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Science News Archive October 2022 - Page 2


Page 2 of 37

Largest potentially hazardous asteroid detected in eight years

An international team has discovered three near-Earth asteroids, including one that is 1.5 kilometers wide and may someday threaten Earth's path. The observations were made possible by the unique capabilities of the Dark Energy Camera mounted on the Víctor M. Blanco 4-meter Telescope at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 31, 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.

Genetic score predicts risk of lethal prostate cancer

Researchers developed a polygenic hazard score based on 290 genetic variants to predict genetic risk of lethal prostate cancer. The study analyzed nearly 591,000 men and found that the score adds considerably more information for individualized risk assessment, potentially benefiting high-risk men with accurate screening.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateOct 31, 2022

Geothermal could become workhorse of the energy transition

Geothermal energy has the potential to provide up to 50% of the world's energy by 2050 due to its clean, global, and baseload characteristics. To scale up, companies are leveraging existing oil and gas industry expertise, while simplifying complexity for residential geothermal applications.

SourceScience Communications·DateOct 31, 2022

Duke-NUS scientists shed new light on key differences in immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines

A new study led by Duke-NUS Medical School scientists found that inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines elicit a broad immune response against different proteins on the virus, while mRNA vaccines stimulate a single spike protein response. This broader T-cell response may be beneficial in preventing severe COVID-19 disease.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022

Artificial intelligence approach may help identify melanoma survivors who face a high risk of cancer recurrence

A team from Massachusetts General Hospital developed an AI-based method to predict which patients with early-stage melanoma are most likely to experience a recurrence. Machine learning algorithms extracted predictive signals from clinicopathologic features, including tumor thickness and rate of cancer cell division.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·Journalnpj Precision Oncology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·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.

CPR education in public housing communities may improve cardiac arrest survival

A new study suggests that CPR education programs tailored to public housing communities can significantly improve cardiac arrest survival rates. The research found that more than half of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in Vienna and Copenhagen occurred in these communities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to train ...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateOct 31, 2022

Monoclonal antibody prevents malaria infection in African adults

A monoclonal antibody was found to be up to 88.2% effective at preventing malaria infection in healthy, non-pregnant adults during a six-month malaria season in Mali, Africa. The study suggests that this antibody could complement other measures to protect vulnerable groups from seasonal malaria.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 31, 2022

Walkable neighborhoods may pave way to less cardiovascular risk

Neighborhood walkability is associated with lower cardiovascular disease burden and risk, according to two preliminary studies. The analysis found that even after considering other factors, walkability alone was linked to a 0.1% decrease in cardiovascular disease for each one-point increase in walkability score.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·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.

Cal Poly professor co-authors research article examining strategies to maintain weight loss after regain

A new study published in the Obesity journal surveyed nearly 2,500 WeightWatchers members who lost an average of almost 58 pounds and kept it off for over 3.5 years. The study found that individuals who successfully maintained weight loss resumed efforts responsively after showing limited gains and used coping skills to get back on track.

SourceCalifornia Polytechnic State University·JournalObesity·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 31, 2022

Efflux pump inhibitors: Bulking up to beat bacteria

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered the spatial characteristics of an efflux pump that helps bacteria resist antibiotics. By analyzing a specific inhibitor's binding site, they found bulky mutations can prevent the inhibitor from working, offering hope for developing new countermeasures to combat antibiotic resistance.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 31, 2022

Columbia study finds mass school shootings are not caused by mental illness

A Columbia University study found that most mass murderers in academic settings lacked severe mental illness, with firearms being the primary method used. The researchers suggest that cultural and social factors, such as gun violence romanticization, are key drivers of these events.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 2022

Arctic hydrothermal vent site could help in search for extraterrestrial life

Researchers found a significant hydrothermal vent site in the Arctic Ocean's Aurora system, which could expand estimates of seafloor mineral deposits rich in copper and gold. The discovery also has implications for understanding ultra-slow spreading mid-ocean ridges and the search for extraterrestrial life.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational 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.

Mapping the path from smell to perception

Scientists have created an extensive new map of the brain's olfactory circuits, revealing a complex system that processes different aspects of odor information. The map suggests the existence of parallel neural circuits dedicated to assessing smell identity, pleasantness, and origin, offering new insights into olfactory processing.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell·DateOct 31, 2022

Railway workers “did not receive timely advice” on responding to pandemic

A survey of 850 railway workers found that nearly 85% faced difficulties with social distancing while working and a quarter experienced mental health deterioration. The study highlights the need for robust support systems to address these concerns and build a resilient workforce.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateOct 31, 2022

Cooperation among hydropower producers could hold the answer to reviving the mighty Mekong

Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design show that restoring natural water availability to the Mekong's floodplains is possible through coordination among hydropower producers. By altering dam release decisions and production plans, key components of hydrological variability can be restored, leading to improved ec...

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalNature Sustainability·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.

Vegetation regulates energy exchange in the arctic

A study led by the University of Zurich found that diverse Arctic vegetation affects the land surface energy budget. The researchers linked vegetation types to energy exchange data from 64 measuring stations, revealing a significant difference in heat flux between various vegetation types and glaciers/grasslands.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022

Female politicians disadvantaged by online prejudices and stereotypes

A new study reveals significant gender bias in Reddit discussions about female politicians, with more frequent use of given names and language related to their body or family. This perpetuates stereotypes and can affect voter perception, incentivizing female politicians to conform to online expectations.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalPLOS ONE·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.

Low sense of personal control increases people’s affinity for tighter, rules-based culture

Research by American Psychological Association finds people with low sense of personal control prefer states with high societal tightness, which reduces individual control but increases collective control. Tighter cultures also perpetuate themselves by reducing individuals' sense of personal control.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 31, 2022

The answer is in the sheets: 2D nanosheets as anodes in Li-ion batteries

Researchers from Japan and India developed hierarchical nanosheets of titanium diboride as anode material for lithium-ion batteries, achieving high discharge capacities and fast charging rates. The breakthrough showcases the potential of nano-scaling bulk materials to attain promising properties in energy storage.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateOct 31, 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.

Social vulnerabilities linked to cardiometabolic risk during pregnancy

Research found social vulnerabilities such as poverty and minority status linked to increased cardiometabolic risk during pregnancy. The study analyzed nearly 19 million pregnancies in US counties from 2016-2020 and found that four leading cardiometabolic risk factors were associated with some social vulnerability.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateOct 31, 2022

Ben-Gurion University scientist invited by NASA to present plan to power lunar colony solely through solar energy without energy storage

A Ben-Gurion University scientist has presented a plan to power a lunar colony solely through solar energy without energy storage. The concept, which exploits the unique conditions of the Moon's polar axis and low-mass transmission lines, could offer a more affordable solution than traditional nuclear reactors.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalRenewable Energy·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.

New onset chronic kidney disease in people with diabetes highest among ethnic, racial minorities

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that new onset CKD rates are higher among Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic/Latino populations compared to white persons with diabetes. The rate declined from 8% in 2015-2016 to 6.4% in 2019-2020.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 2022

New cellular protective mechanism discovered

Scientists at the University of Tsukuba have identified a system to transport excess reactive sulfur species out of cells, maintaining redox homeostasis and preventing oxidative stress. This discovery opens new avenues for research into sulfur stress and related diseases.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalRedox Biology·DateOct 31, 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.

Machine learning, from you

Researchers from the University of Tokyo's Interactive Intelligent Systems Laboratory developed a new system called LookHere that incorporates natural hand gestures into the teaching process. This approach eliminates extraneous details and provides better input data for machines to create models, resulting in improved efficiency and ac...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022

Michele Statz awarded 2022 National Science Foundation CIVIC planning grant

Dr. Michele Statz has received a $50,000 National Science Foundation CIVIC planning grant to develop the Community Justice Worker model, training community health workers to provide formal legal advocacy in rural Alaska. The project aims to address unmet civil legal needs for low-income individuals and promote justice gaps in rural reg...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·DateOct 31, 2022

Want to save the bees? Pay attention to pathogens and flowers

Researchers found that shorter flower petals reduce the transmission of a harmful pathogen, increasing larval production and bee health. Planting flowers with trimmed corollas or even distribution of nectar also supports bee well-being.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEcology·DateOct 31, 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.

Treated or not, COVID-19 recurrence seems symptomatic for some

Researchers tracked COVID-19 symptoms in 158 untreated participants for 29 days and found that more than one-third experienced a return of symptoms after at least two consecutive days of being symptom-free. The most common relapsing symptoms were cough, fatigue, and headache.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 31, 2022

A new map of the octopus visual system gives clues to brain evolution

A team of researchers has created a detailed map of the octopus's visual system, classifying different types of neurons in the brain. The study provides clues to the evolution of brains and visual systems more broadly, with potential implications for understanding human brain complexity.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 31, 2022

Users question AI’s ability to moderate online harassment

A study by Cornell University researchers found that users generally question AI moderators when faced with ambiguous content, but trust in human or unknown moderators is higher for clear harassment comments. The study suggests a need for both human and AI moderators to effectively moderate online behavior.

SourceCornell University·JournalBig Data & Society·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.

Transistors help identify cancer cell markers

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University developed a new technique to detect breast cancer-related markers using transistors, offering a less invasive method for monitoring patients. The system successfully detected epidermal growth factor receptor expression on cancer cells.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 31, 2022

How low-cost earbuds can make newborn hearing screening accessible

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new hearing screening system using low-cost earbuds and smartphones, which performed as well as commercial devices and correctly identified patients with hearing loss. The tool can be used in countries where screening is not accessible due to high device costs.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 31, 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.

Antioxidant benefits of honey explored

A recent study by University of the West of Scotland found that citrus honey has significantly higher antioxidant activity than other types of floral honey. The research discovered compounds such as hesperetin, linalool, and caffeic acid in citrus honey, which are linked to its enhanced antioxidant properties.

SourceUniversity of the West of Scotland·JournalAntioxidants·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 30, 2022

Uncovering the massive quantum mysteries of black holes

Researchers at the University of Queensland have confirmed black hole quantum properties, including superposition and wildly different masses simultaneously. The study reinforces early theories by Jacob Bekenstein, postulating that black holes can only have specific mass values within certain bands or ratios.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 30, 2022

Tapping into seawater's energetic potential

A KAUST-led team creates selective anode catalysts for stable and efficient hydrogen evolution in seawater splitting. The nanoreactors exhibited high electrocatalytic activity and stability due to their unique structure, isolating the electrolysis from side reactions.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalChem Catalysis·DateOct 30, 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.

The Israeli coastline is contaminated with over two tons of microplastics

A Tel Aviv University study reveals that the Israeli shoreline is contaminated with more than two million tons of microplastics, with Tel Aviv and Hadera beaches being the most polluted. The researchers warn that exposure to microplastic waste is unavoidable and poses a risk to human health.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateOct 30, 2022

Just like humans, more intelligent jays have greater self-control

A study found that Eurasian jays with greater self-control can pass a version of the 'marshmallow test' and score higher on intelligence tests. The researchers believe that this self-control may have evolved as a result of the birds' need to delay gratification in order to plan for future meals.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2022

Warning of the need to standardize the beach safety signage system

Researchers at the University of the Basque Country analyzed beach safety flags and their management in Northern Spain, finding a lack of uniformity in colors, shapes, and sizes. A standardized system could improve safety, especially with inadequate signage and double markings that provide contradictory information.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalMarine Policy·DateOct 30, 2022