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Science News Archive October 2022


Page 1 of 37

AI screens to make transport fuels green

Researchers at KAUST developed an inverse mixture-design approach using machine learning to create high-performance transport fuels. The model accurately predicted fuel properties and identified suitable blends, offering a promising solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateOct 31, 2022

Natural nutrient enrichment caused today’s largest ocean “dead zone” 8 million years ago

A team of scientists found that the largest open ocean dead zone in the eastern Pacific Ocean emerged eight million years ago due to increasing nutrient content. This natural phenomenon was caused by changes in weathering and erosion on land, leading to a major transition in terrestrial ecosystems.

SourceBoston College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 2022

Stretchable battery packaging with moisture and gas barrier could power the future of wearable devices

Researchers from Yokohama National University have developed a flexible film for batteries that can operate reliably in air, offering potential for highly deformable batteries in wearable devices. The film shows excellent oxygen gas impermeability and extremely low moisture permeability, making it suitable for wearable applications.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 31, 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 reveals how ancient fish colonized the deep sea

Scientists discovered that ancient fish favored cold, dark waters of the deep sea, challenging the assumption that shallow habitats have always been diverse. The study revealed three major events that drove speciation rates in the deep sea, including the breakup of Pangea and the Cretaceous Hot Greenhouse period.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 31, 2022

CDI scientist, colleagues look for microscopic clues to beating deadly brain tumors

A critical new pathway to treating glioblastoma, a deadly brain tumor, may be found in the complex diversity of tumor tissue. CDI scientists identified lipids with potential therapeutic value, highlighting the importance of targeting signaling pathways in relation to cell function and resistance to therapy.

SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournalScientific Reports·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 31, 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.

New catalyst can turn smelly hydrogen sulfide into a cash cow

Rice University engineers have developed a method to convert hydrogen sulfide into high-demand hydrogen gas and sulfur in a single step using gold nanoparticles. The process gets all its energy from light, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional remediation methods.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022

Astronomers confirm past solar eclipses in northern Japan first mentioned in indigenous folklore and historical documents

Researchers at Nagoya University analyzed three historical writings to identify past solar eclipses in Hokkaido, using modern scientific techniques. They found that these accounts matched computer simulations of the Sun and Moon positions, revealing valuable clues about the extremity of the solar-terrestrial environment.

SourceNagoya University·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 2022

Partisan divide contributed to false sense of racial equality in pandemic mortality

Analysis by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers confirms Black Americans bear greater mortality burden, even after accounting for age and population differences. Partisan policies played a significant role in this shift, with states led by Republican governors lifting pandemic measures faster, leading to higher white death rates.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 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 bring back Earth’s memory with mountaintop ice

Researchers extracted oxygen isotopes to study recent climate changes in the Third Pole region. The analysis revealed dramatic shifts in climate over the past 12,000 years, likely driven by population growth and agricultural development.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2022

Ultra-cold mini twisters

Scientists at the University of Innsbruck have developed a new method to observe and study ultra-cold mini twisters, quantized vortices that form in dipolar quantum gases. These vortices are a strong indication of superfluidity, a frictionless flow characteristic of certain quantum gases.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 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.

Women in STEM invited to Aotearoa New Zealand

The International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists (ICWES19) will bring together women from around the world to discuss how science, engineering, and technology can create a better world. The conference will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities.

SourceAssociation for Women in the Sciences·DateOct 31, 2022

The three-dimensional structure of PAPP-A has been determined

The research reveals PAPP-A's heart-shaped structure and its interaction with STC2, a key regulator of IGF conversion. The study suggests that complex formation between PAPP-A and STC2 is highly regulated, influencing height by up to 2.1 cm.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022

Marital stress linked to worse recovery after heart attack

Researchers found that marital stress among younger adults (ages 18–55 years) is associated with poorer recovery after a heart attack. The study of over 1,593 participants showed that higher levels of marital stress were linked to reduced physical and mental health outcomes.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateOct 31, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Best blood thinner for minimising bleeding risk identified

A large-scale comparison of direct oral anticoagulants has identified apixaban as the drug with the lowest risk of bleeding. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, found that apixaban had a 19-28% lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding compared to other DOACs.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 31, 2022

Is choice freedom always a good thing for us and others?

A study explores the relationship between consumer choice freedom and well-being, finding that autonomy and personal control are crucial factors. The research also highlights the limitations of choice freedom for vulnerable groups and suggests a more nuanced approach to understanding freedom.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·TypeNews article·DateOct 31, 2022

Breakthrough in optical information transmission

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute have developed a unidirectional device that significantly increases the quality of optical vortex signals. By transmitting selective optical vortex modes exclusively unidirectionally, they largely reduce detrimental backscattering to a minimum.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 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.

Efficiency and stability best-practices proposed for solar water-splitting to make hydrogen

Scientists from NREL and Berkeley Lab have developed best-practices for PEC water-splitting, providing a guide for researchers to follow uniform experimental practices. This will enable more accurate characterization of solar-to-hydrogen efficiency and help overcome the challenges of durability.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalFrontiers in Energy Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022

Looking for romance? That first impression matters

A new study by UC Davis researchers analyzed over 550 speed-daters to explore how initial impressions shape later romantic outcomes. The findings suggest that both compatibility and popularity play a significant role in determining who people pursue as potential romantic partners.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 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.

CSHL groundcherry research bears new fruits

Researchers at CSHL have created genetic blueprints for two types of groundcherry, which can guide plant geneticists in unlocking their potential. The new models also uncovered a gene essential for inflated calyx development, shedding light on the evolutionary process behind this unique trait.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateOct 31, 2022

Recent progress in synthesis and surface modification of nickel-rich layered oxide cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Researchers from South China University of Technology have developed novel surface modification techniques for nickel-rich layered oxide cathode materials, improving their electrochemical performance. The techniques allow for high-performance nickel-rich cathode materials to be synthesized, enabling in-depth mechanisms to be captured a...

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 31, 2022

Psychedelic medicine is focus of new journal

The new peer-reviewed journal Psychedelic Medicine is dedicated to researching psychedelic medicine, including basic science, clinical, and translational research. A recent issue features studies on the efficacy of psilocybin for depression and explores the history and future of psychedelic research.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPsychedelic Medicine·TypeCase study·DateOct 31, 2022
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.

Pandemic has worsened global childhood physical inactivity crisis – and Scotland is no exception

A new study finds that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated global childhood physical inactivity crisis, with Scotland facing inequalities in low physical activity and high screen time. The report recommends promoting physical activity early in life and limiting screen time to address these issues.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalJournal of Exercise Science & Fitness·TypeSurvey·DateOct 31, 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.

A better way to tell which species are vulnerable

A new study developed two approaches to assess species vulnerability, considering natural fluctuations and predictability in ecosystems. These methods outperform traditional ranking systems, which often focus on population size or body size.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEcology Letters·DateOct 31, 2022

Good sleep can increase women’s work ambitions

A Washington State University-led study found that sleep quality impacts women's mood and aspirations for career advancement. Women who get a good night's sleep are more likely to be oriented towards achieving status and responsibility at work.

SourceWashington State University·JournalSex Roles·DateOct 31, 2022

New tech solves longstanding challenges for self-healing materials

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new self-healing composite that can repair itself in place without removal. The technology addresses two longstanding challenges, increasing the lifespan of structural components by up to 500%. This resolves limitations such as overheating and limited self-repair cycles.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022

Stealth-care system: Scientists test ‘smart’ red blood cells to deliver antibiotics that target specific bacteria

Researchers have developed a way to load potent antibiotics like Polymyxin B into red blood cells, allowing them to selectively target and kill drug-resistant bacteria. This technology could help address the ongoing antibiotic resistance crisis and deliver drugs more quickly and directly to specific sites in the body.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Possible biological explanation for increased cancer risk in dense breasts

Research at Linköping University suggests that dense breasts have unique biological characteristics that promote cancer growth, leading to a fivefold increased risk. The study used MRI and microdialysis techniques to measure proteins in breast tissue, finding elevated levels of inflammatory markers and growth factors.

SourceLinköping University·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022

Study identifies potential new treatment target for sleep apnea

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified TRPM7, a cation channel in carotid bodies and bloodstream, as a promising therapeutic target for sleep apnea. Blocking or eliminating this channel may offer a new treatment option for obesity-related breathing disorders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateOct 31, 2022

Pitt mathematicians explain how some fireflies flash in sync

A new study by Pitt mathematicians uses math borrowed from neuroscience to describe how swarms of synchronous fireflies coordinate their light show. The researchers found that varying distances between fireflies affects the resulting blinks, producing patterns like ripples or spirals.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeObservational study·DateOct 31, 2022

New computational method builds detailed maps of human tissues

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have developed a new computational method to map the architecture of human tissues in unprecedented detail. This approach enables powerful new diagnostic strategies for a wide range of diseases, including cancer and chronic conditions.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 31, 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.

Safety net program shown effective in helping low-income households recover their livelihood following natural disasters

The Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH) has shown positive results in helping poor households develop proactive coping strategies before and during natural disasters. Researchers found that the existing program strengthened financial capital but had limited impact on human and physical capitals, highlighting the need for integrated social p...

SourceYokohama National University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateOct 31, 2022

Ancient genomes reveal hidden history of human adaptation

Researchers have discovered over 50 cases of a rare genetic variant becoming prevalent in ancient human groups, revealing new insights into human adaptation. By comparing modern and ancient genomes, the study sheds light on the role of environmental pressures in shaping human evolution.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 2022

Even fruit flies count

A new computational model based on fruit fly brain data may help explain how humans process memories and experiences. The model suggests that living organisms, including humans, use a similar '1-2-3-many' count sketch to track encounters with familiar sights and smells.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2022
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.

Building energy-efficient computing platforms

Scientists at IISc report the development of a highly energy-efficient computing platform that offers promise in building next-generation electronic devices. The platform uses memristors to perform computation and storage at the same physical location, reducing energy consumption by orders of magnitude.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 31, 2022

Different people interpret facial impressions very differently, study reveals

Researchers used 3D avatars to refine facial expressions and found substantial individual differences in interpreting emotions like happiness, fear, sadness, and anger. The study suggests people's unique understandings of facial expressions influence their responses, highlighting the need for diverse research approaches.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2022

Taking steps towards emissions reduction in healthcare

A recent study reviewed 3299 studies and found no standard tools for measuring the carbon footprint of digital health interventions globally. The researchers emphasize the need for end-to-end systems-based environmental assessments to encourage greener digital healthcare solutions.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 31, 2022

Violent supershear earthquakes are more common than previously thought

Researchers found that supershear earthquakes occur as commonly beneath the oceans as they do on land and tend to cause more shaking and potentially more destructive damage. The study suggests disaster planning efforts should consider nearby faults capable of producing supershear earthquakes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 31, 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.

Differences in state Medicaid programs for children with medical complexity may lead to care inequity

A new study from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago highlights the variation in Medicaid programs for children with complex medical needs across states. The research reveals that these disparities can lead to delays in care and impact health outcomes for these vulnerable children.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 31, 2022

These engineers drew inspiration from geometrical frustration

Engineers have created a new type of surface that can change its physical properties across different directions. By combining cells with adjustable shapes, the researchers can alter compressibility, flexibility and density. This technique has potential applications in medical devices, architecture and aerospace.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022

Efficient nanovaccine delivery system boosts cellular immunity

A research group at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a nanovaccine that delivers cancer antigens to dendritic cells, inducing strong cellular immunity. The new system, using positively charged cationic lipids, increases cytokine production by approximately 100 times compared to previous designs.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022

HRSA funding will result in collaborative effort between schools

The $2.4 million grant will provide direct training for new community health workers in Lubbock and throughout the state through registered apprenticeship programs and job placements. The program aims to increase access to healthcare and address public health needs for underserved communities.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·DateOct 31, 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.