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Science News for January 5, 2022


3d digital holograms on smartphones?

Researchers at KIST develop a miniaturized holographic camera sensor module using a photodiode that detects near-infrared light without additional filters. This enables the storage of 3D holograms in portable devices, opening up new opportunities in fields like 3D night vision and biotechnology.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 5, 2022

Addressing jointly air pollution and climate change to reduce health-economic impacts

A new modelling framework internalizes air pollution's economic impacts on human mortality, considering climate constraints and aerosol feedback. The study finds that optimized air pollution interventions generate considerable health benefits, avoiding 1.62 million premature deaths by mid-century.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateJan 5, 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.

High levels of PFAS found in anti-fogging sprays and cloths

Researchers found high levels of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in anti-fogging sprays and cloths sold on Amazon. The products contained fluorotelomer alcohols and fluorotelomer ethoxylates, which are associated with impaired immune function, cancer, and other health disorders. The study highlights the need for more r...

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

New research questions ‘whiff of oxygen’ in Earth’s early history

A new study analyzing the rock record rules out atmospheric oxygen before the Great Oxygenation Event, potentially rewriting our understanding of Earth's past. The research team used high-resolution techniques to inspect specimens of the rock, finding evidence that chemical data suggesting early oxygen may have been introduced later.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 5, 2022

New research shows gene exchange between viruses and hosts drives evolution

New research reveals that gene exchange between viruses and their hosts plays a major role in shaping the tree of life. The study found that viruses acquire genes from their hosts to hone their infection process, while also co-opting useful viral genes from hosts.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2022

Windows that outsmart the elements

New research introduces adaptable smart window design that can heat or cool a house. The film changes its properties to absorb sunlight in winter and reflect it in summer, reducing energy consumption by 20-34%.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalACS Photonics·DateJan 5, 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.

Viruses and game theory

Phages weigh all options and make an informed decision whether to exit the dormant state and attack their bacterial host. The study found that some phage families have developed a complex decision-making strategy, receiving information from neighboring bacteria and controlling communication via arbitrium.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 5, 2022

Superbug MRSA arose in hedgehogs long before clinical use of antibiotics

A study published in Nature found that a type of MRSA called mecC-MRSA originated in hedgehogs over 200 years ago, long before the clinical use of antibiotics. The researchers believe that the bacteria evolved as an adaptation to living on the skin of hedgehogs with a fungus that produces its own antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Scientists develop a novel strategy for sustainable post-lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed high-performance sodium and potassium ion batteries using sustainably sourced cellulose. The new battery technology outperforms comparable systems and uses a sustainable material, offering great potential for large-scale applications in electric vehicles and energy storage grids.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

A novel compound might defeat multidrug-resistant bacteria common in hospitals

Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered a novel compound called macolacin that is highly potent against multidrug-resistant bacteria, including those resistant to colistin. The compound was discovered using an evolutionary approach to antibiotic discovery and has shown promising results in lab experiments.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateJan 5, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers urge: ‘Prescribe aspirin based on benefit-to-risk not age’

Aspirin use in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease should be individualized based on benefit-to-risk assessment, not age. The authors' updated meta-analysis shows a 13% reduction in cardiovascular disease with similar benefits at older ages.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalFamily Medicine and Community Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 5, 2022

Chatbot or human? Either way, what matters for customer trust is "perceived humanness"

A study found that consumers trust companies more when interacting with chatbots that exhibit high perceived humanness, whether powered by AI or humans. This suggests that companies should focus on creating conversational interfaces that convey a sense of investment and relationship, rather than just relying on human agents.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateJan 5, 2022

Taking high-dose vitamin D supplements for five years did not affect the incidence of cardiovascular disease or cancer

A large-scale Finnish trial found that taking high doses of vitamin D (1600-3200 IU/day) for five years did not decrease the incidence of cardiovascular disease or cancer. The study's findings support the recommendation of 10 micrograms (400 IU) per day for adult Finns, but do not suggest using large doses as a preventive measure.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 5, 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.

Suppressing the Auger recombination process in quantum dots

The study reveals that manipulating the transition dipole moment of excitons in quantum dots can suppress Auger recombination. By combining with external structures, researchers achieved a new way to control the nonradiative process, potentially leading to improved efficiency of QD-based devices.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Modern humans developed a more effective protection against oxidative stress

Researchers found that a unique protein variant in modern humans offers better protection against oxidative stress, but also increases the risk of vascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease. The Neanderthal variant is carried by around 1-2% of the population on the Indian subcontinent.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Immuno-CRISPR assay could help diagnose kidney transplant rejection early on

Researchers have developed a highly sensitive immuno-CRISPR assay to detect acute kidney rejection in urine, potentially allowing for early diagnosis without invasive biopsy. The test uses CRISPR/Cas12a gene editing technology to identify biomarkers of rejection, such as CXCL9, with improved sensitivity compared to existing methods.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJan 5, 2022

Brain volume and memory impairment: conventional vs ultrafast 3D MRI sequences

Automated brain volumetry in memory-impaired patients shows significant differences and systematic biases between conventional and ultrafast 3D T1-weighted MRI sequences. Most regions demonstrated substantial agreement but also significantly different mean values and consistent biases.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 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.

California mice eat monarch butterflies

Researchers discovered that California mice consume monarch butterflies, which could disrupt ecosystems due to declining western monarch populations. The study highlights the interconnectedness of species and the importance of conservation efforts to protect native animals.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEcology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Physicists watch as ultracold atoms form a crystal of quantum tornadoes

Researchers at MIT have directly observed the interplay of interactions and quantum mechanics in a rotating fluid of ultracold atoms. The team created a spinning cloud of sodium atoms, which formed a needle-like structure before breaking into a crystalline pattern resembling miniature quantum tornadoes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJan 5, 2022

Getting to the bottom of deadly weather

A study of temperature and mortality in Pune found that cold causes more deaths than heat, challenging authorities' focus on heatwaves. The research suggests that public health strategies should reflect this finding to better prepare for extreme weather events.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJan 5, 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.

Relatlimab plus nivolumab improves progression-free survival in metastatic melanoma

The combination of relatlimab and nivolumab doubled progression-free survival benefit compared to nivolumab alone, with significant benefits across pre-specified subgroups. The treatment was associated with a lower risk of disease progression or death.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 5, 2022

Single blood sample can detect women at risk of pre-eclampsia

A study published in Nature has developed a new tool to predict pre-eclampsia by analyzing genetic material in a single blood sample. The test uses machine learning and sequencing approaches to identify molecular profiles that signal fetal development and pregnancy progression, allowing for earlier detection of complications.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature·DateJan 5, 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.

Findings open the way to more precise diagnoses and treatments of Alzheimer’s disease

A research team led by Case Western Reserve University has discovered a link between misshapen tau protein and accelerated cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease, potentially leading to more accurate prognoses. The study found distinct populations of highly potent TAU seed conformers in rapidly progressing cases.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 5, 2022

Chemical reactions enhance efficiency of key energy storage method, OSU research shows

A study by Oregon State University has discovered a method to enhance the round-trip efficiency of compressed air energy storage, which could be crucial for renewable energy. The researchers developed a thermochemical energy storage scheme that captures heat in chemical bonds, resulting in a higher energy density and improved performance.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEnergy Conversion and Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 5, 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.

New target may help protect bones as we age

Researchers have found that blocking mineralocorticoid receptors, a key factor in bone health, may help protect against bone loss and osteoporosis. This new target is thought to be more effective than previously believed logical targets, such as reducing glucocorticoid receptor activity.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJan 5, 2022

The Lancet Planetary Health: 1.8 million excess deaths attributable to urban air pollution in 2019, modelling study suggests

A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that approximately 2.5 billion people worldwide lived in areas exceeding the WHO guideline for annual average PM2.5 exposure, resulting in an excess of 1.8 million deaths. Additionally, nearly 2 million asthma cases among children were attributable to NO2 pollution in 2019.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 5, 2022

The 2021 year in chemistry

In 2021, researchers made notable discoveries, such as the identification of pain-causing proteins in snake venom and the development of bite-sized protein structures that can be felt with the tongue. The year also saw significant progress in plastics recycling and molecular editing, which holds promise for medicinal chemists.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 5, 2022

Adult epilepsy treatment reduces seizures in children

A study published in Neurosurgery found that responsive neurostimulation system reduced disabling seizures in 84% of children and young adults with drug-resistant epilepsy. The youngest patient to undergo RNS implantation was a 3-year-old child.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNeurosurgery·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 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.

Evolution follows climate: Oaks adapted rapidly to climate change in the Anthropocene

A retrospective analysis of oak tree genomes reveals an identical evolutionary pattern across three French forests, differing according to climatic periods. Oaks can evolve rapidly and redirect their evolutionary trajectories in response to changes in climate, highlighting the need for adapting forest management practices.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalEvolution Letters·DateJan 5, 2022

Scientists unite to shrink the carbon footprint in research

A group of international scientists, led by Teun Bousema, published a study in The Lancet Planetary Health highlighting the significant carbon footprint of academic travel. Over a thousand academics have signed the Thoughtful Travel Pledge petition, calling for reduced carbon emissions at all levels.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 5, 2022

Why does performance deteriorate under pressure?

Experts discovered a training method to prevent piano performance deterioration due to psychological stress. Pianists who underwent the training showed no performance disruption under pressure, indicating normalized auditory perception and motion integration.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 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 first topological acoustic transistor

Harvard researchers create first topological acoustic transistor, utilizing sound waves to control flow on and off. The device demonstrates scalable and controllable 'acoustic switches' with potential applications in efficient noise reduction, ultrasound imaging, and more.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 5, 2022

Virtual Reality could help make therapy easier

A study by Edith Cowan University found that 30% of people prefer discussing negative experiences with a virtual reality avatar, rather than a person. Researchers used full face and body motion capture technology to create realistic avatars, analyzing interactions between participants and avatars.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalFrontiers in Virtual Reality·TypeSurvey·DateJan 5, 2022

Researchers pioneer new method to edit genes in human cells

Gladstone Institutes researchers have pioneered a new method to edit genes in human cells using retrons, which can produce abundant copies of template DNA from inside cells. The optimized system has shown improved efficiency and precision compared to current approaches.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJan 5, 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.

Researchers call for global telehealth guidelines

A new study calls for global telehealth guidelines to address disparities in guidance for remote consultations between professions. The guidelines aim to ensure good patient satisfaction, accessibility, and reduced travel times while minimizing risks and errors associated with remote consultations.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalBMJ Open·TypeContent analysis·DateJan 5, 2022

RNA sequencing from single blood draw can predict pregnancy health and preeclampsia prediction

Researchers have developed a technique that analyzes cell-free RNA in a mother's blood to predict healthy pregnancy outcomes and detect potential complications like preeclampsia. The approach showed promise in identifying patterns of gene expression associated with a healthy pregnancy and predicting preeclampsia risk with high accuracy.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 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.

Common osteoporosis medication boosts immune response in lungs

Researchers found that bisphosphonate treatment stimulates lung macrophages to mount a stronger response against pathogens, enhancing immune function. This could lead to improved health outcomes for the older population at higher risk of pneumonia and osteoporosis.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournaleLife·DateJan 5, 2022

COVID-19 has been an 'amplifier' of intimate partner violence: Study explores pandemic impacts on survivors, providers and services

A qualitative study explores the intersection of intimate partner violence (IPV) and brain injury during COVID-19, highlighting increased risks, severity, and gaps in research and services. The study reveals that survivors face ongoing violence and increased risk to their mental and physical health.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateJan 5, 2022

EBMT trial demonstrates improvements in immunosuppressive treatment of patients with Severe Aplastic Anemia

A phase III trial demonstrated that combining Eltrombopag with standard immunosuppression increases response rates and reduces time to first response in patients with Severe Aplastic Anemia. The treatment was found to be safe and well-tolerated, with improved event-free survival.

SourceEuropean Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 5, 2022

Supernovae and life on Earth appears closely connected

A recent study by Dr. Henrik Svensmark and colleagues reveals a close connection between supernovae occurrence and the burial of organic matter in sediments on Earth. The correlation indicates that supernovae are essential for life's existence, with high nutrient concentrations leading to increased bioproductivity and oxygen production.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 5, 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.

Research reveals ancient Maya lessons on surviving drought

A new study reveals the Maya had nearly 500 edible plants available to them, many of which are highly drought-resistant. This analysis debunks the assumption that drought led to the collapse of ancient Mayan civilization.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateJan 5, 2022

Engineers develop new software tool to aid material modeling research

Researchers developed propSym to calculate fundamental constants of solids, reducing redundant components and improving material modeling. The open-source software is adaptable to various physical properties, aiming to lower the entry barrier for analytical modeling.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Applied Crystallography·DateJan 5, 2022

New study pinpoints twin triggers of Triassic era extinction event

A new study by Curtin University has identified the twin mechanisms responsible for the end-Triassic mass extinction event, including ocean acidification and rising hydrogen sulfide levels. This research sheds light on the causes of past marine extinctions and provides valuable insights into the history of our planet.

SourceCurtin University·JournalGeology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 5, 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.

Drug modifies epigenome in aggressive brain tumors

A phase 1 clinical trial found that the DNA methylome of aggressive brain tumors can be reprogrammed with L-methylfolate, a folic acid-like drug. The treatment showed improved median overall survival in patients with recurrent glioblastoma, paving the way for future epigenetic studies and potential immunotherapy combinations.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCancer Research Communications·DateJan 5, 2022

Suiting up with Al-Mg-Si: New protective coating for steel to resist corrosion in ships and marine and coastal facilities and structures

Scientists have created a new protective coating using Al-Mg-Si alloy to resist corrosion in ships and marine facilities. The coating demonstrates improved corrosion resistance through a 'shielding effect', increasing the economic life of steel machinery.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalCorrosion Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Urban gardens are a dependable food source for pollinators through the year, study suggests

A recent study by the University of Bristol found that urban gardens in cities offer a long and continuous supply of energy-rich nectar from March to October. Despite variation between individual gardens, multiple garden visits provide pollinators with a reliable food source, contrasting with farmland's boom-and-bust cycles.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2022

New analysis approach could increase the number of usable donor kidneys

Researchers developed a new SERS-based multiplexing technique to detect kidney injury biomarkers SLPI and IL-18, achieving high sensitivity and reliability. The approach shows promise for objectively assessing donor kidney quality, potentially reducing discard rates and recipient complications in clinical practice.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 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.

Adolescent sleep duration, health during COVID-19 school closures

A Swiss survey study of 8,900 adolescents found a significant association between reduced sleep duration and poorer health during high school closures due to COVID-19. The study suggests that inadequate sleep may have contributed to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 5, 2022

Ductile-regime vibration texturing: Create structural colors on brittle silicon

Researchers successfully fabricate high-aspect-ratio microstructures on silicon surfaces in the ductile regime, demonstrating structural coloration. Polychromatic images are rendered with controllable grating spacings at each pixel location.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJan 5, 2022

Food pantry clients say pandemic increased food insecurity, psychological stress

A unique study by UT Southwestern researchers found that food pantry clients experienced increased economic hardship, food insecurity, and psychological distress due to the pandemic. The study gathered narratives from individuals describing how the pandemic affected their daily lives and emotional well-being.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateJan 5, 2022

Division of labor among genetic switches

Researchers identify genetic circuit that senses cell development stage, triggering deactivation of X chromosome. The discovery reveals a division of labor among genetic switches, providing clues for future study on X chromosome inactivation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Discovery of the least 'metallic' stellar structure in the Milky Way

A unique stellar structure in the Milky Way, C-19, has been found to consist of stars with extremely low metallicity, challenging current understanding of star formation models. This discovery provides a direct window into the earliest ages of star formation and the development of stellar structures in the distant past.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateJan 5, 2022

Century-old assumption regarding neurons and brain activity disproved

New experiments challenge conventional wisdom on neuronal refractory periods, discovering durations exceeding 20 milliseconds and sensitivity to input signal origin. These findings may hold the key to understanding degenerative diseases and advancing artificial intelligence-based applications.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJan 5, 2022

Study identifies biomarkers linked to autism risk

Researchers found molecular signatures of gestational inflammation associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a large cohort study. Elevated levels of certain immune system molecules at birth are linked to ASD risk, providing potential biomarkers for early screening.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Dual-ligand strategy to regulate metal-organic framework nanocrystals for stable electrochemical cycling performance

Researchers have designed and synthesized stable size/morphology-controlled MOF nanocrystals using a synergetic dual-ligand and hard-soft-acid-base strategy. The resulting 3D pillared-layer structure exhibits excellent cycling performance, with the Ni-Tdc network providing good stability during charging and discharging processes.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 5, 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.

Earth isn’t ‘super’ because the sun had rings before planets

A new study by Rice University astrophysicist André Izidoro suggests that the sun had rings before planets formed, explaining many solar system features. The model simulates the solar system's formation hundreds of times and reproduces several features missed by previous models, including pressure bumps and rings.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 5, 2022

A donation that could help cure blood cancer

A study published in Leukemia found that cord blood transplantation (CBT) was more effective than matched related donor transplantation (MRDT) for patients with refractory and relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML). The study compared the survival rates of 1,738 CBT-treated patients with those of 713 MRDT-treated patients, revealing...

SourceOsaka University·JournalLeukemia·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2022

Study reveals brain networks enabling human conversation

Researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine identified a brain circuit active during speech planning for split-second verbal exchanges. The study used electrocorticography (ECoG) to pinpoint brain areas involved in this process, including regions not previously linked to language functions.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

World’s fastest blade runner gets no competitive advantage from prostheses, study shows

A new study published in Royal Society Open Science found that amputee sprinters using prostheses have no clear competitive advantage at the 400-meter distance compared to non-amputees. In fact, they appear to have a significant disadvantage at the start, with athletes using prosthetic legs being 40% slower out of the starting blocks a...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 5, 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.

Timing of brain injury in pregnancy, birth may impact motor and language outcomes, UCSF study finds

A new UCSF study found that the neural connections of newborns with two different kinds of brain injuries were linked to significantly different developmental outcomes years later. CHD newborns had worse language function at 12-18 months and worse cognitive, language, and motor function at 30 months compared to HIE infants.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 5, 2022

Top cross-country skiers go wicked fast – but they mostly train at low intensity

Researchers found that training at low intensity can be just as effective as high-intensity training in improving endurance and technique. Elite male cross-country skiers trained for several hours, with the majority of their sessions taking place at low intensity.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2022

New method reveals how businesses can run better experiments

Researchers have designed a new method to illuminate the effects of interference in experimental data, enabling social and behavioral researchers to account for it across various applications. This approach can test directly for interference effects, such as spillovers and peer effects in social networks.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal Of The Royal Statistical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 5, 2022

Cardiovascular risks may be worse for women’s cognition in middle age

A new study suggests that midlife cardiovascular conditions and risk factors were associated with midlife cognitive decline, but the association is stronger for women. Certain cardiovascular conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, had stronger associations with cognitive decline in women compared to men.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 5, 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.

How LPS prevents or promotes development of asthma and allergic disease by airborne allergens

A study published in Cell Reports reveals that LPS protects against developing asthma when combined with allergens containing cysteine protease enzymatic activity, but promotes development when paired with allergens lacking this enzyme. This protective effect relies on the production of GM-CSF by non-classical monocytes.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Toward a more inclusive definition of green infrastructure

A nationwide analysis of 20 US cities found that many plans fail to explicitly define green infrastructure, with a narrow focus on stormwater management. The study suggests that this narrow view can limit project funding and cause cities to miss out on vital social and ecological services.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJan 5, 2022

SwRI scientist helps simulate how our solar system formed from rings

A new model demonstrates the formation of three rings around the Sun, each composed of planetesimals that eventually form planets. The simulations reveal different chemical compositions and masses for Venus, Earth, and Mars, explaining their distinct orbits and asteroid populations.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeNews article·DateJan 5, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

More to learn about Grapevine Pinot gris virus – new technology can help

Researchers used new technology to study Grapevine Pinot gris virus propagation in a specific vineyard in France. The study found that over 75% of tested plants became infected between 2014 and 2015, with only a marginal number of grapevines testing positive during the remaining five years.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Bacterial genome is regulated by an ancient molecule

Researchers discovered that bacteria use an ancient molecule called polyphosphate to silence problematic genetic elements, similar to heterochromatin in eukaryotes. This process helps protect the bacterial cell from harm and could enable scientists to develop new antibiotics.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 5, 2022

Louisville researchers reveal how oral bacteria suppress protection against viral growth

Researchers at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry found that oral bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis can suppress the production and effectiveness of proteins that protect humans from viral infection. This suppression increases vulnerability to infection, allowing viruses to enter the body more easily.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Matter and antimatter seem to respond equally to gravity

Scientists at RIKEN have found that matter and antimatter respond to gravity in the same way, within an accuracy of four times more precise than previous measures. This suggests that causality and locality hold in relativistic quantum field theories, potentially leading to new physics.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 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.

Dairy farmers can adapt to climate change

A recent study suggests that dairy farmers in the Northeast can reduce environmental impacts and maximize revenues by implementing double cropping and subsurface injection of manure into the soil. These strategies reduced total nitrogen losses by 12-18% and total phosphorus losses by 16-19%.

SourcePenn State·JournalAgricultural Systems·DateJan 5, 2022