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Science News Archive February 2022 - Page 6


Page 6 of 40

New therapy breakthrough changes the shape of treatment for undruggable diseases

Researchers discover DUBTACs, which stabilize disease-causing proteins by removing ubiquitin chains, preventing destruction and increasing protein levels. This breakthrough addresses undruggable diseases like cystic fibrosis and cancer, offering a new class of medicines to treat multiple human diseases.

SourceUniversity of California Berkeley College of Chemistry·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Farms following soil-friendly practices grow healthier food, study suggests

A recent study found that farms using regenerative agriculture have healthier crops with higher levels of minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals. The research suggests that the key lies in the biology of the soil, where microbes and fungi play a crucial role in boosting beneficial compounds.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPeerJ·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Discovery of ancient underwater landslide could help Middle Eastern nations realize tsunami hazards

Researchers have discovered evidence of a 500-year-old landslide and associated tsunami in the Gulf of Aqaba, which could have implications for coastline development in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The study predicts that future movement of the seabed might trigger more tsunamis in the region.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational 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.

Chemical synthesis yields potential antibiotic

Researchers at MIT have synthesized himastatin, a natural compound with antimicrobial properties. The team discovered that the compound kills bacteria by disrupting their cell membranes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateFeb 24, 2022

$2.8 million NIH grant funds research into fatal movement disorders

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a fatal neurodegenerative movement disorder with no effective treatments, progressing rapidly and impairing critical physiological functions. The researchers will investigate how misfolded protein aggregates contribute to disease pathogenesis using the NIH grant.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateFeb 24, 2022

Sex pays off

Research shows that asexual reproduction in stick insects, such as parthenogenesis, reduces genetic variability and slows down adaptation to environmental changes. This negatively impacts the speed of adaptation and genetic diversity in these insects.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Editorials by Gang Chen and Science journals Editor-in-Chief call for end to US Department of Justice’s China Initiative

Gang Chen, a professor exonerated by the US government, joins Science journals Editor-in-Chief Holden Thorp in calling for an end to the China Initiative. The initiative has been criticized for its impact on innocent people and the chilling effect it has on scientific collaboration with China.

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

How the immune system responds to tissue damage can aid cancer spread

A study published in Nature Cancer has found that tissue damage caused by radiation can facilitate the spread of cancer, with neutrophils playing a key role. The researchers used mice to test the effect of high doses of radiation on healthy lung tissue and found that secondary tumours formed more easily in damaged lungs.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Cancer·DateFeb 24, 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.

UTSW study finds palliative care consultation does not decrease COVID-19 patients’ chances of receiving CPR

A UT Southwestern study found that COVID-19 patients who received a palliative care consultation were more likely to receive comfort care at the end of life, but had similar rates of CPR. The study highlights the need for hospitals to improve their outreach to Black communities and incorporate palliative care into pandemic planning.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalResuscitation·DateFeb 24, 2022

WHO European Region: Diphtheria immunisation success but still sporadic cases

The WHO European Region has seen significant success in diphtheria immunization, with high coverage rates and only a few reported cases. However, suboptimal surveillance systems and inadequate laboratory capacity may contribute to the persistence of sporadic cases.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 24, 2022

Rebooting evolution

Scientists have developed a new computational tool that mimics the processes of natural selection, producing proteins for medicinal and household uses. This innovation reduces the time required for laboratory evolution from months or years to just days.

SourceCurtin University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 24, 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.

Surprise small-cell lung cancer discovery suggests new treatment

Researchers at UVA Cancer Center have made a groundbreaking discovery about the EP300 gene and its role in small-cell lung cancer. The study found that the gene makes a protein with properties that can both foster and prevent tumor formation, providing a new potential target for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 24, 2022

COVID-19 in pregnancy: Studying racial disparities and adverse birth outcomes

A Michigan study found that Black pregnant women were twice as likely to contract COVID-19 as white women, with all infected pregnant people at a higher risk of early preeclampsia. COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is safe and effective, protecting both mothers and babies.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 24, 2022

Studies examine effects of California's push for computer science education

New studies found that California's push for computer science education did not improve students' math or English language arts skills, but increased enrollments in humanities courses. Researchers also found racial and gender disparities among computer science students and teachers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEducational Administration Quarterly·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 24, 2022

Interaction with lung cells transforms asbestos particles

The study reveals that asbestos minerals undergo changes that resemble self-defense when internalized by human lung cells. These changes include the formation of an iron-rich layer on the minerals, which may be a mechanism to protect the cell from toxicity.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScientific Reports·TypeImaging analysis·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.

Association between COVID-19 vaccine, sudden hearing loss

A study of 2.6 million patients in Israel suggests a possible association between the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The effect size is very small, indicating that further research is needed to confirm this potential link.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateFeb 24, 2022

HSE University researchers discover what happens on the bright side of the moon

Researchers from HSE University have developed a mathematical model that explains the levitation of charged dust particles over the sunlit lunar surface for almost any latitude. The study takes into account the Earth's magnetotail and its impact on particle movement, leading to vertical oscillation and eventual levitation.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·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.

Student’s device enables researchers to easily track elusive insects

Researchers have developed a low-cost device to track insect activity, providing insights into their circadian rhythms and behavior. The portable pLAM device can monitor nocturnal species that were previously difficult to track, enabling scientists to study their habits and predict how environmental changes impact them.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Microscopic view on asteroid collisions could help us understand planet formation

Scientists have developed a new way to date asteroid collisions, providing a clearer picture of how planets formed. By analyzing the Chelyabinsk meteorite, researchers found evidence of two distinct collision stages, shedding light on the timing and processes involved in planetary formation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational 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 new dimension in Stem Cell Signaling

Researchers around Christian Schröter and Luis Morelli have discovered that ERK activity pulses every six to seven minutes in living stem cells, encoding differentiation information. This intermittent oscillation is believed to be a morse code-like mechanism that helps stem cells make decisions about fate.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalDevelopment·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Unravelling the mysteries around type-2 diabetes

Researchers at the University of Leeds identify step-by-step changes in human islet amyloid polypeptide as it transforms into a toxic substance linked to type-2 diabetes. They also discover two compounds that can control the process, offering potential starting points for new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Scientists uncover a new approach for treating aggressive cancer

Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a new therapeutic approach using a small-molecule inhibitor of the chromatin-modulatory enzyme EZH2 to target aggressive cancer cells. The treatment also targets cMyc, a prominent cancer-causing factor, and shows profound tumor killing effects.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Breaking the black box of catalytic reactions

Scientists have gained a new understanding of the atomic level interactions in complex catalysis, enabling more efficient and sustainable chemical production. Researchers used x-ray spectroscopy, machine learning analysis, and first principles calculations to model reactions and identify active site structures.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 24, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Genomic regulatory map of the zebrafish

Researchers created a comprehensive genomic regulatory map of a 24-hour-old zebrafish embryo, identifying millions of regulatory segments that control gene transcription. The study used single-cell technologies and machine learning algorithms to analyze genome data from over 23,000 nuclei.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 24, 2022

A potential antiviral for SARS and SARS-like coronaviruses

A UC Riverside-led study has identified a potential antiviral therapy for SARS and SARS-like coronaviruses by targeting the papain-like protease enzyme. The research reveals that subgroup 2b PLpros selectively target specific host immune pathways, making them a promising target for future coronavirus therapeutics.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Patient experience ratings valuable for all physicians — Especially radiologists

A retrospective study found that online patient experience ratings improved radiologists' performance, with scores increasing over time. The results showed that radiologists' performance was comparable to that of non-radiologist physicians, suggesting the value of implementing patient experience surveys in radiology.

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

A laser-quick and non-destructive method to detect cracks in concrete structures

Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology develop a fast and reliable method to detect defects in concrete structures using laser-induced plasma shock waves. The technique analyzes vibration patterns to identify Rayleigh waves, which can reveal the presence of cracks.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Mechanical Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Researchers feed worms a natural plant extract; watch them fatten, live 40% longer

A study led by LSU researchers has found that a natural plant extract called Artemisia scoparia can increase the lifespan of roundworms by 40% and improve their metabolic health. The extract, which is native to Asia, was fed to worms in various doses and showed significant effects on fat regulation and stress resistance.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalJournal of Gerontology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022

New work examines importance of early life factors in pubertal development

A nationwide multi-cohort study found that male children who gained weight or grew faster in the first five years of life entered puberty at a younger age. Female children with faster weight gains during infancy and early childhood also started their periods earlier, suggesting sex-specific associations between early growth and puberta...

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 23, 2022

Molds and yeasts common in daycares—could cause chronic asthma and allergy

A new study found that molds and yeasts are more prevalent in daycare centers than outside environments. The indoor mycobiome is influenced by factors such as building features and child density, suggesting a potential link between fungi and chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and allergies.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 23, 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.

Dual functions of the Interleukin-1 Receptor-Like 2 Cytokine

The IL-1RL2 cytokine has been implicated in the development of inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and IBD, while also promoting the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Its role in controlling infection, including COVID-19 pathology, highlights its potential as a target for therapeutic interventions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·TypeCase study·DateFeb 23, 2022

New study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis marries modern science with traditional knowledge to decipher anti-diarrheal effect of cashew stem bark extract

A new study found that cashew stem bark extract inhibits abnormal gut motility associated with diarrhea, revealing a potential low-cost remedy for treating and managing the condition. The extract's mechanism of action involves blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors responsible for gastrointestinal motility.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 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.

Extreme rainfall and past climate: an experiment over twenty European cities

A new hourly high-resolution precipitation dataset, ERA5@2km, has been developed using reanalysis over 20 European cities for the recent past thirty years. The dataset provides a basis for impact analysis at city scale, in terms of extreme hourly precipitation.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalWeather and Climate Extremes·DateFeb 23, 2022

Tiny probes could sail to outer planets with the help of low-power lasers

Researchers calculate that low-power lasers on Earth could launch and maneuver small probes equipped with silicon or boron nitride sails, propelling them to much faster speeds than rocket engines. The lasers could propel tiny sailed probes on interplanetary or interstellar missions without requiring large amounts of fuel.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 23, 2022

Plants use the pungency of sandwich and sushi condiments to defend themselves

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that plants defend themselves against herbivores by redirecting their defenses to younger leaves, using substances like glucosinolates found in wasabi and mustard. This self-adjustment helps ensure the survival of future generations.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 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.

Gene allowing humans to feel touch may play a role in sense of smell

Researchers at SMU found a gene that enables both mechanosensation and olfaction, potentially leading to new treatments for loss of smell in COVID-19 patients. The gene mec-2 is crucial for activating touch neurons in worms and has similar isoforms that enable smell in humans.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Children with higher exposure to air pollution and lower exposure to green space have 62% increased risk of ADHD

A study of 37,000 children in Vancouver found a significant association between air pollution and ADHD, as well as the protective effects of green spaces. Children living in areas with higher PM2.5 exposure had an increased risk of ADHD, while those in greener neighborhoods had a lower risk.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 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.

Agriculture: Global cropland could be almost halved

A study suggests that increased agricultural efficiency could save up to half of current global cropland, leading to reduced prices and increased production. The research found largest land saving potentials in regions with high pressure on land, such as Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Latin America.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 23, 2022

Diet, malaria, and substance use linked to Pacific preterm births

A new Curtin University study found diet, malaria, substance use, and inadequate antenatal care services are associated with one in 10 preterm births in the Pacific Island region. The research highlights the need for improved health promotion interventions during pregnancy.

SourceCurtin University·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 23, 2022

Being near pollinator habitat linked to larger soybean size

Researchers found that soybean plants adjacent to pollinator habitats produce larger seeds due to increased bee visitation. The presence of pollinators also influences the bee communities in soybean fields, with bees leaving for outside flowers less likely.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAgriculture Ecosystems & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 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.

Reducing carbon emissions of C&D waste in building refurbishment

Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provide valuable insights on managing C&D waste and reducing carbon emissions in building refurbishment projects. By upcycling generated waste, carbon emissions can be significantly reduced, with a potential reduction of around 40% compared to traditional practices.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·TypeCase study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Drug companies invest in R&D-wide artificial intelligence

Pharmaceutical firms are working towards using machine learning to analyze vast stores of data, developing models that evolve and improve as the data are processed. However, experts agree that a fully functional end-to-end approach is still a ways off due to biology's complexity.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 23, 2022

Colossal black holes locked in dance at heart of galaxy

Researchers have found evidence for two supermassive black holes orbiting each other every two years, with masses hundreds of millions times larger than our sun. The quasar's radio-light brightness exhibits sinusoidal variations due to the pair's motion, providing a nearly perfect light curve.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 23, 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.

Basis for next-gen bioprocesses

Researchers at TUM have successfully produced succinic acid using the marine bacterium Vibrio natriegens, which has rapid growth and substrate uptake rates. The team is now working to optimize the process for industrial-scale production using renewable raw materials.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalMicrobial Biotechnology·DateFeb 23, 2022