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Science News Archive March 2022


Page 42 of 44

Bull ant evolves new way to target pain

Researchers at the University of Queensland discovered a venom molecule in bull ants that targets the echidna's pain pathway, potentially leading to new treatments for long-term pain. The molecule exploits an EGF signalling pathway, similar to those used in anti-cancer therapy.

Magneto-electrodeposition technique offers new solution for supercapacitors

Researchers developed a new magneto-electrodeposition technique to improve the electrochemical performance of layered materials, resulting in high energy density and outstanding cycling stability. The technique allows for scalable production and construction of flexible hybrid supercapacitors suitable for portable electronics.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Corals can be “trained” to tolerate heat stress, study finds

Researchers found that corals exposed to variable temperatures were more tolerant of increased water temperatures and less likely to succumb to disease. This new approach could increase the success rate of coral restoration efforts, particularly in South Florida and the Caribbean.

Partisan media exposure could inform COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy

A Washington State University study suggests that partisan media exposure and pre-existing attitudes play a significant role in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The findings indicate that individuals with positive vaccine attitudes and lower conservative media consumption are more likely to have higher vaccine intention.

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.

The series Euphoria and the representation of trans characters

The series Euphoria represents trans characters in a multidimensional and realistic way, depicting Jules as a teenager with a life beyond her trans identity. The study shows that the series normalizes and makes trans characters feel everyday, reducing negative stereotypes.

Discovery may explain why more females than males get knee osteoarthritis

Researchers have discovered a genetic difference in the meniscus that makes about 50% of females more prone to developing knee osteoarthritis than males or other females. The study suggests potential for a blood test to identify high-risk individuals, allowing for early interventions and prevention strategies.

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.

Weighing up: What’s the bottom line when it comes to weight loss?

A new study from the University of South Australia has found that popular weight loss diets can be expensive, with costs ranging from $345 to $625 per week. The most cost-effective diet was modelled on the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and adapted for weight loss through calorie restriction.

How to help humans understand robots

Researchers at MIT and Harvard University applied cognitive science theories to human-robot interaction, finding that humans need to see variation in robot behavior to build accurate mental models. Theories suggest that strategic variation can reveal concepts that might be difficult for a person to discern otherwise.

Study reveals human lifestyle in East Asia 40,000 years ago

Researchers from China, Germany, France and Spain uncovered the lifestyle of humans living in East Asia 40,000 years ago. The study found evidence of ochre processing, miniature stone tools and bone tools, demonstrating technological innovations and cultural diversification.

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.

Study of algae in Acadia National Park lakes shows recovery from acidification

Researchers in Acadia National Park found that regulations reducing atmospheric sulfur have led to a partial recovery of algae ecosystems, despite ongoing climate change impacts. Clear-water lakes like Jordan Pond are more sensitive to warming than brown-water lakes like Seal Cove Pond, leading to slower recovery rates.

Gene editing gets safer thanks to redesigned Cas9 protein

Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have redesigned a key component of the widely used CRISPR-based gene-editing tool Cas9 to be thousands of times less likely to target the wrong stretch of DNA. The new version, called SuperFi-Cas9, is as efficient as the original but reduces off-target interactions, making it potentially ...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Connecting stress, weight, and social anxiety in early adolescence

A new study by EPFL researchers finds that stress during early adolescence leads to increased body fat and reduced sociability in males, but not females. The researchers identified a biological link between stress-induced fat gain and impaired brain function, specifically the NAD+/Sirtuin-1 pathway.

Common cause of heart attacks in younger adults linked to gene variants

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital identified genetic variants in fibrillar collagen genes that increase the risk of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a common cause of fatal heart attacks in young women. The study's findings provide a potential new target for therapies to prevent SCAD.

The benefits of peripheral vision for machines

Adversarially robust models capture aspects of human peripheral processing, with results showing similarity in image transformations and perception alignment. The study's findings shed light on the goals of peripheral processing in humans and could help improve machine learning models.

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.

“Closest black hole” system found to contain no black hole

Astronomers have found that the HR 6819 system, once thought to be the closest black hole to Earth, is actually a binary system without a black hole. The discovery was made using new data from ESO's Very Large Telescope and Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer instruments.

Equine hepatitis viruses help understand hepatitis C

Researchers analyzed horse samples to understand hepatitis C virus tactics and found a region called hypervariable that changes quickly, protecting the virus from host cells. This study may provide a powerful model for gaining insights into hepaciviral evolution and immune evasion.

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.

New lab model simulates effects of exercise on muscles

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new lab-based system to grow human muscle cells that contract vigorously. They found that muscle cells from patients with sporadic inclusion body mitosis (sIBM) have similar muscular properties to healthy humans but exhibit altered responses to exercise.

Study maps stress changes around fault activated by hydraulic fracturing

Researchers mapped stress changes before and during an earthquake induced by hydraulic fracturing in Alberta, Canada. The study used seismic anisotropy to monitor the processes that occur when hydraulic fracturing causes induced earthquakes, revealing a network of tensile fractures created during fluid injection.

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.

Drug overdose mortality rates by race, ethnicity before, during pandemic

Researchers found significant increases in drug overdose mortality rates among racial and ethnic minority groups before the pandemic, which worsened during COVID-19. These disparities highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to address opioid abuse and promote equitable access to healthcare services.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Targeted enzymes destroy virus RNA

A research team at TUM has successfully used specific enzymes to destroy the genetic information of SARS-CoV-2 directly after it penetrates the cell. The study found that targeting the viral genome with siRNAs is most effective when the virus has just penetrated into the cell.

Invasive alien species? Isn't there an app for that?

A review of invasive alien species reporting apps for citizen science identified key features and areas for improvement. The study emphasizes the importance of user-friendly apps with gamification, AI-powered photo identification, and coordination among developers to enhance public participation and data management.

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.

Scientists discover excimer laser-induced damage mechanism of CaF2 crystal

Researchers at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science discovered the damage mechanism of CaF2 crystal caused by excimer laser exposure. The study found that different crystal planes exhibit distinct damage morphologies, with plane (111) showing lamellar stripping and planes (110) and (100) experiencing burst-like damage.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Stillbirth and chronic disease link identified in world first discovery

A world-first discovery has identified a genetic mutation responsible for a lymphatic disorder that may cause stillbirth or severe chronic disease in affected children. The mutation, MDFIC, controls the growth and development of lymphatic vessels in the fetus, leading to fluid accumulation in critical organs.

Sewer treasure

Researchers at Stanford University developed an electrochemical sulfur oxidation process that can transform wastewater into valuable materials. The technology has the potential to power renewable energy-powered wastewater treatment, creating drinkable water.

Who is taking care of the kids?

A comprehensive analysis of 1,800 bird species found that adult sex ratios are the main driving force behind differences in sex roles. Climate, life histories, and social environment were not significant factors. The study provides new insights into the evolution of sex roles in birds.

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.

Female chimpanzees avoid humans

Research shows female chimpanzees tend to avoid villages and farmland, while males are more likely to encounter humans, leading to smaller social gatherings for females. This sex difference in risk perception could have significant consequences for the survival of chimpanzees.

Mammoths, meet the metaverse

Researchers at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and USC have created over a dozen scientifically accurate virtual models of Ice Age animals using augmented reality. The team hopes this will lead to better paleoart and more accurate reconstructions of extinct species, bringing respect to the field of paleoart.

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.

EPA renews efforts to address pesticide effects on endangered species

The EPA has introduced a new policy to evaluate the impact of pesticides on endangered species before new products are introduced to the market. The policy requires consultation with wildlife services and aims to mitigate adverse effects, but challenges remain due to differing approaches and thresholds between agencies.