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Science News for March 25, 2022


Family-based treatment of children with severe obesity shows promising results according to new study

A new study finds family-based behavioral treatment improves weight-related outcomes significantly more than usual treatment among children aged 6-18 years with severe obesity. The treatment model was delivered at an outpatient clinic and consists of 17 sessions over six months, involving school and leisure activities.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalClinical Obesity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 25, 2022

Half of all women experience false positive mammograms after 10 years of annual screening

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that half of all women will experience at least one false positive mammogram over a decade of annual breast cancer screening with 3D mammography. The risk of false positives is lower for women screened every other year, and non-dense breasts also show a lower false positive risk.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 25, 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.

Vagus nerve stimulation lowers costs of care for children with uncontrolled epilepsy

A new study found that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) plus anti-seizure medications significantly reduces hospital costs for children with drug-resistant epilepsy. The study showed patients treated with VNS and ASM had lower inpatient healthcare utilization and outpatient care costs compared to those treated with ASM alone.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalEpilepsia·DateMar 25, 2022

Hotels need to understand clients’ level of concern regarding COVID-19

A study by the University of Granada found that consumers' perception of physical and emotional risk caused by COVID-19 influences their decision to stay in hotels. Consumers with higher resilience tend to perceive lower risk and have a higher intention to return to hotel consumption.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 25, 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.

Henry Yuen wins NSF CAREER Award

Assistant Professor Henry Yuen at Columbia University will receive a $675,000 grant to develop verification protocols for entanglement theory and explore broader mathematical applications. His work aims to solve fundamental problems in computer science, mathematics, and physics using quantum entanglement.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateMar 25, 2022

Study shows how bioactive substance inhibits important receptor

Researchers at the University of Bonn have shown how an inhibitor binds to the A2A receptor, a key regulator of the immune system. This discovery could lead to targeted search for molecules that give the innate immune system more punch against cancer and brain diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022

Legal language affects how police officers are judged

Researchers found that using the phrase 'objectively reasonable' to describe a police officer leads to less negative judgments, affecting perceptions of competence and warmth. The study suggests that legal language has a powerful impact on how citizens evaluate police officers, particularly those serving on juries.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateMar 25, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Snapshot measurement of single nanostructure’s circular dichroism

Scientists developed a new technique for single nanostructure circular dichroism spectroscopy using a nano-patterned liquid-crystal polarization grating, allowing for real-time tracking and analysis of individual functional units. The new method is equivalent to conventional CD spectroscopy and has high efficiency and accuracy.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateMar 25, 2022

An ultrafast X-ray glance into photoacid electronic structure

Researchers have provided direct insight into the electronic structure of a proton donating group in an amine aromatic photoacid using ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy. The study reveals major electronic structure changes occur on the base side of the Förster cycle, resolving the long-standing open question.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022

Attention to objects in peripheral vision is not driven by tiny eye movements

Researchers found that attention-related signals occur independently of eye movement signals, and microsaccades are not required for shifting attention. This breakthrough resolves controversy about brain systems for attention and has implications for understanding attention disorders and behavior.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022

Why do we lose muscle mass when physical activity levels decline?

Researchers at Kobe University discover that immobilization induces loss of muscle mass by disrupting calcium levels and triggering the KLF15-IL-6 pathway. This finding may lead to the development of a treatment for muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, which affects aging societies.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 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.

Studying atomic structure of aluminum alloys for manufacturing modern aircraft

The study focuses on the Al-Cu-Mg-Ag system used for aircraft structures, revealing patterns that enhance the alloy's heat resistance and strength. The findings will help extend the lifetime of aircraft parts made from these materials, improving overall efficiency and performance.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalMaterials Characterization·DateMar 25, 2022

Experimental Biology 2022 press materials available now

This year's Experimental Biology 2022 meeting features groundbreaking studies on COVID-19 vaccine-associated symptoms in non-menstruating people, a plant compound showing promise for alleviating food allergies, and the potential of omega-3s to boost immunotherapy's cancer-fighting power. Researchers also explore the safety of using CBD...

SourceExperimental Biology·DateMar 25, 2022

The hardy wild grass that could save our bread

A team of researchers identified a stem rust resistance gene from wild goat grass species Aegilops sharonensis, which can be cross-bred into wheat for immunity against deadly crop pathogens. The genetic potential of this hardy relative has been largely unexplored and holds promise for reducing the threat of the stem rust disease.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022

Stem cell secrets allow researchers to revamp reprogramming

A genome-wide functional screen identified critical regulators of naïve stem cell reprogramming, enabling the creation of high-quality, stable stem cell populations. The study also uncovered epigenetic factors that hinder or help reprogramming, including the essential PRC1.3 complex and inhibitory HDAC2 protein.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 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.

Keeping the light from fading

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology developed a new calibration method to compensate for variations in illumination while scanning stained-glass windows. This approach can help capture the colors of cultural artifacts in a lifelike way, even with long scanning times.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Computer Vision·DateMar 25, 2022

Design of protein binders from target structure alone

A team of scientists created a powerful new method for generating protein drugs by designing molecules that can target important proteins in the body. The research yielded candidate medicines for cancer, diabetes, infection, inflammation, and beyond, offering a paradigm shift in drug development.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022

New study estimates annual cost of incarcerating adults convicted of child sex crimes topped $5.4 billion in 2021

A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimated that the US spent an average of $34,191 per incarcerated adult convicted of sex crimes against children under 18 in 2021. The total annual cost was over $5.4 billion, with conservative estimates suggesting nearly $49 billion for the current cohort of inmates.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalSexual Abuse·DateMar 25, 2022

Alpaca nanobodies potently neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have developed a novel strategy to identify potent miniature antibodies, so-called nanobodies, against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. The approach led to the discovery of multiple nanobodies that effectively blocked infection with different SARS-CoV-2 variants.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 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.

COVID-19 mixed with flu increases risk of severe illness and death

Adults hospitalized with COVID-19 and flu have a higher risk of severe disease and death compared to those with COVID-19 alone. The study found that patients with both conditions were over four times more likely to require ventilation support and two-and-a-half times more likely to die.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateMar 25, 2022

How fingers could point to a link between low testosterone and Covid hospitalizations

A study published in Scientific Reports found that patients with 'feminized' short fingers tend to experience severe Covid-19 symptoms, while those with large right-hand-left hand differences have elevated probabilities of hospitalization. The research suggests a link between low testosterone and high oestrogen levels and Covid severity.

SourceSwansea University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 25, 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.

“How much is too much” for assistance level using robotic therapy in stroke rehabilitation

A study found that robotic therapy with high assistance levels improves upper limb function in severe-to-moderate stroke survivors, while moderate-to-mild patients perform better with less assistance. The researchers suggest tailoring robotic assistance to individual patient needs and encourage further research using objective tools.

SourceOsaka Prefecture University·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 25, 2022

Speed limit of computers detected

Scientists have discovered a speed limit for computer chips, with one petahertz being the maximum frequency for signal transmission. The research uses ultra-short laser pulses to create electrical currents in dielectric materials, allowing for faster data transmission.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022

IOF CNS Medal awarded to Teréza Hough, South African bone health advocate

Teréza Hough, CEO of the National Osteoporosis Foundation South Africa, has been awarded the IOF CNS Medal for her outstanding contributions to bone health advocacy. Her work in raising awareness and advancing education among the public and healthcare professionals in South Africa is recognized globally.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateMar 25, 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.

Artificial hail for more accurate weather forecasts

Researchers at Mainz University created artificial hailstones using a 3D printer to study their behavior in a vertical wind tunnel. The experiments revealed that the form of hailstones determines their velocity before impact, which can affect the severity of precipitation events.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalJournal of the Atmospheric Sciences·DateMar 25, 2022

Innovative AI technology aids personalized care for diabetes patients needing complex drug treatment

Researchers developed an AI method to analyze electronic health record data and predict optimal drug regimens for type 2 diabetes patients with similar characteristics. The algorithm successfully supported medication selection for over 83% of patients, leading to better management of the disease and improved patient engagement.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of Biomedical Informatics·DateMar 25, 2022

New pathway for DNA transfer discovered in tumor microenvironment

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have discovered a new pathway for DNA transfer in the tumor microenvironment, which enables cancer cells to share genetic material with other cells. This study sheds light on how cancer spreads and may lead to early detection of different types of tumors.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 25, 2022

The mystery of an unusual Panamanian plant’s dispersal

Researchers used camera traps to monitor interactions between Panama's epiphytic Zamia pseudoparasitica and animals, revealing that a nocturnal tree-dwelling mammal called northern olingos may be responsible for seed dispersal. The study sheds light on the plant's persistence in the forest canopy.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateMar 25, 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.

“Hot” spin quantum bits in silicon transistors

The research team created silicon-based qubits using FinFET architecture that can store quantum information in two states at higher temperatures, allowing for scalability and integration into existing industry standards.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Electronics·DateMar 25, 2022

Quantum physics sets a speed limit to electronics

Researchers investigated the shortest possible time scale of optoelectronic phenomena and found that it cannot be increased beyond one petahertz. The experiments used ultra-short laser pulses to create free charge carriers in materials, which were then moved by a second pulse to generate an electric current.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 25, 2022

Improving self-driving car reliability with electromagnetic wave absorption and shielding technology!

Researchers at KIMS create ultra-thin composite film absorbing over 90% of 5G electromagnetic waves, improving self-driving car reliability and reducing secondary interference. The technology has potential applications in smartphones, automotive radars, and low-orbit communication satellites.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateMar 25, 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.

COVID-19 infection linked to higher risk of neuropathy

Researchers found that COVID-19 infected individuals were three times more likely to report pain, numbness, or tingling in their hands and feet compared to those with negative tests. Nearly 30% of patients who tested positive also reported neuropathy problems at diagnosis, with some symptoms persisting for up to three months.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPain·TypeObservational study·DateMar 25, 2022

Tablet containing CBD shows promise in reducing post-operative pain

A new study found that an orally absorbed tablet containing cannabidiol (CBD) effectively reduced post-operative pain after shoulder surgery without side effects. The study showed significant pain relief and higher patient satisfaction compared to placebo, highlighting the potential of CBD as a safe and effective pain management tool.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateMar 25, 2022

True and false claims: online behaviors behind COVID-19 vaccine uptake

Researchers analyzed over 4 million Twitter posts to find that fact-related users were negatively associated with vaccination rates, while fake-news users showed no significant impact. Exclusive fact-based users were more likely to be verified accounts with higher online influence.

SourceHealth Data Science·JournalHealth Data Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 25, 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.

Losing the cover of darkness

A study by researchers at the University of Plymouth reveals that energy-efficient broad spectrum lighting is reducing the efficacy of coastal species' camouflage. This can have significant impacts on visually guided ecological processes, with certain color variations being more vulnerable to detection.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022

Peering into precise ultrafast dynamics in matter

Researchers developed TDAP method for investigating precise ultrafast processes in matter, providing robust dynamic simulations based on quantum mechanical principles. The approach has been applied to strong field physics and photocatalysis, demonstrating effective treatment of ultrafast quantum dynamical processes.

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022

Can Bessel beams be realized in the ultrabroad terahertz frequency range?

A team of scientists has successfully generated Bessel terahertz pulses from superluminal laser plasma filaments, showcasing a promising approach for various applications. The method, which manipulates the spatial-temporal structure with tailored femtosecond lasers, produces ultrabroad bandwidth and high-order Bessel beam profiles.

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022

Birds are laying their eggs earlier, and climate change is to blame

A study using century-old museum collections and modern data shows that about a third of bird species in Chicago are laying eggs nearly a month earlier than they did a hundred years ago. Climate change is believed to be the main culprit behind this shift, with rising temperatures affecting nesting habits.

SourceField Museum·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMar 25, 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.

Large study challenges the theory that light alcohol consumption benefits heart health

A large study published in JAMA Network Open found no evidence that light alcohol consumption provides heart-related health benefits, instead suggesting lifestyle factors common among moderate drinkers contribute to the observed benefit. The study linked high-risk cardiovascular disease across all levels of alcohol intake.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 25, 2022

Catching up with deep learning in spectral imaging

Recent deep-learning-empowered spectral imaging techniques enable fast reconstruction within seconds, improving spectral resolution. The authors categorize methods into three groups based on light characteristics, facilitating further research.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateMar 25, 2022

Stabilizing emulsion research improves firefighting operations and more

The team's research uses graphene quantum dots with zwitterionic properties to stabilize Pickering emulsions, allowing for controlled release and improved durability in firefighting operations. This technology holds promise for enhanced oil recovery and drug delivery.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeNews article·DateMar 25, 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.

Amygdala overgrowth that occurs in autism spectrum disorder may begin during infancy

A new study funded by the NIH found that amygdala overgrowth in autism spectrum disorder begins between 6-12 months of age, suggesting early intervention may be effective in reducing symptoms. The study also identified distinct brain growth patterns in infants with Fragile X syndrome.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 25, 2022

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 25, 2022

Water resource conservation promotes sustainable development in China's northern drylands

A research group studied China's water conservation regulations in the northern drylands and found they drove industrial transformation, reducing negative environmental impacts. Adaptive strategies were developed for 12 cities to integrate their development pathways and promote holistic sustainable development through cooperation.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 25, 2022

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.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMar 25, 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.