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Science News Archive January 2022 - Page 32


Page 32 of 34

Evolution follows climate: Oaks adapted rapidly to climate change in the Anthropocene

A retrospective analysis of oak tree genomes reveals an identical evolutionary pattern across three French forests, differing according to climatic periods. Oaks can evolve rapidly and redirect their evolutionary trajectories in response to changes in climate, highlighting the need for adapting forest management practices.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalEvolution Letters·DateJan 5, 2022

Scientists unite to shrink the carbon footprint in research

A group of international scientists, led by Teun Bousema, published a study in The Lancet Planetary Health highlighting the significant carbon footprint of academic travel. Over a thousand academics have signed the Thoughtful Travel Pledge petition, calling for reduced carbon emissions at all levels.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 5, 2022

Why does performance deteriorate under pressure?

Experts discovered a training method to prevent piano performance deterioration due to psychological stress. Pianists who underwent the training showed no performance disruption under pressure, indicating normalized auditory perception and motion integration.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·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.

The first topological acoustic transistor

Harvard researchers create first topological acoustic transistor, utilizing sound waves to control flow on and off. The device demonstrates scalable and controllable 'acoustic switches' with potential applications in efficient noise reduction, ultrasound imaging, and more.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 5, 2022

Virtual Reality could help make therapy easier

A study by Edith Cowan University found that 30% of people prefer discussing negative experiences with a virtual reality avatar, rather than a person. Researchers used full face and body motion capture technology to create realistic avatars, analyzing interactions between participants and avatars.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalFrontiers in Virtual Reality·TypeSurvey·DateJan 5, 2022

Researchers pioneer new method to edit genes in human cells

Gladstone Institutes researchers have pioneered a new method to edit genes in human cells using retrons, which can produce abundant copies of template DNA from inside cells. The optimized system has shown improved efficiency and precision compared to current approaches.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJan 5, 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.

Researchers call for global telehealth guidelines

A new study calls for global telehealth guidelines to address disparities in guidance for remote consultations between professions. The guidelines aim to ensure good patient satisfaction, accessibility, and reduced travel times while minimizing risks and errors associated with remote consultations.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalBMJ Open·TypeContent analysis·DateJan 5, 2022

RNA sequencing from single blood draw can predict pregnancy health and preeclampsia prediction

Researchers have developed a technique that analyzes cell-free RNA in a mother's blood to predict healthy pregnancy outcomes and detect potential complications like preeclampsia. The approach showed promise in identifying patterns of gene expression associated with a healthy pregnancy and predicting preeclampsia risk with high accuracy.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Common osteoporosis medication boosts immune response in lungs

Researchers found that bisphosphonate treatment stimulates lung macrophages to mount a stronger response against pathogens, enhancing immune function. This could lead to improved health outcomes for the older population at higher risk of pneumonia and osteoporosis.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournaleLife·DateJan 5, 2022

COVID-19 has been an 'amplifier' of intimate partner violence: Study explores pandemic impacts on survivors, providers and services

A qualitative study explores the intersection of intimate partner violence (IPV) and brain injury during COVID-19, highlighting increased risks, severity, and gaps in research and services. The study reveals that survivors face ongoing violence and increased risk to their mental and physical health.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateJan 5, 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.

EBMT trial demonstrates improvements in immunosuppressive treatment of patients with Severe Aplastic Anemia

A phase III trial demonstrated that combining Eltrombopag with standard immunosuppression increases response rates and reduces time to first response in patients with Severe Aplastic Anemia. The treatment was found to be safe and well-tolerated, with improved event-free survival.

SourceEuropean Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 5, 2022

Supernovae and life on Earth appears closely connected

A recent study by Dr. Henrik Svensmark and colleagues reveals a close connection between supernovae occurrence and the burial of organic matter in sediments on Earth. The correlation indicates that supernovae are essential for life's existence, with high nutrient concentrations leading to increased bioproductivity and oxygen production.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 5, 2022

Research reveals ancient Maya lessons on surviving drought

A new study reveals the Maya had nearly 500 edible plants available to them, many of which are highly drought-resistant. This analysis debunks the assumption that drought led to the collapse of ancient Mayan civilization.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateJan 5, 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.

Engineers develop new software tool to aid material modeling research

Researchers developed propSym to calculate fundamental constants of solids, reducing redundant components and improving material modeling. The open-source software is adaptable to various physical properties, aiming to lower the entry barrier for analytical modeling.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Applied Crystallography·DateJan 5, 2022

New study pinpoints twin triggers of Triassic era extinction event

A new study by Curtin University has identified the twin mechanisms responsible for the end-Triassic mass extinction event, including ocean acidification and rising hydrogen sulfide levels. This research sheds light on the causes of past marine extinctions and provides valuable insights into the history of our planet.

SourceCurtin University·JournalGeology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 5, 2022

Drug modifies epigenome in aggressive brain tumors

A phase 1 clinical trial found that the DNA methylome of aggressive brain tumors can be reprogrammed with L-methylfolate, a folic acid-like drug. The treatment showed improved median overall survival in patients with recurrent glioblastoma, paving the way for future epigenetic studies and potential immunotherapy combinations.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCancer Research Communications·DateJan 5, 2022

Suiting up with Al-Mg-Si: New protective coating for steel to resist corrosion in ships and marine and coastal facilities and structures

Scientists have created a new protective coating using Al-Mg-Si alloy to resist corrosion in ships and marine facilities. The coating demonstrates improved corrosion resistance through a 'shielding effect', increasing the economic life of steel machinery.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalCorrosion Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 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.

Urban gardens are a dependable food source for pollinators through the year, study suggests

A recent study by the University of Bristol found that urban gardens in cities offer a long and continuous supply of energy-rich nectar from March to October. Despite variation between individual gardens, multiple garden visits provide pollinators with a reliable food source, contrasting with farmland's boom-and-bust cycles.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2022

New analysis approach could increase the number of usable donor kidneys

Researchers developed a new SERS-based multiplexing technique to detect kidney injury biomarkers SLPI and IL-18, achieving high sensitivity and reliability. The approach shows promise for objectively assessing donor kidney quality, potentially reducing discard rates and recipient complications in clinical practice.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Adolescent sleep duration, health during COVID-19 school closures

A Swiss survey study of 8,900 adolescents found a significant association between reduced sleep duration and poorer health during high school closures due to COVID-19. The study suggests that inadequate sleep may have contributed to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·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.

Ductile-regime vibration texturing: Create structural colors on brittle silicon

Researchers successfully fabricate high-aspect-ratio microstructures on silicon surfaces in the ductile regime, demonstrating structural coloration. Polychromatic images are rendered with controllable grating spacings at each pixel location.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJan 5, 2022

Food pantry clients say pandemic increased food insecurity, psychological stress

A unique study by UT Southwestern researchers found that food pantry clients experienced increased economic hardship, food insecurity, and psychological distress due to the pandemic. The study gathered narratives from individuals describing how the pandemic affected their daily lives and emotional well-being.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateJan 5, 2022

Division of labor among genetic switches

Researchers identify genetic circuit that senses cell development stage, triggering deactivation of X chromosome. The discovery reveals a division of labor among genetic switches, providing clues for future study on X chromosome inactivation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Discovery of the least 'metallic' stellar structure in the Milky Way

A unique stellar structure in the Milky Way, C-19, has been found to consist of stars with extremely low metallicity, challenging current understanding of star formation models. This discovery provides a direct window into the earliest ages of star formation and the development of stellar structures in the distant past.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateJan 5, 2022

Century-old assumption regarding neurons and brain activity disproved

New experiments challenge conventional wisdom on neuronal refractory periods, discovering durations exceeding 20 milliseconds and sensitivity to input signal origin. These findings may hold the key to understanding degenerative diseases and advancing artificial intelligence-based applications.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJan 5, 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 identifies biomarkers linked to autism risk

Researchers found molecular signatures of gestational inflammation associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a large cohort study. Elevated levels of certain immune system molecules at birth are linked to ASD risk, providing potential biomarkers for early screening.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Dual-ligand strategy to regulate metal-organic framework nanocrystals for stable electrochemical cycling performance

Researchers have designed and synthesized stable size/morphology-controlled MOF nanocrystals using a synergetic dual-ligand and hard-soft-acid-base strategy. The resulting 3D pillared-layer structure exhibits excellent cycling performance, with the Ni-Tdc network providing good stability during charging and discharging processes.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 5, 2022

Earth isn’t ‘super’ because the sun had rings before planets

A new study by Rice University astrophysicist André Izidoro suggests that the sun had rings before planets formed, explaining many solar system features. The model simulates the solar system's formation hundreds of times and reproduces several features missed by previous models, including pressure bumps and rings.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 5, 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.

A donation that could help cure blood cancer

A study published in Leukemia found that cord blood transplantation (CBT) was more effective than matched related donor transplantation (MRDT) for patients with refractory and relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML). The study compared the survival rates of 1,738 CBT-treated patients with those of 713 MRDT-treated patients, revealing...

SourceOsaka University·JournalLeukemia·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2022

Study reveals brain networks enabling human conversation

Researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine identified a brain circuit active during speech planning for split-second verbal exchanges. The study used electrocorticography (ECoG) to pinpoint brain areas involved in this process, including regions not previously linked to language functions.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

World’s fastest blade runner gets no competitive advantage from prostheses, study shows

A new study published in Royal Society Open Science found that amputee sprinters using prostheses have no clear competitive advantage at the 400-meter distance compared to non-amputees. In fact, they appear to have a significant disadvantage at the start, with athletes using prosthetic legs being 40% slower out of the starting blocks a...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 5, 2022

Timing of brain injury in pregnancy, birth may impact motor and language outcomes, UCSF study finds

A new UCSF study found that the neural connections of newborns with two different kinds of brain injuries were linked to significantly different developmental outcomes years later. CHD newborns had worse language function at 12-18 months and worse cognitive, language, and motor function at 30 months compared to HIE infants.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 5, 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.

Top cross-country skiers go wicked fast – but they mostly train at low intensity

Researchers found that training at low intensity can be just as effective as high-intensity training in improving endurance and technique. Elite male cross-country skiers trained for several hours, with the majority of their sessions taking place at low intensity.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2022

New method reveals how businesses can run better experiments

Researchers have designed a new method to illuminate the effects of interference in experimental data, enabling social and behavioral researchers to account for it across various applications. This approach can test directly for interference effects, such as spillovers and peer effects in social networks.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal Of The Royal Statistical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 5, 2022

Cardiovascular risks may be worse for women’s cognition in middle age

A new study suggests that midlife cardiovascular conditions and risk factors were associated with midlife cognitive decline, but the association is stronger for women. Certain cardiovascular conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, had stronger associations with cognitive decline in women compared to men.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 5, 2022

How LPS prevents or promotes development of asthma and allergic disease by airborne allergens

A study published in Cell Reports reveals that LPS protects against developing asthma when combined with allergens containing cysteine protease enzymatic activity, but promotes development when paired with allergens lacking this enzyme. This protective effect relies on the production of GM-CSF by non-classical monocytes.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell Reports·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.

Toward a more inclusive definition of green infrastructure

A nationwide analysis of 20 US cities found that many plans fail to explicitly define green infrastructure, with a narrow focus on stormwater management. The study suggests that this narrow view can limit project funding and cause cities to miss out on vital social and ecological services.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJan 5, 2022

SwRI scientist helps simulate how our solar system formed from rings

A new model demonstrates the formation of three rings around the Sun, each composed of planetesimals that eventually form planets. The simulations reveal different chemical compositions and masses for Venus, Earth, and Mars, explaining their distinct orbits and asteroid populations.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeNews article·DateJan 5, 2022

More to learn about Grapevine Pinot gris virus – new technology can help

Researchers used new technology to study Grapevine Pinot gris virus propagation in a specific vineyard in France. The study found that over 75% of tested plants became infected between 2014 and 2015, with only a marginal number of grapevines testing positive during the remaining five years.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·TypeExperimental study·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.

Bacterial genome is regulated by an ancient molecule

Researchers discovered that bacteria use an ancient molecule called polyphosphate to silence problematic genetic elements, similar to heterochromatin in eukaryotes. This process helps protect the bacterial cell from harm and could enable scientists to develop new antibiotics.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 5, 2022

Louisville researchers reveal how oral bacteria suppress protection against viral growth

Researchers at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry found that oral bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis can suppress the production and effectiveness of proteins that protect humans from viral infection. This suppression increases vulnerability to infection, allowing viruses to enter the body more easily.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Matter and antimatter seem to respond equally to gravity

Scientists at RIKEN have found that matter and antimatter respond to gravity in the same way, within an accuracy of four times more precise than previous measures. This suggests that causality and locality hold in relativistic quantum field theories, potentially leading to new physics.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Dairy farmers can adapt to climate change

A recent study suggests that dairy farmers in the Northeast can reduce environmental impacts and maximize revenues by implementing double cropping and subsurface injection of manure into the soil. These strategies reduced total nitrogen losses by 12-18% and total phosphorus losses by 16-19%.

SourcePenn State·JournalAgricultural Systems·DateJan 5, 2022

How plants respond to heat stress

Plants respond to heat stress by activating a molecular defense pathway involving brassinosteroids, which increase heat stress resistance. Researchers at TUM discovered the role of transcription factor BES1 in this process.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateJan 4, 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.

Depression screening improves care for patients with cancer

A Kaiser Permanente study shows that well-designed depression screening programs can effectively identify patients in need of behavioral health care and increase referrals. The program was successfully integrated into the patient care workflow of medical oncology teams, leading to improved mental health care for breast cancer patients.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA·DateJan 4, 2022

Roundworm associated with lower lung-function and Asthma in younger males

Younger male exposures to Ascaris roundworms show striking reductions in lung function and nearly five times higher odds of having asthma. The study highlights a previously overlooked risk factor for respiratory health in Europe.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 4, 2022

Gravitational action of sun and moon influences behavior of animals and plants, study shows

Researchers found that local gravitational tides modulate the cyclical behavior of organisms, even in the absence of other rhythmic influences. The study questions the validity of free-run experiments and highlights the importance of considering gravitational oscillations in biological research.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateJan 4, 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.

SARS-CoV-2 surveillance testing at day care centers

A study conducted at nine day care centers in Germany investigated the feasibility of SARS-CoV-2 surveillance testing among children and childcare workers. The test was found to be highly effective in identifying infected individuals and preventing further transmission.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 4, 2022