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Science News Archive January 2022 - Page 4


Page 4 of 34

Genetic and lifestyle calculator reveals which younger adults are most at risk of colorectal cancer

A new polygenic risk score is made from genetic variants and lifestyle factors to identify younger adults at risk of colorectal cancer. The study found those with the highest risk scores were four times more likely to develop colorectal cancers than those with lower scores.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 27, 2022

Schools and the pandemic: Simulation model allows for safe operation

Researchers developed a school simulation model that shows how the virus spreads in different settings and calculates the effectiveness of measures against its spread. The model reveals that elementary and lower secondary schools can keep reproduction rates below 1 with classroom ventilation, wearing masks, and class size reduction.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 27, 2022

Social determinants of health associated with increased rates of obesity

A new study found a strong association between social determinants of health and obesity rates, with higher SDOH burden leading to increased obesity prevalence. The study analyzed data from nearly 165,000 adults in the US and found that middle-aged and non-Hispanic Black adults were more likely to be overweight or obese.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateJan 27, 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.

BU study: infant deaths from RSV are much higher than previously known

A new BU study found that nearly one in ten infant deaths under 6 months old were caused by RSV, with two-thirds occurring outside of hospitals. The virus was primarily concentrated in infants under 3 months old, and preventative measures such as maternal vaccinations could effectively reduce mortality rates.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2022

Review highlights potential of structural proteomics for treating neurodegenerative diseases

A recent review highlights the potential of structural proteomics in understanding pathological processes and predicting drug candidates for neurodegenerative diseases. The field combines protein chemistry and mass spectrometry to determine protein structure and interactions, which can lead to breakthroughs in treating serious health c...

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalChemical Reviews·DateJan 27, 2022

National identification promotes compliance with Corona rules

A global study of over 50,000 people found that national identity is a strong predictor of support for public health policies during the pandemic. Those who identify more strongly with their nation are more willing to accept restrictions and support policy measures.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·TypeSurvey·DateJan 27, 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.

Altered gene expression and cell interactions involved in COPD

A study by Baylor College of Medicine, Yale University and others found altered gene expression and cell interactions in epithelial, endothelial and macrophage cells in COPD. The research provides new insights into cellular injury and inflammation in the disease.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022

In search of (un)desired side effects

Researchers develop a method called Cell Painting that uses morphological profiling to detect side effects of substances on cells, enabling the identification of tubulin-modulating compounds. The study reveals over 1% of tested substances have this effect, including previously unknown reference substances.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalCell Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022

Another pandemic challenge for nurses: Sleep problems

A recent study found that more than half of nurses experienced difficulty sleeping during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, with reduced sleep increasing odds of anxiety and depression. The researchers urge employers to address work stress and provide support for mental healthcare.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJan 27, 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.

Parental vaccination against coronavirus offers substantial protection to children as well

A large real-world study published by Israel's Clalit Research Institute found that parental vaccination with the BNT162b2 vaccine decreased the risk of infection for unvaccinated children by 58.1%, regardless of household size or child age. Vaccination also reduced transmission from infected parents to their unvaccinated children.

SourceClalit Research Institute·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2022

Strong bonding - a long-term commitment or many brief relationships?

Researchers at Uppsala University found that DNA-binding proteins often bind to similar sequences before finding their target, contradicting previous assumptions about gene regulation. This discovery explains how these proteins can rapidly adapt to changing environments without getting stuck on specific sequences.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2022

LSU chemists unlock the key to improving biofuel and biomaterial production

Researchers have discovered how carbohydrates interact with lignin in plant biomass, revealing new information on the organization of lignin-carbohydrate interfaces. This discovery can help advance technology for using biomass as a renewable resource for energy and materials.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 27, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists make a new type of optical device using alumina

Researchers from Kavli Institute and University of Minnesota create new optical element using alumina, improving telescope performance in studying cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation. The innovation reduces reflections by fifty-fold, allowing for more efficient instruments to study the Big Bang and universe's evolution.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalOptics Express·DateJan 27, 2022

Uncontrolled blood pressure is sending more people to the hospital

Hospitalizations for hypertensive crises more than doubled between 2002 and 2014, despite reports of overall progress in blood pressure control. The study found that women had similar hospital mortality rates to men, but with a higher risk of dying during a hypertensive crisis.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 27, 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.

Coral skeleton formation rate determines resilience to acidifying oceans

Researchers found that coral species with faster skeletal crystallization rates are more resilient to ocean acidification. A team of UW-Madison students contributed to the analysis and were co-authors on the study. The findings have significant implications for developing mitigation strategies against ocean acidification.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022

Near-chirp-free pulses in normal-dispersion fiber lasers: birefringence-managed solitons

Researchers have discovered a new class of chirp-free pulse in normal-dispersion fiber lasers, termed as birefringence-managed soliton. This pulse is formed through the interaction between polarization-maintaining fiber and the laser cavity, resulting in a unique vector soliton with near-chirp-free properties.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJan 27, 2022

Zika vaccine shows promising results in preclinical studies

A Zika virus vaccine candidate has been shown to prevent fetal malformations and detect maternal antibodies in pregnant animals. The vaccine has demonstrated high levels of protection against Zika infection in both mice and marmosets, with over 90% effectiveness observed.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·Journalnpj Vaccines·DateJan 27, 2022

Cryptocurrencies – a return to money being a commodity?

The cryptocurrency market is maturing, with cryptocurrencies showing correlations with traditional markets, including the US stock market and commodity markets. This suggests that the market is becoming more like a commodity market, similar to gold or silver.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalEntropy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 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.

Climate change in the Early Holocene

Researchers found that a large Early Holocene cemetery in Northern Russia was used for only one to two centuries and reveals human stress caused by a global cooling event. The team believes the creation of the cemetery shows a social response to climate change, with abundant grave offerings indicating complex social systems.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022

The link between alcohol consumption and epilepsy: An update from scientists from Pusan National University

A team of scientists from Pusan National University conducted an updated meta-analysis to clarify the relationship between alcohol consumption and unprovoked seizures and epilepsy. They found that overall, alcohol drinkers were at a significantly higher risk of developing epilepsy compared to non-drinkers.

SourcePusan National University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 27, 2022

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers develop novel silk-based digital security device

Researchers from GIST have designed a novel silk-based digital security system that is practically unbreachable, utilizing unique physical components and optical technology. The system uses natural silk fibers to create a unique pattern of light intensity, which is converted into a digital format for authentication.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 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.

Crowding, climate change, and the case for social distancing among trees

A new study reveals that trees benefit from having more space, reducing competition and helping them recover from fire damage. By alleviating stress caused by neighbors competing for limited water resources, trees can fend off beetle attacks and heal after fire, increasing their chances of survival.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateJan 27, 2022

Geoff Wehmeyer wins CAREER Award

Geoff Wehmeyer has been awarded a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to deepen understanding of nanoscale heat transfer and improve device performance. He will use scanning transmission electron microscopy nano-thermometry experiments to better understand interfacial heat transport.

SourceRice University·DateJan 27, 2022

Curtailed sleep may alter how intense exercise stresses the heart

A new study found that curtailed sleep increases the release of troponin after exercise, a biomarker linked to cardiovascular disease. While regular exercise counters adverse effects of sleep loss on metabolism, curtailed sleep may increase the risk of heart injury during strenuous exercise.

SourceUppsala University·JournalMolecular Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 27, 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.

Researchers find tradeoff between water quality and emissions on the farm

New study reveals tradeoff between water quality and emissions on farms, highlighting potential environmental benefits of conservation practices. Researchers found that split nitrogen applications had no impact on nitrous oxide levels, but cover crops increased emissions by spikes in summer.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateJan 27, 2022

Is there a new path for managing the resolution of digital holographic microscopy?

Researchers review resolution enhancement approaches for digital holographic microscopy, including illumination modulation techniques and holographic recording enhancements. They also explore the potential of deep learning to improve DHM resolution.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJan 27, 2022

Queering environmental justice

The article highlights the disproportionate impact of environmental exposures on the LGBTQ+ community due to social and economic inequalities. The authors recommend implementing a system to collect sexual orientation data and incorporating LGBTQ+ issues into environmental justice research.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 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.

Living near or downwind of unconventional oil and gas development linked with increased risk of early death

A large new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that living near or downwind of unconventional oil and gas development increases the risk of early death in elderly people. The study suggests that airborne contaminants emitted by UOGD are contributing to increased mortality.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2022

Heartburn helps bacteria to survive antibiotic treatment

Scientists discovered that surviving bacteria share a common feature: they accumulate acid in their cells, shutting down protein synthesis. This leads to increased survival and can be exploited to develop new antimicrobial treatments.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 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.

Change in hearing loss during pandemic

A recent study published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in cases of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, also known as sudden deafness, in Israel.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateJan 27, 2022

Pulse oximeter measurements of blood oxygen levels are unreliable in assessing severity of Covid-19 pneumonia across different ethnic groups

A study published in European Respiratory Journal found pulse oximeters give false readings of up to 7% higher in patients with Mixed, Black, and Asian ethnicities compared to White patients. This can delay timely treatment for Covid-19 pneumonia, leading to poorer outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022

Not all brains are equal: Why the human brain is more vulnerable to disease

Breakthrough research reveals Tuberous Sclerosis Complex arises from human-specific progenitor cells, explaining its pathology. Human-derived cerebral organoid models shed light on complex brain development and potential mechanisms for other diseases.

SourceIMBA- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022

Better education needed about oral sex disease risk, poll of young people shows

A new poll shows that most teens and young adults know it's possible to catch or spread a sexually transmitted infection by having unprotected oral sex, but over half underestimate the level of that risk. Young people also call for more education about the risks of oral sex and normalization of protection through popular culture.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJan 27, 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.

Metabolic adaptation delays time to reach weight-loss goals

A recent study published by The Obesity Society found that metabolic adaptation after weight loss increases the time necessary to achieve weight-loss goals in premenopausal women. The study, which included 65 participants, revealed a significant delay in achieving weight-loss goals due to metabolic adaptation.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateJan 27, 2022

Geographic disparities in treatment of curable breast cancer

Researchers investigated geographic disparities in initial breast cancer care, finding significant regional variations and unequal distribution of resources. The study suggests that both patient-level factors and regional characteristics contribute to these disparities, affecting treatment outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJan 27, 2022

When COVID-19 disrupts multi-child families, one sibling is affected more

A new study found that COVID-19 disruptions in homes with two or more children lead to higher levels of mental health struggles for one sibling, causing negative parenting and a feedback loop. Researchers suggest family therapy could be helpful for households adjusting to the pandemic.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateJan 27, 2022

New method and model address blindspot towards uncommon species in mixed samples

Researchers at the Earlham Institute developed a new approach to analyze metagenomic samples, combining advanced sampling techniques with mathematical models, to reveal crucial details of low-abundance species. This method, called adaptive sampling, offers a potential solution to enrich species of interest in metagenomic samples.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalGenome Biology·DateJan 27, 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.

Where did that sound come from?

The MIT team developed a computer model that can perform sound localization tasks as well as humans, and adapts to real-world environments. The model uses convolutional neural networks and was trained on over 400 sounds, including human voices and animal sounds.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJan 27, 2022

Most older adults support steps to reduce firearm injury risk, study shows

A national survey of over 2,000 adults aged 50-80 found that most support steps to reduce firearm injury risk, including safety counseling and background checks. The study highlights opportunities to help older adults recognize and address risks in their homes, particularly for those living with children or experiencing cognitive decline.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPreventive Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJan 27, 2022

Tiny materials lead to a big advance in quantum computing

Researchers at MIT have developed ultrathin superconducting qubits using hexagonal boron nitride, enabling smaller devices with reduced interference. The material's defect-free structure reduces cross-talk, paving the way for thousands of qubits in a device.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 27, 2022

Oregon State study finds lower math scores in high schools that switched to 4-day school week

A recent Oregon State University study found that 11th-grade students in four-day schools performed worse on standardized math tests compared to those in five-day schedules. The effect was more pronounced among students in non-rural schools and limited to math, while reading achievement showed no significant gap.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEducation Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 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.

Rural air pollution may be as hazardous as urban, study finds

Researchers found that rural areas have similar levels of oxidative potential as urban areas, challenging the misconception that air pollution is more toxic in urban settings. The study also showed that summertime agricultural activity can produce PM2.5 particles that are just as toxic as those from urban settings.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022

A mathematical secret of lizard camouflage

A multidisciplinary team at UNIGE has developed a simple mathematical equation to explain the complex distribution of scales in ocellated lizards. This discovery contributes to a better understanding of skin color pattern evolution and provides an optimal pattern for animal survival.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeNews article·DateJan 27, 2022

Hyperimmune intravenous immunoglobulin does not improve outcomes for adults hospitalized with COVID-19

A clinical trial found that combining remdesivir with hyperimmune intravenous immunoglobulin did not improve health status or safety for adults hospitalized with COVID-19. The trial also showed a higher risk of adverse outcomes among patients who generated SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing antibodies before treatment.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 27, 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.