Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive March 2022


Page 10 of 44

Study finds neurons that encode the outcomes of actions

Researchers discovered a group of neurons in the striatum that encodes information about potential decision-making outcomes, including rewards and penalties. These 'error signals' help the brain adapt to changing circumstances and make impulsive decisions or become paralyzed with indecision.

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.

Like father like child – male parents lead young birds on first migration

A study published in Nature Communications found that male Caspian terns carry the main responsibility for teaching young birds the secrets of migration during their first journey. Young birds always remained close to an adult bird and died if they lost contact, highlighting the importance of experienced adults guiding them to survive.

From liquid to solid to drive development

The study found that a solid state of oskar RNP granules is crucial for localization and function in Drosophila embryos. Genetic engineering resulted in defects when granules were made liquid-like, highlighting the importance of biophysical properties.

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.

Bed rest following embryo transfers not recommended for women undergoing IVF

A comprehensive review of 38 interventions performed at embryo transfer found that bed rest post-procedure decreased pregnancy rates by 15%. The use of ultrasound guidance and soft catheters increased pregnancy chances by 26% and 12%, respectively. The study calls for more research into promising interventions to optimize IVF success.

Firing it up

A team at Harvard Medical School identified a mechanism that triggers local dopamine release in the brain when acetylcholine binds to axons, not previously known to initiate firing. This finding reveals more about the interaction between acetylcholine and dopamine systems, suggesting a new strategy for treating diseases like Parkinson's.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists solve solar secret

Researchers have solved a key part of the coronal heating problem by merging two previous theories into one. The study used six-dimensional supercomputer simulations to show how turbulence creates magnetic waves that heat the gas in the Sun's atmosphere.

Tropical peatland, sea level rise and climate change

Researchers analyzed two peat cores to discover that higher concentrations of charcoal occurred between 9,000 to 4,000 years ago due to larger forest fires. Mangrove pollen found in the earlier period indicates rising sea levels and increased salt, contributing to dry conditions suitable for massive forest fires.

Can a poisonous sea snail replace morphine?

A new study from the University of Copenhagen suggests that the poison from the sea snail species Conus rolani can function as a painkiller, blocking out pain in mice for an even longer time than morphine. This discovery offers a potential alternative to addictive painkillers like morphine and opioids.

Cells dancing harmonic duets could enable personalized cancer therapies

Researchers at Duke University have developed a device that manipulates particles and cells using complex sound waves, enabling selective pairing of individual cells to measure adhesion forces. This technology could lead to personalized medicine by allowing doctors to determine treatment for individual cancer patients.

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.

Physicists create extremely compressible "gas of light"

Researchers at the University of Bonn have created a gas of light particles that can be extremely compressed under certain conditions. This effect is due to the 'fuzziness' of light particles, which allows them to overlap and form a quantum degenerate gas.

The proton's innate charm may trouble astronomers

Physicists from Cracow-based Institute of Nuclear Physics found that the proton's charm structure might affect our understanding of cosmic neutrinos. Recent LHCb detector measurements support a model with a higher charm quark contribution, which could mislead astronomers about high-energy neutrino origins.

Speaking from the heart: Could your voice reveal your heart health?

Researchers developed an AI-based computer algorithm that accurately predicted heart health risks based on voice recordings alone, identifying a high biomarker score associated with increased CAD-related events. The study suggests voice technology could be a powerful screening tool in remote healthcare delivery and telehealth.

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.

Spinal fluid sampling used to track treatment response in pediatric glioma

Researchers collected hundreds of cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with Diffuse Midline Glioma, tracking changes in cell-free tumor DNA over time. The findings suggest that this method could provide data about tumors sooner than MRIs alone, allowing clinicians to address aggressive brain cancer more effectively.

New tool assesses patients’ kidney disease–related knowledge

A new instrument, KART 2.0, measures Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and transplant-related knowledge to identify patients who could benefit from additional education and counselling. The tool was validated in a diverse group of patients with moderate to severe CKD.

Remote Indian Ocean reefs bounce back quickly after bleaching

Coral reefs in remote areas of the Indian Ocean have shown rapid recovery after a 2015/16 bleaching event. The study found that reefs with intact physical structure and key coral species returned quickly, indicating a high level of resilience to ocean warming.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Antibody production in patients hospitalized with COVID-19

Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 continue to produce antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) for up to 3 months, indicating a more durable immune response in those with severe disease. ASC levels are higher in patients with more severe symptoms.

Aspirin May Reduce Death In Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

Researchers found that early aspirin treatment helped reduce mortality in patients with moderate COVID-19, particularly for the elderly and those with comorbidities. The study included over 112,000 patients hospitalized with moderate disease severity.

Artificial intelligence to bring museum specimens to the masses

Scientists from Cardiff University have developed a new artificial intelligence method to automate the extraction of information from large collections of museum specimens. The 'image segmentation' method can accurately locate and bound different visual regions on images, allowing for faster and more efficient digitization processes.

Southeast Asia must close yield gap to remain a major rice bowl

The region needs to close its yield gap substantially to reduce rice imports and maintain a surplus for exports. Closing the existing yield gap will require improvements in crop management practices such as fertilizer use, irrigation, nutrient management, and integrated pest management.

Rescued Victorian rainfall data smashes former records

Volunteers transcribed 130 years of handwritten rainfall observations, extending the UK's rainfall record back to 1836. The new data provides insights into extreme dry and wet months, as well as recent changes in rainfall due to climate change.

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.

Letter: Let's not abandon Russian scientists

Western scientists advocate for a balanced approach to addressing Russia's government actions, highlighting the potential drawbacks of excluding all Russian scientists. The authors emphasize the importance of maintaining lines of communication and collaboration in advancing global challenges related to science and technology.

Racial minorities are less likely to receive CPR when they need it

A nationwide study found that Black and Hispanic individuals are 41% less likely than white individuals to receive CPR when suffering cardiac arrest in public and 26% less likely at home. The disparity persists regardless of neighborhood income level, suggesting access to training may play a role.

IgA antibodies seem to protect unvaccinated against COVID-19

A University of Gothenburg study found that IgA antibodies present in the respiratory tract protected healthcare workers from contracting COVID-19. The research, published in the European Journal of Immunology, suggests that these antibodies may play a crucial role in preventing severe illness and hospitalization.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

No increase in pregnancy complications after COVID-19 vaccination

A large-scale registry study found no association between COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and increased risk of preterm birth, growth retardation, or neonatal care. Vaccination was associated with a slightly lower risk of neonatal care and provided protection against COVID-19 for the newborn.

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.

New Fermi arcs could provide a new path for electronics

Researchers have discovered a new type of Fermi arc that appears at low temperatures when the material becomes antiferromagnetic, offering a new path for electronics based on electron spins. The arcs can be switched on and off quickly by applying a magnetic pulse, potentially leading to more efficient information technology.

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.

Building powerful brand alliances among seemingly unlikely partners

A new digital approach analyzes audience interests across a broad brand ecosystem, identifying non-traditional branding opportunities. The study reveals cross-category insights, including brand-brand and brand-category connections, which help assess co-branding and extension opportunities.

Intense press coverage prompts new expeditions to Dyatlov Pass

Researchers at EPFL and ETH Zurich propose a rational explanation for the deaths of nine hikers in 1959, attributing their injuries to a small slab avalanche. The team's work was met with intense media attention and criticism from conspiracy theorists before being accepted by the Russian scientific community.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Getting warmer: Improving heat flux modeling

Scientists at Osaka University developed a new numerical technique to visualize heat flux at the atomic scale for the first time. The team found that sub-atomic stresses in solid and liquid structures determine the direction of heat flux, enabling more efficient nanoscale manufacturing.

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.

Development of a sugar-based vaccine for melioidosis

A team led by Professor Charles Gauthier is developing a glycoconjugate vaccine using sugars expressed on the surface of Burkholderia pseudomallei. The vaccine aims to stimulate an immune response and increase its efficacy.

Research Brief: Healthcare worker perspectives of COVID-19 vaccines

A recent study published in Vaccine found that nearly 90% of healthcare workers accepted COVID-19 vaccines, particularly those serving immigrant communities. The researchers highlight the importance of education and interpersonal communication in influencing vaccine decisions.

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.

Win-wins in environmental management hard to find

A University of Colorado Boulder study shows that win-wins in environmental management are rare due to real-world complexity. The research highlights the importance of compromise and effective communication between scientists, stakeholders, and policymakers.