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Science News Archive February 2022


Page 22 of 40

Tilting of Earth’s crust governed the flow of ancient megafloods

Researchers identified that the changing weight of ice sheets caused the entire landscape to tilt, changing the course of the Missoula megafloods. This finding provides a new perspective on Washington state's Channeled Scablands, carved by massive floods at the end of the last ice age.

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.

Time crystals leave the lab

Researchers at University of California - Riverside observe time crystals in a system not isolated from its environment, achieving a major breakthrough. The all-optical time crystal uses a disk-shaped magnesium fluoride glass resonator and has potential applications in accurate measurements and precision timekeeping.

3 doses of Pfizer–BioNTech COVID vaccine better than 2

A Kaiser Permanente study found that a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine significantly improved protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death. The study's results suggest that three doses of the vaccine provide greater benefit than two doses in preventing these outcomes.

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.

First get your heart in shape then get pregnant

A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals that more than half of young women in the US have at least one risk factor for poor heart health before pregnancy. Optimizing heart health before and during pregnancy can prevent complications, deliver a healthy baby, and even reduce the risk of heart disease years later.

New study details the ways patients with multiple sclerosis develop impairment

A new study analyzed data from over 27,000 patients with multiple sclerosis to understand the impact of relapses on long-term outcomes. The research found that progression independent of relapse activity can start early in relapsing remitting MS and becomes the dominant driver of disability accumulation as the disease evolves.

Factors associated with out-of-pocket spending for COVID-19 hospitalizations

A study found that individuals with lower-income levels and those without health insurance tend to incur higher out-of-pocket expenses for COVID-19 hospital care. The magnitude of these expenses was also influenced by the patient's insurance status, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to mitigate financial burdens.

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.

Behind a good mutation: How a gene variant protects against Alzheimer’s

Researchers have discovered a gene variant that protects against Alzheimer's disease by increasing the activity of brain immune cells called microglia. The P522R variant also enhances the activation of other important aspects of immune function, suggesting potential new strategies for treating or preventing the disease.

Closer to understanding genetic diseases

Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University have identified the molecular mechanism behind an important form of RNA modification, which can lead to genetic disorders. The discovery could pave the way for targeted RNA modifications and gene therapies.

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.

Yan to receive NSF CAREER Award

Zhisheng Yan at George Mason University has received a $500,000 NSF CAREER Award to develop a cyberinfrastructure for panoramic video analytics. The project aims to enable online analytics and innovative applications in science and engineering monitoring.

Investigating mortality risk in those with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 studies found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have an increased risk of mortality. The study suggests that understanding the underlying reasons for these associations could lead to targeted strategies to prevent avoidable deaths.

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.

Accelerated ammonia synthesis holds promise for conversion of renewable energy

Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed a process to synthesize ammonia from its constituent molecules of nitrogen and hydrogen at ambient pressure, paving the way for efficient use in renewable energy applications. The new method utilizes lithium hydride as a molecular scaffold to prevent clumping and increase reaction speed.

At bioenergy crossroads, should corn ethanol be left in the rearview mirror?

A new study published in PNAS reveals that the environmental impacts of corn ethanol far outweigh its benefits, with carbon emissions potentially negating any climate advantages. The research highlights the need to shift towards next-generation biofuels and improve efficiency, electrification, and policy-making.

Structural sexism and anti-LGB stigma linked to poor birth outcomes in the US

New research links structural sexism and anti-LGB stigma with increased risk of preterm birth and decreased birth weight, regardless of the mother's sexual orientation. The study found that these systemic issues can limit access to reproductive health care and socioeconomic opportunities, contributing to adverse birth outcomes.

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.

Neutrinos are lighter than 0.8 electronvolts

The KATRIN experiment has achieved a new upper limit on neutrino mass of 0.8 eV, entering the cosmologically and particle-physically important sub-eV mass range. This is the first time that a direct neutrino mass experiment has reached this sensitivity.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

The promise of PD-1 inhibition in relapsed cervical cancer

Results from the Phase III EMPOWER trial demonstrate the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitor cemiplimab in improving overall survival for women with recurrent and/or metastatic cervical cancer. The study showed a 31% lower risk of death in patients receiving cemiplimab compared to chemotherapy.

Mercury’s dynamic magnetosphere in post-MESSENGER era

The study of Mercury's dynamic magnetosphere reveals large variations in the solar wind at perihelion and aphelion. Magnetic reconnection events, including flux transfer event 'showers', significantly contribute to the Dungey cycle and magnetosphere-surface-exosphere coupling.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Getting the tail straight

KAUST researchers have developed a flexible statistical model to analyze environmental data, revealing niches where existing methods fall short. The study provides a new approach to modeling dependence structures, highlighting the importance of understanding model limitations and extrapolation beyond observed data.

A missing ‘motor’ causes our eggs to fail

A research team discovered that human eggs are missing the protein KIFC1, which acts as a molecular motor to stabilize spindle poles during cell division. This finding opens up new avenues for therapeutic approaches to reduce chromosome segregation errors in human eggs.

Mapping the quantum future with smart TV technology

Researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science created the first-ever 2D map of the Overhauser field in organic LEDs, revealing local spin variations that can impact device performance. The study highlights challenges in miniaturizing organic-based sensing technologies for practical applications.

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.

Three-prong treatment eliminates tumors in five minutes

Researchers at Tsinghua University Press developed a nanoplatform that non-invasively eliminates solid liver cancer tumors in mice within a single five-minute dose. The treatment, which combines three mechanisms, achieves tumor eradication without perceivable side effects.

Transient BP spikes coupled to learning in brain

Researchers at University of Gothenburg discover a link between micro-stress and increased blood pressure, identifying a brain area controlling conscious motor skills. The study opens the door to influencing BP spikes and preventing hypertension through training.

UT graduate student research solves plate tectonics mystery

A recent study by a UT graduate student has unraveled the enigma of how tectonic plates break Earth's rock-hard shell. By monitoring seismic images and matching them with rock samples, the researcher found that a small break in the Australian plate grew over millions of years until it unzipped and set in motion a runaway geologic process.

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.

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.

Extreme climate fluctuation drives South African domestic migration

A study using modified network modeling found that South African residents were likely to leave areas with climate instability, while regions with more reliable climates attracted migrants. Socioeconomic factors, such as unemployment rates, also played a role in migration patterns.

Novel wearable armband helps users of prosthetic hands to ‘get a grip’

Researchers developed a novel wearable soft robotic armband that conveys artificial sensations of touch to prosthetic hands, enabling users to control multiple grasp functions simultaneously. The study showed improved time efficiency and precision in transporting objects, with haptic feedback being crucial for tasks.

Paris Climate Agreement goal still within reach, suggests new CU Boulder study

A new CU Boulder analysis found that a subset of climate scenarios from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) project between 3.6 and 5.4 degrees F of warming by 2100, with a median of 3.96 F. This is cautiously optimistic good news compared to worst-case scenarios that projected as much as 7.2 or 9 F of warming.

Reusable plastic bottles release hundreds of chemicals

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found hundreds of chemical substances in tap water stored in reusable plastic bottles, including some potentially harmful to human health. The study revealed that machine washing and dishwasher use can increase the leaching of toxic substances from the plastic.

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.

Our eye movements reveal our emotions during sleep

Researchers found that negative emotions during dreams are associated with rapid eye movements in bursts, while positive emotions correlate with slow eye movements. This study provides new understanding of the role of REM sleep in regulating emotions and its link to mental health.

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.

A serendipitous finding lends new insight into how atopic dermatitis develops

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have identified a cascade of inflammatory signaling that precedes skin ulcers in atopic dermatitis. A mouse model lacking an activator of NF-kB signaling led to the development of skin lesions, shedding light on the early stages of the condition.

Relief for oceans and landfills?

Researchers developed novel bioplastics using lysine-rich proteins, offering improved durability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The bioplastics can be produced without toxic chemicals or complex processing steps, making them a promising alternative for packaging, toys, and other applications.