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Science News Archive January 2022 - Page 8


Page 8 of 34
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.

Constant tinnitus is linked to altered brain activity

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet developed a novel method to diagnose constant tinnitus using auditory brainstem responses (ABR). The study found that people with occasional tinnitus are at increased risk of developing constant tinnitus, while those with existing constant tinnitus are more likely to experience persistent symptoms.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 26, 2022

Physical systems perform machine-learning computations

Cornell researchers have successfully trained various physical systems, including mechanical, optical, and electrical systems, to perform machine learning tasks. The developed training algorithm enables diverse systems to be chained together for efficient processing.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateJan 26, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cultural differences impact the evaluation of creativity

Researchers found that Russians tend to believe more unusual drawings are creative, while Emirati participants value familiarity. Despite cultural differences, both groups evaluated Russian participants' work as more aesthetically pleasing.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJan 26, 2022

Chat box usage supports primary care medical staff needs for information, resources and peer support during COVID-19 crisis

Researchers found that chat box interactions supported clinicians' needs for trustworthy information, practical resources, and affirmation, creating a community for connection and validation. The study highlights the importance of meeting clinician needs during public health crises for primary care to reach its full potential.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 26, 2022

Mutant stem cells defy rules of development

A recent study by Gladstone Institutes researchers found that mouse stem cells can spontaneously transition from heart cell precursors to brain cell precursors when a specific gene is removed. This discovery upends current understanding of how stem cells differentiate into adult cells and maintain their identity. The study's findings h...

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature·DateJan 26, 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.

Shining light on the dark proteome

Researchers are developing new methods to identify and characterize unknown proteins, including those with multiple forms and modifications. Artificial intelligence-based tools are also helping predict protein structures and functions, providing clues to their roles in health and disease.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 26, 2022

Unique weapon in immune system arsenal could unlock MS treatment

Researchers have discovered that a bacteria-fighting mechanism in the immune system, NETs, can manipulate beneficial Th17 cells into harmful autoimmune responders. This finding opens doors to developing targeted therapies for multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune conditions.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 26, 2022

Prodrug that hides like an assassin to kill cancer cells

A research team has developed a new cancer treatment that targets lymph nodes using a prodrug that selectively reacts with glutathione to release nitric oxide. In a metastasis mouse model, the mice treated with the drug showed significantly reduced weight of metastatic cancer cells and improved survival rates.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJan 26, 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.

Sex differences in smoking risk following heart attack

A meta-analysis found that women with high-risk myocardial infarction experience increased hospitalization and mortality rates due to smoking, whereas no significant interaction was observed for mortality in the overall study sample. The study suggests intensified preventive strategies are necessary for this population.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Women s Health·TypeCase study·DateJan 26, 2022

Ground-breaking study reveals dynamics of DNA replication ‘licensing’

A new study has revealed the dynamics of DNA replication 'licensing,' a process that regulates genome replication during cell division. The researchers found that heterochromatin regions are more susceptible to under-replication and DNA damage when the G1 phase is shortened, potentially leading to genomic instability in cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2022

Skin cancer risk factors, Screening among Asian Americans

Researchers found that Asian American individuals are at higher risk for skin cancer due to genetic predisposition and environmental factors. The study emphasizes the need for targeted screening among this population to prevent skin cancer deaths.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateJan 26, 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.

Instant turn-over of magnetism by gyro motion of relativistic electrons

Scientists at Osaka University demonstrated the ability to generate gigagauss magnetic fields via gyro motion of relativistic electrons, with polarity reverse occurring instantly. The study, published in Scientific Reports, reveals a new mechanism for magnetic field growth and amplification.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 26, 2022

New hair dyes avoid allergic reactions

Researchers have created a range of permanent hair dyes that avoid the allergenic properties of traditional formulations, producing a range of hues from rosy pinks to deep blacks. The new dyes were found to be less reactive toward proteins and generated a reduced inflammatory response in cells compared to PPD.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJan 26, 2022

Scientists develop first lethal hamster model for COVID-19

Researchers have developed a lethal hamster model for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The transgenic hamsters express human ACE2 protein, leading to severe disease, including weight loss, lung injury, and brain infection.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 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.

2°C warmer Earth extends summer by 3 weeks

A 2°C warming would lengthen summer by 20 to 21 days in mid-latitude regions like East Asia, the Mediterranean, and USA, resulting in 111 to 112 days of summer. Limiting warming to 1.5°C reduces summer season lengthening by 12 to 13 days.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 25, 2022

Altruism towards offspring: a study reveals details in diatoms’ fitness

Researchers discovered a small fraction of diatom cells participate in sexual reproduction, while others block growth and reduce nutrient absorption. This phenomenon occurs in nutrient-rich conditions, representing a paradox for microalgae that usually compete for resources.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022

Getting hydrogen out of banana peels

Scientists at EPFL have developed a novel method to convert banana peels into valuable hydrogen and solid-carbon biochar through flash pyrolysis using a Xenon lamp. This innovative technique generates around 100 liters of hydrogen per kg of dried biomass, making it a promising renewable energy solution.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalChemical Science·DateJan 25, 2022

Can AI predict your thermal comfort from the layout of a room?

A team of scientists developed an AI-based model to predict personal thermal comfort based on spatial parameters, achieving exceptional accuracy. The study highlights the importance of incorporating architectural features in models to reduce energy consumption.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Building Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 25, 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.

Asymmetry is key to creating more stable blue perovskite LEDs

Scientists develop blue LEDs based on metal halide perovskite with asymmetrical bridges to hold layers together, creating a more stable structure. This breakthrough solves the halide segregation problem and brings perovskite LEDs closer to commercialization.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022

Powerful Sandia machine-learning model shows diamond melting at high pressure

A powerful Sandia National Laboratories supercomputer simulation model called SNAP captures the melting of diamond under extreme pressures and temperatures, cracking and recrystallizing its rigid carbon lattice. The work could aid understanding of carbon-based exoplanets and has implications for nuclear fusion efforts.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalACM Computing Surveys·DateJan 25, 2022

Copycat red nectar shows promise as a natural colorant and is gecko-approved

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified a natural colorant derived from plant nectar, which has been shown to attract pollinators. The discovery, known as nesocodin, has significant implications for the food and textile industries, where synthetic colorants are currently relied upon.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022

New sequencing technique established for low-biomass, degraded or contaminated microbiome samples

A new sequencing technique called 2bRAD-M has been developed to accurately identify species-level information from low-biomass and degraded microbiome samples. The method uses restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) to produce high-resolution profiles of bacteria, archaea, and fungi down to the level of species.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalGenome Biology·DateJan 25, 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.

Synthesis and properties of wing-shaped nanographene

Researchers at Ehime University synthesized a wing-shaped HPHAC dimer with stable redox properties. The study found enhanced aromaticity in the 3D space surrounded by two HPHACs in the tetracationic species, due to magnetic and electronic interactions.

SourceEhime University·JournalOrganic Letters·DateJan 25, 2022

Ion pairings change honeycomb crystal states

The team used high pressure and synchrotron X-ray experiments to analyze the crystal's structure, finding a unique ladder-like pattern of vanadium-vanadium dimers at temperatures below 500K. This arrangement may enable the creation of new magnetic or electrical functions in similar materials.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 25, 2022

Corona: New insights into antibody response against viral variants

A new study reveals the Beta variant of SARS-CoV-2 can elicit a wide range of antibodies effective against both Delta and Omicron variants. The findings suggest that vaccination strategies could be improved by leveraging this broad immunity.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 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.

Scientists discover new avian immunological pathway

Researchers at UC Riverside have identified a new host protein interaction in chickens that triggers a strong immune response against viral infections. The discovery sheds light on the differences between bird and human immune responses to zoonotic viruses.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022

How we view the future may hold keys to recovery from alcohol use disorder

Researchers at Virginia Tech found that people with 'slow' life-history strategies, focusing on future rewards, exhibited positive behaviors and were more likely to be in remission. In contrast, those with 'fast' life-history strategies, prioritizing immediate rewards, faced greater challenges during recovery.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalAlcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022

An effectiveness study of combinatorial pharmacogenetics testing to guide the treatment of depression in adolescents

A randomized controlled trial of combinatorial pharmacogenetics testing found no significant improvement in depressive symptoms among adolescents with depression. However, the study suggests that testing results may influence physician decision-making and could be useful in specific cases where individual gene-drug pairs impact clinica...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 25, 2022

The tip of the mathematical iceberg

Tamás Hausel and Nigel Hitchin develop a new theory on Higgs bundles, connecting combinatorial, differential, and algebraic geometry to particle physics. The theory provides insight into the representation theory of Lie groups and could lead to new insights in mathematical physics.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalInventiones mathematicae·DateJan 25, 2022

How big does your quantum computer need to be?

Researchers developed a tool to determine the minimum quantum computer size needed to solve problems like breaking Bitcoin encryption and simulating molecules. The estimated requirement ranges from 30 million to 300 million physical qubits, suggesting Bitcoin is currently safe from a quantum attack.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAVS Quantum Science·DateJan 25, 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.

Using the eye as a window into heart disease

Researchers developed an AI system that can analyze retinal scans to identify patients at high risk of a heart attack over the next year. The system uses deep learning techniques and achieves an accuracy of 70-80%, revolutionizing the way patients are screened for signs of heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 25, 2022

Viral proteins join forces to lower plants’ defense ‘shields’

A new study by Washington State University scientists reveals that viral proteins interact with each other to disable plant defenses, allowing viruses to hijack their hosts. When some of these proteins are disabled, the virus cannot move from cell to cell, highlighting a promising approach to prevent crop losses.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022

New discovery shows how targeting healthy cells could help develop treatments for pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Barts Cancer Institute made a breakthrough finding that blocking PKN2 in healthy cells around tumours can change their behavior, potentially leading to new treatments for pancreatic cancer. Fibroblasts, highly mobile and invasive cells, may play both positive and negative roles in cancer progression.

SourceWorldwide Cancer Research·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022

Forward-thinking gym lifts weights, shifts attitudes

A Boston gym's anti-racism program has effectively shifted views on race and class, according to a study by University at Buffalo researcher Christopher St. Vil. The program utilizes intergroup contact theory, which suggests that contact between different racial and class groups can reduce bias and prejudice.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Community Practice·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 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.

Study details changes in omicron’s spike protein

Researchers have determined the precise structural changes in omicron's spike protein, which allows it to evade antibodies against previous variants. The findings provide a blueprint for designing new countermeasures, such as vaccines or therapeutics, against omicron and future coronavirus variants.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022

‘Lefty’ tightens control of embryonic development

Researchers at Rice University have discovered that the Lefty protein plays a crucial role in regulating Nodal signaling during embryonic development. By visualizing the interaction between Nodal and Lefty, they found that cells relay the signal to produce new Nodals, triggering a wave of differentiation. This study provides new insigh...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022

Scientists warn that ocean microplastic pollution may be greater than estimated

A study by ICTA-UAB suggests that microplastic levels in the Mediterranean Sea are likely higher than previously estimated due to the limitations of current sampling methods. The researchers emphasize the need for a common framework to compare results and combine methods to better understand the distribution and impacts of microplastics.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 25, 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.

Cu interface matters during CO2 electroreduction

A team of scientists from the University of Science and Technology of China developed an oxide-derived Cu catalyst with a superior Cu(100)/Cu(111) interface, which displayed high Faradaic efficiency during CO2 reduction reaction. The interface played a critical role in C-C coupling and exhibited superior catalytic performance.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 25, 2022

Multi-organoid system to simulate human liver-islet axis in normal and type 2 diabetes

Researchers developed a novel multi-organoid system to simulate the human liver-islet axis, enabling 3D co-culture of hiPSC-derived organoids for up to 30 days. The system exhibited cooperative interaction between liver and islet organoids, reflecting the dynamic interplay among organs in type 2 diabetes.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 25, 2022

Sediments a likely culprit in spread of deadly disease on Florida coral reefs, study finds

A new study found that seafloor sediments can transmit a deadly pathogen to local corals, contributing to the persistence of a devastating coral disease outbreak. Coastal construction activities like dredging and beach renourishment may further spread the disease.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022

Make-up of gut microbiome may be linked to long COVID risk

Researchers found a distinct microbial profile associated with long COVID symptoms, including fatigue, muscle weakness, and insomnia. Patients with long COVID had a less diverse and abundant gut microbiome compared to those without the condition.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2022

Hospitalization for COVID-19 linked to greater risk of later readmission or death

A large English study found that people hospitalized for COVID-19 are more than twice as likely to die or be readmitted in the next several months compared to the general population. These findings highlight the need for increased monitoring of COVID-19 patients after discharge and raise awareness of potential complications.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 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.

Amber fossil reveals new clues about ancient cockroach ecology

A 100-million-year-old cockroach fossil provides insights into its sensory organs, which suggest the species lived in bright environments during the day. The study found that the extinct species had well-developed eyes and a unique pattern of receptors on its antenna, indicating it may have used these to communicate between sexes.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe Science of Nature·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2022

Scientists fabricate smart heat isolator

Researchers create intelligent material that automatically controls heat transmission, enabling thermal insulation at low temperatures while dissipating excess heat during overheating. The study reveals a promising model for building thermal fields, providing new avenues for designing smart reactors for green chemical industries.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalGreen Energy & Environment·DateJan 25, 2022