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Science News Archive February 2022 - Page 12


Page 12 of 40

Trust your gut: how your gut microbiota can save you from cancer

A recent review highlights the effects of different intestinal bacteria on colorectal cancer, exploring new therapies for disease prevention and treatment. Beneficial probiotics, such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, exhibit anticancer properties and reduce CRC cell proliferation.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 21, 2022

Global Warming suppresses shrub recruitment in Arctic and Tibet

A new study reveals that global warming has suppressed shrub recruitment in the Arctic and Tibetan Plateau, indicating a tipping point for cold biomes. The research found that optimal climate conditions for shrub growth have already passed in these regions.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 21, 2022

Risk of second allergic reaction to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that the risk of immediate allergic reactions to a second dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines is low among patients who experienced an immediate allergic reaction to their first dose. The study included 1,366 patients and showed no significant increase in severe immediate reactions or anaphylaxis.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 21, 2022
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.

Sequencing puts carnivore chromosomes in context

Researchers used Hi-C sequencing to identify three-dimensional chromosome structures in 11 carnivore species, showing conserved chromatin structures across families despite millions of years of evolution. This approach could facilitate identifying related genes and placing them in context.

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

Newly developed radio-labeled molecule enables real-time imaging of innate immune activity

Researchers at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center developed a novel PET imaging tool to selectively monitor inflammation and innate immune activity. The new radio-labeled molecule, [18F]4FN, is more specific and robust than existing agents, offering potential for early biomarker detection of immune-related adverse events.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Over two-thirds of UK social scientists warn their academic freedom is under threat, new study shows

A new study found that over two-thirds of UK social scientists believe their academic freedom is at risk, with internationalisation and the rise of authoritarian states like China being major concerns. The survey also showed that academics are reluctant to self-censor when teaching students from autocratic states in the UK.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe International Journal of Human Rights·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 21, 2022

Perfecting the EV battery recycling process

A new study from Chalmers University of Technology outlines an optimized recycling process for electric vehicle batteries, reducing thermal treatment times to just 30 minutes and operating at room temperature. This process can increase the efficiency of metal recovery, lower environmental impacts, and reduce costs.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalWaste Management·TypeExperimental study·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.

Scientists engineer bacteria to cope in challenging environments

Researchers engineered bacteria to produce proteins that can be broken down when nutrients are scarce, allowing cells to continue growing. This system mimics a biological battery, enabling cells to survive in challenging environments.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Electrifying motorcycle taxis in Kampala, Uganda, shows air pollution benefits

A University of Michigan study reveals that electrifying motorcycle taxis in Kampala, Uganda, can reduce some air pollutant emissions and increase others. The findings indicate that electrification might achieve health benefits by moving emissions away from population centers.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·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.

Mortality among adults with COVID-19 being treated for cancer

Researchers investigated COVID-19 mortality in adult cancer patients, finding that systemic treatments and comorbidities played a role in increased risk. The study analyzed 2,500 patients and identified specific tumor subtypes associated with higher mortality rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 21, 2022

New study sheds light on seed vigor control in rice

Researchers discovered a bZIP23-PER1A module that regulates rice seed vigor, improving crop quality. They found two cultivars with huge phenotypic differences, Kasalath and Jigeng88, and identified a novel detoxification pathway to enhance seed vigor.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Male birds have stronger immune system than females, research suggests

A study published in Immunogenetics found that male Kentish Plovers have stronger immune systems than females due to the presence of two active copies of immune genes on their Z chromosome. This may explain why males tend to survive longer than females in this species.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalImmunogenetics·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Colombia: Climate protection at the mercy of politics

A new study in Frontiers in Environmental Science reveals the impact of politics on climate change in Colombia. Deforestation dynamics vary significantly depending on municipality area and region, with coca farming predominating in the Andes and cattle ranching in the Amazon.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·DateFeb 21, 2022

Peace has led to more deforestation in Colombia

A new study reveals that Colombia's peace agreement has led to more forest loss, primarily due to increased coca farming and cattle ranching in the Andes and Amazon respectively. The research highlights the importance of considering local factors such as land use, politics, and socioeconomics in conservation efforts.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 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.

Study identifies key regulator of cell differentiation

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified BEND3 as a critical regulator of cell differentiation, discovering that it represses genes associated with cell fate. This finding has implications for understanding normal development and potentially improving cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

New machine learning model flags abnormal brain scans in real-time

Researchers developed a deep learning framework that can accurately flag abnormalities in routine head MRI scans, prioritizing resources for critical cases. The model reduced wait times for reports from 28 days to 14 days and from 9 days to 5 days, enabling real-time applications.

SourceKing's College London·JournalMedical Image Analysis·DateFeb 21, 2022

Metal mix and match: An unexpected discovery could improve the crystallinity of coordination nanosheets

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have discovered a method to improve the crystallinity of coordination nanosheets by mixing two metal ion solutions. This approach results in higher crystallinity and improved performance in devices such as electronics and batteries. The findings open a new pathway for tuning the functional pro...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 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.

A type of virus present in the gut microbiota is associated with better cognitive ability in humans, mice and flies

A study published in Cell Host & Microbe found that individuals with more Caudovirales in their gut microbiota performed better at executive processes and verbal memory, while those with higher levels of Microviridae deteriorated in brain's executive abilities. Dairy products may be a possible means of acquiring Caudovirales.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Xue Sherry Gao wins CAREER Award

Xue Sherry Gao has won a prestigious CAREER Award to create versatile toolkits for controlling gene expression. Her research aims to develop broadly applicable platforms for gene regulation, with a focus on precision dosing and safety features.

SourceRice University·DateFeb 21, 2022

ZIP codes matter when it comes to severe COVID-19

A new study shows that ZIP code social vulnerability index is linked to COVID-19 severity, with more disadvantaged areas experiencing higher symptom rates. However, differences disappear when patients are discharged from hospitals, suggesting equal access to care plays a crucial role in reducing initial disparities.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 2022

Pine needles tell the story of PFAS in North Carolina

Researchers analyzed pine needle samples to track the presence and concentrations of over 70 different types of PFAS in six N.C. counties from 1961 to the present. The findings show a snapshot history of a half century of PFAS contamination, including the introduction and phasing out of new chemicals.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 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.

Can machine-learning models overcome biased datasets?

Researchers studied how diverse neural network training datasets impact generalization. They found that data diversity is key to overcoming bias, but also degrade performance when neural networks are trained for multiple tasks simultaneously. The study highlights the importance of designing diverse and controlled datasets in machine le...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateFeb 21, 2022

A study uncovers the ‘grammar’ behind human gene regulation

A research group at the University of Helsinki has discovered the logic controlling gene regulation in human cells. They found that individual transcription factors contribute to gene regulation in an additive manner and identified regulatory elements that function within closed chromatin regions.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 21, 2022

Accelerating melt rate makes Greenland Ice Sheet world’s largest ‘dam’

Researchers have found that the Greenland Ice Sheet is losing mass at an unprecedented rate due to the conversion of gravitational energy from meltwater into heat. The ice sheet's basal melting rates are comparable to those measured on the surface, but without solar energy input, producing a significant source of hydropower.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 21, 2022

A unique study finds that tick saliva may offer a path to new therapies for inflammatory diseases

A recent study by Monash University found that tick saliva proteins, called evasins, can be modified to block the activity of important proteins in human inflammatory diseases. The study identified the structural basis of chemokine recognition and establishes a foundation for engineering evasins.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·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.

New technology fused with photosynthetic life offers path to green energy

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a hybrid device that combines living organisms with bio batteries to produce stored energy under light conditions. The technology, known as microbial electro photosynthesis, has the potential to power a wide range of products, including transportation fuels and cosmetics.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2022

Narratives, tech, and countering disinformation

Researchers explore the intersection of technology, social sciences, and narratives to combat disinformation. Experts discuss how technical solutions can be coupled with social interventions to effectively address the issue.

SourceArizona State University·DateFeb 20, 2022

A care conundrum at the intersection of class, access, and health

This study examines the care conundrum at the intersection of class, access, and health, focusing on kin networks and their impact on children in industrialized nations. The researcher argues that the narrative around choice and maternal investment is false, as parents face significant constraints due to identity and class.

SourceArizona State University·DateFeb 20, 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.

Are shared electric scooters energy efficient?

Researchers found that shared e-scooters waste significant energy in idle status, with up to 41.9% of energy loss on weekends. The study suggests e-scooters could be a competitive transport mode against walking and cycling in urban systems, but highlights the need for better operations and regulation.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalCommunications in Transportation Research·DateFeb 20, 2022

Games, stories, and science for successful public engagement

Arizona State University professor Katie Hinde explores successful public engagement in science, highlighting the power of stories and narratives in teaching children about science. Her March Mammal Madness game has reached over half a million students, featuring simulated animal battles and providing educational resources for educators.

SourceArizona State University·DateFeb 20, 2022

A date for greener membranes

A team of scientists at KAUST has created adjustable and biodegradable nanofiltration membranes from date seeds using an environmentally friendly process. The new membranes demonstrated excellent performance in oil and solvent filtration experiments, outperforming traditional methods.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2022
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.

Food for thought: a high-fiber diet may reduce risk of dementia

Researchers found that higher levels of dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber, are associated with a lower risk of developing dementia. The study suggests that a high-fiber diet may play a preventative role in reducing the incidence of dementia.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·DateFeb 20, 2022

How vacation photos of zebras and whales can help conservation

Scientists use AI to analyze images of wildlife for crucial data, helping track endangered species and combat extinction. A new field called imageomics extracts biological information from images, providing insights into animal movements, population trends, and evolutionary adaptations.

SourceOhio State University·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 20, 2022

Techniques for communicating science in an age of declining trust

The workshop aims to provide tangible techniques for effectively communicating scientific results to general audiences. Researchers conducted surveys to understand the decline in public trust in science, citing insufficient science education and disinformation campaigns as key factors.

SourceArizona State University·DateFeb 19, 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.

World's smallest battery can power computer with the size of a grain of dust

Researchers have developed an unsolved problem in microelectronics by creating the world's smallest battery, which can power tiny sub-millimeter-scale computers for about ten hours. The Swiss-roll process enables on-chip batteries for dust-sized computers with high energy density and integrability.

SourceChemnitz University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2022

Wide-temperature-window hydrogel electrolyte developed for aqueous zinc-ion battery

Researchers have developed a hydrogel electrolyte that enables aqueous zinc-ion batteries to operate within a wider temperature range (-20 °C to 60 °C), improving device flexibility. The new electrolyte also shows improved mechanical properties and electrochemical performance, with a high capacity retention rate of 88%.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateFeb 18, 2022

How to look thousands of kilometers deep into the Earth?

Researchers use white laser beam and diamond anvil cell to measure SiO2 glass density, yielding key information on its refractive index and path length. This breakthrough helps geoscientists understand Earth's interior and solid mantle formation.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 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.

Researchers identify protein complex critical in helping control cell death

A preclinical study identified a protein complex critical for regulating apoptosis and necroptosis. Inhibiting this complex may help prevent excessive cell death and tissue damage associated with heart attacks, autoimmune disorders, and COVID-19. Researchers believe that targeting the PPP1R3G/PP1γ pathway could lead to new treatments f...

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2022

Self-healing materials for robotics made from ‘jelly’ and salt

Developed by University of Cambridge researchers, these materials can sense strain, temperature and humidity, and partially repair themselves at room temperature. The low-cost materials have potential applications in robotics, tactile interfaces and wearable devices.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNPG Asia Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2022
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.

Public opinion on transparency at the FDA

A survey study found that 71% of respondents support increased transparency in the FDA drug approval process. Public support for or opposition to transparency measures was assessed in this study.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 18, 2022

Scientists characterize the imbalanced gut bacteria of patients with myocardial infarction, angina and heart failure

Researchers analyzed the gut microbiome of 1,241 middle-aged individuals and found that about half of the bacterial species were modified by drug treatment, while 75% of disturbances occurred in early stages of overweight and type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that an imbalanced gut microbiome may play a role in heart disease development

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2022

Hepatitis C patients cured with antiviral medicines are less likely to be hospitalized, need ER care for liver, other health-related issues

A study by Henry Ford Health System found that hepatitis C patients treated with direct-acting antivirals are less likely to be hospitalized or seek emergency care for related health issues. The study's lead author notes that curing the virus improves overall patient health and reduces the risk of developing other conditions.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 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.

Steroid treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy may depend on the clock

A new study suggests that the timing of steroid treatment may be crucial to its effectiveness in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Researchers found that weekly doses of prednisone were more effective when administered at a specific time of day, promoting muscle function and reducing side effects.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 18, 2022