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Science News Archive March 2022 - Page 16


Page 16 of 44

Researchers reveal neuronal mechanism controlling anxiety-like behavior and energy expenditure

A recent study revealed the importance of Cav3.1-driven burst firing in the ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei in controlling anxiety-like behavior and energy expenditure following chronic stress. Enhanced burst firing was correlated with increased anxiety-like behavior, reduced food intake, and decreased energy expenditure.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 22, 2022

New clues about how a high-salt diet contributes to cardiometabolic diseases found deep in the brain

A new study suggests that a high-salt diet can lead to the hyperactivity of brain cells, resulting in increased constriction of blood vessels and worsening of cardiometabolic diseases. The research also found that excessive salt consumption can trigger an unusual response in which neurons become more active despite reduced blood flow.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateMar 22, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nanoparticle-based COVID-19 vaccine could target future infectious diseases

A new vaccine platform, using spherical nucleic acid (SNA) nanoparticles, has been shown to produce an immune response in animals and offer protection against lethal doses of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The results suggest that this approach could be used to target other infectious diseases.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2022

Plant-based omega-3s may boost heart health, reduce risk of heart disease

A comprehensive literature review found that consuming plant-based alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) rich in walnuts and flaxseeds can lower cardiovascular disease risk by 10% and fatal coronary heart disease risk by 20%. ALA may also benefit heart health when combined with other omega-3s.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 22, 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.

New tool to accelerate drug discovery

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a novel technology to monitor membrane protein trafficking in real-time using bioluminescence. This allows for the study of cellular processes and drug development for heart disease, metabolic disorders, cancer, infectious diseases, COVID-19, and others.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMar 22, 2022

Study points to strategies for closing the participation gender gap in engineering courses

Researchers identified key factors contributing to the gender gap in engineering courses, including female instructors, peer participation, and icebreaker questions. The study suggests that these strategies can help increase women's participation and close the gap in STEM fields.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalIEEE Transactions on Education·TypeObservational study·DateMar 22, 2022

How sugar promotes inflammation

A study found that excessive sugar consumption can promote inflammation and autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn's disease and type 1 diabetes. Researchers identified GLUT3, a glucose transporter, as a key player in this process, and proposed blocking its activity to mitigate inflammatory responses.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 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.

Changing beliefs is critical to sustaining high levels of vaccination

A new study by Santa Fe Institute researchers Katrin Schmelz and Samuel Bowles found that people's opposition to vaccines quadrupled when mandated, but many switched to pro-vaccination as they became more convinced of the vaccines' effectiveness. To increase vaccination rates, policymakers need to focus on building trust and changing h...

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateMar 22, 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.

Quantum dots shine bright to help scientists see inflammatory cells in fat

Researchers at the University of Illinois created quantum dots to visualize macrophages in fat tissue, shedding light on chronic inflammation's role in diseases. The new technology enables accurate cell counting and tracking over time, offering a potential diagnostic tool for insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 22, 2022

Fundamental cancer metabolism dogma revisited

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that non-dividing colon cancer cells employ Warburg glycolysis to reduce toxic reactive oxygen species accumulation. This adaptation challenges the long-held dogma of the Warburg effect, highlighting the need for single-cell level analysis tools.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Targeting a human protein may stop Ebola virus in its tracks

Scientists have discovered a promising strategy to treat Ebola virus infections by targeting cellular protein GSPT1, which the virus hijacks for polymerase function. An experimental drug CC-90009 degrades GSPT1, halting viral multiplication.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Study identifies new protection mechanism in breast cancer

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified a novel protein mechanism that inhibits tumour growth in ER-negative breast cancer, leading to improved prognosis. High levels of GIT1 were associated with reduced tumour growth and better outcomes in ER-negative patients.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 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.

A new epoxy resin composite developed for neutron shielding

Researchers from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences developed a novel neutron shielding composite called Sm2O3-APTES/AFG-90H. The composite exhibited improved thermal stability, mechanical properties and efficient neutron shielding performance due to the use of coupling agents.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalPolymers·DateMar 22, 2022

Study reconsiders early evolution of sea urchins

A genome-scale analysis of echinoids reveals modern species emerged 300 million years ago, survived mass extinction, and diversified rapidly. The findings also suggest sand dollars and sea biscuits originated earlier than thought, with possible fossil record gaps.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateMar 22, 2022

Self-monitoring blood oxygen at home can help COVID patients spot early warning signs, study finds

A new study by Imperial College London found that home pulse oximetry can act as a safety net for COVID-19 patients, reducing unnecessary hospital admissions while spotting early signs of deterioration. The researchers recommend using a defined cutoff point in blood oxygen levels to determine when patients need medical attention.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 22, 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.

Spaces and echoes: Scientists reveal what bats “see” through sound

Researchers from Doshisha University discovered bats perceive spaces through echolocation as a distinct 'echo space', which changes as they become familiar with their environment. The study found that the direction of echoes correlates with bat flight paths and can be used to develop advanced sensors for navigation.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalBMC Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Things are heating up for superconductors

Researchers at Linköping University have discovered that magnesium diboride becomes superconductive at higher temperatures when stretched. The study's findings offer a new approach to increasing critical temperatures without high pressure or complicated structures.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 22, 2022

Artificial intelligence tool may help predict heart attacks

Researchers developed an AI algorithm that can measure coronary plaque buildup in five seconds, predicting heart attack risk within five years. The tool was trained on images from 921 people and matched results with invasive tests considered highly accurate.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·DateMar 22, 2022

Biodegradable implant could help doctors monitor brain chemistry

A wireless, biodegradable sensor implanted in mice detected dopamine levels and other brain properties, offering potential for real-time monitoring of neural-related conditions. The device is designed to be biodegradable, eliminating the need for future surgeries.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 22, 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.

Space-grown lettuce could help astronauts avoid bone loss

Researchers create transgenic lettuce that expresses a bone-stimulating hormone, which could help prevent osteopenia in astronauts and resource-limited areas on Earth. The lettuce would need to be consumed daily by astronauts to get a sufficient dose of the hormone.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 22, 2022

Physicists elucidate connection between symmetry and Mott physics in step towards understanding high-temperature superconductivity

Researchers at University of Illinois discover key connection between symmetry and Mott physics, providing new insight into high-temperature superconductivity. They found that breaking a hidden symmetry destroys Fermi liquids, implying that all models of Mott insulators must break this particle-hole symmetry.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 22, 2022

One in three children with disabilities globally have experienced violence in their lifetimes

According to a systematic review of over 16 million young people from 25 countries, children with disabilities experience higher rates of violence, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. The study highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts to raise awareness and strengthen prevention efforts.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateMar 22, 2022

Leveraging AI to work with cells

Researchers at Northwestern University developed an AI-assisted Nanofountain Probe Electroporation system to engineer stem cells. The new method reduces cell loss and increases throughput, enabling selective manipulation of individual cells in micro-arrays.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

100g of cranberries a day improves cardiovascular health

A clinical trial found that daily cranberry consumption improved flow-mediated dilation, a biomarker of cardiovascular disease risk, in healthy men. Cranberries' unique proanthocyanidins may play an important role in preventing cardiovascular disease.

SourceKing's College London·JournalFood & Function·DateMar 22, 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.

Chronologically young, biologically old-- DNA linked to cancer survivors premature aging

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified two genes associated with accelerated aging in childhood cancer survivors. The study used genome-wide association studies to find variants that correlate with epigenetic age acceleration, a measure of the difference between biological and chronological age.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

How scientists simulated the decompression process of a Mars rover in the taking-off stage?

Researchers analyzed the effects of environmental pressure setting, time step, and mesh density on the pressure differential calculation results. The study used numerical simulation to improve the accuracy of calculations, with results showing that changes in ambient pressure are the primary factor affecting the pressure differential.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Bone marrow contributes to the development of atherosclerosis

Researchers at CNIC discover that bone marrow activation is an early event in the development of atherosclerosis, leading to inflammation and plaque formation. The study identifies metabolic syndrome as a key trigger for this process.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 22, 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.

Study shows effectiveness of pill form of remdesivir to treat COVID-19 in mice

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed a new oral compound that is as effective as molnupiravir in reducing disease in mice, showing promise for treating COVID-19. The pill form of remdesivir could make it accessible for early treatment and reduce hospitalization rates.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Active video games provide alternative workout

A study from the University of Georgia shows that exergaming can increase satisfaction and autonomy in exercise, leading to increased physical activity and motivation. The research followed participants who were randomly assigned to either exergame or traditional aerobics classes for six weeks.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology·DateMar 22, 2022

Switching social identities happens seamlessly

New research from the University of Exeter reveals that people can switch between multiple social identities with ease. The study found that rapidly activating different identities has no apparent difficulty and may even be beneficial for remote workers who struggle to separate their work and personal lives.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 22, 2022

Tracking real-time atomic movement between crystal grains in metals

Scientists at Georgia Institute of Technology observe unprecedented atomic processes that dictate mechanical behavior in metals. They develop novel methods to visualize grain boundary sliding, revealing previously unknown movements and accommodating transferred atoms through adjusting grain boundary structures.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateMar 22, 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.

Does youth tobacco use drop after cities ban flavored tobacco sales?

A new study published in Tobacco Control found that cities banning flavored tobacco sales have reduced youth tobacco use, particularly vaping and cigarette smoking. In contrast to a previous study, the new analysis supports a ban on flavored tobacco products as an effective measure to prevent adolescent tobacco use.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalTobacco Control·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2022

Mindfulness alleviates post-gun violence trauma and depression

A pilot study by UC San Diego School of Medicine found that eight weeks of mindfulness training significantly reduced symptoms of trauma and depression in individuals grieving from gun violence. Participants showed notable improvements in life satisfaction, with benefits lasting after the program concluded.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMindfulness·DateMar 22, 2022

New sorbent removes maximum copper and zinc from water

Researchers have created a novel sorbent that effectively removes copper and zinc from water solutions, with the ability to be reused for efficient treatment of industrial wastewater and drinking water. The sorbent's adsorption properties were enhanced through modification, allowing for up to 60% removal of heavy metals within minutes.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMar 22, 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.

Hawaiian-Emperor undersea mystery revealed with supercomputers

Scientists used supercomputers to model plate tectonics and reconstruct dynamics of Pacific plate motion. The study explains the mysterious 60-degree bend in the seamount chain by introducing a new factor: subduction zones in the Russian Far East.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 22, 2022

Correct mitochondrial function prevents muscle loss during ageing

Researchers from IRB Barcelona have discovered that damaged mitochondria accumulation triggers inflammatory processes leading to muscle atrophy. Correcting mitochondrial function through increased BNIP3 levels can mitigate inflammation and muscle loss, offering potential tools for promoting healthy ageing.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Early study shows that organ donation from dying patients that have tested positive for COVID-19 is safe and does not infect recipients with SARS-CoV-2

Organ donation from dying COVID-19 patients appears to be safe and does not infect recipients with SARS-CoV-2. The study found all 6 abdominal organs had stable graft function and no unexpected rejection occurred.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·DateMar 22, 2022

Lettuce could protect astronauts’ bones on Mars trip

Researchers at UC Davis have developed genetically modified lettuce producing a drug to protect against bone density loss in microgravity. The transgenic lettuce combines parathyroid hormone with an antibody protein, allowing for stable production and potential self-administration by astronauts.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

How the gut communicates with the brain

Researchers at Flinders University have discovered how enterochromaffin cells in the gut communicate with the brain and spinal cord, shedding light on the 'gut-brain axis'. The study reveals that these specialized cells release serotonin into the body, which acts on nerves to communicate with the brain.

SourceFlinders University·TypeObservational study·DateMar 22, 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.

Investigators uncover small molecule to engineer intestinal cell types

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered a tissue-modifying molecule that can target intestinal stem cells and signal them to create Paneth cells, a rare but important cell type. This could represent a new therapeutic pathway for diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and graft-versus-host disease.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Our sleep shows how risk-seeking we are

Studies of 54 'good sleepers' revealed that lower slow-wave activity over the right prefrontal cortex is linked to a greater propensity for risk. The findings suggest that targeted interventions could modulate slow waves to influence risk-taking behavior.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNeuroImage·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

“The beginning of a new paradigm for understanding the brain”

The Human Brain Project (HBP) has brought together neuroscientists from different disciplines to work collaboratively on common goals. The HBP researchers outline their scientific approach and illustrate the potential of EBRAINS infrastructure for neuroscience research.

SourceHuman Brain Project·JournaleNeuro·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 22, 2022

Study: First-pass metabolism of alcohol occurs in women's stomachs

A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that the first-pass metabolism of alcohol occurs in the stomach, not the liver. This finding explains why some patients experience increased sensitivity to alcohol after bariatric surgery, leading to higher risks of alcohol-related disorders.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 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.

Drug use beliefs found to be strongest predictor of youth substance use

A new study from the University of Illinois suggests that whether adolescents believe drug use is wrong has twice the magnitude of impact compared to other risk and protective factors. This finding highlights the importance of instilling a negative belief about drug use in young people as a key strategy for preventing substance use.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2022