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Science News Archive January 2022 - Page 28


Page 28 of 34

Center dedicated to improving worker health awarded $7 million

The UIC Center for Healthy Work will continue its efforts to improve the health of low-wage workers with a five-year, $7 million grant. Researchers will advance their work with community members and expand collaborations across systems-level partners to empower workers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateJan 10, 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.

Reducing air pollution could lower dementia risk

A new study found that reducing air pollution can lower dementia risk among older women by decreasing their likelihood of developing dementia. The benefits were consistent despite differences among participants in age, geographic area, socioeconomic background, and other factors.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2022

Smartphone evidence on human rights abuse in the age of deepfakes

A Swansea law expert has been awarded €1.5 million to study the impact of deepfakes on public perceptions of user-generated evidence in human rights trials. The project, TRUE, will track changes in trust over time and develop a systematic account of its role in accountability processes.

SourceSwansea University·DateJan 10, 2022

Researchers Switch Off Gene to Switch On Ultraviolet in Butterfly Wings

A team of researchers at George Washington University identified a gene that determines whether ultraviolet iridescence appears in the wings of butterflies. Removing this gene from non-iridescent species leads to UV coloration in their wings, highlighting its critical role in evolutionary differences between species.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 10, 2022

Ohio study finds recent growth and sudden declines in Antarctic sea ice to be unique changes since the early 20th century

A recent Ohio University study provides the first complete estimate of total Antarctic sea ice extent back through the 20th century, revealing unique changes in climate patterns. The research shows a regime shift with increases in sea ice since 1979 and sudden declines throughout the early and middle 20th century.

SourceOhio University·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 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.

Investigating hallucinations in medical imaging

Researchers at Beckman Institute have defined a mathematical framework for identifying hallucinations in biomedical images. This framework will enable researchers and radiologists to quantitatively assess their image reconstruction methods and prevent patient misdiagnosis.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 10, 2022

Rapid preparation of CdSe thin-film solar cells

A new rapid thermal evaporation method was developed to deposit high-quality CdSe thin films, enabling the creation of efficient CdSe solar cells. The study achieved an efficiency of 1.88% in a Si-based tandem configuration, demonstrating potential for high-performance solar cells.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2022

UCI-led team first to discover new neural circuits that regulate spatial learning and memory in the brain’s hippocampal formation

A UCI-led research team has identified novel functional roles of new circuit connections between the CA1 region and dorsal CA3 regions of the hippocampus. Genetic inactivation of this projection impairs object-related spatial learning and memory, but does not modulate anxiety-related behaviors.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 10, 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.

New graft strategy may improve outcomes for blood stem cell recipients

A new graft strategy has reduced chronic graft-versus-host disease in leukemia patients by depleting naïve T cells from donor blood. The approach has shown promising results, with only 7% of patients developing chronic GVHD compared to 30-60% with standard treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 10, 2022

How circular waste management systems can benefit the environment

A new study reveals that circular waste management systems can effectively reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants, with the potential to eliminate open burning of waste by 2050. The researchers estimate that this could account for almost a quarter of global methane emissions.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2022

Using a different language can reduce vaccine hesitancy

A new study found that providing health information in a foreign language can reduce vaccine hesitancy. In a study conducted in Hong Kong, participants who received the same information in Cantonese showed lower willingness to get vaccinated compared to those who received it in English. The researchers suggest that language choice shou...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·TypeSurvey·DateJan 10, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cognitive decline not always a sign of Alzheimer’s disease

New research published in JNeurosci reveals that impaired cognition can be part of normal aging, rather than an early sign of Alzheimer's. Cognitively frail adults showed brain structure and activity similar to healthy controls, suggesting lifestyle factors like physical activity and education may play a role.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2022

New approach can help identify young children most at risk for obesity

Researchers at Penn State developed a new risk score system that uses genetic data to predict obesity in young children. The scores, called polygenic risk scores, can be easily interpreted and have been shown to be effective in identifying children most at risk for developing obesity.

SourcePenn State·JournalEconometrics and Statistics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2022

Manifolds in commonly used atomic fingerprints lead to failure in machine-learning four-body interactions

Researchers found that two commonly used atomic fingerprints, ACSF and SOAP, are insensitive to certain movements, leading to the failure of machine learning in resolving four-body interactions. This limitation affects the accuracy of reproducing these interactions with limited success.

SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 10, 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.

How the Amazon basin waters the Atacama Desert

Researchers discover Amazon basin as main mechanism for precipitation in Atacama Desert, accounting for 40-80% of total precipitation. The findings reveal a new pathway of water supply for the driest region on Earth, aside from summer rain, through moist easterly winds and winter storms.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2022

Unexpected benefits from food competitors

Researchers discovered that female tobacco hawkmoths opt for plant sites with three-lined potato beetles over uninfested ones, potentially benefiting from the beetle's scent. This unique behavior is a cost-benefit trade-off where avoiding parasitic wasps outweighs the disadvantage of food competition.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2022

Researchers shine light on a rare form of kidney cancer

A new study found that translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC) is characterized by genetic alterations except for the gene fusion from which it gets its name. The research suggests that tRCCs may be responsive to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors, providing a potential roadmap for clinical action.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCell Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 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.

Breakthrough into the cause of male infertility

Scientists at Newcastle University have discovered a new genetic mechanism that causes severe forms of male infertility. The study found that new mutations occurring during reproduction play a significant role in this condition. This breakthrough could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for infertile couples.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 10, 2022

Researchers discover fossil of new species of pangolin in Europe

Researchers from the University of Arkansas have discovered a new species of pangolin in Europe, confirming its existence during the early Pleistocene. The fossil, dated between 1.9-2.2 million years old, is the youngest and best-documented pangolin fossil found in Europe.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2022

Catalyst surface analysed at atomic resolution

Scientists visualized the distribution of atoms in cobalt iron oxide nanoparticles and studied structural changes on the surface during oxygen evolution reaction. The findings provide atomic insights into compositional changes affecting catalytic performance.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2022

Nearly one in five patients with heart disease use mental health drugs

The study found that psychotropic drug use was associated with a higher risk of premature death in cardiac patients, particularly those with anxiety. Nearly 1 in 3 cardiac patients had symptoms of anxiety, and the use of these medications was twice as high among anxious patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing·DateJan 10, 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.

A crowning achievement in understanding head development

Researchers from the Crump Lab created a series of atlases to study the molecular decisions of cranial neural crest cells, identifying genetic signs that point to specific destinies. Their findings reveal a new approach to understanding head development and regeneration in vertebrates.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2022

Are you Britain’s next super-matcher? Take our test to find out!

A new study suggests there are likely to be rare individuals in the general population who possess a natural talent for visual comparison, comparable to expert forensic scientists. These 'super-matchers' may not even realise they have this skill, but researchers aim to identify and recruit them for future studies.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 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.

Unraveling the complexity of vitamin B12 diseases

Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine identified two rare inherited vitamin B12 conditions that share the same gene but exhibit distinct clinical features. The study found that additional genes, including RONIN and HCFC1, are affected, leading to a more complex syndrome.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2022

Boosting one gene in the brain’s helper cells slows Alzheimer’s progression in mice

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered that increasing Nrf2 gene expression in astrocytes protects neurons from Alzheimer's disease progression. Boosting Nrf2 slowed cognitive and physical decline, reduced beta-amyloid accumulation, and reversed genetic changes in mouse models.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 10, 2022

Unequal cycling boom: bicycles are increasingly turning into status symbols

A study by sociologist Dr. Ansgar Hudde found that city dwellers with high education levels cycle significantly more than those living in rural areas, with a strong correlation between education level and bicycle mobility. This trend is attributed to the perceived status and health benefits associated with cycling.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 10, 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.

Personalizing treatment for severe limb injuries

A team of scientists at the University of Missouri used small wearable sensors to gather data on how people with a traumatic hand amputation use a prosthesis versus a transplanted hand. The study found that hand transplant recipients exhibit a more balanced pattern of limb use, while prosthesis users rely heavily on their prosthetic hand.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNeurorehabilitation and Neural Repair·DateJan 10, 2022

Study shows climate change will lead to increase in kidney stones

A new study finds that climate change will lead to an increase in kidney stone cases, even with mitigation efforts. Researchers predict a cost of $57-99 million to the US healthcare system over seven decades, with a steeper impact if no action is taken.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 10, 2022

Scientists uncover new information about cellular death process, previously thought to be irreversible

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a new method for analyzing pyroptosis, a process of cell death previously thought to be irreversible. By using optogenetic gasdermin, they found that certain conditions can trigger pores to close within tens of seconds, suggesting the process dynamically self-regulates.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2022

Genome research: Finding the invisible

Scientists have developed a new method called Ladder-seq to extract more information from sequencing data. This allows for better understanding of gene expression and its role in diseases.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJan 10, 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.

ERC awards €619 million in its first research grants under Horizon Europe

The European Research Council has awarded €619 million in its first research grants under Horizon Europe, supporting 397 early-career researchers from across disciplines. The selected proposals cover a wide range of topics, including medical applications of artificial intelligence and the science of controlling matter with light.

SourceEuropean Research Council·DateJan 10, 2022

Dengue virus makes mosquitos bite more often to better transmit disease

A study published in PNAS reveals that dengue-infected mosquitoes are more attracted to mammals and bite more often, increasing disease transmission chances. The research found that infected mosquitoes have difficulty locating blood vessels for feeding, leading to increased biting attempts and transmission events.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 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.

Atom-optically synthetic gauge fields for a noninteracting Bose gas

Scientists demonstrated experimental realization of an atom-optically synthetic gauge field in a noninteracting Bose gas of Cs atoms. They observed gauge flux-dependent populations and chiral atomic currents, which are significant for understanding gauge fields in synthetic dimensions.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJan 9, 2022

Pheasants lose their cool after fighting

A study by University of Exeter scientists found that pheasants' heads cool rapidly before a fight, indicating a stress response. After the confrontation, their heads heat up again as normal blood flow is restored.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateJan 9, 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.

Unintended consequences of edicts to wear a mask

A study by University of Leeds researchers found that compulsory mask wearing in Bangladesh led to an increase in mobility and a rise in COVID-19 cases. The study analyzed Google community mobility data and found statistically significant evidence of risk compensation, where people adopted riskier behavior if they felt safer with masks.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 9, 2022

Algorithm helps robots avoid obstacles in their path

The UniSA-designed algorithm helps robots navigate paths without collisions, outperforming existing algorithms in simulations. It can direct robots to stop, turn, or reverse direction to avoid obstacles, with potential applications in industrial warehouses, agriculture, and more.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Field Robotics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 9, 2022

Making light work of emerging micropollutants

A new procedure uses high-intensity pulses of light to dramatically accelerate the removal of organic micropollutants from water. The treatment can degrade pollutants at extraordinary rates, making it an ideal solution for high-throughput water treatment applications.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of Water Process Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2022

Growing liver from spleen

Researchers successfully reprogrammed a mouse spleen to perform liver functions without transplanting cells or tissue from another body. The study demonstrates the potential of transforming an existing organ to perform liver functions, avoiding safety issues associated with traditional methods.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalGut·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 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.

USTC reveals nonequilibrium mechanism of bacterial flagellar motor switching

The study proposes a novel nonequilibrium mechanism for allosteric regulation of motor switching, based on precise measurement of the bacterial flagellar motor's switching dynamics at stall. This mechanism has implications for other molecular motors and explains dynamic properties under all loads uniformly.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 7, 2022

USTC finds a new way out for flexible electronics

Researchers at USTC create flexible electronic systems using thermoplastic polyurethane and liquid metal, enabling high-performance, stretchable, and reconfigurable devices. The technology addresses environmental and energy concerns with recyclability and reconfigurability.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 7, 2022

Data confirm link between respiratory stress and fish reproduction

Research confirms that fish become sexually active and spawn due to growth-induced respiratory stress. The study found a consistent metabolic ratio across 133 species of fish, which supports the idea that reproduction is initiated by changes in oxygen supply and demand.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Fish Biology·DateJan 7, 2022