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Science News Archive January 2022 - Page 21


Page 21 of 34

A catalyst for more efficient green hydrogen production

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new water-splitting process and material that maximize the efficiency of producing carbon-free green hydrogen. The hybrid catalysts show superior performance for both oxygen and hydrogen splitting, making it an affordable and accessible option for industrial partners.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Catalysis·TypeObservational study·DateJan 14, 2022

New study shows novel crystal structure for hydrogen under high pressure

Researchers from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have identified a new crystal structure for hydrogen at low temperatures near 0 K and high pressures. The team used supercomputer simulations and data science to generate several candidate patterns, which were then validated through high-resolution simulations.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJan 14, 2022

Being in space destroys more red blood cells

A world-first study found that space travel causes a 54% increase in red blood cell destruction, leading to severe anemia upon return to Earth. Astronauts experienced prolonged effects of anemia even after months of recovery.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 14, 2022

Telemedicine may increase surgical care for historically underrepresented patient groups

Researchers found that telemedicine usage increased among Black patients and women during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, disparities persisted, with older patients and those with lower education levels less likely to use video consultations. The study highlights the need for improved digital access and resources to bridge the gap.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 14, 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.

New study sheds light on origins of life on Earth

Researchers explored metal-binding proteins, discovering shared features that define life. The study suggests that rearrangements of these building blocks may have given rise to the range of proteins and functions that characterize life on Earth.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 14, 2022

Rivers speeding up Arctic ice melt at alarming rate, experts say

Researchers have found an unprecedented increase in winter stream flow rates over the last 25 years, with nearly 80% above average, driven by permafrost melt and forest fires. The combined effects of these factors are accelerating Arctic ice melt and exacerbating global warming.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 14, 2022

Systematically examining the way spatial structure influences the evolution of cancer

Researchers developed a computational model to simulate alternative spatial structures and types of cell dispersal in human tumors, finding that diverse spatial structures cause tumors to evolve differently. The model predictions are consistent with clinical data for cancer types with matching structures.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 14, 2022

The free-energy principle explains the brain

Researchers at RIKEN CBS demonstrate that neural networks minimize energy cost and solve mazes efficiently, pointing to a set of universal mathematical rules. The findings will aid in analyzing impaired brain function and generating optimized neural networks for artificial intelligences.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 14, 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.

Bald eagle rebound stunted by poisoning from lead ammunition

A recent study reveals that lead poisoning from eating contaminated carcasses has reduced bald eagle population growth by 4-6% annually in the Northeast. The researchers emphasize the need for hunters to choose copper-based ammunition to mitigate this issue, which could impact other species as well.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateJan 13, 2022

New rapid tests will detect adulteration of meat products

Scientists developed a simple method to detect chicken and pork meat in sausages and processed products within 15 minutes. The new approach uses recombincase polymerase amplification and test-strip detection, providing fast and affordable results.

SourceFederal Research Centre «Fundamentals of Biotechnology» of the Russian Academy of Science·JournalMolecules·DateJan 13, 2022

TU Wien: Research team publishes new, precise COVID-"epidemometer"

A new method has been published by a team at TU Wien to predict the susceptibility of populations to infection based on official data. The approach combines epidemiological state estimation with the determination of unknown exogenous drivers, enabling more reliable forecasting of essential quantities such as hospital occupancy.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateJan 13, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

COVID variant siblings show different levels of virulence

New research highlights key differences between COVID-19 variants alpha and omicron, including the impact on virulence and disease severity. The study suggests that omicron's genetic makeup is less conducive to causing severe illness compared to its older variant sibling, alpha.

SourceCornell University·JournaliScience·DateJan 13, 2022

Stronger evidence for connection between Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis

A new analysis of US military recruits data reveals a strong connection between Epstein-Bellum virus and multiple sclerosis, with a significant increase in MS cases following EBV infection. The study's findings suggest that EBV may be the leading cause of multiple sclerosis, offering potential advantages over current treatments

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 2022

Researchers make important new findings about how to test cancer-fighting drugs

A team of researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine has made significant breakthroughs in testing cancer-fighting drugs by simulating physiological oxygen levels. By exposing tumor tissues to different oxygen levels, the scientists found that drug sensitivity varies greatly, leading to more effective treatment options.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

Your gut senses the difference between real sugar and artificial sweetener

Research led by Diego Bohórquez at Duke University has identified the cells responsible for sensing sugar in the gut. These neuropod cells produce neurotransmitters that transmit signals to the brain, allowing animals to distinguish between real sugar and artificial sweetener.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 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.

Advance child tax credits reduced US food insufficiency by 26 percent

A new study found that the advance Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments reduced food insufficiency among US households with children by 26 percent. The program, which provided extra $250-$300 per month to eligible families, also lifted 3.5 million children out of poverty.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2022

Compost is a major source of pathogenic aspergillus spores

Researchers found that compost and compost-enriched soils contain high concentrations of Aspergillus fumigatus spores, which can cause serious lung infections. Handling compost exposes individuals to large numbers of aerosolized spores, highlighting the need for behavioral changes and industry action

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJan 13, 2022

Green-Med Diet Seems to Slow Age-Related Neurodegeneration

A green Mediterranean diet rich in polyphenols and low in red and processed meat may slow age-related brain atrophy. The DIRECT PLUS 18-month trial found significant attenuation of brain atrophy among participants who adhered to both diets.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 13, 2022

NSF funds Rice effort to measure, preserve quantum entanglement

Physicist Guido Pagano has won a prestigious CAREER award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to study quantum entanglement and develop new error-correcting tools for quantum computation. He aims to understand how measurement affects entangled systems and create tools to correct errors caused by quantum decoherence.

SourceRice University·DateJan 13, 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.

UT Southwestern develops nanotherapeutic to ward off liver cancer

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a promising liver-specific microRNA drug that shows minimal toxicity in mice, preventing cancer cells from establishing themselves in the liver. The new treatment has potential as a candidate for companies developing mRNA vaccines for COVID-19.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCancer Research·DateJan 13, 2022

Oxytocin and autism: Study on a receptor variant provides new insights into the cellular origin of the disorder

Researchers have discovered how genetic variations of the oxytocin receptor affect hormone signaling inside brain cells. The mutated variant is more active and stable than the normal receptor, contradicting previous classifications. This finding provides new starting points for developing targeted therapies for autistic patients.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 13, 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.

First study to detect Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in maternal bloodstream and placenta in cases of stillbirth and pregnancy complications

Researchers have detected the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the blood and placentas of women who experienced stillbirths and serious pregnancy complications. The study found that the virus was widely disseminated, causing severe inflammation of the placenta and leading to stillbirths.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2022

What we do and don’t know about the many ways COVID-19 can impact pregnant women and their babies

The COVID-19 pandemic poses significant risks to pregnant women and their newborns, particularly due to viral-induced inflammation in the placenta. Studies have linked SARS-CoV-2 infection to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth and severe neonatal illness, which may vary with specific circulating variants.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJan 13, 2022

New conservation tool calculates the optimal time to spend researching a habitat before protecting it

A new method developed by researchers predicts the optimal time to spend learning about a species' habitat before designating protected areas. This balance between knowledge acquisition and resource allocation can save species from extinction while minimizing unnecessary protection of incorrect habitats.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 13, 2022

Super-Earths have longer shielding against cosmic radiation, new melting curve analysis suggests

Researchers used high-powered lasers to determine the melting temperature of iron at conditions similar to those in super-Earth exoplanet cores. The findings suggest that super-Earths are likely to have longer magnetically shielded habitability periods than Earth, potentially supporting life as we know it.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 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.

Biologists pinpoint key factor in immune system response to viral infection

Researchers discovered the ZIP-1 gene acts as a cell's first-line response to infection, controlling immune responses to viruses and other threats. The finding could have implications for identifying similar genes that control immune responses in humans.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

Face masks ‘make wearers look more attractive’, study suggests

Researchers at Cardiff University found that medical face masks increase facial attractiveness more than cloth masks, with blue masks being the most attractive. The study suggests that people associate masks with healthcare workers and find them reassuring, leading to a positive perception of the wearer.

SourceCardiff University·JournalCognitive Research Principles and Implications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2022

First melanoma test to offer reassurance of low risk of cancer spread

A pioneering test called AMBLor has been developed to predict the spread or return of skin cancer. By analyzing primary tumor biopsies, the test identifies patients at low risk of disease progression, providing them with more accurate information and personalized prognosis.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 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.

​​​​​​​Greenspace outside prison walls has a positive effect on prisoner wellbeing

Researchers found that prisoners in buildings located in green areas are less likely to engage in self-harming or violent behaviours. The study, published in Wellbeing, Space and Society, suggests that surrounding greenspace has a positive effect on prisoner wellbeing alongside prison walls.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalWellbeing Space and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

Blood markers of brain cell damage higher over short term in COVID-19 patients than in Alzheimer's patients

A new study found that COVID-19 patients exhibit higher levels of blood proteins indicating neurological damage compared to Alzheimer's disease patients, especially those with neurological symptoms. The study suggests a potential link between COVID-19 and an increased risk of future brain injury.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

Epstein-Barr virus may be leading cause of multiple sclerosis

A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found a strong association between Epstein-Barr virus infection and multiple sclerosis. The risk of MS increased 32-fold after EBV infection, while serum levels of neurofilament light chain, a biomarker of nerve degeneration, only increased after EBV infection.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 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.

Peanut studies reveal surprising truths about RNA and open the door to better understanding epigenetic mechanisms in plants

Scientists have discovered a new layer of regulation in plant-microbe interactions using peanut studies. An antisense long-noncoding RNA, DONE40, was found to bind to a protein involved in epigenetic control, suggesting a conserved function across plants and animals.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

New photonic effect could speed drug development

Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a new photonic effect that can measure chirality in tiny volumes, which may help develop chiral drugs. The effect could accelerate drug discovery and screening by analyzing vast libraries of chemical compounds with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 13, 2022

‘Slushy’ magma ocean led to formation of the Moon’s crust

Scientists have proposed a new model for the Moon's crust formation, suggesting that a 'slushy' magma ocean played a key role. The research suggests that crystals remained suspended in liquid magma over hundreds of millions of years, eventually forming the lunar crust.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 13, 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.

Examining how stress affects Parkinson’s disease

UC researchers received a $1.2 million grant to examine the impact of stress hormone receptors on cell degeneration in Parkinson's disease. The study aims to develop a new model that better replicates the progression of the disease, which may lead to treatments targeting stress hormone blockers or next-generation therapeutics.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJan 13, 2022

Dried goji berries may provide protection against age-related vision loss

A study published in Nutrients found that consuming a small serving of dried goji berries five times a week for 90 days increased lutein and zeaxanthin levels in healthy participants' eyes. This increase provides antioxidant protection and filters out harmful blue light, potentially delaying age-related vision loss.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 13, 2022

Discovery could hold the key to alleviating metabolic disease

Researchers found a key role for Tmem120a in promoting expression of fat genes and shutting off muscle genes in fat tissue. This mechanism may explain why metabolic diseases like diabetes appear under certain circumstances, such as high-calorie diets. The discovery has implications for other metabolic diseases and muscle disorders.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2022

Research involving rhesus macaques paves way for schistosomiasis vaccine

Researchers discovered nine genes in S. mansoni's autophagy pathway inhibited by the primate's immune system, preventing parasite multiplication and contaminating the host. The study suggests a potential novel therapy and vaccine against schistosomiasis.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 13, 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.

Tuning the bonds of paired quantum particles to create dissipationless flow

A new graphene-based platform allows researchers to control the interaction strength between electrons and holes, enabling the formation of quantum condensates at room temperature. The platform's tunability enables testing of theoretical predictions about superconductivity and its potential for higher temperature limits.

SourceColumbia University·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 2022

Unprecedented cellular maps of tissues enabled by new tool

Researchers developed a new tool called cell2location to visualize cell function and spatial information. The tool combines single-cell sequencing data with spatial transcriptomic data, enabling the identification of rare cell subtypes and their precise locations within tissues.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJan 13, 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.

Towards high-performance organic optoelectronics with better crystallinity at semiconductor interface

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a high-quality crystalline interface using quasi-homo-epitaxial growth, which eliminated mobility issues and enabled spontaneous electron transfer. This breakthrough could lead to highly efficient flexible solar cells and wearable electronic devices.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

There’s no longer one rural America – could there be five?

Researchers in Ohio identified five distinct types of rural communities, each with unique characteristics and attracting different demographics. The study found that rural areas near metropolitan cities are experiencing growth, while more remote areas are losing residents.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Land Use Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

World's largest fish breeding area discovered in Antarctica

Researchers have discovered a massive fish breeding area in Antarctica, spanning 240 square kilometers and estimated to be home to 60 million icefish. The breeding site is located near the Filchner Ice Shelf in the Weddell Sea and is believed to be the largest contiguous fish breeding colony ever found globally.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 13, 2022

Towards superior nanoscale sensing and imaging with optimized diamond probes

Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a novel method to fabricate diamond probes with controlled shape and higher sensitivity. These probes enabled the imaging of periodic magnetic domain structures in ferromagnets, showing promise for quantum applications.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJan 13, 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.

Influence of different scales of SST anomaly on large-scale atmospheric circulation over North Pacific in winter

Researchers found that mesoscale SST anomalies near Kuroshio Extension can cause positive geopotential height anomalies with strengthened poleward shift of westerly anomaly. Large-scale SST anomalyl warming causes weak baroclinic structure and clockwise secondary circulation, distinct from mesoscale influence.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateJan 13, 2022