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Science News Archive February 2022


Page 2 of 40

New, nature-inspired concepts for turning CO2 into clean fuels

Scientists from the University of Cambridge have developed a method to improve the efficiency of electrolysis for converting CO2 into fuel, reducing unwanted by-products and increasing production by 18 times. The new concept relies on enzymes isolated from bacteria and fine-tunes the local environment to optimize their performance.

Quantum boomerang

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara experimentally demonstrate the quantum boomerang effect, where particles in a disordered system return to their starting point after being displaced. The effect is rooted in Anderson localization and is stabilized by wave-like interference in quantum systems.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Healthy gut microbiome improves success of cancer treatment

A recent study published in Nature Medicine has confirmed the link between a healthy gut microbiome and the response to cancer immunotherapy. The study found that certain bacterial species, such as Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum, Roseburia spp., and Akkermansia muciniphila, are associated with a better immune response.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs may slow down metastases

Researchers have found that statins can inhibit the formation of tumors and metastases in animals with increased MACC1 expression. A study analyzing data from over 300,000 patients prescribed statins also showed a correlation between statin use and reduced cancer incidence.

Yale’s new data analysis tool uncovers important COVID-19 clues

The Multiscale PHATE tool uncovers specific immune cell types linked to poor COVID-19 outcomes, including a helper T cell known as TH17. By analyzing millions of cells, researchers found that high levels of certain white blood cell types predict mortality with 83% accuracy.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Clues to better batteries emerge from tracking lithium

Researchers used x-rays to track lithium deposition and removal from a battery anode during cycling, identifying irregularities that lead to reduced capacity and lifespan. Incomplete lithium stripping causes dead spots on the anode, reducing cell capacity and electron flow.

New precision technology for immunotherapy

Researchers at Lund University have developed a new precision medicine technology, TS-MAP, to identify and target cancer cell surface proteins. The method provides a direct analysis of all accessible cell surface tumour antigens in tumour tissue from patients.

Why exercise gets harder the less you do

Researchers at the University of Leeds discovered that deactivating the Piezo1 protein, a blood flow sensor, reduces muscle capillary density and restricts blood flow to muscles. This results in reduced exercise capability and increased risk of disease, highlighting the crucial link between physical activity and physical performance.

Mystery solved about the origin of the 30,000-year-old Venus of Willendorf

A team of researchers used micro-computed tomography to examine the interior of the Venus figurine, finding that its material likely comes from northern Italy. The analysis revealed a unique combination of grain sizes and properties that match samples from Lake Garda, suggesting a journey south of the Alps.

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.

An age-old problem

Researchers have developed a new model system using Daphnia to study aging, focusing on interventions that extend active life and health rather than just lifespan. This approach addresses existing problems in the field, such as lack of standardized data and misinterpretation of results.

Mineralization of amber insects provides new view of amber taphonomy

Researchers discovered calcification and silicification of insects in Kachin amber, preserving complete compound eyes, cuticle structures, and skin sensillae. The study sheds light on the role of mineralization in preserving fossils and challenges existing views on amber taphonomy.

How the body fights back against cancer

Researchers at the University of East Anglia discovered a way to activate the immune system to fight cancer cells using a protein called STING. This finding could lead to improved treatments for people with acute myeloid leukemia, which is difficult to treat and often relapses after chemotherapy.

New optical tweezers put on the pressure to change color

Researchers at Osaka City University have developed a new technique for controlling the luminescence color of materials using optical tweezers and nanotextured black silicon. The system can change the color of a material in response to changes in light pressure, allowing for fully reversible remote 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.

Super scintillators enable X-ray detection at an ultralow level

The KAUST team has created a flexible and efficient scintillation film using lead-free metal halides, detecting X-rays at levels 113 times lower than standard medical imaging doses. This breakthrough enhances medical, industrial and security X-ray imaging, offering significant improvements in spatial resolution.

A slow-motion section of the San Andreas fault may not be so harmless after all

A new study of rocks from nearly 2 miles under the surface suggests that the San Andreas fault's central section has hosted many major earthquakes, including some that could have been fairly recent. The researchers found altered compositions in sedimentary rock, indicating more than 100 quakes with potential magnitudes over 6.9.

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.

Gender-affirming hormone therapy can influence gene activity

A new study found that gender-affirming hormone therapy can affect certain regions of DNA, influencing immune function and susceptibility to autoimmune disease. The research has important implications for counseling transgender children and adolescents about the effects of hormone therapies.

Researchers successfully measure second sound attenuation

A team led by Prof. PAN Jianwei from the University of Science and Technology of China has successfully measured second sound attenuation in a controlled experiment using ultra-cold lithium-6, verifying the dynamic scaling theory and paving the way for further research on quantum critical regions.

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.

Nostalgia can relieve pain

Researchers found that viewing nostalgic images from childhood reduced pain perception in adults, with the strongest effect on low-intensity pain. Nostalgic images decreased activity in brain regions involved in pain perception, including the left lingual gyrus and parahippocampal gyrus.

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.

Freshwater from thin air

Researchers have developed a hydrogel that can absorb and retain water when combined with a hygroscopic salt, extracting almost six liters of pure water per kilo of material in 24 hours. This technology could play a fundamental role in recovering atmospheric water in drought-stricken regions.

Inappropriate use of 228 clinical practices in Canada

A systematic review of 174 studies found that 228 Canadian clinical practices were used inappropriately, with underuse being more common than overuse. Inappropriate care can lead to poor health outcomes and inefficient use of healthcare resources.

Webb Fellowship awarded for the study of giant planets

Dr Henrik Melin, a researcher at the University of Leicester, has been awarded the third-ever Webb Fellowship to study the atmospheres of giant planets using the James Webb Space Telescope. He aims to understand the mechanisms driving powerful aurorae on these planets and address the 'energy crisis' in their upper atmospheres.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New finding in astronomy: black hole spins on its side

For the first time, scientists have measured a large difference between a black hole's rotation axis and the axis of its orbiting binary star system. This finding forces astronomers to add a new dimension to their models, offering new insights into black hole formation and physics.

Key regulating protein found in homologous recombination and cell survival

A recent study by Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, discovered a novel regulatory role of mitochondrial factor HIGD1A in DNA damage repair. The research found that the protein's translocation into the nucleus regulates homologous recombination and affects sensitivity to radiation therapies.

New way viruses trigger autoimmunity discovered

Researchers discovered a viral infection can trigger autoimmunity in mice by disrupting the thymus's screening process for self-destructive T cells. Infection with murine roseolovirus led to autoimmune gastritis months later, highlighting a previously unknown way viruses can trigger autoimmunity.

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.

Do hospitals that conduct research provide better care for patients?

Analysis reveals hospitals that publish research studies have better patient outcomes, including lower mortality rates for heart attack, heart failure, and pneumonia. Hospitals with more publications also receive higher patient ratings and are more likely to be recommended by patients.

Condition for neutrino oscillation instability in Stars

Basudeb Dasgupta's study shows that collective oscillations can occur only if the spectra of two neutrino flavors cross over at some energy or emission angle. This result guarantees that observation of neutrino oscillation instabilities will reveal new information from deep within the star.

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.

Goldberg receives funding for training program

Debora Goldberg has received funding to develop a Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Training Program (HPSWRTP) at George Mason University. The program aims to promote health and well-being in rural and underserved communities across the US.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Spintronics: Innovative crystals for future computer electronics

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have grown crystals with rare-earth atoms that exhibit surprising fast magnetic properties. The team found that the strength of these reactions can be adjusted by choosing different atoms, opening up possibilities for optimizing spintronics components.

Ethers may have a more sustainable future thanks to heterogenous catalysis

A zirconium oxide-supported platinum-molybdenum catalyst enables the selective conversion of esters into valuable unsymmetrical ethers under mild conditions. This process offers a sustainable solution for producing these compounds from renewable biomass-derived materials, reducing waste and energy consumption.

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.

Bark of neem tree may protect against coronavirus variants

Researchers found that Neem bark components target a wide range of viral proteins, suggesting its potential as an antiviral agent against emerging coronavirus variants. The study showed the bark extract was effective in reducing virus replication and spread in SARS-CoV-2 human lung cells.