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Science News Archive July 2022 - Page 16


Page 16 of 34

Scientists identify what makes the Delta variant dangerous and explain the recent surge in COVID-19 infections

Researchers analyze delta variant's biophysical characteristics, revealing unique traits that evade neutralizing antibodies and contribute to severe symptoms. The study sheds light on why vaccinated individuals can still contract the virus and why delta variant hospitalizations are higher than other variants.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateJul 18, 2022

NIH study finds loss of ‘youth’ protein may drive aging in the eye

A recent NIH study found that the loss of 'youth' protein pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) may drive aging in the retina. The study showed that mice lacking PEDF experienced gene changes similar to those seen in age-related macular degeneration, highlighting a potential therapeutic target.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 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.

The retron switch

Scientists identified that retrons encode toxin proteins kept inactive by a small DNA fragment, unleashing them upon viral attacks. The EMBL team discovered how retrons form antitoxins and found natural switches to trigger growth inhibition complexes.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJul 18, 2022

Investigational blood tests can detect multiple signs of brain cancer to help improve diagnosis and monitoring

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a blood test that can detect multiple mutations associated with brain cancer, including EGFRvIII. The test showed high sensitivity and specificity, making it a powerful tool for diagnosing gliomas and monitoring tumor progression.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Reducing energy consumption: A new test system for passive cooling materials

Researchers at the University of Bayreuth have created a test system to characterize and compare passive cooling materials, overcoming challenges in determining their performance. The system mimics key factors influencing passive cooling performance, allowing for reproducible tests under identical conditions.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeNews article·DateJul 18, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Robot dog learns to walk in one hour

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems created a robot dog named Morti that can walk smoothly within an hour. The robot uses a Bayesian optimization algorithm to learn from sensor data and adapts its virtual spinal cord, allowing it to optimize its walking pattern and minimize stumbling.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

How a protein breaks free to cause deadly cancers

Researchers at UCI have identified three sites on the GLI1 protein that can be phosphorylated, weakening its binding with SUFU and allowing it to enter cell nuclei. This process enables uncontrolled growth resulting in cancer. The finding is a significant step toward more effective and personalized cancer treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalLife Science Alliance·DateJul 18, 2022

Insects harbor over a thousand genes from microbes, which help them survive

A study reveals that over 1,400 genes in 218 insect species originated from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and plants through horizontal gene transfer. This discovery suggests that these genes contributed to beneficial traits such as mating behavior, nutrition, and adaptation to environmental changes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 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.

Proportion of healthy-weight young people trying to shed the pounds in England nearly tripled

The proportion of healthy-weight young people trying to shed pounds in England has nearly tripled from around 1 in 20 to nearly 1 in 7 over 20 years. Reported slimming attempts among all children, particularly those who are overweight and obese, have shot up, surpassing the rise in excess weight gain and service provision.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 18, 2022

HKU Faculty of Dentistry utilises AI technology to automate the process of denture design and enhance treatment efficiency without compromising accuracy

The University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Dentistry has developed an AI-powered approach to automate denture design, allowing for high accuracy and reducing treatment time. The new method uses a 3D Generative Adversarial Network (3D-GAN) algorithm to reconstruct the shape of natural teeth and generate prosthetic teeth.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 18, 2022

Researchers cook up new recipe for Pretzel-shaped peptides

Researchers at ANU have created a new way to synthesize bicyclic peptides, which can attach to specific proteins to fight diseases. The new method allows for more control over the final product and can be automated, increasing accessibility for biomedical researchers.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJul 18, 2022

Researchers lift the veil on stubborn probiotic

NC State researchers discovered a new way to make the difficult-to-characterize gut bacterium Bifidobacterium more responsive to antibiotics. They also found tiny changes in different strains that reflect large differences in their characteristics, highlighting the need for individualized CRISPR-based genome engineering approaches.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Caregivers for people with multiple myeloma face mental health challenges

A new study published in Blood Advances found that caregivers for people with multiple myeloma experience higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to the patients they support. The study also highlights a critical gap in communication between providers and caregivers regarding the terminal nature of the disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateJul 18, 2022

Operando optical fiber monitoring of nanoscale and fast temperature changes during photo-electrocatalytic reactions

Researchers developed an optical fiber sensor to measure local temperatures on metal surfaces during photo-electrocatalytic reactions. The sensor achieved a thermal resolution of 0.1°C and temporal resolution of 0.1 seconds, revealing correlations between light-induced heating and catalytic activities.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJul 18, 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.

Nanomagnets can choose a wine, and could slake AI's thirst for energy

Researchers at NIST have developed a new type of hardware for AI that uses magnetic tunnel junctions, which are less energy-intensive than traditional silicon chips. The new technology has already passed a virtual wine-tasting test and shows promise for reducing energy use in AI systems.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Applied·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Research reveals people can recognize the emotions of other people in face masks

A study by Durham University found that people's ability to recognize emotions in others is not affected when their whole body is visible. However, they were less accurate at recognizing happiness in masked faces. The researchers used images of full bodies with and without face masks to test participants' emotion recognition skills.

SourceDurham University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJul 18, 2022

A quantum wave in two crystals

A team of scientists has successfully built a neutron interferometer using two separate crystals, a major breakthrough in quantum physics. This achievement opens up new possibilities for quantum measurements and research on quantum effects in a gravitational field.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Crystallography·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 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.

Highlights from the journal CHEST®, July 2022

The July issue of CHEST journal features 62 articles on clinically relevant topics, including asthma and COPD. The journal has received an Impact Factor of 10.262, an increase from 2020's Impact Factor of 9.410.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·JournalCHEST Journal·DateJul 18, 2022

Study finds new links between dogs’ smell and vision

Researchers at Cornell University found connections between the brain's olfactory pathway and visual cortex in dogs, showing that olfaction is integrated with vision in terms of learning about the environment. This study corroborates clinical experiences with blind dogs who function remarkably well despite their condition.

SourceCornell University·JournalJNeurosci·DateJul 18, 2022
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.

How well can weather experts predict unprecedented heatwaves?

Researchers evaluated the prediction of a record-breaking heatwave in the Pacific Northwest, finding that forecasts were able to accurately predict the event. The study highlights the importance of trust, preparedness, and early action when extreme weather is forecasted.

SourceWiley·JournalWeather·DateJul 18, 2022

Study findings offer roadmap for medication abortions

A study provides a roadmap for primary care and OB-GYN clinicians to initiate telemedicine abortion services in states where abortion remains legal. The research found similar operational procedures across practice settings, with asynchronous patient-provider communication being the most efficient method.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJul 18, 2022

Failures in large networks can be prevented with local focus

Researchers developed a novel computational method to control large complex networks using local information, addressing the challenge of controlling complex systems. The method considers computational time and information communication costs to produce optimal choices.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 18, 2022

Diabetes: a step closer to a life without insulin

Researchers at UNIGE have found that the S100A9 protein can significantly improve insulin metabolism in diabetic patients, reducing the risk of severe side effects associated with insulin therapy. The protein's anti-inflammatory effect may also help to normalize ketone production and prevent life-threatening conditions.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 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.

UMass Amherst researcher uses graphene for same-time, same-position biomolecule isolation and sensing

New research by UMass Amherst professor Jinglei Ping demonstrates the use of graphene for electrokinetic biosample processing and analysis, allowing for faster and more efficient detection of biomolecules. This breakthrough enables the creation of smaller lab-on-a-chip devices with improved time and size efficiencies.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

UCF researchers develop liquid biopsy technique to help detect cancer in blood

UCF researchers have developed a new liquid biopsy technique that uses the chaperonin complex to detect circulating cancer cells in blood, providing a clearer indication of spreading cancer. This method has the potential to help identify cancer earlier and give patients more treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 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.

Skin: An additional tool for the versatile elephant trunk

Researchers found that an elephant's folded skin plays a crucial role in its flexible and strong trunk, enabling it to grasp fragile vegetation and rip apart tree trunks. The study suggests that wrapping soft robotics with a skin-like structure could give machines protection and strength while maintaining flexibility.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 18, 2022

Alzheimer’s breakthrough: Genetic link to gut disorders confirmed

A world-first study has confirmed the link between Alzheimer's Disease and multiple gut disorders, revealing shared genetic architecture. The study suggests that abnormal cholesterol levels play a key role in both conditions, and may lead to new potential treatments for Alzheimer's and gut disorders.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 18, 2022

Designing roots to penetrate hard soils could help climate proof crops

Researchers have identified a hormone signal that promotes root swelling, which actually hinders root growth in hard soils. By reducing this response, roots can penetrate harder soils more effectively, safeguarding agricultural yields worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Off-axis high-temperature hydrothermal field discovered at the East Pacific Rise 9°54'N

Researchers from Lehigh University discovered a new, high-temperature, off-axis hydrothermal vent field called YBW-Sentry. The field covers an area equivalent to a football field, roughly twice the size of nearby active vents, and is hotter than any other studied along this section of the East Pacific Rise.

SourceLehigh University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 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.

Cooperation among strangers has increased since the 1950s

Research by American Psychological Association finds a small, gradual increase in cooperation across the US since the 1950s, linked to urbanization and societal wealth. The study's findings suggest that increased cooperation may help tackle global challenges such as pandemics, climate change, and immigrant crises.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateJul 18, 2022

Childhood loneliness linked to stress and problem drinking in young adults

A new study from Arizona State University found that childhood loneliness is strongly linked to increased stress levels and problem drinking in young adults. The research suggests that mitigating childhood loneliness could be a key strategy for reducing the risk of alcohol use disorders in adulthood, particularly among women.

SourceArizona State University·JournalAddictive Behaviors Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Cardiac death rates declined for both Black and white Americans since 1999, but racial disparities persist

Researchers found a decline in cardiovascular mortality rates for both Black and white adults over the last 20 years. However, significant disparities in cardiovascular mortality between Black and white adults continue to exist, particularly among younger Black women and those living in highly-segregated areas.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalCirculation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 18, 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.

Leading scientists use Genomics England data set to propose updated global guidelines to improve rare disease diagnosis

Leading scientists propose updated global guidelines to improve rare disease diagnosis using whole-genome sequence data, building on insights from Genomics England's rare disease participants. The guidelines aim to address the challenge of interpreting non-coding region variants and provide a framework for standardizing diagnoses.

SourceGenomics England·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 18, 2022

Over half of threatened species require targeted recovery actions

New research reveals that over half of threatened species require targeted recovery actions to ensure their survival. The study found that while expanding protected areas and reducing pollution will benefit many species, 57% would still need specialized interventions such as captive breeding, reintroduction, and vaccination.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 18, 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.

Action needed to avoid mass extinction, say global team of experts

A global survey of biodiversity experts finds that more species are threatened with extinction than previously thought, with estimates suggesting 30% of species have been lost since 1500. The study identifies climate change, pollution, and land-use changes as key drivers of biodiversity loss.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeSurvey·DateJul 18, 2022

With radically improved pain control, bone marrow donors can gift stem cells without worry of undue side effects or opioid use

Bone marrow donors can now receive significantly reduced opioid medication during and after the donation procedure, resulting in a more comfortable experience. The new pain control method, using regional anesthesia, drastically decreased opioid usage from 84% to 23% among patients.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Customized vortex beam creates golden opportunities for nanoimaging and communications

Researchers have developed a method to generate and control mid-infrared hyperbolic polariton vortices at the nanoscale, enabling new opportunities for super-resolution sensing, imaging, and communication systems. The study uses hexagonal boron nitride as a host material and achieves broad reconfigurability of topological charges.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJul 18, 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.

Economists weigh a new approach to unemployment insurance

A study suggests that an automated unemployment insurance policy could provide more clarity to workers during economic stress. The policy would not cost more or less than existing packages, but would resolve uncertainty and potentially prevent household financial crises.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAEA Papers and Proceedings·DateJul 18, 2022

Study reveals how novel coronavirus manipulates cells to replicate

Researchers at UNICAMP and USP discovered how SARS-CoV-2 recruits cells to replicate through interaction with PCNA, a protein involved in DNA repair. Inhibition of this interaction using a drug reduced viral replication by 15-20%.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateJul 18, 2022

Race-based spirometry equations may miss emphysema

A secondary analysis of the CARDIA Lung study found that a substantial proportion of middle-aged adults with normal spirometry findings had emphysema on CT scan. Race-specific interpretations of spirometry may underestimate respiratory symptom burden and risk for death in Black adults, perpetuating structural racial inequities.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 18, 2022