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Science News Archive September 2022 - Page 3


Page 3 of 38
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 figures show population boom near globe’s vulnerable coral reefs

A new study by the University of Essex found that millions more people are living in coastal areas near coral reefs than 20 years ago. The area closest to the coral reefs has seen a population density boom, with rates going up quicker than global averages, and is now four times the global average.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2022

Combi-seq: a leap forward for personalized cancer therapy

Researchers have developed a new approach to test the efficacy of multiple anticancer drug combinations simultaneously, rapidly, and accurately. Combi-seq overcomes limitations of conventional technologies by using microfluidics to carry out large-scale experiments with small sample volumes.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 29, 2022

Liking another group doesn't mean you dislike your own

A new study suggests that outgroup preference does not necessarily reflect negative feelings about the ingroup, but rather positive feelings about the outgroup. The study found that people who like a higher-status group tend to have more positive evaluations of both groups.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022

Technology: Bitcoin as environmentally costly as beef production

The article analyzes Bitcoin mining's environmental costs and finds them to be more comparable to beef production than gold or natural gas. Climate damages from Bitcoin mining have increased 126-fold since 2016, with estimated damages of over $12 billion annually.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 29, 2022

To be heavy or not - that is the question

Researchers studied the bones of an extinct amphibian species and found that its shoulder girdle was densely compact, similar to modern manatees. This adaptation allowed the creature to sink and hunt underwater, while its smaller legs and rounded skull suggest it may have only surfaced occasionally.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Anatomy·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 29, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Unraveling the reward behavior: mechanisms underlying the dopamine signaling pathway

A team of researchers identified a protein kinase substrate downstream of the dopamine signaling pathway regulating brain reward behavior. The study found that phosphorylation of potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 2 (KCNQ2) decreases its channel activity, increasing neuronal excitability and promoting reward behavior.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022

National Jewish Health led study identifies emerging illnesses from COVID-19 in children

A National Jewish Health led study found that children who develop shortness of breath after COVID-19 infection have evidence of peripheral airway obstruction, leading to persistent fatigue and limited participation in sports and everyday activities. The study identified reversible peripheral airway obstruction and lung hyperinflation ...

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 29, 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.

First probable impact crater discovered in Spain

Researchers identify signs of an impact crater on the Iberian Peninsula for the first time, revealing a 4-kilometer-wide structure surrounded by 20-kilometer-large sedimentary collapse area. The discovery was made after 15 years of research involving international teams from Spain and Europe.

SourceEuroplanet·DateSep 29, 2022

Milky Way’s graveyard of dead stars found

A new study has created the first map of the Milky Way's ancient dead stars, which reveals a 'galactic underworld' stretching three times the height of the galaxy. The map shows that almost a third of objects have been flung out from the galaxy, with neutron stars and black holes formed when massive stars collapse.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 29, 2022

Keeping cool: A common refrigerant shows promise for metal recycling

Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory have developed a dimethyl ether-driven process for selectively separating rare earth elements and transition metals from magnet wastes. This method significantly reduces energy and product consumption compared to traditional methods.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022

A day at the beach for life on other worlds

Simulations suggest a 'day at the beach' for life on Earth-like exoplanets around red dwarfs, increasing chances of finding multiple analogs in coming decades. This discovery sheds light on the diversity of water content in terrestrial exoplanets, which is crucial for a temperate climate.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 29, 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.

Positive effects of omega-3 on the immune system in cases of severe COVID-19

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that intravenous omega-3 treatment improved immune function and stimulated healing of inflammation without compromising the body's response to COVID-19. The study suggests a potential new, cost-effective low-risk treatment for severe COVID-19.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 29, 2022

Make cooking safe for all – including those in developing countries, say indoor air pollution experts

The study found that kitchens with more people present during cooking sessions exhibited higher carbon dioxide levels. Kitchens with both doors and windows open during cooking showed optimal thermal comfort conditions, reducing CO2 levels by 14%. Cleaner fuels and electric appliances can reduce CO2 levels within a kitchen by over 32%.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Building Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 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.

When air and road travel dropped during COVID, so did air pollution levels

A new study found that ultrafine particle concentration decreased by 48% during the COVID-19 state-of-emergency period due to reduced aviation and road activity. This reduction corresponded with flight activity dropping by 74% and highway traffic volume decreasing by 51%.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 29, 2022

Algae as microscopic biorefineries

Researchers introduce synthetic catalysts into algae cells, enabling chemical reaction upgrades to produce building blocks for polymers and chemicals. The process reduces reliance on fossil raw materials, using atmospheric carbon dioxide as a carbon source.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 29, 2022

Tracking turtle nesting grounds

A team of researchers has identified three new turtle nesting sites in the central Red Sea, which could inform efforts to protect endangered sea turtles. The discovery was made using drone surveillance and sediment samples to identify optimal nesting conditions.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalPeerJ·DateSep 29, 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.

Lipids in blood predict nerve damage risk among patients with type 2 diabetes

A study at Michigan Medicine found multiple lipid biomarkers linked to diabetic neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. High scores for neuropathy were associated with changes in lipids reflecting impaired energy metabolism, suggesting a potential target for testing and managing the condition.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 29, 2022

Babies trigger 'dad brain' in new fathers

A new USC study reveals that new fathers undergo measurable brain changes after their babies arrive, affecting areas linked to empathy and visual processing. These changes are believed to contribute to neuroplasticity and adapt to new experiences.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCerebral Cortex·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 29, 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.

Do humans think computers make fair decisions?

A study published in Cell Press found that when humans are involved, computer decisions are perceived as fairer. Participants deemed decisions related to positive outcomes fairer than negative ones and had concerns over fairness in systems with higher stakes. The results suggest that automated decision-making systems need careful desig...

SourceCell Press·JournalPatterns·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022

Mapping Honduras’ water supply

A new study by UTA hydrologist Ricardo Sánchez-Murillo has created detailed maps of Tegucigalpa's water sources, charting areas critical to recharge. These maps could help Honduras implement stricter urbanization and agriculture regulations to conserve water and protect vital landscapes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateSep 29, 2022

Discovery of new microscopic species expands the tree of life

Scientists have discovered several rare microorganisms, including Legendrea loyezae and Lacerus, which were previously unknown to science. The discovery expands our understanding of the tree of life and highlights the importance of microscopic life.

SourceBournemouth University·JournalProtist·TypeObservational study·DateSep 29, 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.

Ethics not only allow but demand placebo in some HIV cure trials

In a new study, Rutgers ethicists and Harvard doctor argue that giving some trial participants a placebo is not only acceptable but also demanded by ethics. They claim that this practice is necessary to test potential cures while minimizing risks.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Virus Eradication·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 29, 2022

Process converts polyethylene bags, plastics to polymer building blocks

A new process developed at the University of California, Berkeley, breaks down polyethylene plastics into propylene, a feedstock for high-value plastics. The process uses catalysts to depolymerize polyethylene, producing 80% propylene and upcycling waste into valuable products.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 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.

Improving hospital stays and outcomes for older patients with dementia through AI

Researchers developed a machine learning model to quickly recognize predictive risk factors and their importance for undesirable hospitalization outcomes. The model achieved an accuracy of 95.6% and identified modifiable risk factors that can be mitigated through clinical interventions.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2022

Hackmanite changes color also upon exposure to nuclear radiation – memory trace from radiation enables new applications

Researchers at the University of Turku discovered that hackmanite changes color when exposed to nuclear radiation, retaining a memory trace that allows it to be reused. This unique property enables the development of reusable radiochromic films for measuring radiation doses and mapping dose distribution.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalMaterials Horizons·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022

Flaring allows more methane into the atmosphere than we thought

New research reveals flaring at oil and gas facilities releases five times more methane in the U.S. than previously estimated, posing a significant risk to climate change. Simple fixes could remove equivalent of 3 million cars from roads, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateSep 29, 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.

Less bird diversity in city forests

A study by Lund University found that cities negatively impact bird diversity in natural woodlands, with on average a quarter fewer species in urban forests compared to rural ones. This suggests that urban development can lead to biotic homogenization of woodland bird communities.

SourceLund University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateSep 29, 2022

“Mystery gene” matures the skeleton of the cell

Researchers from the Netherlands Cancer Institute have discovered a new 'mystery gene' responsible for maturing the actin protein, a main component of the cell skeleton. The findings shed light on the complex process by which proteins are completed and functional in cells, with potential implications for understanding muscle diseases.

SourceNetherlands Cancer Institute·JournalScience·DateSep 29, 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.

OSU study finds higher rates of traumatic injuries for outdoor workers during hotter weather

A recent OSU study found that traumatic injury rates among outdoor workers in Oregon's agricultural and construction sectors are significantly higher during periods of high heat. The study examined 92,000 injury claims from 2009-2018 and found a strong association between heat index above 75 degrees and increased risk of injury.

SourceOregon State University·JournalHealth Science Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2022

Computers calling time on isolation

A new simulation models the potential risks and benefits of ending early isolation for Covid-19 patients using antigen tests. The study finds that shortening isolation periods can reduce unnecessary disruption in people's lives while minimizing the risk of infecting others.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 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.

Sniffing out the brain’s smelling power

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered that tufted cells in the olfactory bulb are better at recognizing smells than mitral cells. This finding sheds light on how the brain processes sensory information, including smell intensity and identity.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNeuron·DateSep 29, 2022

Myotonic dystrophy: GABA receptors implicated in sleepiness, via mouse model

A study using a mouse model of myotonic dystrophy found that GABA receptor sensitivity is linked to the disorder's central nervous system symptoms, including excessive daytime sleepiness. The researchers suggest that drugs like flumazenil, which counteract benzodiazepines, may work against DM's prolonged sleep and fatigue.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournaleNeuro·DateSep 29, 2022

New study highlights sexual problems for young women who’ve had cancer

A recent study published in Acta Oncologica found that young women who have had cancer are at a higher risk of experiencing sexual problems, including loss of libido and intimacy issues. The study, which surveyed nearly 700 women, suggests that the type and intensity of cancer treatment can influence a patient's sex life.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalActa Oncologica·TypeSurvey·DateSep 29, 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.

Detailing a disastrous autumn day in ancient Italy

Researchers at the University of Connecticut uncovered a remarkably well-preserved Early Bronze Age village in Afragola, Italy, providing insights into daily life and agriculture during this era. The site reveals a diverse range of food sources, including grains, fruits, and nuts, as well as evidence of seasonal changes, thanks to the ...

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022

Power of the pulpit

A University of Houston study suggests that attending religious services regularly can lead to lower mortality rates among Black men in their 50s and older. The study found that these men who attended services at least once weekly had better health profiles, including lower rates of smoking and drinking.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateSep 29, 2022