Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2022 - Page 16


Page 16 of 37

Number-crunching maths models may give policy makers major headache

A new study found that increasingly complex mathematical models can produce more uncertain estimates, limiting their usefulness for informing real-world policy decisions. Researchers recommend reassessing the drive to create detailed models and suggest calculating the model's effective dimensions before adding complexity.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2022

Ecological imbalance: How plant diversity in Germany has changed in the past century

A study by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg and the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research found that 41% more plant species in Germany have decreased in abundance over the past 100 years, while only 19% have increased. This uneven distribution of gains and losses indicates a significant loss of biodiversity.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 19, 2022

Plants keep pathogens at bay in cooperation with microorganisms

Researchers discovered that plants can regulate their microbiome through the secretion of flavonoids, which affect beneficial and harmful microorganisms around plant roots. This delicate balance helps protect plants from parasitic nematodes, reducing susceptibility to infection.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateOct 19, 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.

Climate change is making the Arba’een pilgrimage dangerously hot

A new study predicts that climate change will make dangerous heat commonplace during the Arba'een pilgrimage by the end of the 21st century. Pilgrims may be exposed to extreme temperatures exceeding 24 degrees Celsius, posing a significant risk to their health.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 19, 2022

Why some fairy-wrens can be more ‘aggressive’ in the wild

Researchers found that Australian superb fairy-wrens with 'extreme exploration phenotypes' are more aggressive in the wild. The birds' personalities were measured using a shyness-boldness scale and exploration avoidance behavior, revealing a link between aggression and survival.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPeerJ·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2022

AGS releases framework for understanding the intersection of structural racism and ageism in healthcare

The American Geriatrics Society has released a framework for understanding the intersection of structural racism and ageism in healthcare. The framework highlights three fundamental changes: reflecting the population served, changing training and support for health professionals, and examining healthcare from an intersectional perspect...

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 19, 2022

Sleep as a new 8th measure of cardiovascular health

A new study using the American Heart Association framework provides evidence that sleep is integral to preserving heart health. Sleep metrics add independent predictive value for CVD events over and above the original 7 CVH metrics.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 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.

Pain relief without side effects and addiction

Scientists at FAU have discovered new substances that activate adrenaline receptors instead of opioid receptors, providing effective pain relief without respiratory depression or addiction. The findings are a milestone in the development of non-opioid pain medication.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalScience·DateOct 19, 2022

Where does the energy of North Atlantic Tropical cyclones come from?

The energy of North Atlantic Tropical cyclones comes from ocean heat content, with peak intensities related to extratropical North Atlantic heat. Coastal upwelling affects subsurface ocean temperatures, correlating with TC peak intensity on an interdecadal timescale.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateOct 19, 2022

Acidic layer in single-walled carbon nanotubes facilitates confinement of anion impurities

Researchers at Okayama University found that an acidic adsorption layer in carbon nanotubes facilitates efficient adsorption of negatively charged nitrate anions, making the aqueous solution alkaline. This study provides a novel model for designing carbon nanotubes suitable for ion adsorption and purification.

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 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.

Development of new technology for wastewater treatment for semiconductor production

A new photocatalysis-based technology has been developed to completely decompose low concentrations of alcohol in semiconductor wastewater. This breakthrough could significantly reduce the cost and water resources required for wastewater treatment, making it a more sustainable solution for the industry.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateOct 19, 2022

Why do COVID-19 conspiracy theories persist on social media?

Researchers analyzed COVID-19 conspiracy theories on Twitter, finding that some peaked at the beginning of the pandemic while others remained persistent throughout. The study suggests that risk perceptions and lack of information from governments and experts contributed to the persistence of these theories.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalSocial Media + Society·DateOct 19, 2022

Ancient ocean methane not an immediate climate change threat

New research from the University of Rochester and others finds that ocean methane hydrate reservoirs in mid-latitude regions will not be released to the atmosphere under warming conditions. This means that ancient methane is being stored safely on the seafloor, reducing concerns about climate change.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 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.

No heart damage despite hypertension

A new study found that a specific genetic mutation can protect the heart from the damaging effects of high blood pressure, unlike in other individuals. The researchers discovered that this mutation leads to overactive phosphodiesterase 3A enzyme production, but unexpectedly does not cause cardiac hypertrophy or heart failure.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalCirculation·DateOct 19, 2022

OCD on TV

A new study published in GigaScience has made available an enormous amount of behavioral data from an animal model of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), comprising over 2 years of continuous recording. The data set, which is the culmination of a 15-year study, provides insights into the mechanisms of OCD and potential treatments.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2022

Addressing stigma is critical to containing the monkeypox outbreak

Nurses play a key role in combating stigma by educating healthcare professionals about safe spaces for affected individuals, regardless of sexual behavior or co-infections. Accurate messaging is crucial to prevent misinformation and promote proper care and counseling.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care·DateOct 19, 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.

Our brains use quantum computation – new research

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin discovered that quantum computation may be used by the human brain, correlating with short-term memory performance and conscious awareness. This finding could enhance our understanding of brain functions and potentially lead to innovative technologies.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of Physics Communications·DateOct 19, 2022

A difficult key factor

Researchers used excess mortality data to calculate a significantly lower R0 value of 1.34 for SARS-CoV-2 infections in March 2020, contrary to earlier estimates which ranged from 1.95 to 6.49.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2022

Data sharing platform Vivli expands access to clinical trials data

Vivli's generalist repository is the largest clinical trial repository in the world, providing managed access to over 6,600 trials. The platform has contributed to over 100 publications and features a COVID-19 portal with quick data addition capabilities.

SourceHealth Data Science·JournalHealth Data Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 19, 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.

Climate change could make High Arctic fertile ground for emerging pandemics: uOttawa study

A novel genetic analysis by University of Ottawa researchers reveals that climate change could lead to an increased risk of viral spillover in the High Arctic. This increased risk may result in new viruses infecting previously uninfected hosts, potentially leading to emerging pandemics.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2022

UCLA researchers identify a gene as a potential target in treatment-resistant brain cancer glioblastoma multiforme

Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Semel Institute identified the gene P300 as a potential therapeutic target for treatment-resistant brain cancer glioblastoma multiforme. By blocking P300, tumor cells can be prevented from recovering and growing under the hostile conditions created by radiation therapy.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2022

Physicists confirm hitch in proton structure

Nuclear physicists have confirmed a bump in the data of proton structure measurements, revealing an unexplained spike in electric polarizability. The anomaly is puzzling experts, who believe it may indicate an unknown facet of the strong force at work.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2022

Redox, reuse, recycle: novel process extends life cycle of valuable catalysts

Researchers developed an electrochemical technique to recycle highly valuable homogeneous catalysts, extending their life cycle. The method uses an electrical field to separate catalysts from mixtures and bind them to a surface, allowing for reuse and reducing energy consumption.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 19, 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.

Storing hydrogen fuel in salts — a step toward ‘cleaner’ energy production

Scientists have developed a method to store and release highly pure hydrogen using salts in the presence of amino acids, which could make large-scale hydrogen storage more feasible. The technique uses potassium salts, manganese-based catalysts, and amino acids to produce high-yield and pure hydrogen with minimal byproducts.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateOct 19, 2022

Insect pollination key for rare Wyoming sagebrush species

A new study found that a rare Wyoming sagebrush species, Laramie chickensage, is primarily pollinated by bees. The research, led by University of Wyoming graduate student Madison Crawford, shows that 61% of viable seeds produced by the plants were from insect pollination.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalNordic Journal of Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2022

In medieval Norway, high-class people had stronger bones

A study published in PLOS ONE found that high-status individuals in medieval Norway had higher bone mineral density and were taller than those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. This suggests that socioeconomic status may have played a role in shaping health outcomes over time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2022
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.

UTSW researchers examine impact of pandemic on children’s mental health

UTSW researchers found that COVID-19 increased pediatric mental health visits by 42.8% in 2020, with female adolescents and non-Hispanic patients most affected. A $2.5 million grant will fund a study on optimal oxygen therapy for preterm infants to reduce mortality and lung disease.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalPediatric Emergency Care·DateOct 19, 2022

NIH-supported study finds racial disparities in advanced heart failure treatment

A recent NIH-supported study found that Black adults treated at advanced heart failure centers received potentially life-changing therapies, such as transplants and heart pumps, about half as often as white adults due to racial bias. The researchers also suggest that unconscious bias and overt racism may be driving these disparities.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalCirculation Heart Failure·DateOct 19, 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.

Environmental chemicals increase risk of inflammatory bowel disease

A new study identifies environmental chemical agents that influence gastrointestinal inflammation and may boost the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. The research found a common herbicide, propyzamide, to interfere with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, leading to increased intestinal inflammation.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature·DateOct 19, 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.

A smoky solution — for plants

Researchers have made a surprising discovery that liquid smoke can enhance plant defense against pests and diseases, leading to new farming practices. The study found that sunflowers grown in soil treated with liquid smoke had larger, thicker, and greener leaves and appeared less prone to pests and disease.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateOct 19, 2022

Corrupt endothelial cells protect blood cancer cells from chemotherapy

A recent study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators found that corrupted endothelial cells can protect leukemia cells from chemotherapy drugs. The discovery has the potential to improve drug discovery programs and clinical trials for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) patients.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalBlood·DateOct 19, 2022

International Space Station experiments reveal risks for future human space flights

A long-term International Space Station experiment measured the effect of space radiation on mouse embryonic stem cells, contributing to assessing safety and risks for human space flights. The study's findings show that actual biological effects of space radiation are in close agreement with earlier predictions.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalHeliyon·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 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.

How groups best work together

Researchers Dr. Fabian Pels and Prof. Jens Kleinert developed an integrative group flow theory that explains the conditions for optimal group performance. The IGFT highlights the importance of interpersonal coordination, positive relationship quality, and continuous maintenance of primary and secondary fits to achieve group flow.

SourceGerman Sport University·JournalGroup Dynamics Theory Research and Practice·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 19, 2022

Study reveals a broken symmetry in the roughness of elastic interfaces

The study reveals that the distribution of local interface displacements exhibits non-zero skewness due to pinned segments lagging behind the rest. The researchers also found that scaling properties of interface segments depend on whether they are lagging or moving ahead of the average displacement.

SourceTampere University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2022

CDF15 cytokine, a promising therapeutic target against type 2 diabetes

A recent review study highlights the potential of GDF15 as a therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes, citing its beneficial effects on metabolism and weight loss. The study reveals that GDF15 can activate mechanisms to counteract processes like inflammation and insulin resistance.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalTrends in Endocrinology and Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 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.

Study: new model for the transmission of cultural knowledge

A new study by Helena Miton and Simon DeDeo presents a model for the transmission of tacit knowledge, which is passed down with limited specification. The model captures how learners overcome constraints to succeed in complex practices, predicting stability over time with minimal information.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2022

Changing the face of innovation

A new MUSC initiative aims to increase the number of women entrepreneurs by offering coaching, mentoring, and training opportunities. The program will pair trainees with successful biomedical entrepreneurs, providing valuable role models and guidance. By addressing gender inequity in STEM fields, STEM-CREW seeks to advance the careers ...

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateOct 19, 2022

Do caffeine and alcohol affect fertility treatments?

A recent study found no association between women's caffeine consumption and pregnancy or live birth rate after fertility treatments. However, moderate alcohol consumption (84g/week) was associated with decreased pregnancy and live birth rates in both men and women undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateOct 19, 2022
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.

Scientists warn of a rare third-year La Nina

Researchers at Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, predict a third-year La Niña event, the first since 1998-2001. This event may bring intense cold surges in Eurasia and more extreme weather patterns.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateOct 19, 2022

New tool reveals what happens in the brain when we learn

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a new tool to measure proteins in brain cells, revealing how brain activity remodels the physical structure of neurons. The study found that certain proteins related to DNA packaging play a key role in gene expression changes after neural activity.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJNeurosci·DateOct 19, 2022

ETRI unveils an XR based metaverse platform for multi-user collaborations

ETRI has developed a metaverse platform that supports up to 11 users in real-time collaboration, enabling practical applications such as education and manufacturing. The platform's advanced technology includes high-precision location recognition, hand-gesture recognition, and real-time data synchronization.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·DateOct 19, 2022

Discovery of 119-million-year-old selfish genes in yeast potentially alters our understanding of how parasitic DNA impacts genome evolution

Researchers have discovered a family of selfish genes, wtf, that have survived for over 100 million years in yeast, contradicting established beliefs on their longevity. These 'killer meiotic drivers' transmit themselves to half of offspring and destroy reproductive cells without being suppressed by natural selection.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournaleLife·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 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.