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Science News Archive January 2022 - Page 12


Page 12 of 34

Green backyards help increase urban climate resilience: Here is how

Green backyards in cities provide multiple benefits, including improved thermal comfort and increased carbon storage. Small differences in green structure can yield significant benefits, with greener courtyards showing up to 11°C cooling effects. Proper maintenance is key to enhancing these benefits.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalOne Ecosystem·DateJan 24, 2022

Women with older and overweight partners are at higher risk of embryo implantation failure

Researchers found that advanced paternal age and obesity are associated with lower implantation rates in couples experiencing unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. The study analyzed nearly 800 couples who underwent IVF treatment, revealing a 12.6% increased risk of implantation failure for every one-unit increase in BMI.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGynecology and Obstetrics Clinical Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2022

Indirect impacts of COVID-19 pandemic take significant toll on children

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on children's mental well-being, with increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Academic performance has also suffered due to virtual learning and reduced access to healthcare, exacerbating existing achievement gaps. Physical health issues have been exacerbated by reduced ...

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 24, 2022

Gender disparities may be widening for physicians due to COVID-19

A new study from Northwestern University finds that the COVID-19 pandemic has widened gender disparities in family medicine, with women physicians submitting fewer studies during stay-at-home orders. The research highlights the impact of remote work on women's careers and suggests potential solutions to address these disparities.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 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.

Successful development of a material-based reservoir computing device and its application to robotics

A team of researchers has successfully developed a material-based reservoir computing device using single-walled carbon nanotubes and porphyrin-polyoxometalate composites. This innovation enables AI robots to classify grasped objects based on tactile signals, demonstrating the potential for energy-saving AI systems and situational awar...

SourceKyutech·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2022

One pot wonder for polymer diversity

Researchers developed an auto-switchable phosphazene-based catalyst to create well-defined diblock terpolymers in a single step, overcoming the limitations of traditional two-step polymerizations. This innovative approach offers vast potential for producing diverse polymers for various industrial applications.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 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.

New social inclusion measure could change lives

A new 16-question self-report form, F-SIM16, assesses someone's level of social inclusion and can lead to more targeted and personalized care. The measure has been recognized for its strong theoretical foundation and input from people with lived experience of mental ill-health.

SourceOrygen·JournalEpidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateJan 23, 2022

Synthesis of non- or antiaromatic conjugated macrocycles

Scientists successfully synthesized diazuliamethyrin, a core-modified hexaphyrin with antiaromatic properties. The compound's 24pi non- or antiaromatic character was confirmed through NMR, absorption, and MCD spectra analyses.

SourceEhime University·JournalOrganic Letters·DateJan 23, 2022

Major gaps in understanding of climate impacts on tropical cyclones identified

Researchers identify significant gaps in knowledge about climate impacts on tropical cyclones, including the dynamics of storm formation and track changes. To address these limitations, they recommend extending historical datasets and improving understanding of natural variability to inform adaptive strategies.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 23, 2022

Maternal consumption of soft drinks may be linked to ADHD symptoms in offspring

A large Norwegian cohort study found a weak association between maternal consumption of sweetened carbonated beverages during pregnancy and increased ADHD symptoms in offspring at 8 years of age. The study suggests that even small reductions in SCB intake may be important for reducing children's ADHD symptoms at the population level.

SourceThe University of Bergen·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 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.

Scientists reveal factors affecting electron-phonon coupling in FeSe under pressure

Researchers investigated how pressure affects electron-phonon coupling in FeSe, revealing that in-plane biaxial strain can increase the coupling due to changes in Se position and lattice constants. This study provides a strategy for experimentalists to improve superconducting properties.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateJan 23, 2022

Finding a link between emissions taxes and R&D investments

A new study finds a strong link between emissions taxes and increased R&D investments in high-polluting industries with knowledge spillovers. Manufacturers significantly boost R&D spending to adopt cleaner technologies and improve production efficiency without necessarily slowing economic growth.

SourceIowa State University·JournalReview of Financial Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 21, 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.

Trastuzumab with chemoradiation and surgery does not improve outcomes for esophageal cancer patients, trial highlights future research opportunities

The NRG-RTOG 1010 clinical trial found that adding trastuzumab to chemoradiation and surgery did not improve disease-free survival for HER2-positive esophageal adenocarcinoma patients. Despite this, the study highlights future research opportunities to explore combining trastuzumab with other HER2-targeting agents.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJan 21, 2022

New neutron-based method helps keep underwater pipelines open

Researchers at Technical University of Munich have developed a new neutron-based method to detect clogs in underwater pipelines non-destructively. This approach uses prompt gamma neutron activation analysis to measure hydrogen concentration, allowing for the detection of blockages and hydrate formation.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNondestructive Testing And Evaluation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2022

Granddaughters and great-granddaughters of men who start to smoke before puberty, have more body fat than expected, research shows

A new study by University of Bristol researchers found increased body fat in females whose grandfathers or great-grandfathers started smoking before puberty. This study extends previous findings on paternal smoking and its effects on sons, now exploring the impact on daughters across multiple generations.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 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.

Scientists build ‘valves’ in DNA to shape biological information flows

Researchers at the University of Bristol have created new DNA parts that can shape the flow of cellular processes along DNA. This technology allows for the rapid assembly and testing of thousands of DNA parts in parallel, unlocking new tools for building sustainable biotechnologies.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 21, 2022

From coil to globule

Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry have observed the coil-to-globule transition in hydrogels for the first time, showing how temperature changes trigger a sudden collapse of polymer chains. This discovery has implications for smart materials and their applications in fields like medicine and engineering.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateJan 21, 2022

Breakthrough COVID-19 infections spur strong antibody responses

A recent study found that individuals vaccinated three times or those who were vaccinated after an earlier COVID-19 infection had comparable neutralizing antibody activity to those with a breakthrough case. The study suggests that repeated exposure to SARS-CoV-2 antigens enhances the quality of antibody responses.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2022

Gender bias in lab groups not rooted in personal preference

A study by Cornell researchers found that men and women's preferences for engagement and leadership are remarkably similar. The team suggests that instructors can play a larger role in ensuring more equity in lab groups, which could correct the well-documented disparities in physics labs.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhysical Review Physics Education Research·DateJan 21, 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.

Innovative drug delivery system offers hope for treating genetic diseases

Researchers developed a new drug delivery system using engineered DNA-free virus-like particles (eVLPs) to package and deliver therapeutic levels of gene-editing proteins. eVLPs enabled safer in vivo delivery with comparable or higher efficiencies, overcoming multiple structural limits to potency.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2022

MU study identifies mutations specific to Omicron variant

Researchers at the University of Missouri identified 46 specific mutations in the Omicron variant that enable it to evade pre-existing antibodies. These mutations are particularly prevalent in the region where antibodies bind to the virus, making them a key target for future antiviral treatments.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Autoimmunity·DateJan 21, 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.

Children’s Hospital Colorado study explores methods to help reduce injury following successful post-concussion return-to-play

A Children's Hospital Colorado study explores a neuromuscular training intervention to reduce injury risk in athletes returning from sports-related concussions. The research found that athletes who completed the 8-week training program had a significantly lower risk of time-loss injuries compared to those who did not participate.

SourceChildren's Hospital Colorado·JournalThe American Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 21, 2022

In visual memory, size matters

A Bar-Ilan University study found that participants remembered large images 1.5 times more than small ones, regardless of detail or resolution. This phenomenon may affect screen quality and learning on smartphones, suggesting larger screens could be better for studying.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2022

Harnessing noise in optical computing for AI

A team at the University of Washington has created an optical computing system that not only reduces noise but also utilizes it to improve creative output. The system uses a Generative Adversarial Network and demonstrates the viability of this technology at a large scale.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 21, 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.

Research finds patients and providers differ in opinions about immediate access to medical records

A recent survey found that while most clinicians and patients agree that transparency is essential, providers are concerned about added stress for patients due to complex reports. Patients want providers to contact them within 24 hours of abnormal results, but clinicians struggle with managing time and navigating data.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe American Journal of Surgery·TypeSurvey·DateJan 21, 2022

Consistent asteroid showers rock previous thinking on Mars craters

Researchers have confirmed that the frequency of asteroid collisions forming impact craters on Mars has been consistent over the past 600 million years. The study used a crater detection algorithm to analyze more than 500 large Martian craters and found no significant variation in asteroid collision frequencies.

SourceCurtin University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2022

What we know and don’t know about interventions to address gender-related barriers to girls’ education

The review identified several promising approaches to address financial barriers, lack of academic support, and school-related gender-based violence. However, evidence gaps remain for many other interventions, including those targeting child marriage, adolescent pregnancy, and menstrual health supplies.

SourcePopulation Council·JournalCampbell Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 21, 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.

More than a third of care home residents in England caught Covid-19 in early waves of pandemic

A UK study found that over a third of care home residents and a quarter of staff in England showed evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first two waves of the pandemic. The study also revealed that antibodies against the virus became undetectable in half of the population within eight months.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 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.

How robots learn to hike

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new control technology that enables ANYmal, a quadrupedal robot, to combine visual perception of its environment with proprioception-based sensing. This allows the robot to tackle rough terrain faster and more efficiently.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2022

These scientists are racing to beat Omicron

Researchers are working tirelessly to develop vaccines against the Omicron variant, a crucial step in combating the pandemic. By understanding the biology of Omicron, scientists hope to create effective treatments and boosters to protect against future pandemics.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateJan 21, 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.

COVID virus linked with headaches, altered mental status in hospitalized kids

A new study found that hospitalized children who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were more likely to develop neurological symptoms, including headache and altered mental status. The research also showed that these symptoms were more common in kids with MIS-C, a condition characterized by fever, inflammation, and organ dysfunction.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalPediatric Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2022

Using ice to boil water: Researcher makes heat transfer discovery that expands on 18th century principle

Researchers found that levitating ice requires a significantly higher temperature threshold than liquid water, with the meltwater layer creating a temperature differential that consumes most of the surface's heat. This results in a larger temperature window for boiling, leading to better heat transfer compared to using a liquid alone.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateJan 21, 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.

Rusting iron can be its own worst enemy

Researchers at Rice University found that iron itself plays a role in its own corrosion when exposed to supercritical CO2 and trace amounts of water. Thin layers of 2D materials like graphene can serve as a barrier to prevent corrosion.

SourceRice University·JournalMatter·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 21, 2022

Social media use tied to poor physical health

A study by University at Buffalo researchers found a correlation between excessive social media use and higher levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of chronic inflammation. Participants who used social media excessively also reported more frequent visits to doctors and health centers for illness treatment.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2022

Rapid eye movement sleep helps protect against predator attack: Study

Researchers found that REM sleep has specific properties allowing rapid arousal in response to predatory stimuli. The medial subthalamic nucleus (mSTN) plays a key role in this process, producing a lowered arousal threshold during REM sleep for detecting predator threats.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNeuron·DateJan 21, 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.

Bid to discover how immune systems recognise fungal invaders

The four-year programme will investigate the chemical signatures that trigger immunity in fungal infections, which kill an estimated 1.6 million people worldwide annually. By understanding these signatures and how fungi disguise them, researchers hope to uncover the origins of antifungal immunity.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateJan 21, 2022

Exploring fish flow from fisheries to supper

Researchers developed unprecedented insights into the natural and commercial flow of fish, highlighting the importance of inclusive approaches to fisheries management and conservation. The study's findings indicate a strong connection between larval dispersal and catch distribution in Hawaii, emphasizing the need for community-based ma...

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 21, 2022

Germanium halides serve as ideal precursors to synthesize high-quality perovskite nanocrystals

A research group from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics used non-toxic GeX4 as precursors to synthesize Pb-free and Pb-based PNCs with improved optoelectronic quality. They attributed this success to better control over halide ion release, resulting in regular crystal surfaces with fewer point defects.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNano Letters·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 21, 2022