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Science News Archive June 2022


Page 18 of 40

Portland State secures $2.1M grant to expand data-driven research, training

The five-year grant will support research on foundational theory and real-world applications, including simulation of optical fibers, weather forecasting, and disease understanding. Postdoctoral researchers and graduate students will work with faculty mentors to develop data acumen and prepare for Ph.D. research.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Invasive wasp tests nature’s strengths and weaknesses

Research on the invasive Sirex woodwasp estimates it can reproduce up to 2-3 times higher in North America than in its native range, posing a significant threat to local ecosystems. The wasp's ability to tolerate climate extremes and spread rapidly makes it a challenging insect to control.

Workplace cyberbullying: Telework comes with new challenges

A recent study published in BMC Public Health found that younger age, managerial position, and frequency of teleworking are associated with cyberbullying victimization. Cyberbullying was linked to increased psychological distress, insomnia, and loneliness, emphasizing the need for effective countermeasures.

Wildfire smoke exposure negatively impacts dairy cow health

A new study in the Journal of Dairy Science finds that dairy cows exposed to wildfire smoke experience reduced milk production and altered immune function. The researchers observed a decrease in milk yield for seven consecutive days during the smoke exposure period, which persisted for another seven days post-exposure.

Soy sauce’s salt-enhancing peptides

Scientists identified proline-modified dipeptides and larger proteins that enhance umami and salty flavors in soy sauce. This discovery could help producers optimize fermentation conditions to boost desirable compounds and tailor the taste of soy sauce.

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.

How wet chopsticks hitting hot oil advance our understanding of physics

A team of researchers studied the technique of placing wet chopsticks into hot oil to gain insight into the physics behind it. They found three distinct types of bubble events: explosion cavities, elongated cavities, and oscillating cavities. These findings have potential applications in scientific fields such as acoustic sensing.

High-power optical amplifier on a compact photonic chip

Researchers successfully integrated an erbium-doped waveguide amplifier into a compact silicon nitride photonic chip, achieving high-power output of 145 megawatts with low noise. This breakthrough addresses the limitation of insufficient output power in optical integrated circuits.

Diabetes and cardiovascular disease increase dementia risk

A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that individuals with at least two cardiometabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, double their risk of developing dementia. The study suggests that prevention of these diseases could be a strategy for reducing dementia risk.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Dead star caught ripping up planetary system

Astronomers observe white dwarf star G238-44 siphoning off debris from inner and outer reaches of its planetary system, revealing insights into planetary system evolution. The study provides unique opportunity to analyze elements in planets apart and shed light on conditions of planetary formation.

A light twist

A researcher at the University of Tsukuba has developed a method for producing electrically conductive polymers with helical configurations, which can convert linearly polarized light into circular polarization. This approach may lead to cheaper and more energy-efficient electronic displays.

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.

Global warming is threatening the health of people in Britain, study shows

A new study from the University of Surrey reveals that heatwaves are making more people in rural areas of England severely ill today than they were in the 1980s. The research found that people living in southern England are seven percent more likely to die prematurely when temperatures rise significantly above 26.5 degrees Centigrade.

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.

Droughts in the sixth century paved the way for Islam

Researchers found that extreme droughts in the 6th century CE led to the downfall of the ancient South Arabian kingdom of Himyar. This climate instability created fertile ground for the emergence of Islam in the region, as people sought new hope and a unifying force.

New global biodiversity framework falls short on chemicals

The proposed Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework fails to address the totality of chemical pollutants threatening ecosystems worldwide. Researchers urge negotiators to include persistent and toxic substances like mercury and PFAS in the agreement.

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.

Electrically conductive paints and other polymer alloys now produced easily

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have synthesized polyaniline in various common solvents, enabling improved production and lower manufacturing costs. The discovery will facilitate versatile processing modes like inkjet printing and advance applications in printed circuit boards and other technologies.

Drawing a better picture of global cognition in older adults

A study published in JMIR Formative Research reveals that automated analysis of a common clinical drawing task can be used to estimate cognition in older adults from Japan and the USA. Researchers found that people with lower cognitive scores had more variability in their drawing speed, angle, and time spent paused during the task.

Dying stars could seed interstellar medium with carbon nanotubes

Researchers from the University of Arizona suggest that dying stars can forge carbon nanotubes in the envelopes of dust and gas surrounding them. This process involves the spontaneous formation of carbon nanotubes, which are highly structured rod-like molecules consisting of multiple layers of carbon sheets.

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.

Drilling for rare disease therapeutics

Researchers use computational approach VarC to study the spatial relationships between protein variants, revealing that most cystic fibrosis patients have an unstable inner core. This understanding allows for modeling potential compounds and designing more effective drugs.

Novel drug combo activates natural killer cell immunity to destroy cancer cells

A new study from Penn State College of Medicine finds that a unique combination of drugs can activate natural killer cell immunity in mice, which may also reinvigorate T cells to attack melanoma tumors. The combination targets proteins AKT and WEE1, increasing p53 pathway activity and enhancing natural killer cell infiltration.

Gene interaction that contributes to rice heat tolerance identified

Researchers have pinpointed a molecular map that details the specific gene interactions controlling rice's heat tolerance. The study reveals a genetic module, dubbed thermotolerance 3 (TT3), which enhances rice's ability to withstand high temperatures and reduces yield loss caused by heat stress.

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.

Move over muscles, it’s time for tendons to be in the spotlight

Researchers found that tendons, not muscles, are the key site where increased mechanosensitivity translates to better running and jumping capabilities. High expression of the calcium-ion channel mechanoreceptor coincided with wider tendons composed of larger collagen fibrils.

Communicating research through comics: Transportation and land development

A team at Portland State University is creating comics to share research findings on transportation and land development. The project aims to bridge the gap between academic research and the general public, addressing barriers such as complex language and storytelling, while showcasing the potential of visual rhetoric.

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.

Association of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders with weight change

A recent analysis of electronic medical records found that COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were not associated with significant weight gain or loss in adults. The study, which included over 102,000 participants, suggests that these lockdowns had a minimal impact on body mass index and weight changes.

Sharks may be closer to the city than you think, new study finds

Researchers tracked shark movements near Miami's city limits, finding they spent significant time near lights and sounds. This suggests sharks may be drawn to shore by land-based activities like fish carcass discarding, potentially impacting their health and survival.

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.

Long COVID risk less during Omicron compared to Delta

Researchers from King's College London found that long COVID risk is less likely during the Omicron period, especially in younger age groups and after vaccination. The study analyzed data from the ZOE COVID Symptom study app and reported a 20-50% lower odds of experiencing long COVID.

Are new corals in Sydney dangerous invaders or harmless refugees?

A new study has found that invasive subtropical corals can survive and thrive in coastal Sydney, raising concerns for existing coral species. The research suggests that warming temperatures could kill off the native corals, highlighting the need to protect Australia's reefs from climate change.

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.

To treat or to tolerate (pathogens), that is the question

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute identified genes and molecular pathways that control tolerance to pathogens in frog embryos, which are also found in mammals. The study suggests that increasing tolerance to pathogens could be an effective way to prevent death and disease without exacerbating antibiotic resistance.

Cyborg beetle for deciphering insect flight

Researchers created a cyborg beetle to study insect flight, using a tiny control backpack and electrodes to stimulate muscles. The study found that the subalar muscle regulates wing rotation angle to adjust body angles and accelerations in free flight, enabling complex maneuvers.

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.

Peanut allergy treatment safest when started for infants under 12 months

A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice found that infants under 12 months who undergo oral immunotherapy have a better safety profile compared to older preschoolers. The treatment, which involves gradually increasing exposure to peanut flour, is highly effective and safe for this age group.

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.

Aging-US | WRNing for the right DNA repair pathway choice

A recent study published in Aging-US reveals the crucial role of WRN in making choices between classical and alternative non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) DNA repair pathways. The research provides new insights into progeroid syndromes, such as Werner syndrome, and their connection to aging.

Tight budgeters beware: Skip the coffee before shopping

An international study found that caffeine impacts what shoppers buy and how much they spend when shopping. Caffeinated individuals purchased more non-essential items and spent more money compared to those who drank decaf or water.

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.

Study: Humans responsible for over 90% of world's oil slicks

A recent study published in Science found that more than 90% of chronic oil slicks on the Earth's oceans are caused by human activities. The research team used satellite radar images and artificial intelligence to analyze over 560,000 images collected between 2014 and 2019.

Researchers develop a comprehensive atlas of disease mortality

Researchers have developed a comprehensive atlas of disease mortality, providing a resource to estimate reductions in life expectancy for various disorders. The study analyzed data from 7,378,598 people living in Denmark from 2000 to 2018 and generated a panel of epidemiological and mortality metrics.

Can computers understand complex words and concepts?

Researchers at UCLA, MIT and NIH found that AI systems can mimic human understanding of words by relating their meanings through co-occurrence. The study developed a technique called 'semantic projection' to analyze the system's knowledge and found it to be more intuitive than expected.