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Science News Archive May 2022


Page 19 of 40

Scientists use machine learning models to help identify long COVID patients

Researchers developed XGBoost machine learning models using de-identified EHR data from the National COVID Cohort Collaborative to identify potential long-COVID patients. The models achieved high accuracy, identifying key features such as post-COVID respiratory symptoms and pre-existing risk factors for acute COVID severity.

Where were Herod the Great's royal alabaster bathtubs quarried?

A new study published in Scientific Reports provides definitive evidence for the origin of Herod the Great's luxurious alabaster bathtubs. Analytical methods distinguish calcite-alabaster from Egypt and confirm quarries in Israel, challenging long-held assumptions.

3D-printed acoustic holograms against Alzheimer's or Parkinson's

Researchers at Universitat Politècnica de València have developed 3D-printed acoustic holograms that can open the blood-brain barrier, allowing for precise administration of therapeutic drugs to treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The technology enables controlled focusing of ultrasonic beams on specific brain structures.

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.

Chimpanzees combine calls to form numerous vocal sequences

A new study reveals that wild chimpanzees produce hundreds of diverse vocal sequences, combining up to ten call types, and exhibit structured communication patterns. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that non-human primates lack complex vocal communication systems.

Caribbean coral reefs need our help

Global warming is expected to destabilize Caribbean coral populations, leading to bleaching and extinction. Coral reefs support the seafood industry, coastal communities, and tourism, with a net economic value estimated in tens of billions of dollars.

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.

Changes in COVID-19 mortality rates by age, race, ethnicity

A recent study found that COVID-19 mortality rates in the United States were significantly higher among younger adults and minority groups compared to older adults and white populations. The research also revealed disparities in mortality rates by sex, with women experiencing lower mortality rates than men.

Motivation for sports and school go hand in hand for adolescent athletes

A new study from Finland found that adolescent athletes' motivation for school and sports are strongly related, with female students generally showing higher motivation for both. Male students tend to be less interested in school, but not in sports, suggesting a need for targeted support to develop their academic motivation.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Early warning system forecasts who needs critical care for COVID-19

A new algorithm forecasts which hospitalized patients are at the highest risk of death from COVID-19, regardless of immune protection status or virus variant. The tool, called COVID-19 Disease Outcome Predictor (CODOP), uses blood measurements to predict prognosis and can help direct critical care resources.

New silicon nanowires can really take the heat

Scientists have developed a new material that conducts heat 150% more efficiently than conventional materials, enabling smaller, faster microelectronics. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient electronic devices powered by microchips that consume less energy and reduce carbon emissions.

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.

Magnetic resonance makes the invisible visible

Researchers have developed a new NMR method to monitor fast biomolecular events like protein folding, enabled by hyperpolarized water. This technique enhances signal intensities by up to 10,000-fold, allowing for real-time monitoring and tracking of individual amino acids.

How is it possible to remember selfless experiences?

Scientists from Ruhr-University Bochum argue that selfless memories are possible and should be taken seriously. They propose the Bochum model of memory, which suggests that people construct a vivid memory by enriching a stored memory trace with background knowledge and adding self-facets.

Study identifies first cellular “chaperone” for zinc

The study reveals that ZNG1 is a protein that puts zinc into other 'client' proteins, playing a crucial role in regulating cellular zinc homeostasis. ZNG1's identification opens up a new area of biology for exploration and may be one of the most important regulatory strategies by which humans cope with severe zinc starvation.

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.

Friendly fungi announce themselves to their hosts

Scientists discovered that commensal fungi like Candida albicans need to be alive and actively producing proteins to elicit a beneficial immune response. The fungus oscillates between high and low expression of the UME6 gene, signaling its benefits to the body.

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.

Some of the keys to improving learning through feedback

A UOC study finds that effective feedback requires a two-way dialogue between teachers and students, helping them bridge gaps in knowledge and skills. Students' emotional responses to feedback also play a crucial role, with positive emotions fostering engagement and improvement.

Protein linked to intellectual disability has complex role

The study found that the fragile X protein regulates the opening and closing of the GABA-A receptor in neurons from the brain's memory center, influencing how such neurons process information. This nuanced understanding may hold the key to developing effective therapies for fragile X syndrome.

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.

Dynamics of adaptive immunity in tuberculosis uncovered

Researchers discovered that adaptive immune response against TB matures over time, with key players in immunity becoming activated by three months after infection. The emergence of these activated T cells is inversely correlated with the number of granuloma-contained live bacteria, suggesting they play critical roles in bacterial control.

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.

“Gold veins mined in the city” A technology to realize ‘urban mining’

A Korean research team has developed a gold recovery process with the world's highest recovery efficiency of 99.9%. The technology uses a capsule-type material that traps gold ions and prevents clogging, allowing for repeated recycling. This innovation can lead to significant cost savings and environmental benefits.

If you take several medications, ‘polypharmacy’ is a word to know

A recent study found that 70% of adults with stage 3 or 4 cancer were at risk of drug-drug interactions, highlighting the importance of deprescribing medications to avoid harm. The study's results emphasize the need for education and problem-solving to address polypharmacy in older adults with cancer.

Scientists nail down 'destination' for protein that delivers zinc

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have identified a zinc chaperone protein called ZNG1, which delivers zinc to the enzyme MAP1. This discovery reveals a key mechanism used by all living things to transport zinc, essential for survival and enzyme function.

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.

Rice chemists skew the odds to prevent cancer

Researchers at Rice University have developed a theoretical framework to explain how cancers caused by multiple genetic mutations can be identified and potentially stopped. By analyzing energy landscapes of cellular transformation pathways, they found that the most dominant pathways are favored by chance.

Change of temperature causes whole body reprogramming

Researchers at UNIGE discovered that temperature changes trigger organ-specific effects in all tissues, leading to distinct gene expression profiles. The study's web-based application provides access to thousands of gene expression profiles, enabling further research and potential therapeutic applications.

Vine removal technique foils devastating grape disease

A new vine removal technique called spatial roguing can significantly reduce the incidence of leafroll disease in commercial vineyards. Removing two vines on either side of a diseased grapevine creates a barrier that eliminates the mealybugs' means of transporting the virus, leading to a rapid decline in disease incidence.

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.

NIST study gives animal testing alternatives a confidence boost

Researchers at NIST developed a new, faster, and more accessible method for screening skin allergens without animal testing. The electrophilic allergen screening assay (EASA) achieved similar results to existing methods with 77% agreement rate, paving the way for potential standardization and increased international trade.

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.

Density, benign disease raise risk of breast cancer

A large study published in Radiology found that women with dense breast tissue and benign breast disease are at increased risk of developing breast cancer. The study, which included over 3.9 million Korean women, suggests that these women may benefit from supplemental screening with MRI or ultrasound.

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.

Aerodynamics of perching birds could inform aircraft design

Researchers studied aerodynamics of bird perching maneuvers to understand the mechanisms that enhance lift and improve landing stability. They found that swept-wing motion stabilizes leading-edge vortex, leading to better landings in birds and potentially in aircraft.

Astronauts may one day drink water from ancient moon volcanoes

Researchers from CU Boulder suggest that ancient moon volcanoes may have spewed out huge amounts of water vapor, forming stores of ice on the lunar surface. This discovery adds to evidence that the moon may be awash in more water than previously believed, with potential implications for future lunar missions.

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.