including the tsetse fly.

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.

Stem cell infusion boosts sepsis survival in mice

Researchers found that infusing bone-marrow stem cells into mice with sepsis increased their survival by 50-60% and decreased inflammation. This treatment could offer an alternative to current granulocyte transfusions, which have limited benefits.

Study of LSD microdosing doesn't show a therapeutic effect

A new study by University of Chicago researchers found no evidence that LSD microdosing improves mood and cognitive function. However, the study did confirm that taking small doses of LSD is safe, with participants building a tolerance to the drug over time.

NYU’s Jonathan Niles-Weed Wins Sloan Foundation research fellowship

Jonathan Niles-Weed, an assistant professor at NYU's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, has been awarded a prestigious Sloan Research Fellowship for his groundbreaking work in statistical theory and optimal transport. The fellowship recognizes his creativity, innovation, and research accomplishments in the field of data science.

Gene editing now possible in ticks

Researchers successfully edited the genomes of black-legged ticks using CRISPR-Cas9, overcoming technical challenges and advancing tick genetic research. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding tick-pathogen-host interactions and developing new approaches to tick-borne disease control.

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.

Grant to reduce, eliminate toxicity of coal mine dust

Researchers aim to eliminate respirable coal mine dust toxicity with chemical additives, targeting ultrafine particles and quartz. The project will investigate particle surface chemistry and aging effects on toxicity, with potential applications in metal, non-metal mining, and construction.

Algorithm marks the spot: Making brain stimulation more reliable

A research team developed an algorithm that instantly assesses and adjusts brain stimulation placement using electroencephalography (EEG) feedback. The method can find the optimal stimulation parameters in just 1-2 minutes, potentially improving the efficacy of TMS treatment for brain disorders like chronic pain and depression.

Do we need a new standard of care for colorectal cancer?

A new study highlights alternative treatment options that consider a patient's likelihood of recovery and quality of life. Total Definitive Treatment (TDT) is an approach that combines chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and close monitoring to potentially cure patients without surgery.

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.

Dogs can recognize their owner by voice alone

A study found that dogs can distinguish their owner's voice from many others, using specific voice properties like pitch and noisiness. In the experiment, dogs successfully identified their owners in 82% of cases, suggesting they use some of the same voice analysis mechanisms as humans.

'Blue Blob' near Iceland could slow glacial melting

A region of cooling water in the North Atlantic Ocean near Iceland, nicknamed the 'Blue Blob,' has likely slowed the melting of the island's glaciers since 2011. The cold patch is predicted to persist until about 2050, before ocean and air temperatures increase leading to accelerated melting.

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.

Tubal ligation half as likely for moms who deliver at Catholic hospitals

A new study found that women who deliver babies at Catholic hospitals are about half as likely to have undergone a sterilization procedure to prevent unwanted pregnancies after the birth. This difference is attributed to factors such as age, marital status, education level, and insurance status.