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Science News Archive May 2022 - Page 16


Page 16 of 40
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.

The why of the silent X

Scientists found that lithium chloride can cause X-inactivation loss in female hESCs, leading to cell death. The study suggests a possible new model for regulating X-inactivation and warns against using GSK-3 inhibitors like lithium.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2022

Using light and sound to reveal rapid brain activity in unprecedented detail

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have created a method to scan and image the blood flow and oxygen levels inside a mouse brain in real-time. The new imaging approach breaks long-standing speed and resolution barriers, enabling researchers to uncover insights into neurovascular diseases like stroke, dementia, and acute brain injury.

SourceDuke University·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 19, 2022

SCAI issues official guidelines for the management of patent foramen ovale

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions has released official guidelines for the management of patent foramen ovale (PFO), addressing five clinical scenarios. The guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for PFO closure in various situations, aligning with stroke neurology principles.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalJournal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions·DateMay 19, 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.

Forecasting the effects of roads and railways on endangered tigers

A University of Michigan study predicts that expanding roads and a planned railway will dramatically increase tiger mortality, reducing populations from 130 to 50 animals over 20 years. Researchers urge Smart Green Infrastructure planning to minimize impacts on tiger biodiversity and prey.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateMay 19, 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.

Better keep the instructions

Researchers challenge long-held assumptions about human problem-solving abilities, revealing that many people fail to adapt a sophisticated strategy. A new study suggests that individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) tend to rely on an inefficient approach, even when faced with complex problems.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

Human behavior is key to building a better long-term COVID forecast

Researchers applied simple but nuanced variables to enhance modeling capabilities, resulting in improved mid- to long-term predictions. Human behavior, particularly the endogenous feedback loop of reduced mobility and social distancing after increased death rates, was found to be key to accurate forecasting.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 19, 2022

Ions and Rydberg-atoms: A bond between David and Goliath

Researchers detect a unique binding mechanism between a small ion and a gigantic Rydberg atom, defying classical expectations of particle size. The molecular bond forms when the charged ion deforms the large Rydberg atom, allowing it to form an unusual molecule.

SourceUniversitaet Stuttgart·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

Thermal insulation for quantum technologies

Scientists at HZB created sintered porous silicon-aluminum nanomaterials with reduced thermal conductivity using a novel process. The resulting materials have tiny pores, crystalline nanoparticles, and domain boundaries that suppress heat conduction.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNano Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

International study identifies most important vascular risk factors for dementia

A new international study has identified the most critical vascular risk factors for dementia, highlighting the importance of controlling high blood pressure and diabetes. The research, led by Professor Emer McGrath, found that individuals with these conditions are four times more likely to develop dementia than those without them.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalNeurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 19, 2022

Within U.S., exporting electricity imports about 700 premature deaths annually, Stanford study finda

A new Stanford University study reveals that US power plants generating electricity for export account for approximately 700 premature deaths in 2019. The majority of these health damages occur within the states where the power is both generated and used, but large discrepancies exist across regions.

SourceStanford University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2022

Research confirms eastern Wyoming Paleoindian site as Americas' oldest mine

The Powars II site in eastern Wyoming has been confirmed as the oldest documented red ocher mine in North and South America, dating back nearly 13,000 years. The excavation uncovered thousands of Paleoindian artifacts, including projectile points and shell beads.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2022
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.

Making the most of crowdsourcing campaigns

Researchers developed a system to estimate the probability of a majority response being wrong, eliminating unnecessary task assignments and increasing efficiency in crowdsourcing projects. This method can be applied to various binary classification tasks, reducing labor and improving accuracy.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 19, 2022

New strategies to save the world’s most indispensable grain

Researchers have identified a cork-like substance called suberin that helps protect rice roots from floods and drought. By understanding how suberin is produced, they hope to use gene editing or selective breeding to make the crop more resilient to climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

How to break up with your phone

McGill University researchers found that participants who implemented a nudge-based intervention reduced their screen time by about an hour per day, leading to better sleep quality. The intervention also helped individuals report feeling less addicted to their phones.

SourceMcGill University·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health and Addiction·DateMay 19, 2022

First intermediate to long-term study of the harmony transcatheter pulmonary valve system validates safety and efficacy

A one-year study validated the Harmony transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) system's safety and efficacy in treating congenital heart disease patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation. The study showed favorable clinical and hemodynamic outcomes, including low mortality rates and minimal interventions.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·DateMay 19, 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.

Satellite monitoring of biodiversity moves within reach

Researchers from the University of Zurich and University of Montréal developed a method to assess plant biodiversity across ecosystems using satellite imaging spectrometry. The study found that spectral diversity calculations can capture differences in plant community composition across all ecosystems studied, allowing for targeted fie...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

How fast-growing algae could enhance growth of food crops

Researchers at Princeton and Northwestern universities developed a computational model of the pyrenoid, identifying key features needed for enhanced carbon fixation in plants. The study suggests that engineering a pyrenoid-like ability could improve crop growth rates and mitigate food insecurity.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Plants·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 19, 2022

Ocean seafloor identified as the ultimate sink for marine plastics

Research at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology finds that 98% of ocean plastic is buried in the seafloor, with coastal habitats like mangroves also significant sink sites. The discovery resolves a mystery and has significant implications for human health and UN Sustainable Goal 14.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Letters·TypeSurvey·DateMay 19, 2022
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.

New breathable gas sensors may improve monitoring of health, environment

Researchers developed flexible, porous nitrogen dioxide sensors that can be attached to skin and clothing for continuous monitoring. The sensors have potential applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and military use, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

Standard test for multiple myeloma provides clues of a rare, more deadly type

A study found that patients with IgD multiple myeloma have a worse prognosis than other types, with higher mortality rates and more kidney damage. The rare blood cancer produces excessive light chains that can damage the kidneys if left untreated.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalInternational Journal of Pathology and Clinical Research·DateMay 19, 2022

Sparking sustainable new chemical catalysts

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a new catalyst, tungsten oxide, that can efficiently convert carbon dioxide into useful fuels and chemicals. This breakthrough could lead to a significant reduction in global warming by utilizing hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 18, 2022

Conservationists find high DDT and PCB contamination risk for critically endangered California coastal condors

A new study finds that California coastal condors are at increased risk of reproductive impairment due to consuming dead marine mammals contaminated with banned chemicals like DDT and PCBs. Baja California, Mexico, presents a reduced risk compared to the California coast.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 18, 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.

Energy, maritime leaders to convene for DOE InnovationXLab Summit

The summit focuses on emerging innovations and scientific capabilities from DOE national laboratories, including self-reinforced cement, temperature-based hibernating batteries, and acoustic tags. These place-based research solutions aim to address challenges in energy resiliency and the maritime industry.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateMay 18, 2022

Scallops swim into illuminated fishing pots

Researchers found that over 99.6% of caught scallops were in pots with lights, and video footage shows the shellfish piling into the pots. This novel method could be a game-changer for sustainable seafood production and reduce environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFisheries Research·DateMay 18, 2022

New study highlights major step forward in monitoring ocean health

Researchers at MBARI use eDNA and autonomous underwater robots to survey marine biodiversity, providing clues about changes in sensitive areas and the presence of rare species. The technology enables persistent monitoring of ocean ecosystems, supporting food webs and regulating climate.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·JournalEnvironmental DNA·DateMay 18, 2022

Dopamine makes you feel happy. But we probably have to be rewrite the textbooks

A study published in Nature Communications sheds light on dopamine transporter (DAT) function, which regulates brain reward centre communication. The researchers discovered DAT depends on potassium, not just sodium, rewriting textbooks on its mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 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.

On the trail of urinary tract infections

Researchers aim to develop innovative therapeutic approaches against recurrent urinary tract infections caused by antibiotic-resistant UPEC strains. They will focus on host cell factors controlling UPEC infection and test potential new active substances, including host microRNAs.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateMay 18, 2022

A novel optogenetic tool for precise control of Gq signaling

A novel optogenetic tool, cOpn5, has been developed for precise control of intracellular Gq signaling. This breakthrough enables temporal resolution down to milliseconds and subcellular control without the need for exogenous chromophore.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateMay 18, 2022

Study chronicles presence of chronic frames of race, gender, and wealth inequality

New research finds that journalists and laypersons describe racial and gender inequalities in terms of disadvantage, while wealth inequality is described in terms of advantage. The framing of inequalities is linked to their perceived legitimacy, with illegitimate inequalities being framed more strongly as disadvantages.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2022

400 GW wind, solar power per year to meet 1.5 C Paris Agreement

To achieve the EU's climate neutrality goal by 2050 with a maximum temperature increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius, a massive rollout of solar and wind power is required, along with investments in Power-to-X technologies and carbon capture. The model suggests installing 400 GW of new solar and wind energy capacity every year from 2025-2035.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJoule·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 18, 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.

Remote teaching during the pandemic disadvantages students in New Jersey’s lower-income school districts

A Rutgers study finds that remote teaching during the pandemic contributed to teacher and student stress, particularly in lower-income school districts where students faced inequities in online learning opportunities. The study highlights the need for targeted e-learning solutions and retrospective audits to address digital inequality.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of the Association for Information Science and Technology·DateMay 18, 2022

COVID booster needed for broad protection against omicron variants

Two studies found that a third dose of mRNA vaccine generates high enough antibody levels to neutralize BA.2 and deltacron, as well as other omicron sublineage variants. Booster shots show stronger protection against these variants than just two doses, particularly against deltacron.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 18, 2022

Buck Scientist uncovers clues to aging in mitochondria

Researchers discovered that a conserved receptor molecule called Tom70 coordinates the balance between protein production and import into mitochondria. This finding ties to increased lifespan and delayed mitochondrial dysfunction when Tom70 levels are elevated. The study provides new insights into aging and age-related diseases.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 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.

Keeping buildings cooler with a wood-based foam

Researchers have designed a lightweight wood-based foam that reflects sunlight, emits absorbed heat, and is thermally insulating. The material could reduce buildings' cooling energy needs by an average of 35.4% depending on weather conditions, making it a promising solution for hot climates.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 18, 2022

Study in mice suggests that COVID-19 increases risk of developing Parkinson’s disease

A recent study published in Movement Disorders suggests that COVID-19 may increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease by making brain cells more susceptible to damage. Researchers found that mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 were more likely to exhibit characteristic features of Parkinson's disease after exposure to a toxin.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalMovement Disorders·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022

Potential pitfalls of high-risk prescribing practices in older adults

Researchers found that polypharmacy and sedative drugs are associated with an increased risk of long-term care needs certification among older adults. The study highlights the need for public health initiatives to reduce high-risk prescribing practices, which may lead to a decrease in disability risk.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalGeriatrics and Gerontology International·DateMay 18, 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.

Quantifying the live microbes on your plate

Scientists estimate 20% of children and 26% of adults in the US consume high levels of live microorganisms daily. These findings suggest a link between dietary microbes and health outcomes, highlighting the importance of quantifying live microbes consumed through food and supplements.

SourceInternational Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 18, 2022

Scientists hone long-range forecasting of US tornadoes, hail

Scientists identified three atmospheric phenomena orientations near the equator that increase US severe weather event probabilities three to four weeks later. Using machine learning, they found correlations between MJO fluctuations and U.S. severe weather weeks after the event.

SourceNorthern Illinois University·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeObservational study·DateMay 18, 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.

A two-step adaptive walk in the wild

A study on Arabidopsis thaliana found that a two-step molecular process rewired nutrient transport, allowing the plants to thrive in manganese-limited volcanic soil. The discovery provides insights into nutrient homeostasis and has implications for evolutionary biology and crop improvement.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022

Scientists reveal different water isotope concentrations in both monthly and daily precipitation observations across Brazil’s diverse climate

The study found different isotopic compositions of water in continental and coastal areas, with varying seasonal patterns. Daily measurements revealed the influence of moisture source, transport, and convective activity on rainfall type, providing insights into regional atmospheric controls.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 18, 2022

Coeliac cereal – Research shows oats could be the answer

Researchers from Edith Cowan University, CSIRO, and WEHI have decoded the genome of oats, revealing why they may be a suitable alternative to wheat for those with coeliac disease. The study found that oats contain fewer gluten-like proteins, making them a potentially healthier option.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalNature·DateMay 18, 2022

'Natural immunity' from omicron is weak and limited, study finds

A new study by Gladstone Institutes and UC San Francisco found that infection with the Omicron variant provides weak immune response in unvaccinated individuals, failing to confer broad protection against other variants. In contrast, vaccinated individuals show stronger immunity against multiple COVID-19 strains.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature·DateMay 18, 2022
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.

Are microplastics pervasive in Nigerian drinking water?

A recent study found that microplastics are abundant in borehole drinking water and sediments in Lagos, Nigeria. Areas with high industrial activity had higher levels of microplastics than areas with less industrial activity and lower population densities.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateMay 18, 2022