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Science News Archive July 2022 - Page 12


Page 12 of 34

Tomatoes, but not farm workers, gardeners, safe from soil lead

A University of Illinois study found tomatoes in Chicago backyard gardens have low levels of lead, making them relatively safe for consumption. However, improper soil handling and lack of washing can still pose health risks. Researchers recommend minimizing dust with heavy mulch and careful fruit washing to safely grow tomatoes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateJul 21, 2022

Protein discovered in Parkinson’s disease could lead to new treatments

A team of scientists has discovered a key link between the protein αSyn and Parkinson's disease, finding that it interacts with immune responses in neurons. This interaction may play a critical role in the development of the disease, suggesting a potential new approach for treatments by targeting inflammatory pathways.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalBrain·DateJul 21, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Evaluating a new model for funding rural healthcare in Pennsylvania

A new funding model is being tested in Pennsylvania, which could lead to higher quality care at lower costs. The global budget model provides a fixed payment to hospitals, incentivizing them to focus on patient outcomes rather than extensive care.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Healthcare Management·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2022

Blockchain gives Indigenous Americans control over their genomic data

A new blockchain model proposes to give Indigenous governments control over how genomic data are used, prioritizing community priorities and respecting Indigenous Nations' rules and regulations. This framework aims to prevent the misuse of genomic data and reinforce stereotypes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 21, 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.

Asthma medication not working? Try another

Researchers found that patients who switched to a different medication experienced a significant reduction in exacerbations, with 89% continuing treatment. The study suggests that different medications work for different people, making it essential to try alternative options.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2022

How do galaxies evolve? A UMass Amherst undergrad may have provided the missing link

A UMass Amherst undergraduate student's work has provided key insight into how galaxies evolve, linking supermassive black hole growth to star formation. The study uses mid-infrared spectra to quantify the connection between these phenomena, paving the way for the James Webb Space Telescope to investigate galaxy evolution.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJul 21, 2022

Competition limits the ranges of mountain birds

A new study using 4.4 million citizen science observations found that competition from other species limits the elevation ranges of tropical mountain birds. The research suggests that when bird species overlap with each other, their ranges become smaller.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 21, 2022

A new method to detect exoplanets

Researchers have discovered a new technique for detecting dim bodies, including planets, orbiting Cataclysmic Variables (CVs). The method analyzes changes in brightness caused by perturbations of a third body orbiting the inner two stars. Two out of four studied CV systems show signs of planetary mass objects in orbit around them.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 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.

Cellular protein identified as possible drug target to combat Lassa hemorrhagic fever

Researchers have identified 42 host cell proteins that contribute to the replication and spread of Lassa virus, a disease with high morbidity and mortality in Western Africa. One potential drug target, GSPT1, was found to be involved in viral-host interactions and showed antiviral activity against Lassa without cytotoxicity.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2022

New insights on pest fruit fly species across oceanic islands

Researchers used phylogenomics to evaluate relationships among species in the B. frauenfeldi complex, concluding there are five distinct species and a continuum between B. frauenfeldi and B. albistrigata pests. The study's findings provide essential data for pest management and international agricultural trade.

SourceWiley·JournalSystematic Entomology·DateJul 20, 2022

Ochsner study shows that social circumstances have outsized impact on hypertension control

A large clinical trial conducted at Ochsner Health found that social determinants of health, including financial stress and lack of health literacy, have a significant impact on blood pressure control rates among patients with uncontrolled hypertension. The study suggests that these barriers can eliminate racial disparities in hyperten...

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJul 20, 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.

New findings reveal how neurons build and maintain their capacity to communicate

Neuroscientists have uncovered the step-by-step process of how calcium channels accumulate at active zones in neurons, a critical component of synaptic transmission. The study reveals that alpha2delta plays a key role in regulating Cac levels, and its function has important clinical effects on conditions such as epilepsy and nerve pain.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022

Molecular breast imaging lexicon informs interpretation

A retrospective study of molecular breast imaging (MBI) findings suggests that the MBI lexicon's lesion descriptors can inform interpretation and guide the incorporation into the BI-RADS Atlas. The study found high positivity rates for malignancy among mass lesions, those with marked uptake intensity, and certain distribution patterns.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 20, 2022

A new measure of psychological safety for patients

Researchers created a new scale to assess how safe patients feel, dividing it into three sub-scales: Social Engagement, Compassion, and Bodily Sensations. The Neuroception of Psychological Safety Scale (NPSS) has potential applications in tracking progress in psychological therapy or assessing hospital outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalPsychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy·TypeSurvey·DateJul 20, 2022

Psychological resilience linked to better walking capacity after hip surgery

A study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with high psychological resilience can walk faster and longer after hip surgery than those with low resilience. Researchers measured resilience through a questionnaire and assessed walking capacity at baseline and 16 weeks later.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 20, 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.

Higher voice pitch lets female faces appear younger

Researchers found that a higher voice pitch leads to faces being assessed as half a year younger on average. However, the face itself provides crucial information for evaluating attractiveness, femininity, and health, making the voice less influential in these evaluations.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJul 20, 2022

Engineers develop new tool that will allow for more personalized cell therapies

Researchers have developed a new quantitative approach to predict and customize site-specific recombination, enabling more efficient genetic and cell therapies. The tool combines high-throughput experiments with machine learning models to control the rate of DNA editing, paving the way for personalized treatment.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022

New fast test discriminates between cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 after vaccination or infection

Researchers developed a new blood test that can indicate cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 within 48 hours. The test distinguishes between post-infection and post-vaccination immunity, enabling quick diagnosis for patients unable to produce antibodies. Long-lasting T-cell responses may protect against severe disease in re-infections.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalAllergy·DateJul 20, 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.

How organoids can guide pancreatic cancer therapy

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a rapid organoid screening test that can predict response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer patients. This test may help optimize personalized treatment plans and improve patient outcomes.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateJul 20, 2022

Idea of ice age 'species pump' in the Philippines boosted by new way of drawing evolutionary trees

A new Bayesian method and genomic data analysis reveal strong statistical support for the 'Pleistocene aggregate island complex (PAIC) model', a theory suggesting species diversification during ice ages. This study tested the PAIC model in two genera of lizards, each with species found only in the Philippines.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2022

Ultrasonic detectors reveal the detrimental effect of wind turbines at forest sites on bats

A team of scientists from Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research found that forest specialist bats avoid wind turbines due to habitat loss. The researchers recommend that wind turbines should not be sited inside forests, but rather in open landscapes with compensatory measures.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2022

Digitalize hip and knee replacement surveys to save time and improve compliance, research finds

Research found that modernizing patient-reported outcome measures with computerized adaptive testing can significantly reduce data collection time and improve completion rates. The new method uses algorithms to select relevant questions for individual patients, reducing the number of questions from 12 to just four at 90% precision.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBMJ Open·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 20, 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.

Improving serious illness communication for patients with advanced cancer

A quality improvement project at Dartmouth Cancer Center increased serious illness conversations between patients and providers from 0% to 70%, reflecting the importance of early discussions on prognosis and treatment options. The project's success was attributed to standardized work, an engaged interdisciplinary team, and system-level...

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalJCO Oncology Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 20, 2022

Praise for Australia's economic policy response to COVID-19

Researchers found that immediate government macroeconomic responses had a stabilizing effect on the domestic banking and capital market sectors. The study suggests a strong emphasis on macroeconomic policy moves as the best tool for managing the sector during crises.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPacific-Basin Finance Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 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.

Professional athletes perform better against former clubs, according to research

Research found professional athletes show better individual attacking performance in matches against their former clubs. Emotions, rather than knowledge of opponents' tactics, contribute significantly to their success. Coaches and sports managers can benefit from this understanding, while bookmakers may adjust betting odds.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics·DateJul 20, 2022

What makes Omicron more infectious than other COVID-19 variants

Researchers used virus-like particles to identify mutations in Omicron that make it more infectious and escape antibodies. The study found that mutations in the nucleocapsid protein are crucial for enhancing spread, highlighting potential new vaccine targets.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2022

Surgery risks go up depending upon the anesthesiologist’s workload

A new study published in JAMA Surgery found that surgeons who oversee multiple surgeries simultaneously have a higher risk of complications and death. For surgeries involving one anesthesiologist directing CRNA or resident care, those managing three to four overlapping cases saw complication rates rise by 14%.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJul 20, 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.

Better outcomes when police, ambulance and mental health services attend 111 mental health emergencies together, NZ study finds

A New Zealand study found that emergency services working together to attend mental health emergencies results in faster resolution and better outcomes. The co-response team model improved the likelihood of receiving community support and reduced wait times in emergency departments.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalAustralian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022

Zooming across the political divide

A UCLA study found that conversations between liberals and conservatives over Zoom can be meaningful and congenial, with participants reporting less conflict and stress. The presence of an ideological ingroup's audience can make conversations more conflicted, but even then, participants still find them more enjoyable.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 20, 2022

Rewriting the history of K-carbon fiber manufacturing with carbon nanotubes

A research team at KIST has developed an ultra-high-strength and ultra-high-modulus carbon nanotube fiber material through a joint research project. The fibers exhibit high strength and modulus characteristics, with potential applications in space-related environments.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 20, 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.

New discovery in cancer progression paves way to combat cancer

Scientists from A*STAR and NUS Cancer Science Institute identified a key cancer progression mechanism that could lead to more effective treatments. The discovery involves reactivating the hTERT gene, which is responsible for prolonging telomeres in cancer cells.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 20, 2022

First report from the worlds most ambitious sequencing project

The study found 600 million SNPs and indels in 150 thousand genomes, corresponding to 7% of the theoretical possible variants. This large dataset allowed scientists to separate regions tolerant to sequence diversity from those not, shedding light on human survival and procreation.

SourcedeCODE genetics·JournalNature·TypeCase study·DateJul 20, 2022

Study debunks rise of conspiracy theories

A new study published in PLOS One suggests that the number of people believing in conspiracy theories has not increased over time. The research, conducted by University of Miami academics and supported by a U-LINK grant, analyzed data from polls dating back to the 1960s and found no significant increase in belief in these theories. Des...

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJul 20, 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.

Learning to fight infection

Researchers developed a new machine learning method called MotifBoost that can predict infections based on limited T-cell receptor data. By focusing on short sequences of amino acids in the receptors, the approach achieved more accurate results with smaller datasets, shedding light on the human immune system's recognition of germs.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJul 20, 2022

Finding the right target to prevent medulloblastoma relapse

Researchers have found that targeting the GLI protein is more effective in treating medulloblastoma than previously thought, with a potential breakthrough in reducing tumor aggressiveness. The study's findings offer new hope for improving treatment outcomes and survival rates for children with this rare cancer.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 20, 2022

New Jersey Health Foundation awards three grants to Kessler Foundation to advance cognitive and mobility research in neurological disabilities

Kessler Foundation researchers will conduct studies on brain injury, knee osteoarthritis, and pediatric cerebral palsy using mixed-reality technology, robotic exoskeletons, and cycling feedback systems. The grants aim to improve safety and mobility for elderly individuals with cognitive impairments and those with neurological disorders.

SourceKessler Foundation·DateJul 20, 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.

Mammals were not the first to be warm-blooded

A team of international scientists found that endothermy appeared in mammalian ancestors about 233 million years ago, well before the origin of mammals. Fossils from South Africa's Karoo region played a key role in this discovery, providing an unbroken record of life's evolution.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature·DateJul 20, 2022

Designer materials to keep plastic out of landfills

A team of scientists from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has designed a new material system to overcome the challenges of mixed-plastic recycling. They created customized polydiketoenamine (PDK) plastics that can be recycled efficiently and indefinitely, providing a low-carbon manufacturing solution for plastic products.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022

Home and hospital healthcare could be in 'hot water'

A new study by Flinders University experts warns that some drinking water treatment methods may be ineffective against certain waterborne pathogens, posing a threat to immune-compromised individuals. Regular maintenance checks and cleaning of shower and tap faucets can help reduce the risk of waterborne infections in home care.

SourceFlinders University·JournalCurrent Opinion in Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 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.

Beliefs in conspiracy theories may not be increasing

Researchers found no statistically significant evidence that beliefs in conspiracy theories have increased over time, despite popular claims. The study suggests that some conspiracy theories are gaining popularity while others recede into history.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJul 20, 2022