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Science News Archive March 2022 - Page 32


Page 32 of 44

Baycrest-led audiology study finds that screening memory clinic patients for hearing loss helps in physicians’ management of important risk factor for dementia

A Baycrest-led study found that point-of-care screening for hearing loss in memory clinic patients increased physicians' awareness and led to more frequent referrals for hearing help. The study demonstrated the feasibility and value of hearing screening for older adults at risk for dementia.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 2022

The miracle of mucins

New research from University of Utah biomedical engineer Jessica Kramer reveals that human mucus and saliva may prevent the spread of coronaviruses when dry on a surface. Mucins in mucus form a barrier around live virus, preventing infection by binding to sugars on viruses instead of cells.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalACS Central Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2022

Following rain, desert microbes exhale potent greenhouse gas

Researchers found that desert microbes produce nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in arid soils after rain, contradicting the long-held assumption that it comes from fertilized agricultural fields. The study reveals a new source of nitrogen pollution in deserts, driven by fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBiogeochemistry·DateMar 9, 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.

Tiny switches give solid-state LiDAR record resolution

A new type of high-resolution LiDAR chip has been developed by the University of California, Berkeley, which could lead to a new generation of powerful, low-cost 3D sensors. The chip uses a focal plane switch array (FPSA) and achieves a resolution of 16,384 pixels.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2022

Backward over forward: eccentric cycling offers more benefits and requires less effort than concentric cycling

A study by Dr. Ryoichi Ema found that eccentric cycling has higher neuromuscular activation of the rectus femoris muscle and can be performed with less effort. This suggests that eccentric cycling exercise is beneficial for improving athletic performance and preventing muscle damage.

SourceShizuoka Sangyo University - Iwata Campus·JournalJournal of Electromyography and Kinesiology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Treatment length reduced for children with tuberculosis

Researchers found that four-month treatment is as effective as six months in non-severe TB cases, allowing for savings on screening and training healthcare workers. The study's results led to a change in the World Health Organisation's global guidelines, recommending a shorter treatment course for children with non-severe TB.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 9, 2022

Study hints at how early life experiences may affect brain wiring

Researchers observed that chandelier cells, which regulate cortical circuit activity, communicate with other neurons shortly after birth, influencing brain development. This interaction is crucial for normal brain function and may be disrupted in neurological disorders.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 9, 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.

New paper offers innovative solution for thermal energy storage

Researchers have developed a novel approach to improve thermal energy storage by decoupling energy density and power density using pressure-enhanced close contact melting. This method has demonstrated efficacy in achieving high power and energy density, making it suitable for demanding applications like electric vehicles and data centers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 9, 2022

A virtual way to rehab from a stroke

Researchers developed a video game-based therapy, Recovery Rapids, to aid stroke patients in improving their motor skills from home. The game helped patients adhere to exercises and showed similar outcomes to traditional constraint-induced therapy.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeCase study·DateMar 9, 2022

Overcoming resistance to breast cancer treatment

A team from UNIGE has identified a potential target for restoring the efficacy of standard breast cancer treatment. The loss of SPRED2 protein leads to tumor proliferation even with tamoxifen treatment. Combining tamoxifen with an inhibitor of estrogen-independent cell activation may be promising for resistant patients.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCancers·TypeNews article·DateMar 9, 2022

Researchers illuminate structure of largest ultra-low velocity zone

Researchers have obtained a 3D structure of the largest-scale ultra-low velocity zone beneath the Pacific Ocean, measuring its height and lateral extent. The study reveals a mega-sized ULVZ with a shear velocity perturbation of around 10%, providing new insights into the dynamic evolution of the earth's lower mantle.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 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.

Treating tough tumors by exploiting their iron ‘addiction’

Researchers at UCSF develop a new cancer treatment that targets RAS-mutated tumors by exploiting their high levels of ferrous iron. The treatment, TRX-cobimetinib, is more effective and tolerable than current treatments like cobimetinib, which can cause serious side effects in normal tissues.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 9, 2022

COVID-19: Tannic acid targets key stages in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 infection

Researchers found that tannic acid targets the RBD protein and enzymes involved in viral entry and replication, suggesting its potential as a preventative or therapeutic agent. The polyphenol's low toxicity and anti-inflammatory properties make it an attractive alternative to existing antivirals.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMar 9, 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.

Novel radioligand therapy proven superior for metastatic prostate cancer patients

A novel radioligand therapy has been shown to increase progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. Ninety-one percent of patients experienced a greater than 50% reduction in PSA values after treatment, with a median PFS of 22 months.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMar 9, 2022

Comparison of seroconversion in children, adults with mild COVID-19

Researchers compared seroconversion in nonhospitalized children and adults with mild SARS-CoV-2 infection to identify factors associated with seroconversion. The study found that certain factors were more common in children, while others were more common in adults with mild COVID-19.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 9, 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.

Our climate has changed. How do we learn to live with extreme events?

Researchers are developing new methods to predict extreme weather events, including building a 'weather dictionary' using word search technology and AI physics. By analyzing patterns and motifs in weather data, scientists aim to better understand the impact of climate change on extreme weather events.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalOne Earth·DateMar 9, 2022

Researchers unravel the inner workings of heat conduction in galaxy clusters

A team of researchers used the National Ignition Facility (NIF) to create a laboratory replica of galaxy-cluster plasmas, discovering strong suppression of heat conduction in these turbulent environments. The experiments provide insight into complex physics processes and raise additional questions that may be answered in future studies.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 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.

A text-reading robot with heart

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba created a handheld social robot, OMOY, that can appear to convey emotions by shifting an internal weight while reading out text messages. The robot was tested with 94 people and found to reduce negative emotions such as anger, revenge, and avoidance motivation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateMar 9, 2022

New research from Pusan National University sheds light on nature of friction in multi-layered graphene

A study by researchers at Pusan National University has investigated the relationship between surface structures and nanoscale friction in multi-layered CVD graphene. They found that only the top-most layer of graphene was twisted with respect to the rest, affecting layer-dependent nanoscale friction.

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2022

International funding and evaluation differences impact immunology, allergy research

A new report from a Japanese research consortium found that short-term indicators may not reveal the real impact of immunology and allergy research. The study compared funded research and evaluation measures in Japan, the UK, and the US, revealing differences in quality and public engagement.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalAllergy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2022

Promoting transparency and sharing in transportation research - data and code disclosure and sharing policy of Communications in Transportation Research

Communications in Transportation Research enforces Data and Code Disclosure and Sharing Policy to ensure replicability and research resource sharing. Authors must provide necessary materials for reproducing published works, contributing to the community's rigor and transparency.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalCommunications in Transportation Research·DateMar 9, 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.

Mathematical discovery could shed light on secrets of the Universe

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have discovered a simplified model for quantum gravity called the 'holographic principle' that describes how gravity emerges from quantum mechanics. This breakthrough may also offer new insights into mysterious dark energy.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2022

COVID-19 vaccination protects adults on dialysis against infection and severe disease

A study published in JASN found that COVID-19 vaccination significantly protected individuals with kidney failure undergoing dialysis against SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19. Vaccination reduced the risk of hospitalization by 52% and mortality rate by 10% compared to unvaccinated individuals.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 9, 2022

Heatwave hotspots linked to urban agglomerations in Africa

Research in Africa identified heatwave hotspot regions linked to urban areas, affecting 36% of Northern Hemisphere and 57% of Southern Hemisphere populations in 2019. Climate change likely contributed to these hotspots, with significant implications for human health, energy consumption, and water security.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 9, 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.

Half century of protection pays off for sea turtles

Researchers have tracked green turtle populations at Aldabra Atoll and found a significant increase in clutches laid since the species was protected in 1968. The study reveals an overall 2.6% annual rise in clutch numbers, offering hope for marine conservation success stories.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEndangered Species Research·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 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.

Paper discs that can pick up hydrogen peroxide

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has developed a paper-based sensor that can detect tiny volumes of hydrogen peroxide using UV light. The intensity of the light emitted is directly proportional to the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, making it possible to visualize the emission with the naked eye.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalACS Sensors·DateMar 9, 2022

Who do firearm owners trust to talk about safe firearm storage?

A Rutgers study identifies reliable sources for firearm safety information among subgroups of gun owners. Family members and law enforcement are consistently ranked as credible, while celebrities and NRA representatives are less trusted.

SourceRutgers University·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateMar 9, 2022

New study sheds light on early human hair evolution

Researchers studied Indriidae lemurs to understand the impact of climate, body size, and color vision on hair evolution, providing a unique window into human hair evolution. The study fills gaps in our understanding of human evolutionary story by comparing non-human primate hair patterns.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalAmerican Journal of Biological Anthropology·DateMar 9, 2022

Black hole billiards in the centers of galaxies

Researchers propose a new mechanism for eccentric black hole mergers, suggesting that interactions between three black holes in a flat disk environment could lead to chaotic orbits. This finding challenges previous studies on the rarity of such events.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature·DateMar 9, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

In pilot study, asynchronous telehealth visits effectively treat overactive bladder

A pilot study found that asynchronous telehealth visits significantly improved urinary symptoms and reduced incontinence episodes in women with overactive bladder. The treatment kept patients engaged in follow-up care, leading to better compliance with medication and behavioral changes.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalMenopause·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 9, 2022

Strengthening women’s empowerment in fragile and conflict-affected settings

A recent review of 104 studies found that certain interventions can successfully support women's empowerment and gender equality in fragile and conflict-affected settings. However, few interventions had positive effects on attitudes towards women, intimate partner violence, or women's participation in decision-making processes.

SourceWiley·JournalCampbell Systematic Reviews·DateMar 9, 2022

Anchoring strategy helps to set new record of efficient ideal bandgap perovskite solar cells

Researchers at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science reported a novel solution to tackle bimetallic traps in high-efficiency perovskite solar cells by applying an anchoring strategy. The strategy led to a record power conversion efficiency of 22.51% and improved open-circuit voltage, addressing a major issue in ideal bandgap perovskite ...

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 9, 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.

Women want to work, despite workforce precarity

A new study by Cornell University's Landon Schnabel found that women are now as likely as men to report working because they want to, not just out of necessity. The gender gap in preferring to work is closing, except for pockets of the most religiously active Americans.

SourceCornell University·JournalSociological Science·DateMar 9, 2022

Genetic mechanisms of coral metamorphosis identified

Researchers have identified key molecular mechanisms driving coral metamorphosis, a radical transformation from free-swimming larvae to sedentary adult reef-builders. Alterations in gene expression and receptor signaling regulate the irreversibility of this process, enabling corals to adapt to their environment.

SourceTohoku University·JournalZoological Letters·DateMar 9, 2022

Cerebral palsy rates are dropping in Australia

Research published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology shows a decline in cerebral palsy rates among Australian babies, with the largest decrease seen in premature births. The study found a 32% reduction in prevalence over two decades.

SourceWiley·JournalDevelopmental Medicine & Child Neurology·DateMar 9, 2022

Method offers sharper images of lung disease in living mice

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology developed a technique to study lung disease in living mice without using mechanical ventilation. The method uses phase-contrast X-ray tomography to produce high-resolution images of the lungs, including even the smallest airways, with low radiation doses.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2022

How the transition to agriculture affects populations in the present day

Researchers found that hunter-gatherer groups in southwest Ethiopia have a distinct genetic profile and are related to ancestors who lived 4,500 years ago. The study suggests that the transition to agriculture is more complex than previously thought, with varying responses from different groups.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 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.

Large mammals can help climate change mitigation and adaptation

A new study finds that large wild animals like elephants and whales can help restore ecosystems and battle climate change by dispersing seeds, clearing vegetation, and increasing albedo. Protecting these animals also supports local biodiversity and ecological resilience in temperate, tropical, and subtropical grassland ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 9, 2022