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Science News for January 17, 2022


Making the invisible visible: tracing the origins of plants in West African cuisine

Researchers analyzed ancient pottery fragments from the Central Nigerian Nok culture, revealing diverse and complex plant lipid profiles. The study suggests that leafy plants, grasses, pulses, and underground storage organs were an integral part of the Nok diet, providing cheap yet quality nutrition.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

Newly discovered carbon may yield clues to ancient Mars

Researchers analyzing Martian sediment samples suggest three possible explanations for the carbon's origin, including cosmic dust, ultraviolet degradation of carbon dioxide, or biological activity. The findings provide insights into the ancient Mars' carbon cycle and its potential habitability.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2022

Harnessing the brain's plasticity to acquire epilepsy resilience

Researchers at Tohoku University have discovered a stimulation paradigm that can induce epilepsy resistance in experimental animals. Repeated stimulation resulted in a dramatic decrease in seizure response to the stimulus, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for managing epilepsy.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateJan 17, 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 ketogenic diet is likely to reduce damage from traumatic brain injuries

A ketogenic diet has been shown to improve spatial memory and visual memory, lower brain inflammation indices, and cause less neuronal death in individuals with traumatic brain injuries. The diet may also slow down the rate of cellular aging, offering hope for those suffering from this condition.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 17, 2022

Taming of a shape-shifter molecule

Researchers have successfully integrated the shape-shifting molecule bullvalene into a coordination cage, restricting its fluctuating behavior and enabling controlled molecular recognition. This breakthrough could lead to the development of responsive materials with fast adaptation capabilities.

SourceWiley·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

ERC grant on food sustainability in China

Researchers investigating China's rapid shift towards meat and milk consumption aim to develop a concept of 'sufficiency' as a tool for reducing human impact on the environment. By exploring the middle ground between too little and too much, they hope to inform strategies for more sustainable food practices.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·DateJan 17, 2022

Development of fatty liver disease under a healthy diet

Researchers found that alterations in the RNF43 and ZNRF3 genes lead to an accumulation of lipids and inflammation in the liver, increasing the risk of developing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fatty liver disease. These genetic changes also affect liver cell proliferation, contributing to the progression of liver diseases.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 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.

Pusan National University scientists develop simpler way to create common chemical detection platform

Researchers have created a new, simpler way to fabricate SERS nanostructures with superior stability and performance at low cost. By using a heat-resistant polymer called polyimide (PI), they can produce nanosurfaces with nanopillars that enhance signal intensity for efficient chemical detection. The new fabrication method has the pote...

SourcePusan National University·JournalSensors and Actuators B Chemical·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

Edge processing research takes Surrey discovery closer to use in artificial intelligence networks

Researchers at the University of Surrey have successfully demonstrated the use of multimodal transistors in artificial neural networks, achieving practically identical classification accuracy as pure ReLU implementations. The study paves the way for thin-film decision and classification circuits, which could be used in more complex AI ...

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 17, 2022

Additional antibodies may protect against COVID

Researchers at Lund University discovered that non-neutralising antibodies can also protect against Covid-19 by facilitating phagocytosis. The findings suggest that broader protection from antibodies may be more effective in combating mutations of the virus.

SourceLund University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJan 17, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bone growth inspired “microrobots” that can create their own bone

Researchers have developed a combination of materials that can morph into various shapes before hardening, similar to the natural process of bone development in the human skeleton. The soft material can be used to create microrobots that can inject themselves into complicated bone fractures and expand to form new bone.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

In the Atlantic Forest, the lowland tapir is at risk of extinction

Lowland tapir populations in the Atlantic Forest are at risk of extinction due to population isolation and habitat fragmentation. The species' survival is threatened by hunting, highways, and lack of gene flow, with only a few viable populations remaining.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNeotropical Biology and Conservation·DateJan 17, 2022

Earth BioGenome Project begins genome sequencing in earnest

The Earth BioGenome Project aims to sequence all eukaryotic life, with 9,400 taxonomic families expected to be completed by 2023. The project's progress has sparked excitement for its potential to prevent biodiversity loss and adapt food crops to climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 17, 2022

Flying with the clouds

Researchers used aircraft data and Ka-band radar to analyze microphysical properties of cumulus clouds. High liquid-water-content regions showed little variation in cloud droplet concentration, while strong updrafts increased particle sizes.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJan 17, 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.

US early Cold War hostility towards Chinese Communist Party due to the influence of Truman’s nationalist beliefs, new research argues

Research suggests US hostility towards Chinese Communists in the early years of the Cold War was driven by President Truman's nationalist beliefs. The study found that Truman's view of China as a 'colony' led to economic and military support for local warlords, resulting in covert operations against the CCP.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe International History Review·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 17, 2022

Light ‘em up! Instant disinfection using a nanosecond pulsed laser

Researchers at Nagoya City University developed a novel approach for surface disinfection using harmless visible light, inactivating bacteria and viruses. The study's findings suggest that photothermal effects caused by pulsed laser irradiation can instantly destroy pathogenic microorganisms.

SourceNagoya City University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

Trees call for help from birds and predatory insects

Researchers found that trees that induce defense mechanisms against herbivores attract more predators, reducing insect abundance. This defense is critical for tree canopies and promotes biodiversity.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalEcology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2022

Towards a better understanding of foot-and-mouth disease

Biologists at the University of Leeds created high-resolution images of the foot-and-mouth disease virus, revealing fibril structures that play a key role in replication. These findings could lead to new antiviral treatments for diseases caused by the virus.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 17, 2022

Wistar scientists identify therapeutic target for Epstein-Barr virus

Researchers at The Wistar Institute discovered a potential pathway to develop therapeutics targeting Epstein-Barr virus by exploiting its use of host cell proteins. One protein, PARP1, is already targeted by the existing drug olaparib, suggesting a new treatment option for EBV-positive lymphomas.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 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.

Nanobubbles provide pathway to build better medical devices

Nano-engineered wrinkled coatings can reduce liquid drag by up to 38% in microdevices, reducing fouling and damage to biological samples. The discovery uses nanobubbles to create a slippery surface, allowing for lower friction and pressure.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 17, 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 Diels-Alder reaction, on-surface

Researchers successfully carried out the first on-surface intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction, generating valuable intermediate molecules. This breakthrough allows for a better understanding of the transformation's mechanisms and potential design of new reactions.

SourceCenter for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJan 17, 2022

Aerobe exercise has a positive effect on brain function Parkinson's disease patients

Regular aerobic exercise has been shown to strengthen brain networks between spared regions, improve grey-matter volume, and enhance movement control in individuals with Parkinson's disease. The study published in Annals of Neurology suggests that exercise can stimulate compensatory capacity in the brain, leading to reduced symptoms.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 17, 2022

The brain pays attention to unfamiliar voices during sleep

A new study published in JNeurosci found that the brain selectively responds to unfamiliar voices during sleep, even when familiar voices are present. This ability allows the brain to strike a balance between resting and being responsive to its environment.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 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.

Trust in the UK government, social norms, and privacy concern associated with uptake of NHS Covid-19 app, study shows

A study shows that UK government trust, social norms, and privacy concerns play a significant role in the adoption of the NHS Covid-19 app. Initial enthusiasm to adopt the app was higher in urban locations, while people's concern about third-party data access fuelled reluctance to use it.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBMJ Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2022

Scientists find potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for lung cancer

Researchers found that knocking down LCDR in lung cancer cells promotes apoptosis, providing a potential new target for diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, targeting LCDR shows promise as a therapeutic strategy and has diagnostic value for lung adenocarcinoma.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

Super fast quantum battery

Researchers have developed a quantum battery with a counter-intuitive property where recharge time decreases with increasing battery capacity. This leads to a hyper-fast charge that can be applied in various scientific and technological fields such as wireless chargers, solar cells, and cameras.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateJan 17, 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.

Shifting ocean closures best way to protect animals from accidental catch

Researchers found that dynamic ocean management is more effective in reducing accidental catch than permanent marine protected areas. Dynamic closures track real-time data and close smaller areas as species hotspots shift, resulting in up to 57% reduction in bycatch.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 17, 2022

The circadian clock in heart failure

A study by Baylor College of Medicine found that Rev-erbα/β in cardiomyocytes mediates a normal metabolic rhythm, enabling the cells to use lipids as energy during resting time. Removing Rev-erbα/β disrupts this rhythm, leading to progressive dilated cardiomyopathy and lethal heart failure.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

Analysis: Risk aversion plays an important role in the coal-contracting behavior of US power plants

A new analysis by Carnegie Mellon University researcher Akshaya Jha finds that risk aversion drives the purchasing of coal primarily from long-term contracts, resulting in premium prices. The study estimates that if power plants purchased all their coal from the spot market, annual aggregate cost savings would be $2.9 billion on average.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·DateJan 17, 2022
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Improving reading skills through action video games

A new study demonstrates that playing a child-friendly action video game can improve reading skills, including speed, accuracy, and comprehension. Children who played the game showed significant long-term improvements in attentional control and literacy compared to those who played a coding game.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

Researchers find a molecular mechanism involved in the cholesterol cell transport

A team of researchers from the University of Barcelona and Stanford University identified a molecular mechanism involved in the movement of cholesterol inside cells. The study reveals that the SNX13 protein plays a key role in transporting cholesterol outside the liposomes, organelles that conduct cellular digestion.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

Controlling how “odd couple” surfaces and liquids interact

Researchers at MIT have developed a method to control the interaction between liquids and solids, allowing for the creation of surfaces with high or low wettability. This breakthrough has potential applications in various industries, including thermal management, protective coatings, and heat pipes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2022

Researchers use AI to analyze tweets debating vaccination and climate change

Climate change sentiments were overwhelmingly pro-human activity action, while vaccine sentiments showed a significant gap between pro and neutral views. The study analyzed 87 million tweets from 2007 to 2016 and found less interaction among users with opposing views on vaccines compared to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateJan 17, 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.

Obesity in mice lowered by increasing effects of key weight-regulating hormone

A new study published in Nature Metabolism found that inhibiting the HDAC6 enzyme can decrease obesity and related health disorders in mice by improving leptin sensitivity. The treatment resulted in significant reductions in body weight, fat mass, and improvements in metabolic health, including better glucose tolerance and liver function.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJan 17, 2022

Saving species through genomics in megadiverse Colombia

Colombia's membership in the Earth Biogenome Project aims to preserve biodiversity and drive sustainable development. The project's sequencing efforts will provide valuable insights into Colombia's unique ecosystems and potentially discover new species with health benefits.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 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.

Nanotherapy offers new hope for the treatment of Type 1 diabetes

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a technique to enhance immunosuppression using nanoparticles, targeting specific cells related to transplants without suppressing wider immune responses. This approach enables more effective control of the immune system and reduces side effects.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 17, 2022

NZ scientists develop method to disinfect PPE for potential reuse in Covid-19

Researchers at the University of Auckland have developed a shipping container-based unit to disinfect N95 masks and other PPE, allowing for potential reuse and recycling. The method uses dry heat, which is effective in killing SARS-CoV-2 and bacteria, while minimizing environmental harm.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalPathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

Blue LEDs light the way toward sustainable development

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new method for creating chemical subunits using blue LEDs and copper, reducing the need for precious metals. This breakthrough has potential applications in pharmaceutical and photoelectronic development.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

Inciting instead of coercing, 'nudges' prove their effectiveness

A team from UNIGE analyzed over 200 scientific articles on 'nudge' strategies, classifying them into three groups: information, structure, and assistance. They found that techniques in the second group ('structure') are the most effective, particularly in influencing food choices.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 17, 2022

Enhanced statistical models will aid conservation of killer whales and other species

A new statistical model has improved understanding of northern resident killer whale behaviors, revealing patterns in energy expenditure and prey capture. The enhanced hidden Markov model captures high-frequency information, providing insights into the whales' diving habits and conserving energy.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCanadian Journal of Statistics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 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.

An avatar against anxiety

A study published in Translational Psychiatry found that virtual companions can reduce anxiety in socially anxious individuals, particularly women. The researchers used a virtual reality setup with either a real or avatar companion to test the effects of social support on fear responses.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJan 17, 2022

A sweet breakthrough: scientists develop recyclable plastics based on sugars

Researchers create two new polymers from sugar-based starting materials that retain common plastic qualities but are degradable and mechanically recyclable. The polymers' unique shapes and stereochemistry-dependent degradation rates offer a promising solution for sustainable plastics, with potential applications in various industries.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

Introducing lifestyle interventions in preschool lowers heart disease risk

A review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that implementing lifestyle interventions in preschool can significantly improve cardiovascular health habits in children. The SI! Program, which included more than 3,800 children aged 3-5 years from 50 schools across three countries, showed a significant inc...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 17, 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.

Palomar survey instrument analyzes impact of starlink satellites

Researchers studied archival images from the Palomar Observatory's Zwicky Transient Facility and found that Starlink satellite streaks now appear in almost 20% of twilight images. Software can help mitigate potential problems, but the impact on astronomy is still a concern, especially for future surveys like Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 17, 2022

ACP releases two new clinical guidelines on the diagnosis and management of diverticulitis

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has released two new clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of diverticulitis. The guidelines recommend that clinicians manage most patients with uncomplicated disease in outpatient settings without antibiotics, while patients with complicated disease should be referred for colonos...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 17, 2022