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Science News for March 18, 2022


Astronomers closer to unlocking origin of mysterious fast radio bursts

Astronomers have found clues to the origin of fast radio bursts (FRBs) by analyzing polarization patterns. The team's findings suggest that every repeating FRB source is surrounded by a highly magnetized dense plasma, producing different rotation of the polarization angle as a function of frequency.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateMar 18, 2022

Unexplored dimensions of porous metamaterials

By slicing a block of elastomer with a periodic array of holes at a 45-degree angle, researchers discovered new properties and opened up new applications for this long-studied group of materials. This change in surface morphology can alter friction between the material and an underlying surface.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalExtreme Mechanics Letters·DateMar 18, 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.

Mini2P – an open-source miniature brain microscope

The Mini2P allows for live imaging of thousands of neurons, recording complex behavior and cognitive functions in a naturally behaving animal. By mapping neural landscapes across the cortex, researchers can gain insights into high-resolution brain activity and function.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2022

Better understanding superconductors with Higgs spectroscopy

Physicist Stefan Kaiser's ERC Consolidator Grant project uses terahertz lasers to measure superconductor properties, shedding light on Cooper pairs and Higgs oscillations. The new spectroscopy method aims to characterize superconductors and discover new ones.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·DateMar 18, 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.

When the brain sees a familiar face

When the eyes land on a face, certain cells in the amygdala react and trigger memory-making activity. Theta wave activity is also reset or restarted, preparing the hippocampus to receive new socially relevant information.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 18, 2022

Mine or ours: The brain’s choice

A study by HSE University and University of Basel found that the brain's pleasure centre is suppressed when resources are depleted, but responds differently to private and public resources. This understanding may help identify measures to preserve common natural resources.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateMar 18, 2022

Higher exposure to bisphenol a in the womb associated with increased risk for asthma and wheezing in school-age girls

A study of over 3,000 mother-child pairs from six European countries found an association between prenatal bisphenol A exposure and increased risk of asthma and wheezing in school-age girls. The study revealed a high prevalence of BPA in maternal urine during pregnancy.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeObservational study·DateMar 18, 2022

Huntington's disease: Astrocytes to the rescue!

A recent study found that stimulating reactive astrocytes promotes the elimination of toxic protein aggregates in Huntington's disease. This cooperative mechanism between neurons and astrocytes holds promise for potential treatments.

SourceCNRS·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers map human sensory neurons, pursue chronic pain cure

A UT Dallas team analyzes how pain is generated by nociceptors in human dorsal root ganglia neurons using spatial transcriptomics. This provides neuroscientists with a better understanding of which genes are expressed in DRG neurons, helping to clarify why proposed treatments struggle to produce results in humans.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 18, 2022

Youngest brain tumor patients have significantly poorer outcomes than older pediatric patients

Research led by Adam Green, MD, shows that the youngest patients with brain tumors (ages 0-3 months) have about half the five-year survival rate as children ages 1-19. The study analyzed population-based data for almost 14,500 children and found significantly poorer outcomes among the youngest patients.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Neuro-Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 18, 2022

Little evidence on how psilocybin therapy interacts with existing psychiatric treatments, review finds

A systematic review of psilocybin interactions with psychiatric medications reveals a lack of scientific research, leaving clinicians and patients uncertain about treatment combinations. The review highlights the need for further studies on clinical outcomes of combining pharmaceutical medications with psilocybin.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalPsychopharmacology·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 18, 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.

Researchers study how gene expression changes in the brain in Alzheimer's disease

The study highlights the need to analyze molecular markers, such as genetic sequences or brain proteins, to obtain more accurate assays, diagnoses and therapies. The results show changes in astrocytes attempting to adapt to toxic environments from the disease, worsening its progression.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 18, 2022

Industrial discharge is the dominant mercury source in Korea’s west coast

A recent study using mercury stable isotopes reveals that industrial discharge is the primary source of mercury pollution in Korea's west coast. This finding highlights the need for targeted management strategies to mitigate industrial mercury releases and protect marine environments.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateMar 18, 2022

Gene regulation at its brightest

Researchers at Tohoku University create a novel method to quantify transcription factor activity in live organisms using viruses. This breakthrough enables scientists to understand how diseases develop and potentially treat them.

SourceTohoku University·JournaliScience·DateMar 18, 2022

Third-party tracking on medical journal websites

Researchers found that many medical journal websites use third-party tracking, which could facilitate targeted pharmaceutical advertising. This study highlights the need for transparency and regulation in this area.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMar 18, 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.

Visible ocean plastics just the tip of the iceberg

A new study suggests that the majority of ocean plastics are on the seafloor or difficult to monitor, with an estimated 540 million metric tons trapped on land. The research estimates that large plastics and microplastics account for only a small percentage of total ocean plastic waste.

SourceKyushu University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 18, 2022

Turning any camera into a polarization camera

Researchers developed a metasurface attachment that can turn any camera into a polarization camera, capturing light's polarization at every pixel. This innovation benefits various fields like face recognition, self-driving cars and remote sensing, revealing hidden details and features.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·DateMar 18, 2022

Wildfires devastate the land they burn, and they are also warming the planet

Researchers found that brown carbon from biomass burning contributes significantly to Arctic warming, exceeding previous estimates. The study highlights the importance of wildfire mitigation and suggests a positive feedback loop where increased wildfires emit more brown carbon aerosols, further heating the earth.

SourceCell Press·JournalOne Earth·TypeObservational study·DateMar 18, 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.

Researchers experimentally realize non-Abelian permutations in an acoustic system

Researchers demonstrate the experimental realization of non-Abelian permutations in a three-state non-Hermitian system, illustrating complex eigenvalue Riemannian surfaces and exceptional points. This study provides theoretical and experimental evidence for the evolution of multiple states in non-Hermitian systems.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 18, 2022

Illuminating the brain with an ultra-thin, flexible, multipoint microLED array film

Scientists have created a flexible, multipoint microLED array film that enables simultaneous optical stimulation at specific or multiple regions in the brain. The technology has potential broader applications in neuroscience research and could lead to new understanding of brain function and behavior.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalApplied Physics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2022

High suicide rates in American Indian/Alaska Native veterans

A recent study found that age-adjusted suicide rates among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) veterans receiving care in the VHA system increased by nearly 150% over two decades. The youngest age group, aged 18-39 years, had the highest suicide rate of 66.0 per 100,000 person-years.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalMedical Care·DateMar 18, 2022

The colored skeletons of Çatalhöyük

The study provides the first analysis of pigment use in funerary and architectural contexts at Çatalhöyük, a Neolithic site in Turkey. The findings show that red ochre was commonly used on adults and children, while cinnabar and blue/green were associated with males and females, respectively.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature·DateMar 18, 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.

Marijuana for medical use may result in rapid onset of cannabis use disorder

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that medical marijuana users were more likely to develop cannabis use disorder (CUD) than expected, particularly those seeking relief from anxiety and depression. The study suggests that the current system of dispensing and using medical marijuana may be contributing to this issue.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 18, 2022

The most boring person in the world discovered by University of Essex research

Researchers found data analysis, accounting, cleaning, and banking to be the most boring jobs, while religion, watching TV, and bird watching were among the dullest hobbies. Stereotypically boring people are often disliked and avoided due to preconceptions, leading to social ostracization and increased loneliness.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeSurvey·DateMar 18, 2022

Artificial intelligence paves the way to discovering new rare-earth compounds

Researchers developed an AI-powered model to assess rare-earth compound stability, leveraging machine learning and high-throughput density-functional theory. This framework has far-reaching applications in materials science, including designing new compounds for clean energy technologies and optimizing magnetic properties.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalActa Materialia·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 18, 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.

Addressing food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic

A new study examines the effects of socioeconomic drivers on food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research highlights the importance of cash assistance in reducing food insecurity, particularly for households with female and/or less-educated heads, and those experiencing income loss due to the pandemic.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 18, 2022

‘Switching off’ specific brain cells protects against stress

Researchers from Osaka University discovered a group of brain cells in the claustrum that control stress-induced anxiety behaviors. Activating these cells led to anxious behavior, while deactivating them increased resilience against chronic stress.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2022

Scientists see what research participants picture in their mind’s eye

Scientists have developed a new technology to decode brain activity and infer the meaning of a person's mental picture. The study used electrocorticogram to detect patterns in brain activity while patients imagined different images, revealing distinct representations for each concept. This breakthrough could lead to the development of ...

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 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.

Magnet-free chiral nanowires for spintronic devices

Chiral materials are explored for spintronics due to their symmetry and electronic transport properties. Researchers successfully created magnet-free chiral nanowires that enable controlled spin polarization by manipulating the magnitude with an electrostatic gate.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 18, 2022

UBCO researchers use unique ingredient to strengthen bamboo

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have adapted a plastination technique to strengthen bamboo and reduce its degradation rate, making it more environmentally friendly. The innovation has the potential to significantly reduce non-degradable waste in industries such as construction and packaging.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalComposite Structures·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 18, 2022

HRR mutational status prognostic of survival outcomes in biomarker analysis of NRG oncology trial for women with recurrent platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer

The study found that homologous recombination repair mutant type (HRRmt) was prognostic of progression-free survival and predictive for olaparib activity in women with recurrent platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. Patients with BRCA mutations showed clinically significant activity when treated with experimental drugs.

SourceNRG Oncology·DateMar 18, 2022

UBCO researchers explore therapeutic uses of ketamine

Researchers from UBC Okanagan and the University of Exeter found ketamine to have significant anti-depressant and anti-suicidal effects in a comprehensive systematic review. The study suggests ketamine may be helpful in treating various disorders, including eating disorders, substance use, and anxiety.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalBJPsych Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 18, 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 collaboration study led by HKUMed finds that patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) have greater risk of mortality and healthcare costs; calls for early and subsequent clinical monitoring

A collaboration study led by HKUMed found that patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) have a 52% greater risk of all-cause mortality compared to treatment-responsive patients. TRD also consumes greater healthcare resources in both psychiatric and non-psychiatric services.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·DateMar 18, 2022

Urinary proteomics identified alternation of an enzyme that consumes itaconate in the TCA cycle and implicated a role of itaconite as an immune modulating metabolite in COVID-19

Scientists analyzed urine proteomes from COVID-19 patients and identified CLYBL, a citramalyl-CoA lyase that consumes itaconate in the TCA cycle. Increased CLYBL levels led to decreased itaconate levels, suggesting its potential as an immune modulating metabolite for COVID-19 treatment.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateMar 18, 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.

Conversion process turns pollution into cash

Engineers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a promising electrochemical system to convert emissions from chemical and power plants into useful products while addressing climate change. The two-step cascade reaction converts carbon dioxide to ethylene, a chemical used in various industries.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2022

Enhancing historical climate model data using super-resolution technology

Historical climate model data can now be improved using super-resolution technology, a new analysis tool that enhances older meteorological model data. Researchers have successfully reconstructed high-quality and high-resolution data using this method, which was previously used for image and video upscaling.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMar 18, 2022

Genetic changes associated with dog aging are more about quantity than quality

A recent study found that genetic changes in dogs' brain tissues are primarily about the number of genes affected rather than their function. The researchers discovered that approximately 3,500 genes were differentially expressed between young and old dogs, with most genes showing reduced activity in older animals.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalGeroScience·DateMar 18, 2022
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.

Decoding brain signals to control a robotic arm​

A team of researchers from KAIST has developed a mind-reading system that can interpret arm movement directions from neural signals in the brain. The new system, based on a machine-learning algorithm and mathematical probability model, successfully classified arm movements in 24 directions in three-dimensional space.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalApplied Soft Computing·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 18, 2022

CMIP6 models have improved in simulating sea surface salinity and freshwater flux

Recent studies show that CMIP6 models better simulate the spatial distribution of sea surface salinity and freshwater flux variability associated with ENSO. However, some models still have large uncertainties in simulating interannual variations, requiring further improvement in related physical processes.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 18, 2022

Early English lessons have lasting effects

Children who started learning English in primary school performed significantly better in listening and reading comprehension in grade nine compared to those who started later. The study found that the transition between school types played a key role in the long-term success of English language education, highlighting the need for wel...

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalSystem·DateMar 18, 2022

Ending automatic early release from prison of terrorists threatens their human rights, new analysis argues

A new analysis suggests that ending automatic early release from prison for terrorists will undermine their rehabilitation and threaten their human rights. The study, published in Legal Studies, argues that the changes, known as TORERA 2020, create a 'cliff-edge' in managing the risks of releasing terrorists.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalLegal Studies·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 18, 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.

Effectiveness of antibiotics significantly reduced when multiple bugs present

A study found that higher doses of antibiotics are needed to eliminate bacterial infections with other microbes present. Researchers developed a model of the human airways to replicate poly-microbial infections, which often persist despite treatment in people with cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateMar 18, 2022

New insight into the possible origins of life

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have successfully created an RNA molecule that undergoes Darwinian evolution, developing from a simple single molecule into diverse complex molecules. This breakthrough experiment provides empirical evidence for the emergence of complex life systems from simple biological molecules.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2022

Direct generation of complex structured light

Researchers have developed a direct method for generating complex structured light through intracavity nonlinear frequency conversion. This technique uses transverse mode locking to produce vortex beams, which are then converted into second-harmonic generation beams with distinct structural characteristics. The study demonstrates the p...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMar 18, 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.

UNLV researchers discover new form of ice

Researchers at UNLV's Nevada Extreme Conditions Lab have discovered a new form of ice with unique properties. The team found that the transition to Ice-X occurs at much lower pressures than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeObservational study·DateMar 18, 2022

University of Kentucky study: 'Good' cholesterol could help treat sepsis

A new University of Kentucky study published in Science Signaling suggests that replenishing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol could be an effective treatment for sepsis. The research found that a synthetic form of HDL provided protection against sepsis in mice, increasing survival rates and improving kidney function.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalScience Signaling·DateMar 18, 2022

Increasing access to breastfeeding services for incarcerated women

A new article provides guidance on increasing breastfeeding rates among incarcerated women, highlighting the need for policy updates and strategic collaborations with existing programs. The recommendations aim to address structural barriers and low implementation of lactation support in hospitals and correctional facilities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Correctional Health Care·DateMar 18, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Could we make cars out of petroleum residue?

Researchers at MIT have developed a way to create lightweight fibers out of petroleum residue, offering advantages over traditional carbon fiber materials. The new process uses heavy waste material left over from refining, reducing production costs and enabling the creation of load-bearing applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 18, 2022

How children are affected by coronavirus, RS virus and rhinovirus

Children who contract both corona and RS virus have a higher risk of hospitalization than those with corona alone. The study found that the proportion of serious illness among children with both viruses was lower than for those with corona, suggesting an advantage to contracting both viruses.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 18, 2022

Ancient ancestors evolved to be strong and snappy, study finds

Researchers studied fossil jaws and found that early jawed vertebrates had optimal shapes for strength and speed. The study used mathematical models to characterise jaw shapes and test their strength and efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 18, 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.

A dimmer switch for human brain cell growth

Researchers have identified a single gene, FOXG1, that can control brain cell growth in humans. The discovery provides hope for developing new treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders and stopping brain tumor cells from growing.

SourceMcGill University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMar 18, 2022