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Science News Archive February 2022 - Page 30


Page 30 of 40

The last of the natural coasts

A study found that only 15.5% of the Earth's coastal areas are ecologically intact, with high levels of biodiversity and ecosystem services relied upon by millions of people. The researchers call for increased protections and restoration targets to conserve remaining intact coastal regions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalConservation Biology·DateFeb 8, 2022

A new multipurpose on-off switch for inhibiting bacterial growth

A new antitoxin mechanism called Panacea has been discovered, neutralizing hundreds of toxins and potentially protecting bacteria against viruses. The study's findings suggest that toxin-antitoxin systems are crucial for phage therapy to treat antibiotic-resistant infections.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2022

In helping smokers quit, combining treatments is key

Combining FDA-approved smoking cessation medications with behavioral support programs significantly increases success rates for quitting tobacco. The review recommends varenicline or combination nicotine replacement therapy as the most effective choices.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 8, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study finds that monkeys, like people, can ‘choke under pressure’

A study by Georgia State University researchers found that monkeys can 'choke under pressure' on a computerized matching task. The team discovered that individual variations in stress response and cortisol levels affect performance, suggesting an evolutionarily common trait among species.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2022

Our concept of numbers is integrally tied to language and culture, new research shows

A new study published in Psychological Science challenges the idea that humans have an innate system of thinking about and organizing numbers. The research finds that language is integrally tied to numerical cognition, with Tsimane' participants being able to only match exact number of objects within their known number words.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2022

Pink pumice key to revealing explosive power of underwater volcanic eruptions

Research published in Communications Earth and Environment reveals insights into explosive submarine eruptions, challenging existing depth limits. Pink pumice found in the Havre 2012 eruption indicates a powerful jet and shielded core, capable of producing an explosive column.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 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.

Mutating quantum particles set in motion

The study reveals that particles can behave as bosons in one region and fermions in another, leading to striking phenomena like particle trapping or fragmentation. This discovery opens up a window to engineer and control new kinds of collective motion in the quantum world.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateFeb 8, 2022

The view from above

Giant kelp forests are driven by a mix of external and internal factors, according to researchers who used remote sensing technology to assess canopy biomass and age dynamics. The effects of different drivers are more pronounced at different scales.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2022

Reconstructing the chromosomes of the earliest animals on Earth

A recent study found that many marine invertebrates, including sponges and jellyfish, retain the same chromosomal structure as their primitive ancestors over 600 million years ago. This discovery underscores the conservatism of evolution and provides a key link between humans and our distant ancestors.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2022

Newly discovered effect of toxic goiter on brain

Researchers discovered that toxic goiter causes shrinkage in central brain regions, such as the hippocampus and amygdala, which can lead to mental symptoms. The study provides key insights for patients with Graves' disease, a common form of hyperthyroidism.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 8, 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.

CityU study shows improperly discarded surgical masks threaten the marine ecosystem and food chain

A City University of Hong Kong study found that improper disposal of surgical masks can pollute over 54,800 Olympic-sized swimming pools annually with microplastics. The research also showed that microplastics accumulate in the food chain, affecting marine organisms and potentially harming higher-level species.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2022

Firearm injuries increased during first year of COVID-19 in Massachusetts

During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, firearm injuries increased significantly in Massachusetts, with a disproportionate impact on Black and Hispanic men. The study found that unemployed individuals from these groups were more likely to experience firearm injuries, highlighting the need for targeted violence prevention services.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 8, 2022

Illinois research shows how dicamba could be safely used in sweet corn

A study by University of Illinois researchers found that applying dicamba at the latest growth stage and using a safener can help minimize injury to sweet corn. The results suggest that dicamba could be used safely in sweet corn with proper application timing and formulation, offering practical guidance for farmers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWeed Science·DateFeb 8, 2022

Fecal implants drive behavioral and cognitive changes in Alzheimer’s model

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have made a groundbreaking connection between the gut microbiome and cognitive decline in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. Fecal implants induced significant behavioral and cognitive changes in mice, offering new avenues for treating or forestalling dementia.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 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.

NIH awards R01 grant to TTUHSC researcher

Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare cancer affecting up to 1 in 1 million women worldwide, characterized by uncontrolled tumor cell growth. Researchers aim to identify new therapeutic targets using extracellular vesicles, with the goal of developing new therapies for LAM patients.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·DateFeb 8, 2022

Researchers propose new fix for Texas power vulnerabilities

A Cornell University-led analysis recommends improving contracting improvements in Texas' energy-only markets to mitigate rare events. Decentralized energy markets rely on investors anticipating demand, but they often fail to manage risk as designed.

SourceCornell University·JournalJoule·DateFeb 8, 2022

Study identifies potential target for osteoporosis treatments

Scientists have identified connexin (Cx) 43 hemichannels on the surface of bone cells as a potential new target for medications to treat osteoporosis and other conditions that cause bone loss. The study, published in eLife, reveals how these channels play a crucial role in responding to mechanical stress and building stronger bones.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2022

Musical preferences unite personalities worldwide, new study finds

A new study by Dr David Greenberg and colleagues found that musical preferences are linked to personality traits across cultures, with extraversion linked to contemporary music and neuroticism unexpectedly drawn to intense styles. The research suggests a universal role for music in bridging social divides.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 8, 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.

Identification of a unique "switch" for blood vessel generation

Researchers found a unique bivalent histone-mark switch specific to critical transcription factors that induce genes essential for angiogenesis. The histone modifiers responsible for this modification are vital for postnatal angiogenesis.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2022

Single-molecule optofluidic microsensor with interface whispering gallery modes

Researchers at Peking University developed a microsensor that leverages whispering gallery modes to detect single DNA molecules with improved sensitivity. The interface mode outperforms traditional evanescent field-based sensors, offering ultra-small sample consumption and automatic analysis capabilities.

SourcePeking University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 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.

Research reveals why more Black women die from breast cancer

Researchers found significant molecular differences in DNA repair genes and cellular signals controlling cell growth between healthy and tumor tissue of Black and white women. These differences may lead to improved treatment strategies for ER+ breast cancer, including earlier use of CDK inhibitors.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalTherapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology·DateFeb 8, 2022

Genome of Steller’s sea cow decoded

An international research team reconstructed the genome of Steller's sea cow from fossil remains, finding inactivations of genes responsible for its unique skin structure. The study reveals a dramatic reduction in population size contributing to the species' extinction.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 8, 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.

Arctic winter warming causes cold damage in the subtropics of East Asia

A study by University of Zurich researchers reveals Arctic warming causes temperature anomalies and cold damage thousands of kilometers away in East Asia, leading to reduced vegetation growth and smaller harvests. The warmer Arctic winters also trigger extreme winter weather events in the region.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2022

Study suggests words are needed to think about numbers

A study from MIT and UC Berkeley found a relationship between Tsimane' individuals' counting ability and their success in matching tasks up to 25. The researchers suggest that representing exact quantities larger than four requires words for those numbers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 8, 2022

Drug halts immune reactions to save damaged lungs

Researchers have discovered disulfiram prevents the formation of toxic webs known as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that contribute to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Disulfiram's ability to block NET formation may lead to a new treatment for severe COVID-19 and other lung injuries.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalJCI Insight·DateFeb 8, 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.

The perilous migratory journey of the eastern whip-poor-will

Researchers found that eastern whip-poor-wills from the Midwest breed in a small area of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and east Texas before migrating to Mexico and Central America. The birds' synchronized trip south poses a danger to their population, which has declined by nearly 70% due to habitat loss and urban bird collisions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalDiversity and Distributions·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2022

Cannabis-related emergency department visits by youth increased five-fold in Ontario between 2003 and 2017

A recent study found that cannabis-related emergency department visits among adolescents and young adults in Ontario rose nearly five-fold between 2003 and 2017. The study highlights an emerging public health problem and emphasizes the need for further research into the causes of this trend.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 8, 2022

Discovery of 29 new acne risk genes provides hope for new treatments

A recent study has identified 29 new genetic variants associated with acne, providing potential new targets for treatment and helping clinicians identify individuals at high risk of severe disease. The research, involving over 20,000 individuals with acne, also found a link between genetic risk and disease severity.

SourceNIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 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.

Lung microbiome can predict future changes in lung function after transplantation

Researchers at Medical University of Vienna discovered that certain microbiome profiles following lung transplantation can provide prognostic information for future changes in lung function. Machine Learning analyzed multiomics data, including the microbiome, lipidome, and metabolome, to predict lung function deterioration.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateFeb 7, 2022

Who is that? Kids find it more difficult than adults to recognize faces behind masks

A new study found that children's face-perception abilities are impaired when wearing masks, with a 20% impairment rate compared to adults' 15%. This disruption can affect social interactions and relationships. Researchers highlight the need for future studies on the impact of mask-wearing on children's educational performance.

SourceYork University·JournalCognitive Research Principles and Implications·DateFeb 7, 2022

Lab results show promise for future pancreatic cancer treatment

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a compound that may offer hope for pancreatic cancer treatment. The experimental compound, XP-524, has been shown to more than double the average survival time for mice with pancreatic cancer when combined with immunotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022

Where mental health help is scarce, telehealth makes a big difference

A randomized study of over 1,000 people with PTSD and/or bipolar disorder shows that telehealth and integrated care models can improve treatment engagement and outcomes. Patients who received guidance from local clinic team members and in-person follow-up with nurses or social workers had better results.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 7, 2022

Kinks, skinks and supersymmetry

Researchers have designed an experimental protocol to detect the dynamics of kinks and skinks, which are energy lumps and their supersymmetric partners. The study focuses on a one-dimensional lattice, but the findings may inspire more elaborate simulators in higher dimensions.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 7, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Pusan National University scientists enhance durability of lithium-sulfur batteries with dyes

Researchers developed a novel coating material based on methylene blue dye to mitigate the polysulfide shuttling effect in lithium-sulfur batteries, improving their durability and electrochemical performance. This breakthrough could lead to the widespread adoption of sustainable energy storage systems.

SourcePusan National University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022

Speeding through nanowire

Researchers discovered that applying tension to nanowires significantly enhances electron mobility, allowing for faster transistor switching and lower energy requirements. The core-shell nanowires demonstrated a 30% increase in electron speed compared to strain-free or bulk gallium arsenide.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022

Brain stimulation rapidly improves cognitive deficits in long-COVID

Non-invasive brain microcurrent stimulation therapy significantly improves cognition and reverses visual field loss in two patients with long-COVID, reducing vascular dysregulation. Cognitive impairments such as fatigue and short-term memory loss are reversed within three to four days.

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 7, 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.

Chimpanzees apply insects to wounds, a potential case of medication?

Researchers at Osnabrück University observe chimpanzees applying insects to their own and others' wounds, sparking interest in potential anti-inflammatory or antiseptic properties. The team aims to investigate the social dimension of this behavior and its possible transmission through social learning.

SourceOsnabrück University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2022

International land use scientists urge policymakers to adopt new approaches to addressing climate change, biodiversity and other global crises

A new study identifies key facts about global land use, highlighting opportunities for a more sustainable and equitable approach. The study's findings emphasize the need for policymakers to consider trade-offs between competing benefits and prioritize value judgments when making land use decisions.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 7, 2022

New fossil reveals origin of arthropod breathing system

A new fossil discovery at the Chengjiang Fossil Site has provided a crucial link in understanding how arthropods evolved specialized limbs for breathing. The 520-million-year-old Erratus sperare organism has revealed the origins of biramous limbs, found in modern water-dwelling arthropods.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2022

COVID-19 infections increase risk of heart conditions up to a year later

A recent study found that COVID-19 infections can lead to serious cardiovascular complications, including heart attack, stroke, and coronary artery disease, even among previously healthy individuals. The risk of these complications remains high for up to a year after infection, highlighting the importance of post-infection care.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 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.

Rice team’s mask strategy passes muster

The Rice team created an easily manufactured adhesive silicone harness that improves the fit of light surgical masks, making them comparable to N95 and KN95 masks in terms of aerosol droplet stopping. The revised design includes a wider harness along the nose slope for better sealing.

SourceRice University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022

The ‘silent epidemic’: Study reveals impact of loneliness among older American women during the pandemic

A study of over 27,400 Women's Health Initiative participants found that loneliness increased among women aged 70+ during the pandemic, leading to worsening mental health. The 'silent epidemic' also showed a decline in social connections and increased isolation among women of color.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series A·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2022

Loneliness associated with increased risk of dementia in older adults

A study found a three-fold increase in dementia risk among lonely Americans younger than 80 who didn't carry the APOE ε4 allele. Loneliness was associated with poorer executive function and changes in brain structure indicating vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 7, 2022

Lowder measuring racial equity across criminal-legal decisions in Indiana

Dr. Evan Lowder is examining racial disparities in criminal-legal processing in Indiana to identify key measures for assessing racial equity and understand decision points contributing to disparate outcomes. The study aims to aid researchers in understanding the role of broader systemic disparity in contributing to disparate outcomes.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateFeb 7, 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.

Bronze Age women changed genetic landscape of Orkney, study finds

Bronze Age women led a massive wave of immigration in Orkney, replacing most of the local population and leaving behind their male lineages for over a thousand years. The study's findings suggest that Orkney was more integrated with the outside world than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2022