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Science News Archive January 2022 - Page 23


Page 23 of 34

Scientists gain unexpected insight of lymphatic vessels in the heart

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered that VE-cadherin is a key player in the maintenance and function of lymphatic vessels in the heart. However, they found that loss of these vessels was not associated with decreased heart function, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

Strong evidence shows Sixth Mass Extinction of global biodiversity in progress

A recent comprehensive assessment reveals drastically increased species extinctions and declining populations, indicating the onset of the Sixth Mass Extinction. The study emphasizes the urgent need for conservation efforts and a recognition of humanity's common responsibility to mitigate the crisis.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalBiological Reviews·TypeData/statistical analysis·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.

New USDA grant to support climate resilience planning in Indian Country

The USDA has awarded a $1.5 million grant to support climate resilience planning in Indian Country, led by Desert Research Institute (DRI). The project aims to address climate injustice through culturally-appropriate information sharing and increasing Native American representation in research and outreach positions. The initiative wil...

SourceDesert Research Institute·DateJan 13, 2022

Deadly combination: New direct trigger for cell death discovered

Researchers at the University of Cologne have identified a new direct link between proteins BAX and DRP1 and apoptosis. The study reveals that DRP1 can serve as a direct cell death activator by binding to BAX, potentially leading to new cancer therapies.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

Photon recycling – The key to high-efficiency perovskite solar cells

Researchers at IAPP discovered that photon recycling improves light emission efficiency by a factor of ~5, significantly increasing photovoltage. This process enables perovskite solar cells to approach the upper limit of 34% efficiency in single-junction semiconductors.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 13, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

How do the effects of childhood abuse extend into middle age?

Researchers found that women who experienced childhood sexual abuse developed blunted cortisol profiles, associated with health problems like depression and anxiety. Epigenetic age acceleration also contributed to these effects. The study aims to understand resilience to trauma and develop interventions for those affected.

SourcePenn State·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2022

When water is coming from all sides

A team of researchers, including NOAA and William & Mary, has developed the world's first three-dimensional operational storm surge model, called SCHISM. The model forecasts coastal flooding in complex coastal regions by incorporating fine-scale features like engineered structures and culverts into its forecasts.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalNatural Hazards·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 13, 2022

Meeting ATS-recommended air quality standards would save thousands of lives

The American Thoracic Society recommends limiting long-term PM2.5 exposure to 8 µg/m³ and short-term exposure to 25 µg/m³, which could prevent an estimated 14,650 deaths and 33,000 additional illnesses. Implementing these standards could save thousands of lives by reducing morbidity and mortality from air pollution.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

Powerful sensors on planes detect crop nitrogen with high accuracy

Researchers from the University of Illinois developed a system using hyperspectral sensors on planes to quickly and accurately detect nitrogen status in corn crops. The technology achieved up to 85% accuracy and has potential for use in satellites, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about nitrogen side-dressing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation·DateJan 13, 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.

Plants: RNA notes to self

Plant cells use RNA signals to coordinate growth, but these signals require a special escort protein to reach the right cells. Without this protein, plants fail to develop properly, highlights a crucial step in understanding how information is exchanged between cells.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 2022

Lost birds and mammals spell doom for some plants

Researchers found animal-dispersed plant species' ability to adapt to climate change reduced by 60% due to bird and mammal losses. Global seed dispersal mapping revealed severe declines in temperate regions, with tropical areas at high risk if endangered species go extinct.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

Some birds sing the same song for hundreds of thousands of years

A recent study by UC Berkeley and Missouri State University scientists found that East African sunbirds have retained their songs for over 500,000 years, with some changes occurring in pulses. This discovery suggests that environmental stability may constrain the evolution of social signals like song.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Unmuting the genome

Researchers at TUM and MPIMG decipher the molecular mechanisms responsible for deactivating genes in genomic imprinting. By removing known epigenetic 'off switches', they discovered that DNA methylation and Polycomb enzymes play a crucial role in silencing genes.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 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.

Recycling already considered in the development of new battery materials

Researchers explore circular economy approaches to improve battery recycling efficiency and purities of raw materials. A promising approach is 'Design for Recycling', which aims to standardize screw connections and design materials for automated disassembly and reduced solvent use.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJan 12, 2022

Whole spine MRI suspected child abuse

A retrospective study found that whole-spine MRI commonly demonstrates isolated thoracolumbar injuries in children with suspected abusive head trauma. The study included 256 children who underwent whole-spine MRI as part of their evaluation, revealing that 23% of examinations showed injuries localized to the thoracolumbar spine.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 2022

Regrowing knee cartilage with an electric kick

Regrowing healthy cartilage in damaged joints is a promising approach to treating arthritis. UConn bioengineers successfully regrowed cartilage in a rabbit's knee using piezoelectricity, a phenomenon that also exists in the human body.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 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.

Listening to the leaves: Adding bioinspired veins to foamed polymers

A research team at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology developed a chemical process to mimic trees' vascular systems in foamed polymers, adding structure and enabling directional fluid transport. The team discovered that increasing or decreasing gelation time enables direct control over the foam's cellular structure.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

New method, more accurate crop quality detection

Researchers developed a novel analytical method using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and data fusion technology for accurate crop quality detection. The method, published in Analytica Chimica Acta, uses the fusion of NIRr and NIRt spectra to predict rice flour constituents with higher accuracy.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAnalytica Chimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Palaeogene: Low CO2 concentrations favoured grasslands

A team of scientists analyzed plant family diversification and found it occurred about 20 million years ago, following a global drop in atmospheric CO2. Low CO2 concentrations triggered water loss through stomatal pores, creating an environment favorable to grasslands.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 12, 2022

Stress associated with an increased risk of getting Covid-19, study finds

A new study found that people experiencing increased stress, anxiety, and depression during the pandemic were more likely to contract Covid-19 and experience severe symptoms. The research, led by Professor Kavita Vedhara, suggests that psychological distress may be a significant factor in increasing susceptibility to viral respiratory ...

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 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.

Machine learning for morphable materials

A new platform uses machine learning to design and build transformable, inflatable systems with potential applications in medicine, architecture, robotics, space travel, and more. The researchers used finite element simulations and neural networks to learn how to control the deformation of membranes when pressurized.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 12, 2022

People with hearing prostheses use timbre of voice to recognise emotions

Researchers at Friedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena investigated how people with cochlear implants perceive vocal emotions. They found that the group with cochlear implants showed lower scores overall in recognizing emotional nuances, but some individuals could effectively utilize timbre to distinguish between fearful and angry voices.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalEar and Hearing·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 12, 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.

What will it take to save the regent honeyeater from extinction?

The regent honeyeater's population is on track to decline to fewer than 300 individuals due to habitat loss and predation. To save the species, conservation efforts must focus on protecting nests from predators, increasing zoo-bred bird releases into the wild, and preserving and restoring habitats.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 12, 2022

Study: BPA exposure of the placenta could affect fetal brain development

Scientists at the University of Missouri discovered that bisphenol A (BPA) exposure during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal brain development. MicroRNAs in the placenta play a key role in regulating cellular functions, including neural development. Researchers believe that microRNA packages could reach the brain through the placen...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEpigenomics·DateJan 12, 2022

Paradigm shift: Methanogenic microbes not always limited to methane

Researchers have discovered that some methanogenic microbes can divert carbon flux from methane production to acetogenesis, a previously unknown anabolic pathway. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that all methanogens are obligate methanogens.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 12, 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.

Study: get moving to put the brakes on early Parkinson’s

A new study suggests that regular exercise can slow the progression of Parkinson's disease in people with early-stage symptoms. Those who engaged in moderate exercise for at least four hours a week experienced less trouble balancing, walking, and performing daily activities over time.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 12, 2022

US may have been responsible for almost half of recent past illegal tiger trade

A new study reveals that the US has played a significant role in the trafficking of tiger parts, with San Francisco, Dallas, and Atlanta emerging as major entry points. The research suggests that the scale of trade may have been underestimated, with seizures of illegal tiger products totaling 292 during 2003-2012.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalConservation Science and Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 12, 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.

Researchers identify a disordered region of Src protein that regulates its oncogenic capacity

A study by University of Barcelona and University of Montpellier researchers reveals that mutations in the disordered region of Src protein inhibit its oncogenic capacity in colon cancer cells. This finding suggests a novel layer of regulation by this unique region, providing new insights into malignant cell transformation.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalOncogene·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Should e-cigarettes be licensed as medicines?

E-cigarette medicinal licensing may help smokers quit, but its effectiveness and societal risks are debated. Critics argue that licensed e-cigarettes could weaken sustainable cessation strategies and distract from other efforts to achieve the UK's smoke-free goal by 2030.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 12, 2022

Under a moon spell: Shark attacks related to lunar phases

Research from LSU and University of Florida found a correlation between lunar phases and shark attacks, with more incidents occurring during periods of higher illumination. The study analyzed global data from the International Shark Attack File and suggests that lunar forces may play a role in shark behavior.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 12, 2022

Could gene networks resembling air traffic explain arteriosclerosis?

A study suggests that nearly 60 percent of the risk associated with coronary artery disease may be explained by changes in hundreds of genes working together in networks across several organs. Fat processing hormones may play a central role in coordinating this activity.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 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.

Copper-based chemicals may be contributing to ozone depletion

A new study from UC Berkeley suggests that copper in soil and seawater acts as a catalyst for producing two potent halocarbon compounds that destroy ozone. The compounds, methyl bromide and methyl chloride, are major contributors to stratospheric ozone depletion and have puzzled scientists for over 20 years.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Long-term use of blood pressure drugs may cause kidney damage, study suggests

Research from the University of Virginia Health System found that long-term use of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers can lead to hardened kidney vessels. The drugs, commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and heart failure, were associated with damage in both lab mice and humans.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJCI Insight·DateJan 12, 2022

Black hole at center of Milky Way unpredictable and chaotic

A team of researchers led by Alexis Andrés analyzed 15 years' worth of data from NASA's Swift Observatory to find that Sagittarius A*, the black hole at the center of the Milky Way, flares irregularly both day-to-day and in the long term.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 12, 2022

Thaw of permafrost has vast impact on built environment

A recent review highlights the devastating impact of permafrost thaw on infrastructure in the Arctic region, with damages ranging from less than 10% to as high as 80%. The region's transport and pipeline networks are particularly vulnerable, with costs projected to exceed 30 billion euros by 2060.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 12, 2022

Biologists identify neural circuits associated with aging

Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified neural circuits in fruit flies that remain resilient to aging, while others weaken. These findings hold promise for understanding genetic pathways and environmental factors contributing to healthy aging in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 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.

Remembering faces and names can be improved during sleep

New research by Northwestern University found that reactivating memories during sleep significantly improves face-name learning. The study also discovered that uninterrupted deep sleep is crucial for this improvement.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Cosmic 'spider' found to be source of powerful gamma-rays

Astronomers have discovered a binary system consisting of a rapidly spinning neutron star and the precursor to an extremely-low-mass white dwarf, dubbed a 'cosmic spider'. The system emits powerful gamma-rays and has been observed using the SOAR Telescope in Chile.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 2022

Survival rate of adult patients with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia after hematopoietic cell transplantation has steadily increased over the past two decades

Survival rates for adult patients with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) after hematopoietic cell transplantation have increased significantly over the past two decades. The two-year overall survival rate rose from 27.8% in 2000-2004 to 54.8% in 2015-2019, despite a significant increase in patient age at relapse.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJan 12, 2022

Face masks cut distance airborne pathogens could travel in half, new study finds

Researchers at the University of Central Florida found that face masks can reduce airborne pathogens' travel distance by more than half, suggesting they can effectively prevent airborne diseases. The study's findings could aid in managing responses to pandemics like COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

We move along the surface of a doughnut

A team of researchers used neural network data to study grid cell activity in the brain, finding that collective neural activity is shaped like a torus, or doughnut. The study provides new insights into how large networks of neurons produce properties that cannot be inferred from individual cells.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 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.

Atom by atom: new silicon computer chip technique opens up quantum computing construction possibilities

A team of researchers has developed a new technique to embed single atoms in silicon wafers, mirroring methods used to build conventional devices. The technique creates large-scale patterns of controlled atoms that can be manipulated and read out, enabling the construction of large-scale quantum devices.

SourceScience in Public·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

New research sheds light on COVID-19 vaccine inequities in California

A new study from USC researchers sheds light on COVID-19 vaccine inequities in California, revealing disparities in vaccination rates among vulnerable populations. The study suggests that targeted community outreach and improved vaccine access can help reduce these disparities.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJournal of Immigrant and Minority Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 12, 2022

New cloud-based platform opens genomics data to all

A new cloud-based platform called AnVIL grants easy access to one of the world's largest genomics databases, providing thousands of analysis tools and over 300,000 genomes. Researchers can now collaborate effortlessly, without the need for massive data downloads, and make exciting new discoveries

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalCell Genomics·DateJan 12, 2022

Environment key to injury recovery

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that injured Black men from disadvantaged neighborhoods experience higher mortality rates and psychological symptoms due to their environmental surroundings. The study emphasizes the need for intervention at critical windows of care, including better communication ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJan 12, 2022

ASTRO issues clinical guideline on external beam radiation therapy for primary liver cancers

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has released a new clinical guideline outlining the use of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) to treat adult patients with primary liver cancers. The guidelines emphasize multidisciplinary care and provide evidence-based recommendations on indications, dosing, techniques, and trea...

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateJan 12, 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.

Oxygen ions in Jupiter's innermost radiation belts

The study reveals that the region within Io's orbit is dominated by oxygen and sulfur ions, with oxygen prevailing among the two. Further inward, within Amalthea's orbit, oxygen ion concentration increases unexpectedly.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Solar System Research·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 12, 2022

Nature helps us cope with body image ‘threats’

A new study found that nature exposure removes negative body image triggers and strengthens coping mechanisms, promoting healthy thought processes and realistic appraisals of body image threats.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEcopsychology·TypeSurvey·DateJan 12, 2022