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Science News Archive February 2022 - Page 11


Page 11 of 40

New whirl on mixing liquids

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a novel method to mix incompatible fluids using rapid fluidic flow techniques. This breakthrough could enhance various industries with cleaner and greener technologies, including oil and water attraction, and improve products like fish oil capsules.

SourceFlinders University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Electronic skin that can feel in real time

Researchers created an artificial sensory receptor that generates spike signals on its own, enabling the e-skin to analyze spatial information and react to external stimuli in real-time. The e-skin's functionality overcomes limitations of conventional electronic skins, which can only process tactile information sequentially.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalScience Robotics·DateFeb 21, 2022

An overview of neutrinos and their interactions

Neutrinos, produced by astrophysical sources and artificial means, interact subtly with matter due to their chargelessness and masslessness. The study of neutrinos challenges our understanding of particle physics, particularly the phenomenon of neutrino oscillation, where particles transition between three flavours.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Special Topics·DateFeb 21, 2022

Distinct structural domains in MUNC long non-coding RNA regulate gene expression

The study of MUNC long non-coding RNA reveals the importance of experimentally determining its structure to identify functional domains. The researchers found that two structural domains, including six common 'hairpins,' were crucial for regulating gene expression and muscle cell differentiation.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 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.

Physicists harness electrons to make ‘synthetic dimensions’

Rice University physicists have developed a technique to engineer Rydberg states of ultracold strontium atoms, creating 'synthetic dimensions' that simulate real materials. This breakthrough enables the creation of interacting particles in a controlled environment, paving the way for new physics and material properties.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 21, 2022

The body fights infection amidst 'waves' of regulatory CD4+ T cells

A new study from the La Jolla Institute for Immunology reveals that two groups of regulatory CD4+ T cells develop at different times to combat acute inflammation. The early Tregs reduce autoimmune damage, while the second wave shuts down the entire immune response to signal infection clearance.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Beetles in Climate Change

A study found that beetles in German forests shifted their diversity to Red-Ash trees when European Ash trees died due to drought stress. This suggests that non-native trees can provide opportunities for insects during times of climate change.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalSustainability·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 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.

Viagra promising as treatment for dogs with often fatal eating disorder

Researchers at Washington State University found that liquid sildenafil can relax the esophagus and reduce regurgitation in dogs with megaesophagus. The study showed a significant reduction in regurgitation episodes and an average weight gain of over 2 pounds in moderately affected dogs.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Veterinary Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

COVID-19 genetic risk variant protects against HIV

A COVID-19 genetic risk variant inherited from Neandertals reduces the risk of contracting HIV by 27%. This variant is associated with fewer CCR5 receptors, which can lower the risk of HIV infection.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 21, 2022

New highly efficient wave-based acoustics simulation for large architectural spaces could revolutionize acoustic design

Researchers developed a highly efficient wave-based acoustics simulation that can accurately estimate the acoustics of large-scale interior spaces. The method uses a time-domain Finite Element Method to consider frequency-dependent characteristics of sound absorption materials, enabling precise modeling and high-speed estimations.

SourceKobe University·JournalBuildings·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 21, 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.

Gutenberg Research Award for Wil Roebroeks

Professor Wil Roebroeks receives the 2021 Gutenberg Research Award for his groundbreaking work on Neanderthals and early Eurasian hominins. The award acknowledges his interdisciplinary approach, international collaboration, and devotion to paleoanthropology.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateFeb 21, 2022

Plant product shows promise in mouse model of Parkinson’s Disease

A natural product from the dried root of Sophora flavescens, combined with an enzyme inhibitor, has been found to reduce neuroinflammation in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. The compound kurarinone may provide hope for alleviating symptoms of the incurable disorder.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

University of Houston researcher finds a new biomarker and potential drug target for breast cancer

Researchers at the University of Houston have identified a new biomarker, NPY1R, that predicts therapy outcome and has potential as a drug target in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The study found that NPY1R expression is associated with favorable outcomes in Luminal A subtype breast cancer, but declines in resistant cases.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 21, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

What the gut reveals about the heart

A study reveals that changes in gut microbiota and metabolome are associated with cardiovascular disease development, particularly coronary heart disease. The research found that alterations in the gut microbiome occur long before the onset of heart disease, suggesting a potential role for the microbiome in its early pathogenesis.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Insect wingbeats will help quantify biodiversity

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed an AI method to recognize and detect insect species based on their wingbeats, enabling easier monitoring of biodiversity. The method uses infrared sensors to measure wingbeats and group insects into different species without human input.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalEcological Informatics·DateFeb 21, 2022

Chemist targets pesky mosquitoes’ genes

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that female mosquitoes have a higher abundance of tRNA modifications than males, which could underlie factors associated with female reproduction. This study aims to develop new methods of control for mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria and yellow fever.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalInsect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 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.

Diseased male livers undergo sex-change

Research by the University of Queensland found that male livers with hepatic diseases undergo a sex change as part of a self-protective mechanism. The study suggests that this transformation may be driven by the female hormone oestrogen, which helps to slow down disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Blueprint for proteins: How mRNA gets its final shape

A team of scientists from Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg and the Max Planck Institute discovered the essential final step in mRNA production. The process involves 16 proteins that precisely control the structure of mRNA, which determines protein function and disease risk.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalGenes & Development·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

A “hot Jupiter’s” dark side is revealed in detail for first time

The study provides the first detailed view of an exoplanet's global atmosphere, revealing a water cycle that dwarfs Earth's jetstream. The planet's night side is home to iron clouds, titanium rain, and winds that whip around at speeds of up to 5 kilometers per second.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Astronomy·DateFeb 21, 2022

New material offers remarkable combo of toughness and stretchiness

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new material with remarkable toughness and stretchiness, comparable to cartilage. The ionogels created by the team exhibit self-healing and shape memory properties, making them suitable for various applications.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Would micro ecology be damaged by a plastic film after thoroughly kill Bradysia cellarum?

Researchers found that soil solarization effectively controls Bradysia cellarum infestations without harming Chinese chive crops, while also increasing beneficial microorganisms. The study suggests soil solarization as a promising, pesticide-free method for controlling this soil insect.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Study finds vaping has long-term effect on the heart for adolescent males but not females

A new study published in Circulation finds that vaping has a significant and long-term cardiovascular effect on adolescent males, reducing heart function over time. In contrast, female mice exposed to e-cigarette aerosol showed no significant changes in heart function or levels of the enzyme CYP2A5, which breaks down nicotine.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 21, 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.

Hitting the brakes on the cell cycle for the formation of plant stomata

Researchers discovered that a transcription factor called MUTE induces a cell cycle inhibitor SMR4 to slow down the cell cycle, allowing for asymmetric division. A variant with excess SMR4 showed a longer cell cycle during symmetric division, revealing a crucial regulatory mechanism in plant stomatal development.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 21, 2022

Personal genetic risk motivates positive changes in health behaviour, study shows

A new study from the University of Helsinki found that providing individuals with their personal genetic risk for cardiovascular disease motivates them to take better care of their health. The interactive web-tool KardioKompassi helped participants understand their risk and make lifestyle changes.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalCirculation Genomic and Precision Medicine·DateFeb 21, 2022

Positive parenting can reduce the risk that children develop obesity

A study by Brandi Rollins and Lori Francis found that early positive interactions with caregivers can reduce the risk of childhood obesity. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 mother-child pairs and discovered that children's early exposures to family psychosocial assets protect against obesity.

SourcePenn State·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2022

What ingredients went into the galactic blender to create the Milky Way?

Researchers analyzed individual stars to identify components of the Milky Way, finding that it consumed smaller galaxies. The study used advanced spectrographic techniques to measure elemental abundances, providing early insights into the galaxy's formation and evolution.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Molecule snapshot by explosion

Researchers at the European XFEL facility have taken pictures of gas-phase iodopyridine molecules at atomic resolution using ultra-bright X-ray pulses. The images were reconstructed from the fragments caused by a Coulomb explosion, providing unprecedented clarity for this method and molecule size.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022
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.

Tracking the pulse of our nation's rivers, like a Fitbit for streams

Scientists monitoring hundreds of US streams with sensor technology are gaining insights into how freshwater vital signs shift in response to land development and climate change. The data, made publicly available, will help track changes over time and provide a better understanding of the 'pulse' of streams.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 2022

350-years-old remains in a Stone Age site in Portugal

Researchers uncovered bone remains of a first-generation African individual from Senegambia, buried in a Portuguese shell midden 350 years ago. The genetic signature and dietary analysis indicate that he was forcibly translocated to Portugal via the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateFeb 21, 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.

COVID-19 patients’ ZIP codes may affect hospitalization outcomes

A study found that COVID-19 patients from high-vulnerability neighborhoods presented with more severe illness and required intensive care, but did not experience higher mortality rates. Researchers suggest policies targeting socially vulnerable neighborhoods to improve access to testing, treatment, and vaccination.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 2022

A specific immune cell could prove to be important in the fight against COVID-19

Researchers from Aarhus University have identified a unique immune cell called plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) that contributes to the body's fight against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The pDCs use two separate alarm systems, TLR7 and TLR2, to recognize viral particles and initiate antiviral and inflammatory responses.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

The truth about patient access and FDA fast-tracking

Researchers found that it took nearly three years for these drugs and biologics to be incorporated into clinical guidelines, highlighting a significant delay in patient access. The study suggests that expedited approval processes are only the first step, and planning ahead is crucial to bring needed treatments to patients.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalBMJ Open·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 21, 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.

New simple method for surveying amphibians: A vital contribution to conservation efforts

Researchers developed a simple and efficient method for surveying amphibians using environmental DNA analysis, which can be conducted by anyone without specialist knowledge. This technique resolves issues with conventional methods such as capture and observational surveys, allowing for more accurate monitoring of amphibian habitats.

SourceKobe University·JournalMetabarcoding and Metagenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Sevoflurane improves sleep alteration in response to inflammation

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba investigated the effect of sevoflurane on sleep disturbance caused by systemic inflammation. Sevoflurane preconditioning promoted significant increases in REM sleep after LPS injection, while postconditioning had no effect.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateFeb 21, 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.

The Ross procedure leads to improved survival in adults undergoing aortic valve surgery

The Ross procedure is associated with improved survival and fewer complications compared to biological or mechanical aortic valve replacement. Patients undergoing the Ross procedure have significantly better long-term survival rates, comparable to those in the general population without surgery.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 2022

Mobile excitons as neutral information carriers

Researchers have created and detected dispersing excitons in a metal using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, a breakthrough that could enable efficient data transmission. The discovery of mobile excitons in TaSe3 reveals their mobility and potential to revolutionize electronics.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Bone marrow transplant: What is the impact of chemotherapy on the brain?

Researchers discovered how pre-transplant chemotherapy facilitates replacement of brain's innate immune cells by transplanted stem cells. This process involves microglial cell death and senescence, but is not harmful to the brain, as it is quickly replaced by bone marrow-derived macrophages.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022
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.

Women who suffer from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are less likely to receive CPR from a bystander

A study of over 56,000 cases across nine Asian communities found that women were less likely than men to receive lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from a bystander in public locations. In contrast, when cardiac arrests occur at home or in private places, the chances of receiving layperson bystander CPR increased considerab...

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 2022

A news media outlet’s perceived credibility can affect how gun violence headlines are received

A Rutgers study suggests that delivering accurate gun safety messages from credible news sources can shape American attitudes toward gun violence. Researchers found that participants perceived headlines more accurately if they trusted the source, highlighting the importance of credible media portrayal in gun violence prevention.

SourceRutgers University·JournalHealth Communication·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 21, 2022

290 million new city dwellers benefit China's climate balance

Urbanization in China has led to an increase in biomass and carbon stocks, both in rural areas and recently developed cities. The country's afforestation strategy and green policy initiatives have contributed to this positive effect on its climate balance.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Sustainability·DateFeb 21, 2022

Motti receives funding for project on human-centric training for privacy & security controls: Bridging the awareness gap for diverse populations

Vivian Motti, a George Mason University professor, has received funding to develop human-centric training for privacy and security controls. The project aims to bridge the awareness gap for diverse populations, particularly older adults, by characterizing their technology risks and developing educational materials.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateFeb 21, 2022
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.