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Science News Archive July 2022


Page 6 of 34

To keep them out, we must learn how they got in

Researchers at ITQB NOVA and iMM discovered that the parainfluenza fusion peptide promotes membrane fusion by destabilizing the host's membrane and forming clusters of oligomeric structures. This breakthrough can contribute to developing antiviral therapies to prevent infection.

Tweets suggest people consumed healthier foods during the pandemic

A study analyzing Twitter data from May 2020 to January 2021 found that the share of tweets about healthy foods increased by 20%, while fast-food and alcohol tweets decreased by 9% and 11%, respectively. The study suggests that people may have made healthier dietary changes during the pandemic, depending on their neighborhood environment.

Evacuating outside the lines

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that allowing cross-border evacuations can reduce evacuation time by 14% and improve public safety. However, intermunicipal cooperation is required to make this approach effective.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New heart model to help treat patients with heart failure

Researchers at RCSI University have created a new lab-based model to test devices for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The model enables testing of the left atrium and ventricle, two independently controlled chambers that simulate blood flow during the resting phase.

Yoga app can reduce urinary incontinence

A Rutgers study found that a Yoga of Immortals mobile app significantly improves urinary incontinence symptoms in people practicing for four weeks. The app-based intervention engages the pelvic floor and specific energy centers, leading to reduced frequency and severity of urine leaks.

Demystifying DNA hybridization kinetics

Researchers at UNSW Medicine & Health unveil a simple mathematical model predicting DNA hybridization rates based on nucleating interactions. The discovery has the potential to improve understanding of biological systems and refine nanotechnologies.

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.

Hooyman earns GSA’s 2022 Donald P. Kent Award

Nancy R. Hooyman, a renowned gerontologist, has received the 2022 Donald P. Kent Award from the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for her outstanding leadership in promoting gerontological education and research.

Streaming from the future

A team of researchers at Osaka University has created a machine learning system that can virtually remove buildings from a live view, streaming in real-time on a mobile device. This technology can help accelerate the process of urban renewal based on community agreement, reducing conflicts and delays.

AAFP approved for $31 million for large study on asthma treatments

The American Academy of Family Physicians has been awarded a $31 million funding to conduct a large-scale study on the comparative effectiveness of asthma treatments. The study will focus on inhaled steroids and specific antibiotics, alone or together, in over 3,000 patients with asthma aged 12 and over.

Researchers recycle CDs into flexible biosensors

Binghamton University researchers have developed a way to turn CDs into flexible biosensors that can monitor electrical activity in human hearts and muscles, as well as lactate, glucose, pH, and oxygen levels. The sensors are fabricated in 20-30 minutes without toxic chemicals or expensive equipment, costing around $1.50 per device.

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.

Losing spouse to COVID may be worse for mental health than other causes of death

A new study found that experiencing the death of a spouse due to COVID-19 may be worse for mental health than deaths from other causes. People who lost a spouse to COVID-19 were more likely to report symptoms of depression and loneliness. The study underscores the ongoing health risks posed by the pandemic, even to those who have not b...

Natural clean-up: Bacteria can remove plastic pollution from lakes

A study found that certain bacteria grow more efficiently on plastic bags than leaves and twigs, breaking down carbon compounds in the process. The bacteria's growth is stimulated by plastic pollution, which primes them for rapid breakdown of other natural carbon compounds.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

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.

National Academies Committee to formulate vision for particle physics

A committee of distinguished scientists will meet to lay out a vision for the future of high-energy physics, building on decades of planning by the American Physical Society. The meeting aims to identify research questions, directions, and tools for advancing our understanding of the universe.

Exposure to ‘forever chemicals’ costs US billions in health costs

A new study estimates that exposure to PFAS chemicals may result in $5.5-63 billion in lifetime health costs due to conditions like low birth weight, childhood obesity, kidney cancer, and hypothyroidism. The study supports the EPA's decision to lower safe allowable levels of these substances.

NYU Abu Dhabi researchers develop novel 3D atomic force microscopy probes

Researchers have developed novel 3D atomic force microscopy (AFM) probes with improved designs, materials, and production processes. The new probes enable high-resolution, high-speed AFM imaging under air and liquid environments, opening doors for advanced applications in fields like biomedical sciences.

Scientists successfully transition cell line to be completely animal-free

Researchers at PETA Science Consortium International successfully transitioned a human lung cell line to animal-free media, improving reproducibility and relevance of studies. This achievement sets a precedent for transitioning other cell types, offering far-reaching implications for the field of in vitro research.

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.

Firms time announcements of data breaches to bury the bad news

New research finds that firms stage data breach announcements around significant news to reduce media coverage and market impact. This strategy harms consumers by not adequately 'punishing' firms for their misbehavior, suggesting shorter disclosure deadlines be mandated.

New biomarker speeds identification of lung disease

A new study has found that testing for cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor protein (p16) in biopsy tissue can help more accurately identify IPF. High expression of p16 is associated with worse outcomes and reduced survival, emphasizing the need for early treatment.

Green tea extract promotes gut health, lowers blood sugar

A new study found that consuming green tea extract for four weeks can lower blood sugar levels, improve gut health, and decrease inflammation in healthy individuals and those with metabolic syndrome. Researchers observed a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels and decreased gut permeability.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nanodiamonds are a cell's best friend

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed the smallest nanodiamonds capable of detecting temperatures on the nanoscale inside cells and organelles. These nanodiamonds utilize silicon-vacancy color centers to gauge luminescence, enabling precise temperature sensing with sub-kelvin accuracy.

Emerging technology could help extract lithium from new sources

Scientists have discovered that there is enough lithium in unconventional water sources to make extraction worthwhile. The composition of these sources affects the performance of emerging electrochemical intercalation technology, providing insights for refining and optimizing it.

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.

Marmosets practise calling their mother in the womb

Newborn marmosets practice face and mouth movements needed to call for help before birth. Human-like crying movements have been observed in the womb, suggesting a potential link between primate and human vocal development.

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.

From genes to plant microbiota

A study found that plant genetic variability controls specific microorganisms, influencing microbial community composition and plant reproductive success. The research used Arabidopsis thaliana genotypes and metabarcoding DNA sequencing to analyze the impact of genetics on leaf microbiota.

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.

July/August 2022 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Despite electronic health records, gaps in communication between primary care physicians and specialist physicians persist. The study found that 22% of PCPs report sending clinical information to specialists at the time of referral, and less than 35% receive information back after consultation.

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.

Bringing children closer to nature helps improve their lung health

A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that children who grow up near green spaces have better lung function. The research suggests that increasing exposure to vegetation close to home can improve lung health, especially when combined with other factors such as physical activity and reduced air pollution.

Genetic clues to age-related macular degeneration revealed

Scientists reprogrammed stem cells to create models of diseased eye cells, analyzing DNA, RNA, and proteins to pinpoint genetic signatures. The study identified 439 molecular signatures associated with AMD, including potential new gene variants that target mitochondrial proteins.

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.

Coronavirus jumped to humans at least twice at market in Wuhan, China

Researchers found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus likely jumped from animals to humans at least twice and possibly as many as two dozen times at the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China. The market's genetic diversity suggests multiple spillover events occurred, with at least two strains making successful introductions.

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.

Elevated tween screen time linked to disruptive behavior disorders

A new study by University of California - San Francisco-led researchers found that tweens who spend more time on screens have a higher likelihood of developing disruptive behavior disorders. Social media was most likely to be linked to conduct disorder, while other forms of screen use were associated with oppositional defiant disorder....

Study unveils first global dataset for SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals

The first global dataset of SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals has been published, providing a comprehensive overview of the virus's impact on animal populations worldwide. The dataset shows an increasing number of reported cases globally, with high diversity of variants detected in various species.

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.