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Science News for February 25, 2022


Engaging individuals in disease prevention behaviours during a pandemic

A study conducted by Singapore Management University found that perceived effectiveness of government messages outweighs the effect of individuals' belief in a dangerous world. Effective communication with informative, personal, and objective message characteristics is key to driving disease prevention behaviors.

SourceSingapore Management University·JournalInternational Journal of Strategic Communication·DateFeb 25, 2022

Experiences of racism in adolescence raise risk of depression for Black women

A study of over 1,600 Black women found that those who frequently experienced racism before age 20 were at higher risk of reporting depressive symptoms in adulthood. The research highlights the damaging effects of racism on mental health, particularly among young people transitioning into independence.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of Urban Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 25, 2022

Banks tend to use opaque financial reporting to facilitate regulatory forbearance

A study found that banks in states with senators on the influential Senate Banking Committee have higher levels of discretionary loan loss provisions, indicating greater opacity. This effect is stronger for larger banks and those with higher risk. The researchers argue that politicians' incentives to save their home state's banks durin...

SourceSingapore Management University·JournalJournal of Accounting and Economics·DateFeb 25, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ferroelectric tunnel junction enables superior neuro-inspired computing

A novel ferroelectric tunnel junction (FTJ) synapse based on Ag/PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3(PZT, (111)-oriented)/Nb:SrTiO3 demonstrated 256 conductance states with satisfactory linearity and stability. The ON/OFF ratio was as high as 200, and an endurance of up to 10^9 cycles was achieved.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 25, 2022

New simulations refine axion mass, refocusing dark matter search

Physicists have narrowed the axion mass range to 40-180 micro-eV using advanced simulations and supercomputer power. This new estimate suggests that the most common type of experiment to detect axions won't be able to detect them, regardless of tuning.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 25, 2022

Body image affects risk of complications after breast reconstruction

A study found that patients with lower preoperative body satisfaction had increased incidence of infections and delayed wound healing after breast reconstruction. Psychological screening and intervention may help identify at-risk patients and reduce complications.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateFeb 25, 2022

Scientists identify key regulator of malaria parasite transmission

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have identified a protein called HDP1 that plays a critical role in activating genes required for the development of male and female stages of the malaria parasite. Without HDP1, parasites are unable to assemble mature gametocytes, leading to their death and inability to infect mosquitoes.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 25, 2022
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.

Advancing our view at the subcellular level

Researchers at University of Cincinnati develop a new probe and imaging technique to study lysosomes, aiding in cancer and neurodegenerative disease research. The probe, known as EC Green, enables multidimensional analysis of lysosome dynamics and provides stable tracking capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2022

LJI team uncovers new subsets of CD4+ 'helper' T cells

A recent study by La Jolla Institute for Immunology researchers has identified new subsets of CD4+ 'helper' T cells that are linked to autoimmune disease risk. The team used single-cell RNA sequencing to compare gene expression in over 1 million CD4+ T cells from 89 healthy donors, revealing sex-based differences in immune cell functio...

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2022

New model may improve Bay Area seismic hazard maps

Researchers created a 3D tectonic model combining geological, geophysical and satellite data to resolve timescales between earthquakes and mountain range formation. The study reveals that most uplift occurs in the period between earthquakes, improving local seismic hazard maps.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 25, 2022

Predictability and meaningfulness of life help tackle long-term poverty

A Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare study found that people's ability to lead their lives, strive for important things, and make decisions supporting well-being is linked to manageable life circumstances, financial resources, sense of belonging, equal opportunities, and experiencing meaning. Social security provides faith in the...

SourceFinnish Institute for Health and Welfare·JournalJournal of Social and Political Psychology·DateFeb 25, 2022
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.

Stronger materials could bloom with new images of plastic flow

Scientists captured high-resolution images of an aluminum single-crystal sample transitioning from elastic to plastic state, allowing them to predict material behavior within 5 trillionths of a second. The study could lead to the design of stronger materials for high-temperature nuclear fusion experiments and spacecraft shields.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 25, 2022

MU scientist links epigenetic biomarkers to gastrointestinal issues for kids with autism

A recent study identified specific RNA biomarkers linked to gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism. The findings could lead to the development of personalized treatments to ease the pain of these individuals. The research has implications for precision medicine, enabling healthcare providers to track medication effectiveness...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·TypeCase study·DateFeb 25, 2022

Human choices in a simulated pandemic: New study tests interventions to foster safer behaviour

A new study found that clear and consistent messaging is key to reducing risk-taking behavior, while personality-based approaches are less effective. The research used a simulated pandemic game to test different interventions and demonstrates the potential for behavioral sciences to inform public health policy.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New study shows research participation is associated with greater use of and adherence to medications for dementia, while also revealing significant racial/ethnic disparities

A new study has found that research participation is associated with greater use of and adherence to medications for dementia, while also revealing significant racial/ethnic disparities. The research suggests that Black and Latino participants had lower rates of medication uptake and persistent use compared to White participants.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 25, 2022

Health care workforce changes during COVID-19

The study analyzed changes in employment and average wages in the US healthcare workforce during the first and second years of COVID-19. It found that the pandemic led to a significant increase in telemedicine jobs, while other roles like nursing assistants and medical technicians experienced declining employment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateFeb 25, 2022

Changes in material hardship during pandemic

A survey study found that material hardships such as food insecurity and rent problems increased significantly during the pandemic. The study identified top priorities for spending stimulus checks among U.S. adults, highlighting the need for targeted support to address these challenges.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateFeb 25, 2022

Poverty divide unchanged in decades

A new study by Flinders University highlights the systemic forces driving poverty and social exclusion among Australian young people. The research reveals that schools' current systems are ineffective in addressing the needs of marginalized children, pointing to a need for sweeping reforms and stronger policymaking.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Social Policy·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 25, 2022

Diminished activation of specific prefrontal brain region may directly contribute to binge eating in bulimia nervosa, new study reveals

A new study found that women with bulimia nervosa exhibited reduced activation of the medial and lateral prefrontal cortices during attempts to control eating behavior. This deficiency in inhibitory control-related activation may contribute to more severe binge eating episodes.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalPsychological Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 25, 2022
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.

Severer, longer-lasting and more widespread droughts from 1901 to 2100

Regions such as the southwestern US, Amazon and Mediterranean will experience intensified drought from 1901 to 2100. Hydrological and agricultural droughts are expected to intensify more than precipitation drought due to increasing climatic water demand deficit.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateFeb 25, 2022
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.

Providence study: COVID vaccine effectiveness declines after 6 months without boosters

A Providence study confirms COVID vaccines are 94% effective at preventing hospitalization within 50-100 days of vaccination, but protection declines to 80.4% after 200-250 days. The study also identifies key risk factors for severe breakthrough infections, including advanced age, comorbidities, and vaccine type.

SourceProvidence Health & Services·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeCase study·DateFeb 25, 2022

Swiss rivers on track to overheat by the end of the century

According to a new EPFL study, Swiss rivers are at risk of overheating by the end of the century. If greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, river temperatures may only rise by 1°C and discharge decreases by 5% in mountain catchments. Inaction could lead to extreme consequences, including glacier loss and decreased biodiversity.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 25, 2022

Scientists reveal 4.4 million galaxies in a new map

A team of international scientists has created a detailed radio image of over 4.4 million objects in the northern sky, including galaxies with massive black holes and new star-forming regions. The discovery is made possible by state-of-the-art data processing algorithms and high-performance computing resources.

SourceDurham University·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateFeb 25, 2022

Separator key when it comes to ‘stable’ vs. ‘safe’ battery

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that the pore size of a battery separator plays a crucial role in determining the stability and safety of a battery. The study reveals that smaller pores can lead to localized metal ion penetration and increased risk of short circuits.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2022
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.

Organic battery charges up

Researchers at Flinders University have developed an all-organic polymer battery with a cell voltage of 2.8V, which could replace traditional metal-based batteries for more environmentally friendly options. The new technology aims to create fully biodegradable batteries with high capacity and durability.

SourceFlinders University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2022

Gas flares tied to premature deaths

A Rice University-led study finds that gas flaring from oil and gas fields in the US contributed to dozens of premature deaths in 2019 due to black carbon particle emissions. The researchers estimated that 26-53 deaths were directly attributable to air quality associated with flares.

SourceRice University·JournalAtmosphere·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 25, 2022

A new, inexpensive catalyst speeds the production of oxygen from water

Researchers at MIT have developed a new, inexpensive catalyst material that can produce oxygen from water, potentially replacing rare metals and reducing the cost of producing carbon-neutral fuels. The material, made of abundant components, allows for precise tuning and matches or exceeds the performance of conventional catalysts.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 25, 2022

Immune cells forget (cell) culture shock

A team of scientists has found that immune cells can adapt to laboratory conditions without losing their special functions. The study shows that macrophages grown in the lab can function normally when transferred back into the body, making them promising living therapeutics for treating diseases such as cancer and infections.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Immunology·DateFeb 25, 2022
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.

Traditional Chinese medicine, Shengmai Yin, improves the effects of radiation therapy, says new study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis

A new study found that traditional Chinese medicine Shengmai Yin increases the sensitivity of cancer cells to radiation, reducing radioresistance. By altering DNA methylation status, SMY enhances the efficacy of radiation therapy and reduces side effects.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2022

Study shows young, healthy adults died from COVID-19 due to ECMO shortage

A recent study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that nearly 90% of COVID-19 patients who qualified for ECMO but did not receive it due to resource shortages died in the hospital. This suggests that hospitals need to invest in capacity to provide ECMO to more patients.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2022

Protein activity reveals new childhood ALL combination treatment strategy

Scientists at the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology discovered a new combination treatment strategy for childhood T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) by analyzing protein activity. The study found that blocking specific proteins, such as LCK and SRC, in combination with an overactive chain reaction of INSR/IGF-1R, k...

SourcePrincess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2022
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.

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.

Change of scenery: New research outlines how recreation will shift with climate change in the west

New research outlines how climate change will shift the future of outdoor recreation in the West, with campsites becoming too hot, ski resorts experiencing fluctuating snowpacks, and rivers facing low water levels. The study provides activity-specific adaptation strategies to prepare for these consequences.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalJournal of Forestry·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 25, 2022

Sensor monitors disease severity

Scientists at Hokkaido University developed a prototype sensor to rapidly measure adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and lactate levels in blood samples. The sensor's sensitivity allows for the accurate detection of these molecules, enabling rapid assessment of disease severity.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2022

China's high-quality natural streamflow gauge-based dataset (1961–2018)

A new, high-quality natural streamflow dataset for China has been developed, achieving high skill metric values and reducing biases in hydrological simulations. The dataset covers all 330 catchments from 1961 to 2018 and has important implications for understanding hydrological processes and river management activities.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateFeb 25, 2022
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.

Machine learning helps to identify climatic thresholds that shape the distribution of natural vegetation

A study using machine learning identifies climatic thresholds driving vegetation distribution, highlighting the importance of extreme climate conditions for savannas and deciduous forests. The findings provide valuable insights for improving process-based vegetation models and their coupling with Earth System Models.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 25, 2022

The protective armor of superbug C.difficile revealed

Researchers have discovered the structure of C.difficile's protective armor, a chain-mail like layer that prevents molecules from entering the cell. This discovery opens the possibility of designing specific drugs to target the armor and kill the cell.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 25, 2022
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.

Machine learning antibiotic prescriptions can help minimize resistance spread

Researchers developed an antibiotic prescribing algorithm using genomic sequencing and machine learning analysis, reducing the emergence of antibiotic resistance in bacterial infections. The algorithm matches an antibiotic to a patient's past infection history and microbiome to minimize resistance spread.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateFeb 25, 2022

Graphene sensor rapidly detects opioid metabolites in wastewater

A novel graphene-based field effect transistors (FETs) device can detect four different synthetic and natural opioids at once in wastewater. The device uses aptamers to trap opioid metabolites, enabling real-time monitoring with high geographical resolution and low cost.

SourceBoston College·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2022

Scientists’ discovery is one step closer to more effective COVID-19 treatment with immune modulatory drugs

A recent study by CU Anschutz researchers advances the understanding of the immune system during COVID-19, focusing on the interferon response. The findings provide a new model for staging COVID-19 pathology and have important therapeutic implications for treating severe cases.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 25, 2022

Death spiral: A black hole spins on its side

Researchers from the University of Turku found that a black hole's axis of rotation is tilted more than 40 degrees relative to the orbiting stellar body. This extreme misalignment challenges current theoretical models and opens up new prospects for studying black hole formation and evolution.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalScience·DateFeb 25, 2022
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.

New data finds Tumor Treating Fields initiates downstream anti-tumor response

A new study finds that Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) activate the immune system and trigger an anti-tumor cell response, potentially effectively used together with immunotherapy approaches. TTFields' unique mechanism of action induces a downstream signaling pathway that initiates an active immune response against cancer cells.

SourceNovocure·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 25, 2022

Ultrasounds for abalone

Researchers from University of California - Davis found that ultrasounds can detect when abalone are ready to spawn without touching them. The technique creates a gonad index score ranging from 1 to 5 indicating readiness for reproduction.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2022

Reviving a failed network through microscopic interventions

Bar-Ilan University researchers develop a two-step recovery process to revive failed networks by restructuring damaged links and reigniting the entire system through controlled node activation. This approach has shown promise in steering a failed microbiome back to functionality, particularly with probiotic interventions.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 25, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Nudging acceptance of alternative proteins

A recent study by SMU Associate Professors Mark Chong and Angela Leung found that the ultimate form and presentation of alternative protein products significantly impact their acceptance by consumers. Focusing on the end product and framing alternative proteins as a positive highlight of an exciting food future may foster greater accep...

SourceSingapore Management University·DateFeb 25, 2022

Scientists target protein to lower risk of prostate cancer spread

Cedars-Sinai investigators discover that inhibiting RIPK2 function with drugs or CRISPR/Cas9 reduces prostate cancer metastasis in mice, offering new hope for advanced prostate cancer treatment. Targeting this protein could extend patients' lives by several years.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 25, 2022
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.

Research team makes breakthrough discovery in light interactions with nanoparticles, paving the way for advances in optical computing

A research team at CUNY ASRC made a breakthrough discovery in nanomaterials and light-wave interactions that enables small, low-energy optical computers capable of advanced computing. The discovery demonstrates unprecedented speeds and nearly zero energy demands for solving complex mathematical problems.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 25, 2022

Desire to travel increases likelihood of COVID-19 vaccination, study says

A new study from Washington State University finds that people with a strong desire to travel are more likely to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The research also reveals that emotional appeals and loss-based messaging can be effective in changing vaccine intentions.

SourceWashington State University·JournalTourism Management·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 25, 2022

ADHD linked to hoarding behaviour – new study

A new study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that people with ADHD are significantly more likely to exhibit clinically significant hoarding symptoms. Approximately 19% of participants displayed hoarding symptoms, which can lead to distress and difficulties in everyday life.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 25, 2022

Higher levels of biodiversity appear to reduce extinction risk in birds

A new University of Michigan study found that higher levels of biodiversity reduce extinction risk in birds by providing a safe harbor for species at risk. The researchers used a comprehensive dataset covering over 99% of bird species and found diverse communities protect these species, allowing them to persist.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 25, 2022
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.

Repurposing FDA-approved drugs may help combat COVID-19

Scientists identified 16 compounds that affect SARS-CoV-2 enzymes Mpro and PLpro, which are essential for viral replication. The team found that combining Mpro and PLpro inhibitors has an additive antiviral effect, providing greater inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication. These findings offer hope for developing new COVID-19 treatments t...

SourcePenn State·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 25, 2022