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Science News Archive February 2022 - Page 38


Page 38 of 40

Improving vascular graft integration into the body

A multidisciplinary research team from the University of Pittsburgh seeks to improve vascular graft integration by developing fully biodegradable tissue-engineered vascular grafts. The goal is to keep compliance-matched as it degrades and remodels, reducing long-term graft failure rates.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateFeb 2, 2022

Remote sensing technology reduces urban air pollution

A new study found that Hong Kong's remote sensing enforcement program significantly reduced harmful chemicals at the roadside and in the atmosphere. The program led to a 22-39% reduction in total hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitric oxide emissions from high-emitting vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bristol scientists develop insect-sized flying robots with flapping wings

A new drive system has been developed for flapping wing autonomous robots, eliminating the need for conventional motors and gears. The Liquid-amplified Zipping Actuator (LAZA) achieves wing motion without rotating parts or gears, simplifying the flapping mechanism and enabling miniaturization to insect size.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience Robotics·DateFeb 2, 2022

Post-pandemic, urban planners are seeking a return to ‘old normal’ in downtown areas

Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that urban planners are focusing on restoring pre-pandemic downtown functions, with increased use of outdoor spaces and mixed-use development. However, government intervention is seen as a challenge to revitalization efforts due to reduced public investment in mid-sized cities.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPlanning Practice and Research·DateFeb 2, 2022

Not living the dream: Millennials locked out of housing market by older generations

A new research paper from the University of South Australia reveals that older generations hold a significant portion of housing properties, locking out younger Millennials. The study highlights how government policies designed to protect one generation can hinder another, creating severe housing tenure inequalities.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalProperty Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2022

Minimizing long-term lung damage in COVID patients

A combined treatment strategy targeting SARS-CoV-2 symptoms and severe lung tissue injury is essential to minimize lung sequelae. Researchers are exploring therapy using lung epithelial stem and progenitor cells to mitigate virus-induced inflammatory storm and promote tissue regeneration efficiently.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalClinical Microbiology Reviews·DateFeb 2, 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.

Scientists pack centuries of organic chemistry into neat 2D visualization

Researchers propose a new neural network-based method to visualize chemical reactions in a 2D plane, grouping similar reactions together. The visualization helps chemists understand the global chemical reaction space and identify underused or unused reaction types.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalACS Omega·DateFeb 2, 2022

Research advances technology of AI assistance for anesthesiologists

Researchers developed a machine learning algorithm to automate propofol dosing for unconscious patients, matching human performance in sophisticated simulations. The 'dose penalty' model improved upon traditional software, but limitations remain, highlighting challenges in AI system accuracy and real-world application.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalArtificial Intelligence in Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 2, 2022

How machine learning can improve food insecurity predictions

Researchers found that machine learning models can help predict village food insecurity outcomes in Sub-Saharan African countries. The models incorporate publicly available data on weather, geography, and food prices to capture a wide variety of factors that can influence food insecurity. Key takeaways include the need for interpretabl...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalApplied Economic Perspectives and Policy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 2, 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 set record by preserving quantum states for more than 5 seconds

Researchers have achieved a record breakthrough by preserving quantum states for over 5 seconds, utilizing silicon carbide, a widely available material. This advancement enables the development of scalable and cost-effective quantum innovation, including potential applications in quantum communication networks and quantum computers.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Lighting up tough pancreatic cancers

Researchers have designed a nanoparticle system that can deliver fluorescent dyes to diagnose and treat pancreatic cancer tumors. The system overcomes the challenge of reaching cells deep within dense tumor masses, enabling detailed images of tumor structures and potentially targeted therapies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJACS Au·DateFeb 2, 2022

Optimizing indoor light conditions to mimic the natural light-dark cycle could help mitigate adverse metabolic effects of extended periods of exposure to indoor lighting

A study found that bright light during daylight hours and dim light in the evening improves glucose metabolism, thermoregulation, and energy expenditure. In contrast, a dim day with bright evening led to reduced postprandial glucose levels despite unchanged insulin levels.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateFeb 2, 2022

Guidelines to exploring nanoscale flexoelectricity via AFM tip pressing

A comprehensive guideline for exploring nanoscale flexoelectricity via AFM tip pressing has been developed by a joint team of researchers. The method allows for the control of flexoelectricity in nanometer-sized materials, showing potential applications as generators and actuators in nanoscale units.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateFeb 2, 2022

NIH supports Valley Fever Research with new awards

The NIH is supporting research on coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever, with three new awards totaling over $4.5 million. Researchers will focus on developing diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines to combat the disease, which affects thousands of people in the US each year.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 2, 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.

UMass Amherst study examines associations between contraceptive methods and early menopause

A UMass Amherst study found associations between oral contraceptive use and certain tubal ligation methods with lower levels of antimüllerian hormone (AMH), a biomarker for ovarian aging. This may suggest an increased risk for early menopause in women who have used oral contraceptives or undergone specific types of tubal ligation.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalMenopause·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Research highlights lived experiences of supramolecular chemists during Covid-19

A new research paper by the Women In Supramolecular Chemistry (WISC) network reveals the lived experiences of supramolecular chemists during Covid-19, focusing on the impact of caring responsibilities and emotional load. The study found that mental health was significantly negatively affected among those with caring responsibilities.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalChem·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 2, 2022

Insights into the past of an almost eradicated childhood infection

Researchers have reconstructed the oldest known ancient DNA genome of Haemophilus influenzae serotype b from a 6th-century Anglo-Saxon child, revealing its evolutionary history and virulence profile. The study also highlights the impact of plague infections on sub-adult populations during historical pandemics.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalGenome Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 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.

Researchers offer direction for achieving age-friendly environments

Researchers offer guidance on creating age-friendly environments that consider diversity and inclusivity across dimensions. The special issue highlights the importance of providing housing, transportation, healthcare access, and sociocultural support for all older adults.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateFeb 2, 2022

New study estimates prevalence of undiagnosed HIV in children in sub-Saharan Africa

A new study by CUNY SPH researchers estimates that nearly 40% of children living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa are undiagnosed, highlighting the urgent need for improved pediatric testing coverage. The study found that only 55% of children on ART had suppressed viral loads, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateFeb 2, 2022

More spice could help seniors avoid salt

Researchers found that adding chipotle seasoning to white sauce formulations made it difficult for older adults to differentiate between low and high levels of salt. Conversely, herbs like basil leaves and garlic powder were not as effective at masking salty flavors.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFood Quality and Preference·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 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.

Immunological memory provides long-term protection against coronavirus

A study has identified specific signaling pathways that determine when immune cells develop into long-lived protective T cells. The researchers found a distinct molecular signature of these memory cells, which helps to unravel the complex way in which immunological memory is formed and maintained.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Ocean eddies could explain Antarctic sea-ice paradox

A new study by the Alfred Wegener Institute provides a basis for reliable projections of Antarctic sea-ice impacts under climate change. Ocean eddies are found to delay sea-ice loss, contrary to existing simulations, and allow the ocean to transport additional heat northward.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2022

Men with sex addiction may have elevated levels of the “love hormone”

A small study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that men with hypersexual disorder have higher oxytocin levels than healthy men. Cognitive behavioral therapy was effective in reducing both hypersexual behavior and oxytocin levels in participants.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 2, 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.

IU-led global health network AMPATH adds sites in Mexico, Ghana

The IU-led AMPATH Global network is expanding to Ghana and Mexico, building on a successful collaboration that has played a crucial role in combating HIV, social determinants of health, and COVID-19. The partnership aims to improve public-sector healthcare systems and promote well-being in underserved communities.

SourceIndiana University·DateFeb 2, 2022

Does strep throat lead to the development of tics?

A new study published in Neurology found that exposure to strep throat does not increase the risk of developing tics in children who have a parent or sibling with a chronic tic disorder. Researchers followed 259 children for an average of 1.6 years and found no association between strep infection and tic development.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 2, 2022

New lightweight material is stronger than steel

Researchers at MIT have developed a new material that is stronger than steel and as light as plastic, with potential applications in car parts, cell phones, bridges, and other structures. The material, called polyaramide, self-assembles into sheets and has unique properties, including high elastic modulus and impermeability to gases.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 2, 2022

Study finds concerning variations in care between physicians of the same specialty and in the same city, delivering care in the same clinical scenarios

A new study published in JAMA Health Forum found significant variations in care delivery among physicians with the same specialty and city, despite delivering care in the same clinical scenarios. The researchers analyzed medical insurance records from 2016 to 2019 and found that top-performing physicians were five to 10 times more like...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·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.

Tackling an epidemic

The opioid crisis in the US has reached epidemic levels, with over 100,000 drug overdose deaths reported for the first time. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attributes the rise to abuse of synthetic opioid fentanyl and the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Lancet·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 2, 2022

An insulin patch that sticks inside a person’s cheek

Researchers have developed a prototype insulin-loaded patch that comfortably sticks to the inside of a person's cheek, offering a less invasive way to manage blood sugar levels. The patch, activated by heat, releases insulin into the bloodstream several times faster than through skin, showing promise for diabetes treatment.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·DateFeb 2, 2022

What is your dog’s lifespan? You might be surprised

The Dog Aging Project is a groundbreaking study that has enrolled over 32,000 dogs to understand the aging process. Researchers are using this dataset to identify biomarkers of canine aging and potential genetic factors contributing to exceptional longevity, which they hope will translate to human health.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022

The path to renewable fuel just got easier

A research team at PNNL has developed a system that converts waste carbon from sewage, food crops, and algae into fuels while removing impurities. The electrocatalytic oxidation fuel recovery system generates hydrogen to power its own operation, making it potentially carbon-neutral.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalApplied Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Scientists develop ‘exceptional’ surface to explore exotic physics

Researchers created a stable surface with exceptional points, demonstrating perfect light absorption in a coherent system. The discovery enables the investigation of new physics and potential applications for better sensors and novel ways of controlling light-matter interaction.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 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.

Otago researchers help debunk harmful misconception about Autism

A study by University of Otago researchers has found that young Autistic people in Aotearoa have significantly lower rates of criminal justice system interactions compared to those without Autism. However, if charged, Autistic young people were more likely to face serious and violent offence charges.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalAutism·DateFeb 2, 2022

Mimicking the brain to realize 'human-like' virtual assistants

Researchers have developed a system that can capture the information in speech signals similar to how humans perceive speech. The method uses a matching pursuit algorithm and psychoacoustic principles to produce high-quality resynthesized speech signals with natural accents.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Access·DateFeb 2, 2022

Engineers develop surgical “duct tape” as an alternative to sutures

Researchers create a sticky patch that can seal large tears and punctures in the colon, stomach, and intestines of animal models without causing inflammation or sticking to surrounding tissues. The patch is designed to be biocompatible, flexible, and holds for over a month.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 2, 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.

Study of Penn patients with decade-long leukemia remissions after Car T cell therapy reveals new details about persistence of personalized “living drug” cells

Researchers discovered two patients with CAR T cell therapy achieved the longest-known remission to date, providing new details about treatment effects and outcomes. The study shows that the infused CAR T cells remained detectable for at least a decade, with sustained remission in both patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2022

Insect DNA metabarcoding to assess the state of health of forests

A new DNA metabarcoding technique identifies nearly 3,000 insect species in European forests, revealing that forest dieback affects insect community composition and ecological functions. The study highlights the importance of preserving environmental features supporting biodiversity.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 2, 2022

The Lancet: Over 1.2 million additional opioid overdose deaths expected in North America by 2029, with epidemic set to expand globally, experts warn

The opioid crisis is predicted to grow exponentially in North America, adding 1.2 million more overdose deaths by 2029. The epidemic began in the 1990s and has worsened over the past decade due to the availability of illicit opioids like heroin and fentanyl.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 2, 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.

Europeans have doubts about robot-assisted surgery

A UOC study analyzed 28,000 European citizens' perceptions of robot-assisted surgery, finding that experience and user-friendliness are key factors in trust. The study highlights the need for a patient-aligned robotic strategy to develop effective healthcare policies.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2022

The key to a powerful antibiotic’s formation now clear

Researchers have imaged an enzyme involved in carbapenem biosynthesis, shedding light on the process of creating a potent side chain that makes these antibiotics effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The discovery could lead to improved antibiotics and new strategies for combating bacterial resistance.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 2, 2022

The last ice age widened the Aare and Gürbe valleys

Researchers reconstructed bedrock geometry using gravity measurements, finding that glaciers of 'Würm' glaciation mainly widened valleys rather than deepening them. The study also revealed U-shaped cross-sections and asymmetric geometries in overdeepenings beneath Aare and Gürbe valleys.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 2, 2022

High-strength and high energy storage capacity!

Researchers at KIMS developed a multifunctional carbon nanotube fiber that simultaneously achieves high energy storage capacity and high strength, revolutionizing the field of lightweight materials. The material is expected to be used in electric vehicles, drones, and aerospace/aviation fields.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 2, 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.

A new, nanoscale, 3D structure to control light

Researchers at Penn State developed a computational optimizer to design a 3D unit cell with cube-shaped cavities that enables asymmetric transmission of linearly polarized light across a wide frequency range. The optimized design was successfully fabricated and tested, demonstrating robust optical properties.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 2, 2022

PopHumanVar: Reconstructing the evolutionary past of the human species

The study behind PopHumanVar explores how human genomes have adapted to environmental pressures and dietary changes throughout history. The database allows for the identification of specific mutations responsible for adaptive events, such as lactose digestion in European populations.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 1, 2022

Comparing preprints and their finalized publications during the pandemic

Researchers compared preprints to their final publications and found that over 83% of COVID-19 and 93% of non-COVID related life sciences articles do not change from their preprint to final published versions. A machine learning tool also recommends potential journals for linguistically similar articles.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 1, 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.

Study links lead in childhood well water to teen delinquency

A new study found that children who drank well water with lead have a 21% higher risk of delinquency and 38% increased risk of serious complaints. Researchers analyzed a 20-year dataset linking blood lead measurements to reported juvenile delinquency records after age 14.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2022