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Science News Archive February 2022 - Page 7


Page 7 of 40

New artificial intelligence tool detects often overlooked heart diseases

A new AI algorithm developed by physician-scientists can effectively identify and distinguish between two life-threatening heart conditions: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and cardiac amyloidosis. The algorithm uses specific features from cardiac ultrasound videos to flag high-risk patients, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateFeb 23, 2022

New discovery could phase out medications from pig inteestines

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have made a groundbreaking discovery that could phase out medications derived from pig intestines. The team has successfully created a synthetic alternative to heparin in a laboratory setting, using cell factories, similar to insulin production.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 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.

Study shows need for national breast milk monitoring programs for PFAS

Researchers analyzed existing studies on PFAS in breast milk, finding that levels of PFOA and PFOS exceeded children's drinking water screening values by up to two orders of magnitude. The study emphasizes the need for a national breastmilk monitoring program to provide credible advice to pregnant or breastfeeding women.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 23, 2022

New power sources

In the 1990s, Massachusetts activists drafted model legislation for community choice aggregation, which has been adopted by 1,800 communities in six states. The program allows cities and towns to purchase renewable energy, reducing reliance on utility companies.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·DateFeb 23, 2022

Digital holography, an answer to soft matter quantitative characterization

A review of digital holography (DH) for measuring and characterizing soft matter structures reveals its strong ability to characterize films and dynamic processes. DH enables accurate and high-precision measurements in various applications, including inkjet printing, additive manufacturing, and advanced fabrication techniques.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateFeb 23, 2022

New study sheds light on axion dark matter

A new study from Durham University and Kings College London presents a theoretical review strongly supporting the search for axion dark matter. Axions are proposed as a possible explanation for why the strong interaction obeys time reversal symmetry, a fundamental aspect of the Standard Model of particle physics.

SourceDurham University·JournalScience Advances·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 23, 2022

Touch sensitive brain cells controlled by micromagnets

Researchers at UCL have created a technique called magnetomechanical stimulation that uses microscopic magnetic particles to control touch-sensitive brain glial cells. This allows for precise and remote activation of astrocytes, providing a new tool for understanding their function and potential treatment of neurological disorders.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New molecular mechanism promotes growth of duckweed, an important plant in aquatic ecosystems

Scientists identified a new plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) that enhances duckweed biomass productivity by 2.7-fold, increasing photosynthesis and wastewater treatment efficiency. The molecular mechanism suggests that organic compounds are transferred from the bacteria to duckweed, triggering an increase in photosynthetic activity.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Tectonic processes drive erosion in some tropical locations

Researchers found that tectonic processes, not climate changes, drove erosion in the Cauca River canyon. The team used thermochronology and other techniques to analyze rock samples and satellite imagery, revealing a plateau formed ~2.5 km above river level.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateFeb 23, 2022

New awards in science communication totaling $600,000 annually launched by Schmidt Futures and the National Academies

The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communication will provide cash awards and training resources to recognize and develop outstanding science communicators. The program aims to encourage high-quality science communication and build a diverse community of science journalists, research scientists, and institutions.

SourceNational Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine·DateFeb 23, 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.

Risk, resiliency in aging brain focus of $33 million grant

A large-scale study aims to understand how individual brains change over time, identifying factors that increase cognitive decline risk and those that confer resilience. The Adult Aging Brain Connectome study will follow 1,000 participants across a decade, collecting brain scans, blood samples, and demographic data.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2022

Accounting firms deliver fairer value for M&A than investment banks, study finds

A recent study by Bayes Business School suggests that accounting firms are better equipped to deliver fair target valuations on mergers and acquisitions compared to investment banks. The research highlights the importance of auditing expertise in determining a company's true value.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalBritish Journal of Management·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 23, 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.

Cosmic flashes pinpointed to a surprising location in space

Astronomers have discovered fast radio bursts originating from a globular cluster in the spiral galaxy M 81, surprising scientists with this unexpected location. The source of these unpredictable flashes has been pinpointed to old stars, contrary to previous discoveries which often occurred near young stars.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2022

US falls short in ‘geriatricizing’ emergency departments

The US falls short in 'geriatricizing' emergency departments, with most institutions lacking resources and support to implement the Geriatric Emergency Department (GED) Guidelines. Delirium, falls, and polypharmacy are common issues that require more attention from care teams.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Emergency Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 23, 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.

Predicting the chaos in Tourette Syndrome tics

Researchers have replicated and expanded on previous work to show that tics associated with Tourette syndrome have a fractal pattern, which can predict disease severity. This discovery could lead to a diagnostic tool for doctors to analyze tic patterns and diagnose patients with Tourette's

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 23, 2022

A study in which UNEATLANTICO participated, led by Dr. Cubas, demonstrates the benefits of nut consumption in the elderly

A study led by Dr. Cubas found that regular nut consumption is associated with a lower prevalence of abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome in elderly people in northern Spain. The research, published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, involved 556 participants aged 65-79 years.

SourceUniversidad Europea del Atlantico·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeCase study·DateFeb 23, 2022

(Bio)sensing protein interactions

The study reveals new details about the conditions under which WDR5 starts and stops interacting with other proteins, allowing researchers to better understand its multitasking role in cancer. The biosensor's ability to recognize different types of protein connections will help develop more effective drugs to target WDR5.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 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.

Astronomers identify real-life Tatooine using new method

Scientists have successfully identified a real-life Tatooine, the gas giant planet Kepler-16b, orbiting two stars using a new ground-based telescope technique called radial velocity method. This discovery opens the door for applying this method to find other systems with planets that could be habitable.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Mysterious source of fast radio bursts

Researchers have discovered a source of fast radio bursts in the vicinity of galaxy M81, adding to the ongoing mystery surrounding these enigmatic events. The findings suggest that magnetars, highly magnetized neutron stars, may be responsible for generating FRBs, but further study is needed to fully understand this phenomenon.

SourceNicolaus Copernicus University in Torun·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2022

New 'cocktail' drug could benefit up to 45 per cent of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a new cocktail of treatments that could benefit up to 45% of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The treatment uses an approach called 'exon skipping' to produce the protein needed to rebuild muscle tissue, addressing limitations of existing exon-skipping molecules.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 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.

Are There positive effects of having a sibling with special needs?

A new study found that siblings of children with disabilities score higher in self-reported cognitive empathy than typically developing peers. This may be due to the specific 'advantage' of cognitive empathy in understanding and supporting their sibling relationship.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalChild Development·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Ethnic minority and migrant women’s struggles in accessing healthcare during COVID-19: an intersectional analysis

A recent study by Dr. Sabrina Germain and Dr. Adrienne Yong found that the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened inequalities in accessing healthcare for ethnic minority and migrant women in the UK. The researchers identified institutional, community perception, and socio-economic barriers that disproportionately affect these groups.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalJournal for Cultural Research·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 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.

Offshore wind farms reshape the North Sea

Researchers found shifts in airflows and sea currents downwind of North Sea offshore wind farms, affecting plankton production and the food web structure. The turbines induce atmospheric wakes that redirect existing currents, leading to changed salinity distribution and mean temperatures.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 23, 2022

Salt in soluble paracetamol linked to increase risk of cardiovascular disease and death

A large study found a significant link between salt-containing paracetamol and an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, and death. Patients with high blood pressure who took sodium-containing paracetamol had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death compared to those taking non-sodium-containing paracetamol.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Autoimmune diseases: discovery of central building block in immune cells

A team of researchers at MedUni Vienna's Center for Physiology and Pharmacology has discovered a key building block in immune cells that promotes immunotolerance and prevents T-cell attacks on the body's own tissues. The study suggests a potential new cell-based therapeutic approach to slow down autoimmune disease progression.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalCell Reports·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.

Water filtration membranes morph like cells

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new type of water filtration membrane that mimics the natural process of morphogenesis. The membranes, made from soft polymers, exhibit complex 3D structures that allow them to efficiently separate pollutants from water.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Siblings of children with disabilities may have greater cognitive empathy

A new study found that siblings of children with disabilities exhibit greater cognitive empathy, understanding their sibling's thoughts and feelings. This increased empathy is linked to improved social skills and prosocial behavior in these individuals.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Innovative solutions to the exploitation of health data in the global South

A new €1.4 million research project will examine how to regulate the collection and migration of health data in Africa to protect privacy and prevent exploitation. The project aims to develop legal mechanisms to protect health data, co-create guidelines with app developers, and test their feasibility with stakeholders.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateFeb 23, 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.

RNA molecules control repair of human DNA in cancer cells

A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows how certain RNA molecules control the repair of damaged DNA in cancer cells. The researchers discovered two molecule types that interact to regulate an enzyme involved in DNA-repair mechanisms, leading to faulty DNA repair in cancer cells.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Navigation tools could be pointing drivers to the shortest route — but not the safest

A study by Texas A&M researchers found that navigation systems frequently guide drivers to take paths with a greater risk of crashes, despite reducing travel time. The study analyzed road and traffic characteristics in five metropolitan areas and proposed a new system architecture for finding the safest route using navigation systems.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalTransportation Research Part C Emerging Technologies·TypeNews article·DateFeb 23, 2022

Study explores how to reduce bad behaviour at work

A new study explores how to reduce bad behavior at work by focusing on moral self-efficacy, a set of beliefs that individuals have about their capabilities to self-reflect and regulate moral behavior. The results show that highly morally efficacious individuals are more likely to bounce back after a failure and learn from their mistakes.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 23, 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.

Researchers from the GIST use artificial intelligence to identify potential unsafe locations in cities

GIST researchers propose a new strategy for crime prevention using artificial intelligence, trained on a large-scale dataset of deviant incident reports and corresponding images. The model, called DevianceNet, can accurately classify and detect deviant places, making it a useful tool in urban safety development.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 23, 2022

Robots are increasing mortality among US adults

A new study found a causal link between automation and increasing mortality rates among US adults, with a significant impact on middle-aged men. The study suggests that public policy measures such as strong social safety nets and labor market policies can mitigate the effects of automation on community health.

SourceYale University·JournalDemography·DateFeb 23, 2022

Nanocarrier spray: Better crops without genetic modification

Researchers at RIKEN CSRS have developed a non-transgenic method to modify plant genes using a bioactive molecule spray, which can be used to improve crop yield and resistance to pests. The technique has shown promising results in improving economically desirable quality traits in crops.

SourceRIKEN·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 23, 2022

Public interest technologist argues social media must be governed akin to urban planning

A paper by University of California, Berkeley's Joanne Cheung argues that social media platforms should be governed like urban planning spaces to prioritize public interests. She notes parallels with commercial real estate development and suggests establishing a professional role with ethical principles to serve the public interest.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Social Computing·DateFeb 23, 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.

New imager microchip helps devices bring hidden objects to light

Researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a terahertz imager microchip that can create images through obstacles. The technology has potential applications in industries such as manufacturing and automotive, where it could help with packaging inspections and navigating hazardous conditions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022

A security technique to fool would-be cyber attackers

Researchers developed DAGguise, a scheme that shapes memory requests into a predefined pattern to prevent contention attacks and enable faster computation. The technique represents programs' memory access requests as a graph, where each request is stored in a node, and the edges are time dependencies between requests.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 23, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

How well do boosters work? Depends on your genes

A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that genetics play a crucial role in how our bodies respond to vaccines and booster shots. The team identified a specific form of an antibody-related gene that predicts whether boosting will be effective for increasing innate immune responses.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateFeb 23, 2022

For the first time: researchers identified brain wounds in IDF veterans with PTSD and relieved their symptoms using hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Researchers from Tel Aviv University found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) relieves PTSD symptoms in treatment-resistant veterans, improving brain function and microstructure. The breakthrough study provides new hope for PTSD sufferers, offering an objective diagnostic tool and potential long-term improvements.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 23, 2022

The last day of the dinosaurs

Researchers analyzed fossilized fish bones from the Tanis locality to reconstruct the latest Cretaceous seasonality. The study reveals that the catastrophic extinction occurred during northern-hemisphere spring and affected sensitive life stages of organisms, including dinosaurs.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 23, 2022