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Science News Archive February 2022 - Page 36


Page 36 of 40
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Venomous Australian sea anemone may lead to life-saving drugs

Researchers discovered 84 potential toxins in a reef-based Australian sea anemone, including one new toxin that could be involved in digestion. The study found toxins located at sites corresponding to their ecological role, such as defense and predation.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 2022

New diabetes targets could allow protection of pancreatic beta cells

A new study published in Nature Communications identifies a harmful cellular pathway that causes pancreatic beta cell death, leading to type 1 diabetes. Blocking this pathway preserved beta cells, increased insulin production, and prevented or delayed diabetes in mice models.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 3, 2022

Future of winter: UNH researchers find low emissions vital to slow warming

Researchers at UNH found that reducing carbon dioxide emissions can preserve almost three weeks of snow cover and below freezing temperatures. This preservation is critical for woodland animals, preventing the spread of invasive pests, and maintaining ski resorts' ability to make snow.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalNortheastern Naturalist·DateFeb 3, 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.

At last: a stiff, strong artificial tooth enamel analog

Engineers produce ATE nanocomposite with high stiffness, hardness, strength, viscoelasticity, and toughness, exceeding natural enamel properties. The artificial tooth enamel's hierarchical structure is achieved through dual-directional freezing in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 3, 2022

Lonely teenagers at greater risk of poor educational outcomes

A new study from King's College London found that lonely teenagers are at a greater risk of poor educational outcomes and negative mental health issues. Participants who experienced loneliness during early adolescence were more likely to finish school with lower grades and experience problems such as depression and anxiety by age 18.

SourceKing's College London·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 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.

Rosalind Franklin University researchers identify new therapeutic for cystic fibrosis

Researchers at Rosalind Franklin University have identified a new therapeutic approach for treating cystic fibrosis. The treatment uses antisense oligonucleotides to restore CFTR function by removing stop mutations. This strategy has shown promise in treating CF patients with class I mutations and similar types of mutations.

SourceRosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

A sponge playing in defense

A team of scientists at the University of Würzburg has identified a previously unknown RNA sponge, OppX, that mimics a key regulator of bacterial membrane permeability. The discovery sheds light on how bacteria evade antibiotics and could lead to the development of new therapeutics.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

UH-discovered Earth Trojan asteroid largest to date

The UH-discovered Earth Trojan asteroid is the largest to date, offering valuable data on its orbital stability. Researchers conducted an observational study and analyzed the asteroid's photometric characteristics, shedding light on its properties.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 2022
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.

Why COVID-19 surveillance in Nigeria is critical

A new Northwestern Medicine study found a probable variant of concern, eta, circulating in Nigeria in early 2021, but was grossly underreported globally. The study discovered that eta had characteristics of a variant of concern and outcompeted the alpha variant in West Africa.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 3, 2022

Unravelling the ancient stories hidden in DNA

Scientists have discovered that the genomes of marine invertebrates have been surprisingly stable across deep time. The study found that chromosomes are remarkably similar among sponges, jellyfish, scallops, and even humans, with some genes traveling together for almost a billion years.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

New ‘smart’ FFP2 face mask alerts wearers when CO2 limits are exceeded

A new FFP2 facemask with built-in CO2 monitoring detects when healthy limits are exceeded, sending alerts to the wearer's smartphone. The device is environmentally friendly and has potential applications in non-invasive health monitoring and diagnostics.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 3, 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.

Marshall University researchers explore use of robotic arm technology in revision total knee arthroplasty

Researchers at Marshall University's Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine have successfully applied robotic arm technology to revision total knee arthroplasty, achieving well-aligned components and excellent range of motion in patients. The study utilizes computer-assisted technology to improve component positioning and reduce the burden...

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalArthroplasty Today·DateFeb 3, 2022

Matthew Jones wins NSF CAREER Award

Matthew Jones, a Rice University chemist, has won a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award to investigate the fundamental processes of nanoparticle formation. He aims to develop a mechanistic understanding of nanoparticle growth to control their size and shape, enabling advances in biomedicine, energy storage, and computing.

SourceRice University·DateFeb 3, 2022

Kessler Foundation scientists explore evidence for improving outcomes for prism adaptation therapy in stroke survivors

Researchers analyzed fMRI studies on healthy individuals and stroke survivors to understand the neural mechanisms underlying prism adaptation therapy. The study found differences in brain activity patterns between healthy individuals and those with spatial neglect, suggesting a shift in spatial processing to the left hemisphere.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalBrain Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 3, 2022

Puffy planets lose atmospheres, become super Earths

Astronomers have identified two mini-Neptune planets losing their puffy atmospheres, transforming into super-Earths. The gas escaping these planets is driven by stellar radiation, with some gas flowing towards the star.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateFeb 3, 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.

Wisdom engendered: study finds men and women have different strengths

A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that women score higher on compassion-related items and self-reflection, whereas men score higher on cognitive-related items and emotional regulation. Both genders demonstrated an association with increased mental well-being and resilience.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 3, 2022

Reading DNA is team work

Dresden researchers reveal how liquid-like protein droplets collectively read DNA regions to switch on genes. Thousands of individual transcription factors work together, interacting and identifying clusters of binding sites on the DNA surface.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG)·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 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.

High level of artificial radioactivity on glaciers surprises physicists

Researchers discovered unexpectedly high concentrations of artificial radionuclides in cryoconite samples from the Blaisen Glacier, linked to Chernobyl and nuclear testing. The presence of organic matter from lemming populations may contribute to higher radioactivity levels.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateFeb 3, 2022

Game-changing technology to remove 99% of carbon dioxide from air

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a novel electrochemical system that can capture 99% of carbon dioxide from air, effectively turning it into an environmentally friendly fuel cell technology. The technology uses hydrogen as power and has potential applications in various industries, including automotive, aerospac...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 3, 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.

Humans and other primates have evolved less sensitive noses

A study found that humans have evolved less sensitive noses compared to other primates, with genetic variations affecting scent perception. Researchers screened the genomes of over 1,000 Han Chinese people and an ethnically diverse population to identify novel genetic variants associated with odor detection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

Cooling matter from a distance

Scientists at Swiss Nanoscience Institute successfully cooled a vibrating membrane to near-absolute zero using coherent feedback with atomic spins. The technique enables control of macroscopic systems over long distances, crucial for future quantum applications.

SourceSwiss Nanoscience Institute, University of Basel·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 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.

A horse slicker is just a horse slicker, of course, of course, unless it can monitor chronic disease

A new study by Purdue University engineers has developed a horse slicker that can monitor chronic diseases in horses using e-textiles. The technology allows for continuous monitoring of equine cardiac, respiratory, and muscular systems, enabling early detection of disease flare-ups and improving treatment decisions.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2022

“Taste” and “smell” of coral reefs provide insights into a dynamic ecosystem

Scientists have characterized thousands of small molecules in coral reef ecosystems, providing insights into food web dynamics and chemical ecology. The study found that corals and seaweeds release diverse compounds that influence nutrient concentrations and availability in the ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Mask mandates reduce COVID-19 transmission in rural US counties

Research shows that mask mandates are effective in reducing COVID-19 transmission in rural US counties with lower population density. The study found a 16.9% reduction in cases after mask mandates were introduced.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalJournal of Osteopathic Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 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.

Supermountains controlled the evolution of life on Earth

Researchers found two instances of supermountains, Nuna and Transgondwanan, linked to major periods of evolution, including eukaryotes and the emergence of large animals. These mountain ranges drove biological cycles, boosted oxygen levels, and facilitated complex life.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 2, 2022

Testing the effectiveness of KN95 and surgical mask ‘fit hacks’

The study found that two hacks, first aid tape and nylon tights, significantly improved mask fit for both KN95 and surgical masks. However, the tights were highly uncomfortable, highlighting the importance of balancing effectiveness with wearer comfort.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Nearly 1,000 mysterious strands revealed in Milky Way’s center

Researchers discover nearly 1,000 mysterious filaments stretching up to 150 light years long, found in pairs and clusters, with magnetic fields amplified along the filaments. The study sheds new light on the origins of these structures, which are likely related to past activity of the Milky Way's central supermassive black hole.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Architectural distortion on digital breast tomosynthesis with nonmalignant pathology

A retrospective study found that the upgrade rate of architectural distortion on digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) to malignancy was 10.2% for radial scars without atypia and 28.2% for those with atypia. Imaging surveillance is considered an alternative to surgery for these cases.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 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.

Tinnitus, blood flow, and the brain

Studies using magnetic resonance imaging found a correlation between decreased blood flow in specific brain areas and tinnitus severity. Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign explored these links to better understand the causes of tinnitus.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalCurrent Research in Neurobiology·DateFeb 2, 2022

First 3D structure of regulator protein revealed

Scientists at the University of Münster and Max Planck Institute have clarified the molecular basis for cellular degradation processes by elucidating the 3D structure of Mon1/Ccz1. The complex determines which vesicles deliver their content to the lysosome, a key step in protein regulation.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2022

A new amplifying technique for weak and noisy signals

Researchers at INRS developed a method to amplify weak optical signals while reducing noise content using the Talbot self-imaging effect. This technique has potential applications in various fields like telecommunications, bioimaging, and remote sensing.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalOptica·DateFeb 2, 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.

‘Smart’ greenhouses could slash electricity costs

A new internet-connected lighting system for greenhouses can optimize lighting and reduce electrical costs by up to 33% by predicting sunlight. The system uses sensors and algorithms to adjust light levels, making the most of natural sunlight and minimizing energy waste.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPlants·DateFeb 2, 2022

Suicides by drug overdose increased among young people, elderly people, and Black women, despite overall downward trend

A recent study found an increase in intentional drug overdose deaths among young people aged 15-24, older adults aged 75-84, and non-Hispanic Black women. Despite a downward trend in overall deaths, these subgroups saw a rise in intentional overdose death rates, with women ages 45 to 64 having the highest rates.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 2, 2022

UCLA Health team develops new mouse model to shed light on the mystery surrounding Huntington’s disease onset and improve the targeting of potential therapies

Researchers have developed a new mouse model of Huntington's disease that recapitulates more disease-like characteristics than earlier models. The study provides new clues to the mystery surrounding genetic mutations and gives researchers a powerful tool to test new therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Losing amphibian diversity also means losing poison diversity

Research by UC Berkeley biologists highlights the importance of conserving harlequin toad diversity due to the loss of potential pharmaceuticals. A review of 113 species found that only 16 have been studied for toxins, and many are in decline or extinct.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalToxicon X·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 2, 2022

Cancer treatment: a berry from Brazil helps out

A Brazilian berry has been found to enhance the effectiveness of a popular cancer treatment by modifying the gut microbiome. Researchers discovered that castalagin, a polyphenol from the camu-camu fruit, improves immunotherapy response in mice with resistant cancers.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 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.

Red snow phenomena are a balancing act

Researchers from The University of Tokyo developed a model to predict the occurrence of red snow events, which are associated with the duration of snow melt and the timing of new snowfall. The study found that snow algae blooms can speed up snow melt as they darken the surface.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences·DateFeb 2, 2022

Social isolation and loneliness increase heart disease risk in senior women

A new study reveals that social isolation and loneliness can increase cardiovascular disease risk by 8% and 5% respectively. Women who experience high levels of both social isolation and loneliness have a 13-27% increased risk of heart disease, compared to those with low levels.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Shadow of cosmic water cloud reveals the temperature of the young universe

A team of astrophysicists has discovered a new method to measure the cosmic microwave background radiation's temperature at an early epoch of the universe. By observing HFLS3, a massive starburst galaxy, they found a cold water cloud that casts a shadow on the microwave radiation, revealing the Big Bang's relic temperature.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022