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Science News Archive February 2022 - Page 5


Page 5 of 40

On the move: Ancient DNA illuminates early Stone Age social networks

Researchers analyzed ancient human DNA to discern ancestral relationships across sub-Saharan Africa, finding evidence of widespread genetic mixing and exchange along complex social networks that stretched thousands of miles. The study provides the first genetic evidence of major demographic changes among hunter-gatherer populations in ...

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2022

Developments in lignin degradation: new microorganisms and enzymes at play

Researchers identified eight new microorganisms that cleave ether bonds in the lignin-based compound-2-phenoxyacetophenone. These discoveries could enhance our understanding of the carbon cycle and facilitate biotechnological applications for lignin commercialization.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Prenatal exposure to phthalates may affect infants’ health

A recent study found that prenatal exposure to phthalates in maternal and cord blood may affect birth outcomes in infants, with potential estrogenic effects in females and anti-androgenic effects in males. Higher levels of phthalates were also associated with smaller head circumference in all infants.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateFeb 24, 2022

Environmental DNA analysis to manage fecal contamination

A team of researchers has developed a new method using environmental DNA analysis to track the source of fecal contamination in surface water. By analyzing specific DNA sequences, they can identify the main contributors to pollution and potentially pinpoint areas with faulty wastewater treatment infrastructure or poor manure management.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalEnvironmental Monitoring and Assessment·DateFeb 24, 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.

Entanglement unlocks scaling for quantum machine learning

A new theorem shows that quantum entanglement eliminates exponential overhead in training quantum neural networks, enabling scalability and reducing data requirements. This breakthrough gives hope for a quantum speedup, where quantum machines outperform classical counterparts.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 24, 2022

Researchers to study possible links between fracking, water contaminants

A new grant from HEI Energy will allow researchers to explore possible links between fracking and water contaminants in southwestern Pennsylvania. The team will examine over 7,000 water samples for 40 diverse chemical signatures to identify if contaminants originated from the fracking process or legacy resource extraction.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 24, 2022

Cancer breakthrough reveals old drugs with new tricks may limit spread

Researchers discovered existing cancer drugs and new compounds can reverse nucleus size changes associated with metastasis, reducing the ability of cancer cells to spread. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalACS Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 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.

A new platform for customizable quantum devices

Scientists develop a new framework for creating versatile quantum devices by fine-tuning molecular qubits. This breakthrough enables tailored quantum systems with improved control over spin and photon properties.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Does severe COVID-19 affect pregnancy outcomes?

A recent study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica has found that severe COVID-19 in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes, including preterm birth and stillbirths. The research highlights the importance of vaccination against severe disease to protect both mothers and babies.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateFeb 24, 2022

Deep learning poised to improve breast cancer imaging

Researchers developed a new deep learning algorithm that allows for real-time reconstruction of images combining optical and magnetic resonance imaging data. The algorithm, Z-Net, enables faster image generation and can be trained with simulated data, improving breast cancer detection.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateFeb 24, 2022

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health: At least 5 million children have lost a parent or caregiver due to COVID-19 since March 2020, updated figures suggest

A new study estimates that over 5.2 million children worldwide have experienced the death of a parent or caregiver as a result of COVID-19. The number of affected children has nearly doubled in the six months from May 2021 to October 2021, with adolescents aged 10-17 years being disproportionately affected.

SourceThe Lancet·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 24, 2022

Researchers predict population trends of birds worldwide

A study published in Ibis used machine learning to predict population trends of 801 bird species worldwide, estimating nearly half are declining. Fragmented populations, particularly non-migratory birds in tropical forests, were found to be the top predictor of population declines globally.

SourceWiley·JournalIbis·DateFeb 24, 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.

Deep neural network to find hidden turbulent motion on the sun

A deep learning model has been developed to infer horizontal motion on the Sun's surface using temperature and vertical motion data. The technique shows promise for future high-resolution solar observations and laboratory plasmas.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 24, 2022

Pancreatic cancer: Cellular process suggests path to new treatment options

A team of researchers from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin have elucidated the process underlying drug resistance in aggressive pancreatic cancer. They found that inhibition of the RUNX1 protein limits cancer growth and may lead to effective treatment options.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

How ads with dogs and cats affect consumer behavior

The study found that exposure to dogs makes consumers more promotion-focused, while exposure to cats makes them more cautious. This effect persists even in pet-unrelated domains, influencing decision-making and judgment.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateFeb 24, 2022

Revealing the function of Mkx in periodontal ligament homeostasis

A study published at Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that Mkx regulates cellular heterogeneity and gene expression in the PDL, revealing its importance in homeostasis. The results showed that a deficiency of Mkx promotes ossification in the PDL and suggests a compensatory mechanism via Scx to maintain homeostasis.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateFeb 24, 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.

Researchers at the GIST develop design scheme for fiber reinforced composites

Researchers at GIST have developed a new approach for designing fiber reinforced composites, which can simultaneously optimize the macrostructure and microscale fiber densities. This method, based on multiscale topology optimization, enables the creation of functionally graded composites with improved strength-to-weight ratios, benefit...

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalComposite Structures·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 24, 2022

What factors might put older adults at higher risk of experiencing greater disability after major surgery?

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults who underwent non-elective surgery had more disabilities in daily activities after surgery. Factors associated with increased disability burden included age, sex, ethnicity, neighborhood disadvantage, multimorbidity, frailty, and health conditions.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 24, 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 algebra of neurons

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence discovered how a specific type of neuron can multiply two incoming signals in fruit flies. This finding provides insight into the algebra of neurons, which underlies various brain processes such as sound localization and visual motion detection.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2022

University of Oxford researchers create largest ever human family tree

Researchers from the University of Oxford's Big Data Institute have created a single genealogy tracing the ancestry of all humans, combining genome sequences from eight databases and 3,609 individual genomes. The study successfully recaptured key events in human evolutionary history, including migration out of Africa.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 24, 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.

The gatekeeper of the protein factory

An international research team found that the protein complex NAC acts as a 'gatekeeper' controlling protein transport to the endoplasmic reticulum. NAC prevents non-specific binding of SRP to ribosomes, ensuring only proteins with ER destination are transported. This sorting mechanism ensures cellular function and viability.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience·DateFeb 24, 2022

More sensitive X-ray imaging

Researchers at MIT have improved the efficiency of scintillators by up to tenfold and potentially even a hundredfold by creating nanoscale configurations. This could lead to better medical diagnostic X-rays, reduced dose exposure, and improved image quality.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateFeb 24, 2022

A decade of women’s heart health, reexamined

A new collection of scientific articles reviews the past decade of research on women's cardiovascular health, identifying key differences between men and women. The studies highlight critical gaps in current knowledge and emphasize the need for a more tailored approach to diagnosing and treating heart disease and stroke risk in women.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalCirculation Research·DateFeb 24, 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.

The impacts from using genetic testing to track down relatives

Researchers surveyed over 26,000 genetic genealogy participants about their experiences discovering previously unknown relatives. Most reported learning the identity of at least one relative, with some finding close family ties and others experiencing life-changing discoveries.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 24, 2022

Child abuse actually decreased during COVID. Here's why

Research by Robert Sege and Allison Stephens found that emergency department visits, abusive head trauma admissions, and child welfare reports decreased during the pandemic. The authors attribute this decline to increased support for families, including financial assistance, paid parental leave, and other social factors.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 24, 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.

Live wire: new research on nanoelectronics

A study by Arizona State University shows that certain proteins can act as efficient electrical conductors, outperforming DNA-based nanowires in conductance. The protein nanowires display better performance over long distances, enabling potential applications for medical sensing and diagnostics.

SourceArizona State University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Fingertip sensitivity for robots

A team of scientists developed a soft haptic sensor that can accurately estimate contact points and forces using computer vision and deep neural networks. The sensor is sensitive enough to detect even tiny forces and detailed object shapes.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateFeb 24, 2022

New study finds reporting entanglements of leatherback turtles is critical for survival

Researchers analyzed 280 confirmed sea turtle entanglements in Massachusetts waters and found that quickly reporting incidents can improve survival rates. The study highlights the importance of complete disentanglement to minimize injury and promote survival, with many turtles being alive weeks to years after being disentangled.

SourceNew England Aquarium·JournalEndangered Species Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 24, 2022

Development of a diamond transistor with high hole mobility

Researchers at NIMS have created a diamond field-effect transistor (FET) with high hole mobility, reducing conduction loss and increasing operational speed. The FET's normally-off behavior also makes it safer for electronic devices.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Herbs that protect the heart: Bilobalide reduces cardiac damage in myocardial ischemia, says new study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis

Researchers found that bilobalide, an active ingredient in Ginkgo biloba extract, protects the heart from ischemic injuries by preserving ATP generation and enhancing metabolic flux. The study suggests that bilobalide may provide a new herbal therapy for treating myocardial ischemia.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 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.

A first glimpse of the human brain’s drains

Researchers at MUSC and University of Florida successfully visualize the complete human brain lymphatic system in living humans using a new non-invasive MRI technique. This breakthrough enhances our understanding of brain function and may provide insights into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 24, 2022

AI deployed in the war on pedophilia

A new AI-based app developed by Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg allows individuals with pedophilic tendencies to access initial consultations and remote treatment while maintaining anonymity. The technology, called AnonymPrevent, aims to increase acceptance of preventative treatment against child abuse.

SourceOtto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg·DateFeb 24, 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.

How much energy does a dolphin use to swim?

A new study provides a reliable way to estimate energy costs in dolphins by using overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA), an integrated measure of all body motions during swimming. The study found significant correlation between oxygen consumption and body acceleration, suggesting ODBA can be a proxy for estimating cost of locomotion.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Study examines use of palliative care for patients with COVID-19 and acute kidney injury

A new study found that palliative care for hospitalized patients with both COVID-19 and acute kidney injury (AKI) was often called later than expected, despite the high risk of death. Palliative care supports primary doctors in managing emotional and physical symptoms while assisting in advance care planning.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 24, 2022

February research news from the Ecological Society of America

Researchers tracked a Mongolian gazelle traveling over 18,000 km, while new studies on raccoon movement inform improved vaccination strategies against wildlife disease. In contrast, urban bird species exhibit varying body weights and lifespans based on city characteristics.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateFeb 24, 2022

More intense roasting of cocoa beans lessens bitterness, boosts chocolate liking

Researchers found that longer and hotter roasting conditions can reduce bitterness in unsweetened chocolate, making it more palatable for health-conscious consumers. The study involved 145 participants who evaluated 27 different chocolate samples, with the most acceptable being made from beans roasted at 340°F.

SourcePenn State·JournalCurrent Research in Food Science·DateFeb 24, 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.

Study questions the role of vitamin D2 in human health but its sibling, vitamin D3, could be important for fighting infections

A new study has found that vitamin D3 can balance people's immune systems and strengthen defenses against viral infections like Covid-19. In contrast, vitamin D2 had a questionable impact on human health, with its effects differing from those of vitamin D3.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 24, 2022

Researchers call for a patient-centered approach to treating obesity

A recent commentary argues that treating obesity should prioritize compassionate care and focus on health rather than weight. The researchers aim to eliminate the false dichotomy between eating and weight disorders, promoting a patient-centered approach that screens for and addresses eating disorders throughout treatment.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 24, 2022

Researchers examine intersectionality in cancer care

A systematic review found that intersectional identities are associated with lower diagnostic screening and reception of preventative services. Patients with these identities face increased distrust of the healthcare system and negative cancer outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateFeb 24, 2022

Fight or flight? How birds are helping to reveal the mysteries of evolution

A study by UMass Amherst researchers reveals a negative correlation between birds' ability to fly and their willingness to fight. The findings suggest that developing wings instead of bony spurs was driven by both sexual and natural selection, leading to the remarkable diversity of bird species we see today.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 24, 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.

Prize-winning work informs who is most at-risk from COVID-19, so physicians could tailor treatment

Researchers have identified a link between autoantibodies against type I interferon and increased risk of severe COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that screening for these autoantibodies could help identify patients at high risk of life-threatening complications, enabling early intervention and treatment.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 24, 2022