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Science News Archive June 2022 - Page 39


Page 39 of 40

Time-reversal asymmetry surpasses conversion efficiency limit for solar cells

Researchers have developed a single-cell PV design integrated with nonreciprocal optical components to provide 100-percent reuse of emitted radiation, breaking the Shockley–Queisser limit. This breakthrough enables a quasimonochromatic radiation converter to reach the theoretically maximum Carnot efficiency.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateJun 1, 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.

Automated drones could scare birds off agricultural fields

A Washington State University research team developed a system using cameras and small drones to detect and deter pest birds. The system successfully reduced bird counts by four-fold in vineyards, resulting in a 50% reduction in damaged fruits. Further refinement and industry partnerships are needed for commercialization.

SourceWashington State University·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·DateJun 1, 2022

Young adults turn crushes into love, UC Davis study suggests

A new UC Davis study found that young adults' early relationships are often characterized by emotional connection and attachment, rather than physical attractiveness. The researchers surveyed 208 college students and found that markers of attachment were strong predictors of sustained interest in a partner.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEuropean Journal of Personality·TypeSurvey·DateJun 1, 2022

Engineers develop nanoparticles that cross the blood-brain barrier

A team of MIT researchers has developed drug-carrying nanoparticles that can efficiently penetrate the brain and kill glioblastoma cells. Using a human tissue model, they showed that the particles could get into tumors and deliver chemotherapy drugs, including cisplatin, which effectively killed tumor cells.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2022

How electric fish were able to evolve electric organs

Researchers discovered how electric fish evolved electric organs by modifying a sodium channel gene. The finding highlights the potential for this genetic mechanism to contribute to human diseases. By studying electric fish, scientists can gain a better understanding of evolutionary processes and their applications in human health.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 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.

Understanding the health and environmental risks of microplastics

Researchers investigate microplastic risks using nanotoxicology lessons, standardizing particles for reproducible studies. Scientists aim to replicate real-world situations in lab simulations to understand human gut and lung cell effects.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 1, 2022

Newly designed surface high-performance matrix to boost Li-S battery performance

A team of researchers has proposed an atomic terminated concept to design a facet <em>single-crystal architecture</em> for Li-S batteries, harvesting high-density/efficient surface active sites to significantly boost electrocatalyst performance. They achieved a high efficient surface-active sites concentration of more than 69 percent, ...

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateJun 1, 2022

Racial and ethnic disparities in stroke outcomes

A new study reveals racial and ethnic disparities in stroke survival, with Black and Hispanic patients facing higher mortality rates for specific types of strokes. The research found that these disparities vary by stroke type and may be attributed to factors such as access to healthcare, high blood pressure, and structural racism.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNeurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 1, 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.

Five-star rating? New research finds it may not reflect what consumers receive

A new study in Marketing Science found that five-star ratings increase over time due to inflation, making the system less informative. The researchers' model suggests that reputation systems, which play a critical role in online marketplaces, may be built on an unstable foundation.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·TypeObservational study·DateJun 1, 2022

Novel solar cell architecture performs well under real-world constraints

Researchers developed a hot-carrier multijunction solar cell that maintains high conversion efficiency with nonoptimal materials, expanding the scope of candidate designs. The novel architecture showed superior resilience to design imperfections, widening the range of suitable materials and operating conditions.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateJun 1, 2022

Creating artificial intelligence that acts more human by ’knowing that it knows’

A team from Nagoya University created an artificial neural network model that performed the delayed matching-to-sample task and analyzed its behavior. The model was able to evolve to exhibit human-like metamemory, adapting to its environment by learning and evolving. This breakthrough aims to create machines with memories like humans.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 1, 2022

Long-banned toxic chemicals remain a global threat

A new analysis found over 10 million tonnes of PCB-containing materials remain globally, posing public health and environmental threats. The Stockholm Convention's deadline for elimination is nearing, but most countries are not on track to meet it.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeCase study·DateJun 1, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research paves the way for stronger alloys

Scientists have discovered how microscopic crystals grow and change shape in molten metals as they cool, leading to a better understanding of the tensile strength of alloys. The research, published in Acta Materialia, used high-speed synchrotron X-ray tomography to study the changing crystal structures in molten alloys.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalActa Materialia·TypeObservational study·DateJun 1, 2022

Wind turbines operating without curtailment claim many victims among protected bat species in Germany

A study estimates that old wind turbines can be deadly for protected bat species, with some turbines claiming up to 70 bat victims per year. The researchers recommend adjusting the operation of old turbines to current regulations, or even dismantling them if they are located in unfavorable sites.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 1, 2022

Impact of DNA mutations on lifelong blood cell production uncovered

Researchers discovered how genetic mutations hijack blood cell production over a lifetime, leading to age-related diseases. The study tracked nearly 700 blood cell clones from 385 individuals aged over 55, revealing how age-dependent clonal behaviors mirror the frequency of emergence of different types of blood cancers.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 1, 2022

A stem cell model from Mount Sinai could help unravel the complex biology behind some psychiatric disorders

Researchers developed an in vitro stem cell model to map disease risk variants in human neurons, which could provide insights into the biological mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders. The study focuses on mapping cis-regulatory elements linked to psychiatric disease heritability.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 1, 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.

UCI-led astronomy team finds evidence of galactic metal shrouded in dust

An international team analyzed five ultraluminous galaxies with dim visible wavelengths, finding no significant metal deficiency when observed in infrared wavelengths. The study reveals that these galaxies have a metallicity consistent with the fundamental metallicity relation determined by stellar mass and star formation rate.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateJun 1, 2022

Scaling new heights with new research showing how plants can grow at altitude

Researchers discovered that plant species can 'sense' the surrounding oxygen levels at altitude, controlling chlorophyll synthesis to match toxic chemical levels. This mechanism helps plants adapt to changing environments, providing new understanding for crop breeders to enhance high-altitude growth capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 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.

Study evaluates how to eliminate telemedicine’s virtual waiting room

A study by UC San Diego Health found that sending patients a text message when their doctor is ready can reduce wait times and improve patient satisfaction. The 'telemedicine untethered' option showed a 55-minute time savings in clinic operations, with zero late appointments and increased flexibility for both patients and providers.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalQuality Management in Health Care·DateJun 1, 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.

Gratitude expressions between co-workers improve cardiovascular responses to stress

A study from the University of California San Diego found that expressing gratitude between teammates improved their cardiovascular responses to stress, allowing for increased concentration and confidence. This can have long-term health impacts, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2022

Black holes helped quenching star formation in the early Universe

A team of astronomers found that black holes played a crucial role in preventing rejuvenated star formation in massive quiescent galaxies. By analyzing the combined light from thousands of galaxies, they discovered a low-luminosity active galactic nucleus that may have heated the galaxy's gas, preventing new stars from forming.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJun 1, 2022

India’s relic forests reveal a new species of leopard gecko

A new species of leopard gecko, Eublepharis pictus, has been discovered in India's relic forests. The Painted Leopard Gecko measures 11.7 cm in length and is strictly nocturnal, actively foraging along trails in the forest after dusk.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalEvolutionary Systematics·DateJun 1, 2022

Newly discovered lipid prevents cell death

Researchers have discovered a membrane lipid called PI(18:1/18:1) that significantly involves in preventing programmed cell death. This finding opens up new therapeutic approaches for diseases such as diabetes, cancer and neurodegeneration.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2022
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.

Study suggests that most of our evolutionary trees could be wrong

New research challenges centuries-old scholarship on animal classification by morphology, instead favoring molecular data for a better fit with geographical distribution. Convergent evolution is found to be widespread and often misleading, with famous examples such as flight in birds, bats, and insects

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 1, 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.

June issues of American Psychiatric Association Journals cover mental health disparities and structural racism and collaborative response to behavioral health emergencies

The June issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services address mental health disparities and structural racism. These journals provide a platform for collaborative responses to behavioral health emergencies, shedding light on important topics in the field.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJun 1, 2022

Less air pollution leads to higher crop yields, Stanford-led study shows

A new Stanford University-led study reveals that reducing nitrogen oxides emissions by half can improve crop yields by up to 25% in certain regions. The analysis used satellite images to map NOx levels and their impact on agriculture, providing valuable insights into the effects of air pollution on food production.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 1, 2022

Scientists call for decision-making to be transformed to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises together

A new article in BioScience argues that incremental changes are insufficient to address planetary emergencies, and calls for broader system-wide changes to governing interactions between climate, biodiversity, and society. The authors hope their work will inform the setting of biodiversity objectives and targets.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalBioScience·DateJun 1, 2022

The mindful way to manage stress among elite athletes

A new study from the University of South Australia found that dispositional mindfulness can significantly reduce and protect elite athletes from stress. Athletes who demonstrated greater mindfulness had lower levels of stress, both immediately after a COVID-19-related shutdown and at the end of their competitive season.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalPerceptual and Motor Skills·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 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.

Research shows how Gulf of Mexico escaped ancient mass extinction

Research by University of Texas Institute for Geophysics reveals how ancient global warming affected the Gulf of Mexico's marine life and chemistry. The study found that radiolarians thrived in the Gulf due to nutrient-rich river sediments, providing valuable lessons about current climate change.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalMarine and Petroleum Geology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 1, 2022

Newly discovered brain cell sheds light on the formation of memories

A novel brain cell type, named theta off-ripples on (TORO), has been discovered in the hippocampus, playing a key role in the formation of memories. TORO neurons are activated during sharp wave ripples and inhibit other brain areas, propagating SWR information broadly in the brain.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2022

A surprising way to tamper ugly ‘Dark Triad’ personality traits

A new study by SMU psychology professor Nathan Hudson found that practicing activities like donating money to charity or talking to strangers can decrease all three Dark Triad traits after four months. The surprising twist is that people who wanted to increase their dark traits also wanted to become more agreeable.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalJournal of Personality·TypeCase study·DateJun 1, 2022

“Masked” cancer drug sneaks through body to deliver anti-tumor treatment with fewer side effects

Researchers at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have developed a version of interleukin-12 that is activated only when it reaches a tumor, reducing side effects. The new 'masked' molecule has shown promising results in eliminating cancer cells and outperforming existing immune therapies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 1, 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.

Zapping orange peel oil into new, pleasant aroma compounds

Scientists have developed a sustainable method to create valuable aroma compound mixtures from limonene, the main compound in orange peel oil. The process generates an amber-colored liquid with a pleasant odor and 17 different compounds with fruity, herbal, citrus, and resinous notes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 1, 2022

Over 70% of mass shootings in developed countries happen in the US, international analysis shows

A study published in the International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice found that mass shootings in the US account for 73% of all incidents in developed countries, resulting in 816 deaths. The research identified distinct characteristics of US mass shootings, including ideological motives and relationship problems.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalInternational Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 1, 2022

Researchers show dynamic soaring isn’t just for albatrosses

A new study reveals that Manx shearwaters use dynamic soaring to harvest wind energy and travel efficiently across the ocean. The birds' ability to adapt their flight patterns to optimize energy gain suggests a potentially game-changing strategy for drones and other aerial vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 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.

How the brain responds to surprising events

A new MIT study finds that noradrenaline helps the brain learn from surprising outcomes by stimulating behavior that leads to a reward, particularly in uncertain situations. The researchers also discovered that noradrenaline promotes taking a chance on getting a reward, even when the outcome is unknown.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJun 1, 2022

Team sports linked to fewer mental health difficulties for kids

A large-scale study found that team sport participation is associated with lower mental health difficulties in children and adolescents. In contrast, exclusive individual sport participation may lead to greater mental health issues. The study analyzed data from over 11,000 US kids and adolescents.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJun 1, 2022

Gene variant gives mice super-powered tendons for jumping and running

Scientists at Scripps Research discovered a genetic mutation in PIEZO1 ion channel that impacts tendon biology and boosts the physical performance of mice. Mice with the PIEZO1 mutation had wider tendons, more compliant structures, and could store three times more energy.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 1, 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.

Researchers discover Archean continental rocks at the southwest Indian ridge

A joint research team has discovered ancient continental rocks at the Southwest Indian Ridge, dating back 2.7 billion years. The rocks' composition suggests they were recycled from the neighboring African continent through the asthenosphere, challenging current understanding of oceanic crust formation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 1, 2022

Consumers embrace milk carton QR codes, may cut food waste

A Cornell University study found that consumers will use milk carton QR codes to better depict how long the milk is drinkable, potentially reducing agricultural and food waste. The use of QR codes could also help retailers discard less food by providing consumers with more accurate 'best-by dates'.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateJun 1, 2022