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Science News Archive March 2022 - Page 42


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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 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.

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.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalSmall Methods·DateMar 2, 2022

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.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalCoral Reefs·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalCurrent Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

Study identifies virus responsible for high mortality rate among pigeons in São Paulo City

A study found that a subtype of Newcastle disease virus caused the deaths of dozens of pigeons in São Paulo City. The researchers sequenced the viral genome and identified tissue wounds to determine the cause of death, revealing subgenotype VI.2.1.2 as the responsible pathogen. The risk to humans and poultry is considered low.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalViruses·DateMar 2, 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.

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.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalSocial Inclusion·DateMar 2, 2022

World-first guidelines for children with common inherited nerve disorder

The guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for managing symptoms and improving access to multidisciplinary care for children with CMT. The guidelines promote optimal, standardized care globally and are critical for clinical trial readiness.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeNews article·DateMar 2, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateMar 2, 2022

Marine plastic pollution could contribute to the introduction of invasive species

A new study reveals that marine organisms attach themselves to plastics and are transported by marine currents, contributing to the introduction of non-native species. The research found diverse marine life attached to plastic debris, including bryozoans, which could become invasive and alter ecosystems.

SourceInstitut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC)·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

Nature Medicine publishes full results from axial therapeutics’ phase 1b/2a clinical trial in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The Phase 1b/2a clinical trial found that AB-2004 lowered blood and urinary levels of gut-derived metabolites and improved irritability and anxiety in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study's results support the potential of AB-2004 as a novel therapeutic approach for treating co-occurring conditions associated with ASD.

SourceDigital Mantra Group·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 2, 2022

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.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 2, 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.

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 2, 2022

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.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2022

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.

SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalJournal of Paleolimnology·DateMar 2, 2022

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 ...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 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.

BU study: Having assets may protect people from persistent depression during COVID

A new BU study found that individuals with physical, social, and financial assets, particularly higher incomes and fewer savings, were less likely to experience sustained depression during the first year of the pandemic. Persistent depression was highest among people in low-income households and those with fewer savings.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

Certain types of cancer may increase the risk of developing Guillain-Barré

Researchers found an association between certain cancers and Guillain-Barré syndrome, with people diagnosed with lymphomas, blood cancers, lung, prostate, or breast cancer having a higher risk. The study suggests that unidentified factors in several types of cancer may contribute to this increased risk.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 2, 2022

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.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 2, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMar 2, 2022

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 2, 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.

“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.

SourceESO·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateMar 2, 2022

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.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalVirus Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

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.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 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.

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.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMar 2, 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.

Using two different elements creates new possibilities in hybrid atomic quantum computers

University of Chicago researchers create hybrid array of neutral atoms from two different elements, allowing for easier measurement and manipulation of individual atoms. The hybrid design also enables the creation of a larger quantum computer with more qubits, which could lead to new insights into large-system quantum effects.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

Developing different hydrometeor spectra parameterizations for simulating convective clouds

Researchers develop relative dispersion parameterizations to accurately describe hydrometeor spectra in convective clouds, improving atmospheric radiation transfer and water cycle models. The study finds negative correlations between ice crystal spectra and volume-mean diameter, and positive correlations for other hydrometeors.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 2, 2022

Researchers identify the role of three key molecules in the pig immune system against one of the viruses most dangerous to the swine industry

A study by the University of Córdoba has identified three key molecules that play a crucial role in the pig immune system against the pathogen PRRSV. These molecules, T-BET, FOXP3, and EOMES, regulate different aspects of the immune response, including cell activation and inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateMar 2, 2022

Scaffolding tumor formation sets the stage for better immunotherapies

Researchers developed a novel scaffold to grow breast tumors with reduced immune variability, enabling more accurate immunotherapy drug testing. The new model replicates treatment-resistant breast cancer microenvironments and predicts patient responses to therapy.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 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.

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMar 2, 2022

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.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNeoBiota·DateMar 2, 2022

Facebook’s vaccine misinformation policy reduces anti-vax information

A new study by George Washington University researchers found that Facebook's vaccine misinformation policy moderately curtails the number of likes for anti-vaccine content. The policy, established in 2019, has been shown to reduce people's interactions with vaccine misinformation.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalVaccine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 2, 2022

In one cleft surgery NGO mission trip in Morocco, an all-female healthcare team empowered volunteers to seek further mentorship as well as to mentor others

In a cleft surgery NGO mission trip in Morocco, an all-female healthcare team empowered volunteers to seek further mentorship and to mentor others. The team's influence on female healthcare professionals was found to be significant, promoting a supportive environment for growth and development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateMar 2, 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.

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.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalApplied Surface Science·DateMar 2, 2022

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.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeCase study·DateMar 2, 2022

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.

SourceStanford University·JournalACS ES&T Engineering·DateMar 2, 2022

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.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalEcology Letters·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 2, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateMar 2, 2022

Are urban railways in Tokyo on the right track? Researchers from Japan attempt to answer

Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology analyzed 18 Tokyo Metropolitan Area railway lines to understand the impact of in-vehicle congestion on efficiency. They found that incorporating congestion rates into efficiency analysis can help develop better public transit strategies, leading to higher service levels and sustainability.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalTransport Policy·TypeObservational study·DateMar 2, 2022
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

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.

SourceNatural History Museum of Los Angeles County·JournalPalaeontologia Electronica·DateMar 2, 2022

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMar 2, 2022