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Science News Archive February 2022


Page 40 of 40

Cover crops help squash squash their pathogens

A recent study found that cover cropping can reduce the population of Pseudomonas syringae, a common bacterial pathogen affecting agricultural crops. The researchers also discovered an increase in beneficial microbes such as Sphingomonas and Methylobacterium, which have been used as biocontrol agents against pathogens.

Even dying stars can still give birth to planets

Researchers discovered that a large cavity in the discs surrounding evolved binary stars could be evidence of planet formation. The presence of heavy elements on the surface of dying stars suggests that dust particles rich in these elements were trapped by planets, supporting this hypothesis.

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.

Forensic science research and practice: creating a culture of integrity

This special issue explores research integrity in forensic science, discussing the importance of acknowledging cognitive bias, responsible authorship, and exemplary training. Key findings include the need for thoughtful consideration of relevance to advance forensic science, as well as challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

Picture warnings on sodas? A promising tool to fight childhood obesity

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that pictorial health warnings on sugary drinks reduced parental purchases of these beverages for their children by 17%. The warnings also led to a decrease in calories purchased from sugary drinks and increased parents' feelings of control over healthy eating decisions.

Study finds racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake

A study published in Nature Communications found that racial and ethnic minorities in the US were up to three times more likely to be unsure or unwilling to get vaccinated compared to whites. Despite lower willingness, minority populations faced unequal access to vaccines in the US due to a fragmented distribution system.

Prediabetes more dangerous than assumed

A comprehensive review found that prediabetes is associated with an increased risk of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. The study suggests that prediabetes poses a significant threat to public health due to its rising prevalence worldwide.

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.

Did you hear what he did?

A new study by Arizona State University and Columbia University reveals that people are more likely to divulge another person's secret when they consider the behavior immoral, often driven by a desire to punish. This phenomenon is specific to secrets, whereas public information is driven by gossiping motivations.

Evaluating association of body fat, cognitive function in adults

Researchers found a significant association between higher body fat levels, particularly visceral fat, and lower cognitive performance scores among adults. The study of 9,100 participants showed that individuals with higher levels of body fat were more likely to experience cognitive decline.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Human gut bacteria have sex to share vitamin B12

Beneficial gut microbes transfer genes to acquire vitamin B12, increasing their ability to survive. This process, called bacterial sex, allows them to form a tube that DNA can pass through to another cell, demonstrating the horizontal gene exchange among microbes.

How Omicron escapes from antibodies

A computational study finds that Omicron's spike protein has evolved to evade multiple classes of antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2, even those from vaccinated individuals and monoclonal antibody treatments. The study suggests vaccines still offer protection due to the development of T cell immunity.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Obesity may increase risk of some female reproductive disorders

A study published in PLOS Medicine found associations between obesity and various female reproductive conditions. Researchers used Mendelian randomization to investigate causal links between body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and risk of conditions like uterine fibroids and pre-eclampsia.

Benefiting from ancestral knowledge

A team of researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, used a mathematical model to examine the implications of intergenerational learning. They found that learning accelerated the evolutionary process, which may assist in designing more efficient hybrid algorithms.

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.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy linked to childhood trauma

Research suggests a strong link between childhood trauma and vaccine hesitancy, with 3 times higher rates among those who experienced 4 or more trauma types. This is associated with lower trust in health services and increased likelihood of flouting COVID-19 restrictions.

Greater body fat a risk factor for reduced thinking and memory ability

A new study found that excess body fat is a risk factor for reduced cognitive function in adults, including processing speed. The association remained even after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors. Maintaining healthy weight and physical activity may help preserve cognitive function and prevent dementia.

Speakers announced for Experimental Biology 2022 Meeting

The Experimental Biology 2022 meeting will feature renowned speakers, including Nobel laureates and research pioneers, who will present the latest findings and trends in life sciences. Keynote presentations include talks on vaccine science, navigation, RNA splicing, pharmacology, and cancer classification.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New method developed to improve accuracy of disease diagnosis

A new method, ONEST, was developed to assess the performance of diagnostic tests with multiple observers. The method helps determine if adding more observers causes agreement to plateau, indicating an unreliable test or a minimum number needed for stable estimation.

Technique smooths path for AI training in wireless devices

A new technique uses compression to reduce data transmission size, allowing for efficient federated learning on wireless devices. The approach has been shown to condense data packets by up to 99%, making it suitable for areas with limited bandwidth.

Treatment keeps alcoholic monkeys from drinking as much

Researchers discovered that a hormone called FGF21 suppresses alcohol consumption in primates by altering neural transmission in the brain. This finding provides a mechanism for a liver-to-brain endocrine feedback loop to protect the liver from damage and may lead to potential treatment options for alcohol use disorder.

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.

First virus infection linked with infections later in life, study finds

Research found that viral infections in newborns affect immune system development and microbiome composition, increasing risk of respiratory infections later in life. Early-life viral encounters may set the tone for subsequent non-beneficial host-microbe interactions, affecting long-term respiratory health.

Promising treatment for deadly brain cancer

A clinical trial has found selinexor to be effective in shrinking tumors in almost a third of patients with recurrent glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. The treatment induced responses in certain patients and allowed some to stay on the medication for over 12 months.

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.

Growth charts for the brain help to understand mental illness

Researchers at Radboud University Medical Center have created reference models for brain development and aging, providing personalized predictions for various brain conditions. These 'brain charts' enable early detection of mental disorders and help stratify subtypes, ultimately improving treatment outcomes.

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.

Mighty powerful microbes

Researchers discovered that microbes capable of extracellular electron transfer (EET) are spread through horizontal gene transfer and exist in various environments worldwide. The genes, which enable EET, were found in a wide range of organisms, from deep-sea microbes to human gut bacteria.

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.

New articles for Geosphere posted online in January

Numerical models reveal the factors controlling flat-slab subduction geometry, while 3D digital outcrop scanning enhances geological field mapping. The Cerro Blanco volcanic complex's magmatic evolution and architecture are also investigated.

Pictorial warnings could reduce purchases of sugary drinks

A trial found that parents bought fewer sugary drinks when products displayed pictorial warnings about type 2 diabetes or heart damage. Pictorial warnings are being explored as a strategy to reduce children's intake of sugary drinks and related health outcomes.

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.

Geography affects mental health care

A new study found that rural patients rely on primary care physicians and nurses more often, leading to higher copays and out-of-pocket costs for mental health care. The usage gap narrowed over time, but quality and cost of care remained inequitable.

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.