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Science News Archive March 2022 - Page 12


Page 12 of 44

Can supermarkets coax people into buying healthier food?

Researchers found that increasing availability of healthier options, such as low-fat chips and lower-calorie biscuits, led to significant changes in purchasing behaviors. Removing seasonal chocolates from prominent locations also attenuated the usual increase in confectionery sales.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2022

Cheap, eco-friendly catalyst opens new possibilities for organic molecules built from pyruvate

Researchers develop an eco-friendly organic catalyst system that improves the production of organic molecules from pyruvate, a key biomolecule in metabolic pathways. The catalyst promotes reactions where pyruvate donates electrons to produce molecules like amino acids.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalOrganic Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 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.

Identified: Genes that can boost maize and rice yields

Researchers identified a gene, KRN2, that can increase maize yield by 10% and rice yield by 8%, without affecting other traits. The discovery provides attractive targets for developing new crops with enhanced production, building on the shared desirable traits of these two staple crops.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 24, 2022

Therapy can support medication treatment for opioid use disorder

Researchers found that patients with psychosocial and behavioral therapy had lower risk of medication discontinuation in the first 180 days after treatment. Therapy may help reduce high attrition rates commonly observed early during treatment.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2022

Missing building block for quantum optimization developed

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have proposed a method to solve optimization problems using neutral atoms and four-qubit operations. The algorithm can be realized on existing quantum hardware by optimizing laser pulse durations in a feedback loop.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 24, 2022

How boas save themselves from suffocating when constricting and digesting dinner

Researchers discovered that boa constrictors adjust which section of the rib cage they use to inhale depending on whether they are resting, throttling an animal or digesting. The sinuous reptiles use different sections of the rib cage to breathe when their ribs are constricted.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2022

Model shows how antibodies navigate pathogen surfaces like a child at play

A new model suggests that antibodies select antigens based on their surface characteristics, similar to a child playing on stepping stones. The researchers used DNA origami to simulate the behavior of antibodies and found that they tend to favor closer antigen distances.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalNature Computational Science·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

People over 60 are greenhouse gas emission bad guys

A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology finds that people over 60 account for nearly a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. This is due to their consumption habits, including higher energy usage and housing expenses, which are influenced by their wealth and aging population.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2022

IOF CSA Medal of Achievement awarded to Professor Thierry Thomas

The International Osteoporosis Foundation awarded Professor Thierry Thomas the IOF Committee of Scientific Advisors (CSA) Medal of Achievement for his outstanding scientific contributions to osteoporosis. The award recognizes his work on secondary fracture prevention and post-fracture care coordination programs.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateMar 24, 2022

Taking context seriously

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on smallholder farmers in the developing world, with up to 80% reporting reduced food purchases and 50% suffering income loss. The study highlights the need for policymakers to balance disease containment measures with the food security needs of rural populations.

SourceInternational Livestock Research Institute·JournalAgricultural Systems·TypeSurvey·DateMar 24, 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.

*Free* The moral matter of animal emotions

Researchers Frans de Waal and Kristin Andrews highlight scientific evidence suggesting animals experience positive and negative emotions. Recognizing animal sentience is bound to complicate an already complex moral world.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 24, 2022

COVID and racism cause nurses of color to face “dual pandemic”

A Rutgers study of New Jersey nurses reveals that the combined effect of COVID-19 fears and workplace racism has a devastating impact on nonwhite workers. The research found that nurses of color experience higher levels of emotional distress due to these factors.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBehavioral Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateMar 24, 2022

Limiting energy in neurons exacerbates epilepsy

A research team found that limiting energy in neurons increases hyperexcitability and severity of seizures in mice. The ketogenic diet restored mitochondrial function and reduced seizure intensity.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournaleLife·TypeNews article·DateMar 24, 2022

Simply printing high-performance perovskite-based transistors

A research team from POSTECH has developed a method to print high-performance p-type semiconductor transistors using inorganic metal halide perovskite, exhibiting high hole mobility and current ratio. This technology enables solution-processed perovskite transistors to be simply printed as semiconductor-like circuits, paving the way fo...

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Electronics·DateMar 24, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Rapid spin-flip in colloidal nanocrystals to generate molecular triplets

A team of scientists developed a method to generate molecular triplets in colloidal nanocrystals through rapid spin-flip, which can be used for photochemical applications such as photon upconversion and singlet oxygen generation. The study demonstrates the potential of solution-processed semiconductor materials for new fields.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChem·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 24, 2022

Artificial neurons go quantum with photonic circuits

Researchers at the University of Vienna have created a quantum memristor that combines artificial intelligence and quantum computing. The device uses single photons to achieve memristive behavior, which can be used for learning on both classical and quantum tasks.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 24, 2022

Unstable molecule clicks with synthetic strategy

Scientists at UC San Diego develop a method to bind unstable diphosphorus to a single metal ion, creating a relatively stable and selectively reactive form. This breakthrough could enable the development of selective phosphorus-atom transfer reactions and open up new areas of discovery in synthetic chemistry.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2022

Illinois researchers find exotic sources of resistance to tar spot in corn

Illinois researchers identified two tropical corn germplasm lines showing promising levels of tar spot resistance, regardless of location. The study developed a new method for scoring tar spot incidence and severity, which will aid breeding programs. The findings suggest resistant hybrids are key to managing the disease long-term.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCrop Science·DateMar 24, 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.

Citizen divers aid understanding of fish in the Salish sea

A study by University of California, Davis reveals that volunteer divers with Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) helped monitor more than half of the total fish species in the Salish Sea. REEF scientists expanded the known range of multiple species and documented a new species, the striped kelpfish.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEnvironmental Monitoring and Assessment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 24, 2022

High-speed shearing can intensify the chemical processes

Researchers found that high-speed shearing enhances chemical reactions by accelerating collisions among reactant molecules. The study suggests using a narrow gap between the stator and rotor to eliminate backflow phenomena, improving mixing conditions.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2022

Evidence of defendants’ adverse childhood experiences can elicit jurors’ leniency in capital trials

A new study found that defense testimony about defendants' adverse childhood experiences can elicit leniency in jurors' sentencing decisions in capital trials. The study suggests that investigating and presenting ACE evidence is critical in eliciting leniency, with sympathy being a key factor in jurors' decisions.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateMar 24, 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.

People underestimate others' desire for constructive feedback

Research found that people underestimating others' desire for constructive feedback can have harmful results. A simple intervention of perspective taking increased the likelihood someone would recognize the need for and provide feedback.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMar 24, 2022

ASMR fans are hypersensitive to the world

Research reveals that ASMR enthusiasts are hypersensitive to their environment, easily overstimulated by noise and movement. They also possess heightened bodily awareness, noticing physical changes when experiencing emotions.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeSurvey·DateMar 24, 2022

Health equity depends on equitable health research practices

New research provides recommendations for quantitative health sciences to better understand the impact of racism on adverse health outcomes. The paper suggests applying theoretical frameworks, community consults, and elevating Black, Indigenous, and Latine scholars to leadership positions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 24, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Optical nanoscopy to need fewer photons with nonlinear response

Researchers developed a new technique, 2p-MINFLUX, to increase the precision of optical nanoscopy by doubling the gradient and decreasing the number of photons needed by a factor of four. The team's simulation proved that this approach requires fewer photons under two-photon excitation.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournaleLight·DateMar 24, 2022

Carbon budget and balance critical processes of the regional land-water-air interface: Indicating the earth system’s carbon neutrality

The study analyzes global land-water-gas carbon transport and budget changes, focusing on inland water carbon budget and cycle in land-sea-gas budget. Climate change drives riverine-based carbon transport processes, while anthropogenic activities affect carbon sources, cycling, and budgets.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateMar 24, 2022

In animal study, implant churns out CAR-T cells to combat cancer

In an animal study, researchers created an implantable biotechnology called MASTER that produces and releases CAR-T cells for attacking cancerous tumors. This technology reduces the manufacturing time from weeks to hours, increasing efficiency and effectiveness.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2022

Artificial sweeteners may not be safe sugar alternatives

A study published in PLOS Medicine found associations between consuming artificial sweeteners and increased cancer risk. The researchers analyzed data from 102,865 French adults and discovered higher risks for overall cancer, breast cancer, and obesity-related cancers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 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.

Breaking down plastic into its constituent parts

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to break down certain polymers into their basic building blocks, enabling full recycling. The breakthrough involves creating 'radicals' at the end of a polymer chain, triggering depolymerisation and recovering up to 92% of the monomers.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2022

Blow flies can be used detect use of chemical weapons, other pollutants

Researchers found blow flies can be used to detect chemical warfare agents and pollutants, providing a safer alternative for investigating environmental contamination. The insects' guts store information about the environment, which can be analyzed using mass spectrometry.

SourceIndiana University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 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.

Sea turtle warning: Pandemic pollution is infecting the oceans

A recent study found that COVID-19-derived plastic debris is contaminating marine ecosystems, with sea turtles being particularly affected. The research analyzed fecal samples from 76 sea turtles and detected the presence of face masks, which can leach endocrine-disrupting chemicals into the environment.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateMar 23, 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.

Heart attack survivors may be at greater risk of mental decline

A recent study found that approximately 1 in 3 heart attack survivors experience significant mental decline in the days and months following their heart attack. Cognitive deficits can impact quality of life and treatment adherence, emphasizing the need for cardiologists to monitor patients regularly.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 23, 2022

Texas Biomed selected as premier NIH training center for TB researchers

The Interdisciplinary NexGen TB Research Advancement Center will provide a world-class training program for the next generation of TB researchers, leveraging expertise and facilities across Texas Biomed and South Texas. The center aims to ensure diverse skills and real-world experience to effectively tackle this challenging disease.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·DateMar 23, 2022

Use of medication for opioid use disorder among adolescents, adults

A recent survey study found that many people who could benefit from treatment are going without medication for opioid use disorder. The study revealed particularly low rates of medication use among adolescents and older adults, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address this critical public health issue.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 23, 2022

Lying prone long enough to improve outcomes is difficult for many covid-19 patients

A trial found that prone positioning can reduce the risk of death and respiratory failure in patients with moderate hypoxaemia due to covid-19. However, poor adherence to time spent prone was a significant issue, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to encourage patients to adopt a prone position.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 23, 2022

Women who report significant antibiotic use in midlife are more likely to experience cognitive decline in later life, perhaps through gut microbiome changes, in study of almost 15,000 U.S. nurses

A study of nearly 15,000 US nurses found that significant antibiotic use in midlife is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline later in life. The researchers suggest that this may be related to changes in the gut microbiome, which can impact brain function and overall health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 23, 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.

Online and offline victimization: Two sides of the same coin?

A study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that 73.7% of university students have been victimized online, with a higher risk for those who were offline victims during childhood or intimate partner violence., Researchers identified three groups based on cybercrime risk: low-risk, financial cybervictimization, and high-risk groups ...

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalSocial Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateMar 23, 2022

Obese pregnant women are more likely to experience stillbirth or neonatal death, and over 60 percent of this increased risk is associated with delivery occurring at an earlier gestational age

A recent study found that obese pregnant women are at a higher risk of experiencing stillbirth or neonatal death. The research revealed that over 60% of this increased risk is associated with deliveries occurring at an earlier gestational age, highlighting the importance of careful prenatal care and monitoring.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 23, 2022

Completion of home colorectal cancer tests improves with patient support

A new study found that clinics with higher FIT completion rates had added staff to support patients, provided educational materials, and offered on-call support. This approach reduced disparities among low-income and racially diverse populations, improving colorectal cancer screening outcomes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 23, 2022

Novel therapeutic strategy shows promise against pancreatic cancer

Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have developed a novel therapeutic strategy that uses bacteria to deliver tetanus toxin into pancreatic tumor cells, inducing an immune response and killing the cancer. The treatment has shown promise in reducing cancer metastases by 87% and increasing mouse lifespan by 40%.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 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.

Atossa – The protein queen commanding cell invasion

Researchers at ISTA discovered a novel protein, Atossa, that boosts energy production in immune cells, enabling them to invade tissues. This discovery has significant implications for understanding human physiology and potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMar 23, 2022

Women still missing from cardiovascular clinical trial leadership

A study found that female principal investigators led fewer trials and those funded by industry sponsors, but more trials led by women were associated with higher enrollment of female subjects. This highlights the need for increased female representation in clinical trial leadership.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 23, 2022

Study finds complex relationships between bacteria and markers of lower airway infection and inflammation in cystic fibrosis

Researchers identified unique metabolite biomarkers associated with increased inflammation and bacterial burden in cystic fibrosis lungs. The study found correlations between metabolites and bacterial communities, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of infection and inflammation in CF.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateMar 23, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Discovery could pave way for new lung treatment

Researchers have identified a new family of proteins in blood vessels that prevent fluid from entering the lungs, offering a potential new avenue for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome. Stimulating these bitter taste receptors has been shown to provide protection against fluid leak into the lung.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateMar 23, 2022

Decoding a material’s ‘memory’

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania discovered that disordered materials can retain a memory of external forces, allowing them to predict when and how they will flow. By analyzing individual particle distributions, scientists can determine a material's stability and response to stressors.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2022

Multifaceted approaches to engineer fluorescence in nanomaterials via a focused laser beam

Scientists review key influence of various laser techniques on fluorescence properties across a range of nanomaterials. Laser-induced control over nanomaterial composition and dimension enables tunability in fluorescence colors. The study also explores instances where lasers convert non-fluorescing precursors to fluorescent forms.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateMar 23, 2022