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Science News Archive May 2022


Page 12 of 40

Amid scary headlines about disease, important progress against tuberculosis

Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have made important discoveries on the crucial role of malnutrition in global tuberculosis, highlighting how gut infections impair treatment outcomes. A new funding partnership will train Tanzanian postdoctoral researchers to work specifically on this intersection.

Reducing screen time increases physical activity in children

A family-based randomized controlled trial by University of Southern Denmark researchers found that reducing recreational screen media use increases daily physical activity in children. Children in the intervention group showed an average of 45 minutes more physical activity per day compared to those in the control group.

Study reveals evidence that bacteria can live in snake and spider venoms

Scientists have found that bacterial DNA is present in the venom of snakes and spiders, which could lead to infection in victims. The study also shows that these bacteria have mutated to resist the venom, highlighting the need for clinicians to consider treating snakebite victims for infection too.

Noisy jackdaw birds reach “consensus” before taking off

Researchers found that noisy jackdaws use a 'democratic' decision-making process to coordinate their daily takeoffs, relying on the intensity of calls to achieve consensus. The findings suggest that changes in calling intensity serve as a reliable source of information for synchronization.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

AI helps diagnose post-COVID lung problems

A new computer-aided diagnostic tool, Deep-Lung Parenchyma-Enhancing (DLPE), uses artificial intelligence to reveal signs of pulmonary fibrosis in COVID long-haulers, helping to explain respiratory symptoms and improve disease management.

Skydiving salamanders live in world's tallest trees

Researchers discovered that wandering salamanders, living in redwoods, have developed aerial behaviors to avoid predators, including parachuting and gliding. They are able to maintain control and make horizontal maneuvers, defying expectations of their sluggish nature.

Using ketamine to find an undiscovered pathway

A study by Osaka Metropolitan University researchers found ketamine boosts IGF-1, a brain molecule linked to depression. The independent pathways of IGF-1 and BDNF suggest a novel target for developing rapid-acting antidepressants.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

'Democracy' governs mass jackdaw take-offs

A team of researchers found that jackdaws use a form of 'consensus decision-making' to decide when to leave their roosts en masse. By combining recorded calls with tests in which pre-recorded calls were played, the team discovered that birds effectively 'cast a vote' through calling out to reach a consensus.

BU researchers develop a novel AI algorithm for digital pathology analysis

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have developed a novel AI algorithm, Graph Transformer (GTP), to classify lung cancer subtypes based on whole slide images. The framework outperforms current state-of-the-art methods and has implications beyond digital pathology for computer vision applications.

Microbes can degrade the toughest PFAS

Researchers at UC Riverside have found that common microbial communities can degrade a stubborn class of PFAS called fluorinated carboxylic acids (FCAs) by breaking the carbon-fluorine bond under anaerobic conditions. This breakthrough could lead to new methods for environmental remediation and reduce the harm caused by PFAS.

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 research may explain unexpected effects of common painkillers

Researchers at Yale University have discovered a new mechanism by which some NSAIDs reduce inflammation, explaining why similar drugs produce different clinical outcomes. This discovery may inform how NSAIDs are used in the future and could lead to new applications for these painkillers.

Genetic test can diagnose certain immune system disorders

Researchers developed a genetic test that diagnoses primary immunodeficiency disorders (PID), revealing inherited genetic defects in nearly half of patients. The test uses next-generation sequencing technology to identify specific gene variants associated with PID, enabling targeted treatment and earlier intervention for family members.

Low-cost gel film can pluck drinking water from desert air

Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a low-cost gel film that can pull water from the air in dry climates, producing up to 6 liters of water per day. The film uses renewable cellulose and konjac gum, making it an affordable solution for communities struggling with water shortages.

Carbon nanomaterials are hot property

KAUST researchers have developed a method to manufacture high-performance flexible heaters using graphene domains in nanoscale-thick graphite films. The heaters can reach temperatures of several hundred degrees within seconds when applying a small voltage, and they exhibit excellent stability and cooling rates.

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.

Men with prostate cancer have higher risk of serious blood clots

A large-scale study has found that men with prostate cancer have a 50% higher risk of developing serious and potentially fatal blood clots during the five years after their diagnosis. This increased risk is significant because venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of death among people with cancer.

Tiny infrared spectral filters for remote thermal sensing and imaging

New research develops a low-index BaF2 thin film-based microspectrometer technology for LWIR spectral sensing. The study demonstrates the use of flat and stress-free free-standing distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) for high-performance wavelength discrimination in the long-wave infrared region.

Further insights into SARS-CoV-2 spike protein glycan shield

A recent study published in Frontiers in Microbiology reveals the correlation between sugar identity and flexibility in SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein. The researchers used high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy and computer simulation to understand the impact of glycans on antibody recognition and protein shielding.

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.

New tech aims to drive down costs of hydrogen fuel

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new technique for extracting hydrogen gas from liquid carriers, making it faster, less expensive and more energy efficient. The new method uses sunlight and a reusable photocatalyst to release hydrogen molecules, reducing the need for rhodium and lowering production costs.

Research boosts 'game-changing' technology to strengthen drug development

A recent study published in Nature Communications has significantly extended the understanding of one type of protein degrader technology, expanding on current validation strategies. This breakthrough could boost the number of drugs successfully entering human trials, particularly for hard-to-treat cancers.

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.

Microparticles with feeling

A new method called sensPIV has been developed to measure both flow and oxygen concentrations simultaneously at the smallest scales. This breakthrough allows researchers to study how corals generate flows, increasing oxygen transport, and has potential applications in life sciences, microfluidics, and medicine.

Planets of binary stars as possible homes for alien life

Researchers found that planetary systems around binary stars form differently than those around single stars, potentially creating new targets for extraterrestrial life. The study also suggests that comets could play a key role in delivering organic molecules necessary for life.

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.

A new statistical method for improved brain mapping

A new statistical method for brain mapping is proposed to improve accuracy by removing redundant associations. The study uses simulations to test the method's performance on fake diseases and scores, revealing its superiority over existing approaches. The next step is to apply this refined analysis to study Alzheimer's disease.

Rice bioengineers are shining light on bacterial stress

Rice University bioengineers are developing optogenetic tools to study B. subtilis' stress response, combining experimental results with theoretical findings to understand genetic design principles. This research aims to reveal clues about bacterial survival and potentially lead to new antimicrobial drugs.

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.

Denial of structural racism linked to anti-Black prejudice

Research published by the American Psychological Association finds that denial of structural racism is associated with anti-Black prejudice and less racial empathy. People who deny structural racism are more likely to endorse beliefs that societal inequality is acceptable and report fewer intentions to engage in social justice behaviors.

DeepSqueak tool identifies marine mammal calls #ASA182

A new tool called DeepSqueak uses deep learning to identify marine mammal calls with high accuracy, even in noisy environments. The tool was originally developed for rodent ultrasound signals but has been adapted to detect sounds at other frequencies, including humpback whales and delphinids.

Examining access to major surgery during pandemic of racial minority patients

Researchers analyzed nearly 3.5 million patients and found no disparity in elective surgery case volume reductions among racial groups, with Black, Asian, and other non-white individuals showing similar decreases as white counterparts. The study challenges existing assumptions about the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare disparities.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

A subtle genetic change gives new clues about epilepsy

Researchers discovered a previously unknown mutation in a child with epilepsy that affects the functioning of ion channels, which are crucial for brain function. The mutation has been found to decrease the function of normal proteins as well, highlighting the importance of studying genetic mutations.

Diamond mirrors for high-powered lasers

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a single-material diamond mirror that withstood a 10-kilowatt Navy laser without damage. The mirror's unique nanostructure design makes it 98.9% reflective, potentially enabling more robust high-power lasers for various applications.

The limits of vision: Seeing shadows in the dark

Researchers at Aalto University have discovered a dedicated neural pathway in the retina that can detect even the dimmest shadows possible. This breakthrough could lead to unprecedented resolution in probing visual diseases.

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.

Gene-edited tomatoes could be a new source of vitamin D

Researchers have developed gene-edited tomatoes that can produce vitamin D3 through exposure to UVB light. The tomato leaves naturally contain provitamin D3, which accumulates in the fruit after editing. This breakthrough could help millions of people with vitamin D insufficiency and provide a plant-based source of vitamin D3.

Hydrogen production method opens up clean energy possibilities

A new energy-efficient way to produce hydrogen gas from ethanol and water has been developed, enabling on-site production at fueling stations. This innovation could make clean hydrogen fuel a more viable alternative for gasoline-powered cars, reducing the need for hazardous high-pressure hydrogen gas transportation.

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.

Towards having your privacy, security and exchanging crypto too

A new paper outlines a universal protocol for secure cryptocurrency exchanges, addressing issues of honesty, privacy, and third-party reliance. The protocol ensures honest swaps across all current and future cryptocurrencies, with no need for specialized features or high computing power.

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.

Ultrafast dynamics of topological material probed under pressure

The study investigates the nonequilibrium relaxations of hot electrons and coherent acoustic phonons in Sb2Te3 under hydrostatic pressure up to 30 GPa. It reveals a hot phonon bottleneck effect that is effectively suppressed along with the onset of electronic topological transitions.

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.

Novel DNA robots designed for swarming into nonlinear amplification

Researchers designed two conceptual models of intelligent DNA robots that can swarm into leakless nonlinear amplification. The robots use multifunctional manipulators, trigger validators, and automatic assembly motors to amplify signals and facilitate targeted drug delivery.

Stopping C9orf72-linked Dementia in Mutant Mice with Antibiotic Rifampicin

Researchers found that rifampicin improved cognitive function and memory in mice with C9orf72-linked dementia. The antibiotic also reduced formation of protein aggregates, neuronal loss, and microglial activation in brain tissue. This study suggests rifampicin may be a widely effective drug for preventing neurodegenerative diseases.