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Science News Archive February 2022


Page 34 of 40

Rice production depends on TAB1 gene, researchers find

A study published by Hiroshima University researchers reveals that the TAB1 gene is essential for rice grain formation. The gene plays a critical role in maintaining stem cells until the last stage of flower development, leading to ovule formation and seed production.

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.

Spleen volume and blood parameters correlations

A study of 74 healthy individuals found correlations between spleen volume and gender, age, and certain blood parameters such as HGB, HCT, RBC, ALT, but not others like LYM%, PLT. Spleen volume was estimated using the Cavalieri principle and stereological method.

MU earns $12 million in grants to boost science education, literacy

University of Missouri researchers are using a video game to teach middle schoolers about science and improving literacy outcomes for second graders through speech recognition software. The programs aim to increase student engagement and prepare them for future careers in various fields.

Preventing pandemics costs far less than controlling them

A new study suggests that preventing pandemics could save around 1.6 million lives and reduce mortality costs by $10 trillion annually by investing just 5% of the estimated annual economic losses associated with human deaths from COVID into environmental protection and early-stage disease surveillance.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Liquid metals, surface patterns, and the romance of the three kingdoms

Scientists discovered oscillatory bifurcation patterns on liquid metal surfaces, mirroring the cyclic power blocs in 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms.' The unusual patterns emerge due to surface instability, with potential applications in plasmonic sensing and high-efficiency electronics.

*Free* Highly virulent variant of HIV discovered in the Netherlands

A highly virulent subtype-B HIV-1 variant has been found to cause exceptionally high viral loads and rapid CD4 T cell decline, making it more infectious. The 'VB variant' emerged de novo around the millennium with over 300 significant genome changes, making its mechanisms of elevated virulence unclear.

Study shows discrepancy in 'hookup culture' sexual activity on dates

A recent study from the University of Kansas found that college students' self-reported attitudes towards sex on dates do not match their actual behavior. When men initiated dates, sex was more restricted than when women asked for a date. In contrast, female-initiated dates saw genital contact occurring on 63% of occasions, while tradi...

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.

People prefer interacting with female robots in hotels

A study by Washington State University researcher Soobin Seo found that people are more comfortable talking to female robots working in service roles in hotels. The preference is stronger when the robots are described as having more human features, with participants rating female robot interactions as more pleasant and satisfying.

The secret lives of bats reveal botanical mysteries

Researchers discover unique bat-pollination system in Fiji's kuluva trees, highlighting co-dependence between species and urgent conservation needs. The novel chiropteropisteusis system sheds light on the evolution of flowering plants and threatens tree and bat species.

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.

Physicists unify sociological theories that explain social stability

Researchers from the Complexity Science Hub Vienna propose that homophily, or interacting with like-minded individuals, automatically leads to social balance and stability. They demonstrate this using data from the Massive Multiplayer Online Game Pardus, where players tend to form friendships with those who share similar characteristics.

Structure of central inflammation switch elucidated

Scientists at the University of Bonn discovered the structure of the NLRP3 protein's binding site for CRID3 inhibitor, which can target inflammatory diseases like gout and Alzheimer's. The study provides a powerful therapeutic tool against chronic inflammatory diseases.

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.

Lockdown measures linked to an increase in drinking at home

Research from the University of Sheffield and University of Glasgow found that lockdown restrictions led to an increase in drinking at home, particularly among those living alone. The study suggests that these new habits should be closely monitored as restrictions ease, with potential long-term consequences for health.

Love of nature is partially heritable, study of twins shows

A large-scale study of UK twins found that identical twins shared a greater affinity for nature and frequent visits to natural spaces compared to fraternal twins. Heritability estimates ranged from 46% for nature orientation to 34% for garden visits, suggesting a moderate genetic influence.

Study uncovers new features of genome organization

Researchers identified two classes of DNA elements: tethering and insulators, which work together to regulate gene expression. Tethering elements facilitate timely activation by bringing enhancers close to target genes, while insulators prevent interference between neighboring genetic loci.

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.

People with less memory loss in old age gain more knowledge

A study published in Science Advances reveals that individuals with less memory loss in old age tend to gain more knowledge, contrary to the previously assumed compensatory power of crystallized abilities. The findings suggest a strong dependency between changes in fluid and crystallized abilities.

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.

Cutting off liver cancer’s nutrient supply chain

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a way to interfere with the energy pathway that allows liver cancer to grow and spread by targeting the pyruvate kinase protein. This approach uses antisense oligonucleotides, which reduce tumor development in mouse models, offering a potential treatment for liver cancer.

Are scientists being fooled by bacteria?

Researchers developed a method called 6mASCOPE that measures DNA tagging system accuracy and distinguishes bacterial from human DNA. The study found high levels of methylation in plant, fly, mouse, and human cells, but mostly attributed to contamination.

Puffy planets lose atmospheres, become super-Earths

Astronomers have detected two mini-Neptune planets losing their atmospheres due to stellar radiation. The finding provides evidence that these worlds may be transforming into super-Earths. The study uses data from W. M. Keck Observatory and NASA's Hubble Space Telescope.

New polymer fuel cells can operate at higher temperatures

A new high-temperature polymer fuel cell operates at 80-160 degrees Celsius, solving the overheating issue in medium-and heavy-duty fuel cells. The new technology achieves a nearly 800 milliwatts per square centimeter rated power density, improving upon state-of-the-art fuel cells.

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.

Exploring the strategies of categorization

Researchers explored pigeons' categorization strategies using computer-generated stimuli and machine learning analysis. The study found that pigeons attach importance to specific characteristics of stimuli, leading to individualized categorization preferences.

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.

NFTs offer new method to control personal health information

Researchers propose using NFT digital contracts to enable patients to specify who can access their personal health information and track sharing. This could help democratize health data and give individuals more control over their health information.

Scientists create vast data resource to uncover ALS subtypes

A new cloud-based data resource has been developed to help identify new subtypes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurological disorder. The tool, part of the Answer ALS collaborative effort, uses biological and clinical data from over 1,000 patients to better understand the disease.

February issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover new research on disparities in the opioid crisis, new practice guidelines for peer specialists and supervisors, more

The February issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services highlight new research on the opioid crisis, with a focus on improving treatment outcomes. Additionally, the latest issue of Focus features articles on novel neurotherapeutics and practice guidelines for peer specialists and supervisors.

How to get chloride ions into the cell

A study led by Przemyslaw Nogly at PSI has detailed insight into the mechanism of a light-driven chloride pump in bacteria, revealing how light energy converts to kinetic energy and transports chloride ions inside cells. The pump uses two molecular gates to ensure one-way transport, with the process taking around 100 milliseconds.

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.

Chemists find path to cheap deployment of hydrogen fuel cells

Cornell University chemists have developed a class of nonprecious metal derivatives that can efficiently power cars and generate electricity with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. The breakthrough could enable wider deployment of hydrogen fuel cells, replacing combustion engines and reducing waste.

Scientists decode chemical defense against plant sap-sucking leafhoppers

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology identified a chemical substance responsible for the resistance of Nicotiana attenuata plants to sucking leafhoppers. The study used field research, molecular biology and chemical analyses to uncover a new defense mechanism in tobacco plants.

Maintaining transparency: study to focus on causes of cataracts

A new study will focus on the biological mechanisms causing cataracts, potentially leading to new treatments. The research team, led by Nicholas Delamere, PhD, will investigate the role of protein ion channels TRPV1 and TRPV4 in age-related lens cell changes.

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.

Earth’s water was around before Earth

Researchers found two gas reservoirs, one containing solar gas and the other with terrestrial water signature, in the earliest stages of our solar system. This discovery suggests that Earth's water was present before the accretion of its constituent blocks.

Young marijuana smokers may be at greater risk of recurrent stroke

Researchers found that young adults with cannabis use disorder are more likely to experience recurrent strokes compared to those without the condition. The study suggests that chronic marijuana use may impair blood vessel function and increase the risk of future strokes.

Improving air quality associated with slower cognitive decline in women

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that reducing air pollution exposure can slow cognitive decline in older women, with benefits seen across various demographics. The research followed 2,232 women for up to 20 years, revealing a significant association between improved air quality and reduced cognitive decline.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

“Inflaming” cold tumors

Scientists at Technical University of Munich discovered a promising combination therapy for mesenchymal PDAC subtype, showing improved T-cell infiltration and cell cycle arrest when using nintedanib with trametinib. The treatment significantly improves the response of highly aggressive mesenchymal PDAC subtypes in mice.

How a SARS-CoV-2 infection can become severe COVID-19

A study found that severe COVID-19 is associated with endothelial dysfunction, strong inflammatory processes, and a dysfunctional immune system. The researchers discovered seven plasma proteins linked to severe disease, which are also involved in the regeneration of the endothelial barrier during recovery.

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.