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Science News Archive May 2022


Page 3 of 40

Capturing carbon with crops, trees and bioenergy

A new study by MSU researchers reveals that an integrated approach to land management can reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere significantly. By combining crop rotation, agroforestry, and bioenergy production, these practices can sequester more carbon than previously thought.

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.

COVID-19's toll on global cardiac services - International Version

A major study found COVID-19's toll on global cardiac services, revealing a 'substantial global decline' in hospital admissions of cardiovascular patients. The pandemic led to increased delays in treatment, resulting in more deaths and complications, with low-income countries facing the worst impact.

Controlling cells with a laser beam

Researchers at TU Wien develop a method to guide individual cells with laser precision, enabling reproducible production of artificial tissue and testing new drugs without animal testing. The technique involves adding special molecules to hydrogel surrounding cells, which become softer and more permeable when activated by a laser beam.

When AI is the inventor – who gets the patent?

Academics argue AI systems like DABUS need new IP laws as existing ones are inadequate to deal with cases where machines are named sole inventors. The authors recommend introducing a new 'AI-IP' form of law that would be specifically tailored to AI-generated inventiveness, addressing ownership and novelty issues.

Global warming increases risks of East China flooding

A recent study found that global warming is likely to increase the frequency of strong Western Pacific Subtropical High events, leading to enhanced flood risk in East China. This is due to increased sensitivity of rainfall and atmospheric convection to sea surface temperature variability under warmer climates.

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.

Scientists synthesize material for fuel cells

Researchers at Ural Federal University have synthesized a proton conductor with high electrical conductivity, which could become the basis for solid oxide fuel cells. The new material is potentially cost-effective and exhibits higher electrical conductivity than other solid-state conductors.

Bringing magma up to our feet—Just add CO2

A University of Utah and New Zealand study reveals that CO2 deep underground allows magma to avoid being trapped, reaching the surface and pooling into persistent lava lakes. This finding expands our understanding of magma sources and transport to the surface, particularly in rift volcanoes.

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.

Ostriches can adapt to heat or cold – but not both

Research at Lund University found that ostriches are sensitive to fluctuating temperatures and lay up to 40% fewer eggs if the temperatures rise or fall by 5 degrees. The study also revealed a genetic trade-off between heat and cold tolerance, meaning that increased heat tolerance comes at the cost of decreased cold tolerance.

When blue-green algae get a virus

A recent study found that viral infections can significantly impact cyanobacterial populations, which produce half the world's oxygen. Researchers discovered a 2017 outbreak in the North Pacific Ocean, where Prochlorococcus populations declined by 17°C due to increased viral infection.

Writing with light on titania

Researchers have developed a coating material that can be written on using UV light and erased again using oxygen, enabling reusable/rewritable surfaces in various applications. The material exhibits high contrast and stability, with up to 50 write-erase cycles possible without notable loss of contrast.

Olfactory neurons adapt to the surrounding environment

Researchers at UNIGE found that olfactory neurons change their identity based on expressed receptors and past experiences. The study reveals a wide range of identities among these neurons, which adapt rapidly to different levels of stimulation.

Nanoparticles that mimic plant pigment to deliver better solar panels

A team of engineers and biologists at the University of Surrey created nanoparticles that mimic chlorophyll's light-absorbing properties with high efficiency. The new approach shows promise for future high-efficiency solar panels, potentially ditching toxic materials used to maintain intensity.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

COVID-19's toll on global cardiac services - UK Version

A major international study reveals the significant impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular services worldwide, with a substantial decline in hospital admissions and increased mortality rates. The study warns that problems with heart health will continue to accrue unless mitigation strategies are implemented quickly.

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.

First database of multidrug-resistant bacterial genomes created in Brazil

A new platform and genomic database has been developed to monitor and control multidrug-resistant bacteria, with over 500 human pathogens already available. The database aims to provide strategic information on microorganisms classified as a “critical priority” by the World Health Organization.

Ultrasound-guided microbubbles boost immunotherapy efficacy

Researchers developed an ultrasound-guided cancer immunotherapy platform that generates systemic antitumor immunity and improves immune checkpoint blockade efficacy. The Microbubble-assisted UltraSound-guided Immunotherapy of Cancer (MUSIC) approach demonstrated complete tumor eradication rates of up to 60% in breast cancer models.

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.

Very high doses of CBD, a cannabis component, don’t affect driving

A study published in Journal of Psychopharmacology found that consuming up to 1500mg of CBD daily has no impact on driving abilities. The research involved 17 participants who completed simulated driving tasks after taking different doses of CBD, with no dose inducing feelings of intoxication or impairing cognitive performance.

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.

Turning high-rise buildings into batteries

Researchers propose a novel gravitational-based storage solution using lifts in tall buildings to store energy. The system, called Lift Energy Storage Technology (LEST), stores energy by lifting wet sand containers or other high-density materials.

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.

Unselfish behavior has evolutionary reasons

Researchers find that cooperative breeding in animal societies increases survival chances of carers, leading to higher reproductive success. The study also reveals the relative importance of kin selection and individual selection varies depending on environmental conditions.

1 million youth became daily tobacco users, most used juul e-cigarettes

Between 2017 and 2019, more than 1 million US youth aged 14 to 17 years became new daily tobacco users, with three-quarters of them vaping e-cigarettes daily. The majority of these young users were introduced to JUUL products, which had high nicotine concentrations and youth-appealing flavors.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

Herbal supplement shows promise against lung cancer

A recent study published in Pharmaceutics suggests that berberine can suppress the proliferation of lung cancer cells, reduce airway inflammation, and modulate genes involved in inflammation. The researchers used liquid crystalline nanoparticles to enhance safety and effectiveness.

MIT engineers boost signals from fluorescent sensors

The MIT team developed wavelength-induced frequency filtering (WIFF), a novel photonic technique that dramatically improves fluorescent sensor signals. This allows for the implantation of sensors as deep as 5.5 cm in tissue, enabling applications such as tracking specific molecules inside the brain or monitoring drug effects.

Acute stress may be detrimental to fighting off COVID-19 and influenza

This study shows how specific brain regions control the immune response during acute stress, highlighting the detrimental effect on fighting off infection. Researchers found that acute stress prompts a major migration of immune cells, diminishing an immune response to viruses like COVID-19 and influenza.

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.

The paired perils of breast cancer and diabetes

Research describes how breast cancer cells impair pancreatic islet function to suppress insulin production, leading to diabetes and increased tumor growth. The study identifies microRNA-122 as a key player in this process.

Too impatient to get vaccinated?

A survey of hospital staff in two Swiss hospitals found that those who were hesitant or refused vaccination displayed higher impatience and lower expectations for public vaccination rates. This has implications for future health campaigns, as medical staff serve as role models for the general public.

NUS scientists discover new clues to liver cancer progression

Researchers engineered mini liver tumours co-cultured with endothelial cells to investigate their crosstalk. The team found that endothelial cells promote the production of CXCL1, a protein associated with poor survival outcome in liver cancer patients.

8000 years of Great Barrier Reef climate history revealed

A team of Australian scientists has analyzed rare earth elements in drilled reef cores to unveil a deep history of wild weather on the Great Barrier Reef. The study reveals that extreme runoff from intense monsoons affected water quality over 8,000 years ago, leading to reduced coral growth and reef decline.

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.

Settled at birth: Blood vessels remember their origins

Researchers discovered that blood vessels forming from lymphatic vessels were found to be suited for specific functions. In transgenic zebrafish, they found that fins develop with lymphatic-derived blood vessels, which are perfectly suited for fin development.

Virtual biopsy set to transform heart transplant care

A new virtual biopsy using cardiovascular magnetic resonance has been proven safe and effective in detecting signs of heart rejection in heart transplant patients. The non-invasive procedure reduces complications and hospital admissions compared to traditional invasive biopsies.

Fastest carbon dioxide catcher heralds new age for direct air capture

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed an innovative carbon capture system that removes CO2 directly from the atmosphere with unprecedented performance. The isophorone diamine-based system achieves 99% efficiency and can process low concentrations of CO2 in air at a rate twice as fast as existing systems.