Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive February 2022


Page 21 of 40

Loneliness has a different neural basis than social anxiety

Researchers found that loneliness is driven by different brain states than social anxiety, with distinct neural activity patterns. People with social anxiety showed increased amygdala activation and reduced nucleus accumbens activation, while those with high loneliness did not display these patterns.

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.

Decline of vultures and rise of dogs carries disease risks

A recent study published in the Journal of Wildlife Management found that vulture declines are linked to increased disease risks due to their absence. With no natural clean-up crew, diseases spread rapidly among scavenger communities, including feral dogs, which fill the ecological gap left by vultures.

Follow-up costs can add up if a free cancer screening shows a potential problem

New studies from Michigan Medicine researchers aim to remove financial barriers for patients who receive abnormal test results, enabling them to complete the diagnostic process. The findings suggest that removing cost barriers could save lives by increasing screening uptake, particularly among women and underserved populations.

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.

Numerical model of butterfly flight dynamics

A team of researchers from Shinshu University has developed a precise numerical model of butterfly flight dynamics, revealing the intricate relationship between wing movement and air flow. The study's findings have significant implications for designing micro air vehicles (MAVs), which could lead to breakthroughs in aerospace engineering.

What lies beneath: Roots as drivers of South African landscape pattern

A new study reveals that roots are the true engine of terrestrial nutrient cycling, driving biodiversity in South Africa's Fynbos and Afrotemperate Forest biomes. The research found that Fynbos plants use thinnest roots to limit nutrient availability for trees, allowing them to outcompete forest species.

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.

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B Volume 11, Issue 12 publishes

This issue of Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B presents several studies on drug-induced liver injury, including the role of p62/SQSTM1 in acetaminophen-induced liver injury and the importance of gut barrier function in pyrrolizidine alkaloid-induced hepatotoxicity. The journal also explores mechanisms of immune checkpoint inhibitor-mediated...

Emily Cohen awarded NSF CAREER Award to study migrating birds as communities

Assistant Professor Emily Cohen at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science received a $750,000 NSF CAREER Award to study migrating birds as communities. This research aims to fill critical gaps in understanding animal migration by considering migratory animals as networks of ecological interactions.

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.

Trauma centers expand care to treat patients beyond physical injury

Trauma centers in the US are increasingly screening and intervening for patients with alcohol and substance abuse issues, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal ideation. A survey found that over 95% of trauma centers screen and intervene for high-risk patients, leading to significant reductions in re-entry rates.

USTC researchers develop a method named SCUBA for protein design

USTC researchers develop a method named SCUBA for de novo protein design, employing a novel statistical learning strategy to generate protein main chain structures with high designability. This approach enables the creation of novel protein structures not observed in nature, expanding the diversity of accessible protein geometries.

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.

Neutrinos are lighter than 0.8 electron volts

The KATRIN experiment has constrained the mass of neutrinos to a new upper limit of 0.8 eV, breaking into the sub-eV mass range relevant to cosmology and particle physics. This achievement demonstrates unprecedented precision in determining the mass of neutrinos.

Decolonize research to save heritage threatened by climate change

New research from the University of East Anglia and partner institutions highlights the need for locally led research and equitable funding to address the loss and damage of heritage from climate change. The study suggests that decolonial approaches can strengthen adaptation action globally and recognize the breadth of heritage.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

China’s moon sample updates lunar chronology model

Researchers have updated the lunar chronology model using radiometric ages of new Chang'E-5 samples and crater counting data from the landing area. The new model provides a more accurate timescale, essential for understanding lunar and planetary history.

Older adults store too much information in their brains

A study published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences found that older adults tend to store irrelevant information, making it harder to remember specific details. This can lead to a 'flood' of information, but also benefits like improved prior knowledge utilization and decision-making.

'Math neurons' identified in the brain

Researchers at the University of Bonn and Tübingen discovered specific brain cells that fire during mathematical operations. The study found unique neurons for addition and subtraction tasks, suggesting a complex coding system in the human brain.

DisCo: Boosting the efficiency of single-cell RNA sequencing

A new method called DisCo enhances the efficiency of single-cell RNA sequencing by actively detecting and capturing cells using machine-vision. This approach allows for continuous operation and high capture efficiency, making it suitable for processing small cell samples such as tissues or patient biopsies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New in the Hastings Center Report: January-February 2022 issue

The Hastings Center Report examines four key considerations for assessing risk-trade-offs in the pandemic, including education, economies, healthcare, travel, social engagement, and medical countermeasures. The report also challenges traditional notions of advance directives in end-of-life care, proposing a new principle of patient aut...

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Many marine phytoplankton discovered to be voracious predators

A team of researchers found that many marine phytoplankton are voracious predators, consuming bacteria like Prochlorococcus and other primary production. This discovery reveals the complexity of ocean ecosystems and challenges traditional views of phytoplankton as solely photosynthetic organisms.

Pursuing carbon neutrality and water security in China

A new study suggests that China's pursuit of carbon neutrality could lead to significant water savings, with 24% of industrial water use expected to be saved by 2060. However, some provinces may struggle to meet their water-use targets, and coordinated climate-water strategies are needed to address these challenges.

New study reveals potential target for alcohol-associated liver disease

A new pathway has been discovered to explain how excessive alcohol consumption damages the liver, specifically through mitochondrial dysfunction. By targeting an enzyme called MATα1, researchers believe they can develop a new treatment for people suffering from alcohol-associated liver disease.

High levels of hazardous chemicals found in Canadian nail salons

A University of Toronto study found high levels of hazardous chemicals in Canadian nail salons, with exposures up to 30 times higher than in homes and 10 times higher than in e-waste handling facilities. The study urges government and product manufacturers to make safer personal care products and safer spaces for workers and customers.

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.

Secondary cratering on Earth: The Wyoming impact crater field

A team of geoscientists has discovered several dozen small impact craters in southeastern Wyoming, dating back to the Permian period. The craters, estimated to be formed by blocks ejected from a primary crater, provide new insights into Earth's asteroid impact history.

A genetic database to identify missing persons in El Salvador

A genetic database has been created in El Salvador to help identify missing persons and victims of the country's civil war. The database, which includes 400 individuals, uses advanced sequencing technologies to assess genetic relationships between remains and relatives.

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.

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.

Carter Awarded $1.5 million for Origin of Life Research

Researchers led by Charles Carter will investigate how critical molecules interacted and evolved together, leading to the emergence of life on Earth billions of years ago. They aim to characterize an ancestral alphabet and establish how it grew into the twenty-letter coding alphabet used in genes.

Melatonin inhibits Gram-negative pathogens by targeting citrate synthase

This study reveals melatonin's potential as an antibacterial agent against Gram-negative pathogens, particularly through the inhibition of citrate synthase. By damaging bacterial membranes and inducing leakage of intracellular contents, melatonin demonstrates its effectiveness in reducing bacterial loads.

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.

BU researchers identify a novel PARP-like enzyme in mitochondria

The study identifies NEURL4, a mitochondrial ADP-ribosyltransferase enzyme, which plays a critical role in maintaining mitochondrial DNA integrity. The research suggests potential new strategies for treating diseases with a mitochondrial component, such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Trust clinical COVID-19 signs over a negative RT-PCR test

A Rutgers study found that hospital patients with repeated negative RT-PCR tests but exhibiting COVID-19 signs and/or symptoms were half as likely to receive treatment as those who tested positive. The study suggests that clinicians should not solely rely on RT-PCR tests for COVID-19 diagnosis.

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.

Mental health crisis follows COVID-19 wake

A recent study found that Australian international border restrictions had a negative impact on mental health, with participants reporting high levels of psychological distress. The study highlights the need for policymakers to consider the toll of pandemic policies on people's mental health and wellbeing.