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Science News Archive June 2022


Page 1 of 40

California’s Dixie Fire shows impact of legacy effects, prescribed burns

Research led by Penn State found that low-severity fire treatments reduced the worst effects of the Dixie Fire. The study also showed that areas with a history of high-severity fires were more likely to burn at high severity again, highlighting the importance of ecological memory and legacy effects of past fires.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 30, 2022

Telehealth enables 8 Texas nurseries to reduce antibiotic use in newborns by 32%

A three-year study found that telehealth consultations with a pediatric infectious disease specialist reduced antibiotic usage in 8 Texas nurseries serving rural and medically underserved areas by 32%. The consultations helped healthcare providers make more informed decisions about when to use antibiotics, ensuring the proper balance b...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Dual epsilon-near-zero effect assisted broadband electro-optic modulation

Researchers developed a new spatial light modulation strategy incorporating dual epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) effects in a semiconductor-insulator-semiconductor nano-capacitor. This design enables broadband electro-optic modulation by manipulating permittivity crossover wavelengths via external voltage biasing.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·DateJun 30, 2022

Developmentally arrested IVF embryos can be coaxed to divide

A new study published in PLOS Biology found that IVF embryos often undergo genetic and metabolic changes that inhibit development. The researchers discovered that certain embryos enter a senescent-like state, but treating them with resveratrol can help overcome this arrest and promote further development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2022

Emu stands tall at detecting bacteria species

The Emu project effectively identifies bacterial species by leveraging long DNA sequences spanning the entire length of the gene under study. This approach facilitates the analysis of key genes in microbiome researchers' efforts to sort out harmful and helpful bacteria.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Methods·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 30, 2022

New protocol for assessing the safety of nanomaterials

A comprehensive protocol for analysing nanomaterials has been introduced to support their safe use in various industries. The protocol allows researchers to determine and quantify metal-bearing nanomaterials in biological tissues and cells at trace-level concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalNature Protocols·DateJun 30, 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.

New study reveals impact of plastic on small mammals, as four out of seven species identified as ‘plastic positive’

Researchers found traces of plastics in over half of the species examined, including polyester, polyethylene, and polynorbornene. Four out of seven species, such as European hedgehogs and field voles, were identified as 'plastic positive', highlighting potential impacts on conservation status.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateJun 30, 2022

Laser oxidation-a new approach to tuning the optical third-order nonlinearity of boron nitride

Researchers developed a one-step ball milling method to enhance h-BN's solubility and create freestanding thin films. Femtosecond laser processing introduces oxidation, increasing the material's third-order nonlinear optical properties. This enables precise control and operation of light at micro/nano scales for various applications.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Science·DateJun 30, 2022

Miniature, implantable nerve coolers for targeted pain relief

Researchers developed a soft miniaturized implantable nerve cooling system that provides targeted and reversible pain relief through liquid-to-gas phase transition. The device offers real-time temperature monitoring and control, making it a potential game changer for long-term pain management.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2022

Aging-US | Time makes histone H3 modifications drift in mouse liver

Researchers found global redistribution of histone H3 modifications with time, particularly in intergenic regions and near transcription start sites. Caloric restriction diet feeding reduced the extent of changes occurring during the first year of life in these genomic regions.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 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.

Social defeat stress in mice triggers restorative, anxiety-reducing sleep

Researchers have discovered a small group of neurons in the ventral tegmental area that detects stress after social defeat and induces restorative sleep. This process alleviates stress levels and mitigates stress-induced anxiety in mice, restoring mental and body functions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2022

Electrical stimulation improves arm control in paralyzed monkeys

Researchers developed a technology that uses surviving neurons to restore connection between brain and arm via specific stimulation pulses to the spinal cord. This allowed macaque monkeys with partial arm paralysis to improve precision, force, and range of movement in their arms.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 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.

UV increases risks for disinfection of drinking water treatment: Scientists provide new insight

New research reveals UV disinfection can form trihalomethane disinfection byproducts from halobenzoquinones, posing a risk to public health and the environment. The study found UV enhances THM formation yield by nearly 10 times, highlighting the need for further investigation into combined UV/chlorine processes.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2022

The principle of inkjet printing and its applications on AR/VR micro-displays

The article discusses the principle of inkjet printing technique and its application on micro-display for AR/VR, highlighting the advantages of super inkjet printing technology. It also explores the non-radiation energy transfer mechanism and color conversion efficiency in color conversion layer for micro-LED displays.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·DateJun 30, 2022

Laser creates a miniature magnetosphere

Researchers at Osaka University have successfully created a miniature magnetosphere using lasers, directly measuring pure electron outflows associated with magnetic reconnection. This breakthrough sheds light on the microscopic electron dynamics driving space and astrophysical phenomena.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 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.

Coral pathogen kills competitors in coral microbiota via prophage induction

A research group has discovered that a coral pathogen, Vibrio coralliilyticus, kills non-pathogenic competitors in the coral microbiota through prophage induction. This process involves the generation of hydrogen peroxide, which eliminates harmless bacteria and allows the pathogen to outcompete and colonize the coral.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 30, 2022

Tonga volcano eruption was among the most powerful ever observed, triggering atmospheric gravity waves that reached the edge of space

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai submarine volcano eruption created the largest recorded volcanic explosion, producing massive gravity and atmospheric waves that reverberated around the earth. The study, published in Nature, highlights the importance of this event for improving weather and climate models.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJun 30, 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.

Some viruses make you smell tastier to mosquitoes

Researchers found that infected mice and humans emit a specific molecule, acetophenone, which attracts mosquitoes. This altered scent allows the viruses to spread faster. A potential preventative, isotretinoin, was also tested and shown to reduce mosquito attraction.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2022

Scientists find greenhouse gas warming likely cause of industrial-era sea level rise

A recent study published in Science Advances provides an unprecedented picture of sea level over the past 4,000 years, highlighting that modern sea level rise is anomalous and likely driven by greenhouse gas warming. The research uses precise uranium-series dates on speleothem samples to estimate global mean sea level during this period.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 30, 2022

Adolescents more vulnerable to cannabis addiction but not other mental health risks

A new study led by UCL and King's College London researchers found that adolescents are three times more likely to develop a cannabis addiction than adults. However, they do not appear to be at increased risk of subclinical depression or anxiety. In contrast, adult users who become addicted may experience worsening mental health symptoms.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 30, 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.

Six guiding principles for the EU agricultural policy to halt biodiversity loss

The EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has three key measures to support biodiversity: Cross Compliance, Agri-Environment-Climate Measures, and Greening. Despite these measures, farmland biodiversity is still declining. A study by over 300 scientists recommends six guiding principles to improve the CAP for better biodiversity outcomes.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalConservation Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 30, 2022

Researchers discover new leukemia-killing compounds

Researchers have discovered eight potential leukemia-killing compounds that target mitochondria, inducing mitophagy to weaken cancer cells. The compounds showed significant synergy with existing chemotherapy drugs, offering a deadly one-two punch against leukemia.

SourceRice University·JournalLeukemia·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2022

THE LANCET DIABETES & ENDO.: COVID-19 vaccine protects people of all body weights from hospitalization and death, study of 9 million adults in England suggests

A recent study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduced severe disease cases across all BMI groups. Vaccine effectiveness was slightly lower in underweight individuals, but substantial reductions in risk were observed for those with healthy weights and higher BMIs.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 30, 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.

Global contrast media shortage: Strategies for conservation

The global contrast media shortage has affected millions of diagnostic imaging examinations and requires immediate attention. Researchers propose several methods to conserve contrast media, including weight-based dosing and adjusting CT settings.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 30, 2022

New guidance for cancer pain and opioid use disorder or opioid misuse

Experts outline a framework for treating cancer pain in patients with opioid use disorder or prescription opioid misuse. The study highlights the need for better integration of addiction treatment in cancer care, particularly prescribing methadone and buprenorphine.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeSurvey·DateJun 30, 2022

AI system that mimics human gaze could be used to detect cancer

A cutting-edge AI system that mimics human gaze has been created by Cardiff University researchers. The system accurately predicts where humans are most likely to look in an image, with potential applications in robotics, multimedia communication, video surveillance, automated image editing, and medical diagnostics.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNeurocomputing·DateJun 30, 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.

Found: The ‘holy grail of catalysis’ — turning methane into methanol under ambient conditions using light

Researchers have developed a novel process converting methane into liquid methanol at ambient temperature and pressure using visible light. The method uses a continuous flow of methane/oxygen-saturated water over a novel metal-organic framework (MOF) catalyst, achieving 100% selectivity with no by-products.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2022

Study shows HIV speeds up body’s aging processes soon after infection

Researchers analyzed stored blood samples from infected men and found significant age acceleration in DNA epigenetic measures and telomere shortening. The study demonstrates HIV's substantial impact on the body's aging processes within two to three years of infection.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournaliScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 30, 2022

Scientists unravel the key to colon cancer relapse after chemotherapy

Researchers found that tumour stem cells with Mex3a protein activity remain in a latent state, conferring resistance to chemotherapy. After treatment, these cells are reactivated, leading to cancer relapse. Removing the Mex3a gene makes colorectal cancer cells highly sensitive to chemotherapy.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 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.

Pioneering recycling turns mixed waste into premium plastics with no climate impact

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a thermochemical recycling method that produces gas containing carbon atoms from mixed waste, which can be used to create new plastic products. The process eliminates the need for fossil raw materials and achieves negative emissions.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 30, 2022

How globalization could be making human parasites more virulent

Researchers found that different lineages of Cryptosporidium parvum are increasingly exchanging their DNA, which helps the parasite evolve faster and potentially result in more virulent strains. The study suggests that globalization and close contact with animals increase the rate of genetic exchange.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJun 30, 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.

Simulating 3D-AFM images for systems not in equilibrium

A new simulation approach for 3D-AFM imaging has been developed to tackle complex systems not in equilibrium. This enables the study of biologically relevant systems like biomolecules and biopolymers. The method uses the Jarzynski equality to calculate force-distance curves, reproducing internal structures and fiber features.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateJun 30, 2022

Study: Drought linked to higher diarrhea risk in children

A Yale study found that living through extended droughts increases diarrhea risk among children, even with adequate sanitation. Climate change is projected to exacerbate this issue, highlighting the need for improved water and hygiene infrastructure.

SourceYale School of Public Health·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 2022

Climate change in oceanwater may impact mangrove dispersal

Research suggests climate-driven changes in seawater density may disrupt mangrove dispersal patterns worldwide, particularly in the Indo-West Pacific region. The study, published in Nature Climate Change, highlights the importance of considering oceanic factors in understanding mangrove response to climate change.

SourceVrije Universiteit Brussel·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 30, 2022

Scientists engineer synthetic DNA to study “architect” genes

Researchers at New York University have created artificial Hox genes using synthetic DNA technology and genomic engineering in stem cells. The findings confirm that clusters of Hox genes help cells learn and remember where they are in the body, with no other genes needed to be present.

SourceNew York University·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Collapsed bridge helps inform future flood-resistant designs

Researchers analyzed the catastrophic failure of Japan's Misasa Railroad Bridge, revealing that flood hydrodynamic forces exceeded seismic design standards by nearly double. The study recommends increasing space under bridges to reduce submersion and designing structures to withstand overflow.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of Bridge Engineering·DateJun 30, 2022

Winning by default: Tonsillectomy study shows power of pre-set opioid Rx size

A new study found that hospitals can reduce excessive opioid prescribing by implementing an evidence-based default setting for opioid prescriptions written in electronic health records. The study showed that patients who received a standard prescription size with a lower default dose of opioids had similar pain control, but took home f...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJun 30, 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.

Borrowed gene helps maize adapt to high elevations, cold temperatures

Researchers at NC State University discovered that a maize gene called HPC1 helps plants adapt to high altitudes and cold temperatures. The gene originated from teosinte mexicana and has been retained in modern-day corn, allowing it to thrive in challenging environments.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2022

New flood maps clarify the risk homeowners face

A new approach to developing flood maps uses confidence intervals to capture the uncertainty in flood predictions, providing a more realistic depiction of flood zones. This simplified method is more accessible and cost-effective than traditional methods, producing acceptable results with less effort and lower costs.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalWater·DateJun 30, 2022

Development of ultra-thin, high-efficiency piezoelectric elements that generate electricity from movements in daily life

Researchers at DGIST have created a new energy-generating device using biocompatible materials that can harness electrical energy from small movements of the human body. The developed device boasts an ultra-thin film design and achieves the world's highest energy conversion efficiency at 18.85%, making it suitable for long-term power s...

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNano Energy·DateJun 30, 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.

Digitally savvy entrepreneurial teams can be successful at internationalization

A new study at the University of Eastern Finland shows that digital entrepreneurship requires building diverse networks, transparency, and courage to adapt. The research developed a digitalisation-driven networking model based on network and effectuation theory, offering insights for inexperienced digital entrepreneurs.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalManagement International Review·DateJun 30, 2022

Scientists warn of links between soil pollution and heart disease

A review paper highlights the relationships between soil pollution and human health, with a particular focus on cardiovascular disease. Soil pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and plastics can damage cardiovascular health through inflammation and disrupting the body's natural clock.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalCardiovascular Research·DateJun 30, 2022