Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive January 2022 - Page 31


Page 31 of 34

Earth’s volcanic hotspots are surprisingly cool

Researchers found that only 45% of hotspot volcanoes are hot enough to actively upwell from the deep mantle, while 15% are cold. Cooler hotspots may originate at upper mantle depths or be fed by cooled deep plumes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 6, 2022

CVIA journal publishes new issue

A new issue of the CVIA journal has been published, featuring research on the clinical significance of angiographically detectable neovascularity in patients with cardiac myxoma. Studies found that ADN was present in 42.4% of patients and was associated with higher levels of eosinophils and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2022

Dog brains can distinguish between languages

A new study by researchers from Eötvös Loránd University found that dog brains can differentiate between two languages, with distinct activity patterns in primary and secondary auditory cortices. The study used brain imaging to compare dogs' responses to speech and non-speech stimuli in Spanish and Hungarian.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalNeuroImage·DateJan 6, 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.

Archaeological dig reveals participants in California’s Gold Rush dined on salted Atlantic cod

Researchers have discovered that participants in California's Gold Rush dined on salted Atlantic cod, highlighting the importance of global maritime trade. The findings were made possible through genetic analysis of 18 cod bones recovered from Thompson's Cove, which confirmed the importation of Atlantic cod during the late 1850s.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Anthropological Research·DateJan 6, 2022

Astronomers capture red supergiant’s death throes

Astronomers have imaged a red supergiant star's rapid self-destruction and final death throes before collapsing into a type II supernova. The discovery challenges previous ideas of how red supergiants evolve right before exploding.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2022

The Lancet Public Health: Global dementia cases set to triple by 2050 unless countries address risk factors

The number of adults living with dementia worldwide is expected to nearly triple from an estimated 57 million in 2019 to 153 million in 2050 due to population growth and aging. Improvements in global education access are projected to reduce dementia prevalence, but obesity, high blood sugar, and smoking are expected to increase cases.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2022

Decoding protein assembly dynamics with artificial protein needles

Scientists have successfully engineered protein needles that can self-assemble into lattice structures and ordered monomeric states. The study's findings provide insights into protein-protein interactions and could lead to the development of biocompatible materials and targeted drug transports.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022

Healthful food for children is the same as for adults

A new position paper argues that healthful foods for children are the same as those for adults, with age-appropriate adjustments in texture and portion size. Nutrition educators play key roles in shifting consumer demand and social norms to promote healthy food choices.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 6, 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.

Quality of home health care differs in rural vs urban settings

Rural home health care agencies initiate care more quickly and consistently perform better on care process measures. In contrast, urban agencies excel in preventing hospitalization and emergency room visits during home care over time.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Journal of Rural Health·DateJan 6, 2022

How radio programming can fight violent extremism in West Africa

New research shows radio dramas can shift behavioral intentions, beliefs, and attitudes toward violent extremism. Experimental studies found that participants who listened to fictional radio dramas increased prioritization of addressing violent extremism and reduced justification of violence.

SourceNew York University·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022

Gold solution to catalysis grand challenge

Researchers at Cardiff University have demonstrated the suitability of gold as a catalyst to produce methanol and acetic acid from methane in natural gas. The novel method uses gold nanoparticles, which exhibit different physical and chemical properties compared to larger material counterparts.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJan 6, 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.

Smaller fish species dominate warmer, oxygen-poor oceans

A warmer Earth will see smaller fish species dominate ecosystems, mainly due to increased temperatures and decreased oxygen levels. This shift could have significant impacts on marine biodiversity and fisheries worldwide.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 6, 2022

Sending life to the stars

Researchers Philip Lubin and Joel Rothman propose using light as a propellant to propel small probes up to 20-30% of the speed of light, potentially enabling human missions to Mars in under a month. The project aims to develop a roadmap for relativistic flight via directed energy propulsion, supported by NASA and private foundations.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalActa Astronautica·DateJan 6, 2022

Youths report negative interactions amid police response to their mental-health crises: study

A qualitative study of 40 youths and young adults with mental health challenges reported mostly negative perceptions and experiences when faced with police involvement in crisis intervention. The researchers found that officer involvement contributed to 'inappropriately punitive' responses, further stigmatizing young people.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalPsychiatric Services·TypeSurvey·DateJan 6, 2022

Air pollution from wildfires, rising heat affected 68% of US West in one day

A recent study found that large wildfires and severe heat events worsen air pollution across the western United States, affecting 68% of the region's population in one day. The study revealed an increasing trend in days with high levels of both particulate matter and ozone, tied to rising temperatures and wildfires.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 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.

Organic light emitting diodes operated by 1.5 V battery

Researchers have developed an efficient organic light-emitting diode (OLED) that can produce bright emission equivalent to a typical display using a 1.5-V battery. The OLED achieves a lower operating voltage than expected, with characteristics of charge transfer states at the interface being key to its efficiency.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022

Shaping the development trajectories of exchange relationships

The study identifies generic paths for relationship evolution, including decay, passive learning, and the formation of evolved conditions such as indifference and familiarity. Firms can leverage customized governance solutions to shape relationship trajectories, promoting learning and forbearance to increase partner familiarity.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJan 6, 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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

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 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.

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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