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Science News Archive July 2022 - Page 25


Page 25 of 34

Blacks found twice as likely to have atherosclerosis as Hispanics in young adult populations in underserved communities

A new Mount Sinai study reveals that young Black adults are twice as likely to have atherosclerosis as their Hispanic counterparts. Researchers used comprehensive questionnaires and 3D vascular ultrasounds to determine cardiovascular risk scores, finding significant discrepancies between the groups.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

Activating STING could make brain tumors more susceptible to treatment

Researchers found that activating the STING pathway in glioblastoma tumors attracted immune cells and produced a robust anti-tumor effect, laying the foundation for immunotherapy treatment. Human GBM explants responded to STING agonists by secreting cytokines, demonstrating the pathway's activity in human tumors.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

Nanoparticles can save historic buildings

Researchers at TU Wien found that silicate nanoparticles can strengthen porous rock by forming colloidal crystals, which create new connections between mineral surfaces. The size of the particles is crucial for optimal strength gain, with smaller particles creating more binding sites.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalLangmuir·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

How do cells react to micro- and nanoplastics?

A study by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment found that micro- and nanoplastics can be taken up by human cells, particularly those in the small intestine and liver. The absorption of these particles is influenced by their size and chemical properties.

SourceBfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment·JournalMicroplastics and Nanoplastics·DateJul 11, 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.

Could a computer diagnose Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?

Researchers at Boston University developed an AI-powered computational model that can detect cognitive impairment from audio recordings of neuropsychological tests. The model was trained on over 1,000 individuals and accurately distinguished between healthy individuals and those with dementia.

SourceBoston University·JournalAlzheimers Disease & Dementia·DateJul 11, 2022

Programmed cell death in cancer cells: Overcoming resistance through paraptosis-inducing compounds

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed novel complex-peptide hybrids that induce programmed cell death in apoptosis-resistant cancer cells through paraptosis. The compounds, syn-6 and anti-6, inhibit cell death by uncoupling mitochondrial calcium uptake and inducing cytoplasmic vacuolization, leading to cell death.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalBioconjugate Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

Preterm birth more likely with exposure to phthalates

Researchers found that women with higher concentrations of phthalate metabolites in their urine were more likely to deliver babies preterm. The largest study to date on this topic found that reducing phthalate exposure by 50% could prevent preterm births by 12% on average.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 11, 2022

Demonstration of a highly efficient modulator using the organic electro-optic polymer for visible light

Researchers at NICT developed an organic electro-optic polymer for visible light, significantly improving efficiency and miniaturization. The new modulator has lower absorption loss and higher electro-optic coefficient in visible light compared to conventional optical modulators.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Could a phytochemical derived from vegetables like broccoli be the answer to antibiotic resistant pathogens?

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have found a phytochemical derived from broccoli that breaks down biofilms protecting antibiotic-resistant pathogens, enabling eradication rates of up to 94% when combined with antibiotics. The compound also accelerates wound healing and is being further developed for commercialization.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalPharmaceutics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 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.

How preschoolers’ brains develop self-control

Research finds that preschoolers' brain maturation improves inhibitory control abilities, with 4-year-olds outperforming 3-year-olds in tasks requiring stopping actions. The cognitive control network's distinct regions and white matter connections are associated with different aspects of self-control development.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·TypeObservational study·DateJul 11, 2022

UBC Okanagan study determines psychedelic mushroom microdoses can improve mood, mental-health

A UBC Okanagan study published in Nature-Scientific Reports found that regular small amounts of psilocybin improved mood, mental health, and psychomotor ability in participants. Microdosing was associated with reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, particularly among those over 55.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 11, 2022

How dads can use ‘kangaroo care’ to bond with their infants

A study by University of South Australia researchers documents the benefits of fathers using kangaroo care with premature newborns. The practice mimics the marsupial model, providing a nurturing environment that reduces pain and stress for both baby and caregiver.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Clinical Nursing·TypeObservational study·DateJul 11, 2022

Feathery insulation helped dinosaurs survive and thrive: Study

A new study reveals that Triassic dinosaur species endured freezing conditions due to their well-developed feathers. This adaptation allowed them to thrive in colder climates, while other reptiles perished. The discovery sheds light on the ecological rise of dinosaurs after the Triassic-Jurassic Extinction.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 11, 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.

Ukraine war and refugee health

The article highlights key health considerations for Ukrainian refugees in Canada, including timely access to care and trauma-informed approaches. Key gaps in the Canadian healthcare system include lack of universal access to interpreters and coordinated care across services.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 11, 2022

NIH launches clinical trial of mRNA Nipah virus vaccine

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has launched a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating an mRNA-based vaccine against Nipah virus, which causes severe respiratory and brain swelling. The trial aims to assess the safety, tolerability, and immune response of the investigational vaccine in healthy adults.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJul 11, 2022

Can you outrun a poor diet?

A large study found that high levels of physical activity do not offset a poor diet's impact on mortality risk. Those with both high-quality diets and regular exercise had lower mortality rates compared to those with the worst diets.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 11, 2022
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.

SLAS Discovery July issue features a new method of detecting metal impurities in high-throughput screening – available now

Researchers have developed a new method to detect metal impurities in high-throughput screening, reducing false positive hits and saving time and resources. The technique uses acoustic mist ionization mass spectrometry to identify eight different metal contaminants, outperforming previous methods.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateJul 11, 2022

Paleobiology: Complex family relationships

An international team of researchers has successfully classified fossil gobies into a family tree for the first time. The study used an integrative phylogenetic approach to inferring relationships between fossil gobioids and their modern descendants.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 11, 2022

New model shows Earth’s deep mantle was drier from the start

A new study suggests that Earth's deep mantle was drier than initially thought, with a water concentration 4-250 times lower than the upper mantle. This finding challenges the assumption that the mantle was uniform from its formation and may have prevented mixing within the mantle.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 11, 2022

Molecular pathway by which stress affects lupus discovered

Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered a molecular pathway by which stress affects lupus, revealing a potential target for treatment. The study found that sleep deprivation caused the activation of microglial cells in the brain, leading to increased levels of IL12 and IL23, a diagnostic marker for neuropsychiatric SLE.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 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.

How race, gun ownership, and Black Lives Matter shape Americans’ views of the January 6 Capitol attack

A new survey found that views on the January 6 Capitol attack can be predicted by support for Black Lives Matter and gun ownership, with BLM supporters more likely to label the rioters as extremists. White gun owners were significantly less likely to do so compared to non-gun owners.

SourceHarvard University·JournalSocius Sociological Research for a Dynamic World·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 11, 2022

Deep economic divide found even among employed people during COVID-19

Researchers examined precarity in employed adults and found that most fell into two categories: those doing well financially and those struggling. The study highlights the need for organizations to consider the long-term consequences of using precarious work arrangements, which can lead to a less healthy and less productive workforce.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJul 11, 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.

Friends enjoy being reached out to more than we think

Research by the American Psychological Association found that people significantly underestimate how much others will appreciate being reached out to. The study involved over 5,900 participants and explored the factors that affect appreciation for social connections.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

Video game players show enhanced brain activity, decision-making skill study: Video game players show enhanced brain activity, decision-making skill

A study by Georgia State University researchers found that frequent video game players exhibit superior sensorimotor decision-making skills and increased brain activity compared to non-players. The study suggests that video games can be used for training in perceptual decision-making, with no trade-off between speed and accuracy.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalNeuroImage·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

New research provides insight into Long COVID and ME

New research models how post-viral fatigue syndromes like ME/CFS and Long COVID become life-changing diseases due to neuroinflammation. The study proposes a brain-body connection sustained through chronic neuroinflammation, leading to relapse recovery cycles.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateJul 11, 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.

University of Limerick, Ireland research could reduce time required to bring new medicines to market

Researchers at University of Limerick develop a new modelling approach to pharmaceutical manufacturing, combining process engineering, modelling, and data science to optimize processes at a molecular scale. This study aims to reduce time required to bring medicines to market for the benefit of patients and society.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 11, 2022

Drinking alone foreshadows future alcohol problems

A new study from Carnegie Mellon University found that drinking alone during adolescence and young adulthood increases the risk of alcohol use disorder later in life, especially for women. Solitary drinking is a unique and robust risk factor for future alcohol problems, according to lead author Kasey Creswell.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJul 11, 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.

The best offense is a great defense for some carnivorous plants

Researchers discovered that plant carnivory evolved from calcium molecules' dynamic movement within cells in response to touch from live prey. This finding broadens our understanding of how plants interact with their environments and may lead to the development of crops that can survive in challenging conditions.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 11, 2022

Your brain is better at busting deepfakes than you

A study by University of Sydney neuroscientists found that people's brains can detect AI-generated fake faces with a 54% accuracy rate. However, verbal identification was only successful 37% of the time, highlighting the potential for using brain activity to flag deepfakes on digital platforms.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalVision Research·DateJul 10, 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.

Bomb detectors picking up more blue whale songs in Indian Ocean

Scientists analyzed nearly two decades of underwater recordings to find that the distinctive songs of Chagos pygmy blue whales have increased in frequency over time. This suggests that stocks of the sub-species may be on the rebound after being hunted to near-extinction in the 20th century.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 10, 2022

Researchers warn about the climate change effects on fisheries and agriculture in tropical coastal communities

Researchers warn that climate change will cause significant food losses in tropical coastal communities due to increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The study predicts greater losses for fisheries than agriculture, highlighting the need for climate change mitigation.

SourceInstitut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC)·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 8, 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.

Spot the difference: Brain changes that enable fine visual discrimination learning

A new study has discovered the neuronal changes that occur during learning to improve discrimination of closely related visual images. Researchers found that experience-driven changes in neural activity enhance discriminations relevant to task performance at the expense of other related discriminations.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 8, 2022

New paper from University Hospitals examines transfusion utilization and appropriateness: Thinking differently at a tertiary academic medical center

Researchers from University Hospitals developed a transfusion appropriateness algorithm to analyze blood transfusions for adult patients. The algorithm led to a decrease in transfusions and an increase in appropriate use, resulting in cost savings of $2.5 million over 12 months.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalPhysician Leadership Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2022

A major step forward for organ biofabrication

Bioengineers from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences create first biohybrid model of human ventricles with helically aligned beating cardiac cells, increasing blood pumping efficiency by up to 50%. The model was made possible using Focused Rotary Jet Spinning (FRJS), a new method of additive textile manu...

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience·DateJul 8, 2022

IPK research team classifies key gene for cell division for the first time

The IPK research team has classified a key gene for cell division, highlighting its role in maintaining genome stability in plants. The study reveals that plant-specific duplicated genes have a significant impact on the centromere and kinetochore.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJul 8, 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.

A 'wise counsel' for synthetic biology

A team of researchers at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft developed METIS, a modular software system for optimizing biological systems using machine learning. The tool allows users to optimize their already discovered or synthesized biological systems and can be used with different lab equipment.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 8, 2022

Swans sacrifice rest to squabble

Scientists studied mute and whooper swans, finding a trade-off between aggression and rest. The study suggests that providing enough foraging spots can reduce the need for aggression, allowing birds more time to rest.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2022

Experts predict top impacts on ocean biodiversity over next decade:

A global team of experts identifies 15 emerging issues threatening marine and coastal biodiversity, including lithium extraction and deep-sea fishing. The horizon scan highlights the importance of assessing these issues now to drive policy change and protect ecosystems.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2022

Genetically-enhanced biocontrols can help fight large invasive mammals

A team of researchers developed a mathematical model to simulate the impact of gene drives on mammal populations at a landscape scale. The X-shredder drive has been shown to potentially eradicate mice, rats, and rabbits, but with varying probabilities of success and eradication times ranging from 18 to 48 years.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNeoBiota·DateJul 8, 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.