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Science News Archive September 2022 - Page 5


Page 5 of 38

Exposure to air pollution worsens COVID-19 outcomes, even among the fully vaccinated

Researchers found that air pollutants, particularly fine particles and nitrogen dioxide, increase the risk of COVID-19 hospitalizations up to 30% in vaccinated individuals. Long-term exposure also worsens outcomes, even among those fully vaccinated, highlighting the importance of improving indoor air quality.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 28, 2022

Haze pollution levels exhibit short-term seesaw behavior over North China Plain

Researchers observed a short-term 'seesaw' phenomenon in haze pollution over the North China Plain, with periods of high pollution followed by low haze levels. The study suggests that sudden changes in atmospheric movement linked to abnormal sea surface temperatures are responsible for this behavior.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateSep 28, 2022

Bio-what? Half of Danes don’t know what biomass is

A Danish study reveals that nearly half of the population is unaware of woody biomass as an energy source, highlighting a need for public engagement on its sustainability. The study also shows strong public concerns over biodiversity and climate change, emphasizing the importance of adapting policies to minimize environmental costs.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalRenewable Energy·DateSep 28, 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.

Mind-body practices lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes

Researchers found that all mind-body practices led to significant reductions in blood sugar levels, with yoga providing the largest benefit. The study suggests that these practices could be used as a complementary nonpharmacological treatment or preventive measure for type 2 diabetes.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJournal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 28, 2022

Compostable bioleather offers sustainable solutions for the clothing industry and beyond

Researchers at Columbia Engineering created a compostable bioleather with superior flame-retardance and low environmental impact. The microbial nanocellulose (MC) bioleather has a significantly smaller carbon footprint than synthetic leather or cotton, making it an attractive alternative to traditional leather.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalEnvironmental Science Advances·DateSep 28, 2022

From droplet to discovery

Researchers found that proteins coalesce into a liquid droplet to process and relay information in stem cells, which could be a target for cancer therapies. The droplet's unique structure enables efficient processing of proteins, making it a crucial component in cancer development.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2022

Scientists propose that obesity is a neurodevelopmental disorder

Researchers found molecular mechanisms of brain development during early life influence obesity risk, with epigenetic maturation playing a key role. The study suggests prevention efforts targeting developmental processes could help stop the worldwide obesity epidemic.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 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.

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.

Are extreme heat waves happening more than expected? UCLA research says not yet

A new study by UCLA climate scientist Karen McKinnon found that the 2021 Pacific Northwest heat wave was roughly a once-in-10,000-years event. The research analyzed historical trends and climate model simulations, concluding that climate change is increasing heat waves and average summer temperatures at the same pace.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 28, 2022

Men's experiences of sexual racism differ in two online dating communities

A recent survey found that 99% of Black men in online dating reported encountering racialized sexual discrimination. Men who primarily used Grindr reported more frequent instances of white men rejecting them due to their skin color, while those who used Jack'd experienced greater prevalence of same-race physical objectification. These ...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateSep 28, 2022

Full control of a six-qubit quantum processor in silicon

The QuTech team engineered a record number of six silicon-based spin qubits in a fully interoperable array, achieving low error-rates through new chip design and methods. This advances scalable quantum computers based on silicon, contributing to the development of fault-tolerant quantum computing.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 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.

Fish fossils breathe new life into fin and limb evolutionary hypothesis

A team of scientists uncovered fossilized remains of galeaspids, a type of jawless fish that breathed new life into the long-standing fin and limb evolutionary hypothesis. The fossils revealed paired fins extending from head to tail, contradicting previous assumptions of their absence.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateSep 28, 2022

Dawn of fishes—early Silurian jawed vertebrates revealed head to tail

The discovery of complete early Silurian jawed fishes is a significant finding that sheds light on the origin of jaws in vertebrates. The two species, Xiushanosteus mirabilis and Shenacanthus vermiformis, have revealed key features about their body shape, form, and evolution.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateSep 28, 2022

Understanding Virtual Memory CD8+ T Cells

Researchers review biology and development of virtual memory CD8+ T cells in mice and humans, highlighting their role in infections and cancer. The study sheds light on the mysterious population of virtual memory cells with characteristics identical to murine TVM cells.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 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.

A next-generation liquid biopsy detects nano-sized signs of breast cancer in early-stage patients, USC researchers find.

A USC-led team has found indications for an early breast cancer detection method using high-definition liquid biopsies. The test detected multiple cancer biomarkers, including 'oncosomes,' in the blood samples of most early-stage breast cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·Journalnpj Breast Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 28, 2022

Action must be taken to help retain older anesthetists to prevent staff shortage of 11,000 by 2040, preventing more than 8 million operations

The UK anaesthesia workforce is facing a large-scale staff shortage of 11,000 by 2040, primarily due to the retirement of experienced anaesthetists. The paper proposes solutions such as part-time working, standardized retire-and-return policies, and addressing health and educational needs of anaesthetists as they age.

SourceAAGBI·JournalAnaesthesia·DateSep 28, 2022

Dog—human bonds could guide development of social robots

Researchers identified 7 core categories of behaviors important for human-dog bonds, including attunement, communication, and physical affection. These behaviors may be incorporated into robotic systems to provide mental health benefits for humans.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateSep 28, 2022

Molecular engineering toward sustainable development of multiple-doped hierarchical porous carbons for superior zinc ion storage

Researchers developed a novel material fabrication strategy to create highly porous carbons with multiple heteroatoms doping, achieving outstanding storage capacities and performance. The strategy enables the design of carbon materials for different applications without compromising environmental issues.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateSep 28, 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.

Engineering robust and scalable molecular qubits

Molecular qubits are more stable in asymmetric environments, according to a study published in Physical Review X. This discovery opens new doors for potential applications of emerging technology. The asymmetric environment provides coherence protection, allowing the qubits to keep their quantum information even in chaotic places.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPhysical Review X·DateSep 28, 2022

Nanoparticles can improve stroke recovery by enhancing brain stimulation, study shows

Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that brain stimulation combined with a nose spray containing nanoparticles can improve recovery after ischemic stroke. The treatment increased cognitive and motor functions, and weighed more quickly than those treated with TMS alone.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalMaterials Today Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The Rise of Fishes illuminated by discovery of fossil “treasure hoard”

The discovery of fossil repositories in early Silurian strata sheds light on the rise of jawed vertebrates and fills gaps in the evolution of 'from fish to human'. Fossilized fishes from southwestern China provide a unique window into the proliferating 'dawn of fishes' around 440 million years ago.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateSep 28, 2022

Two birds one stone strategy to treat both joint pain and cognitive impairment in rheumatoid arthritis

A study found that aberrant expression of MAO-B causes both peripheral and neuroinflammation in RA patients, leading to joint pain and cognitive impairment. Administering an MAO-B inhibitor called KDS2010 improved both joint inflammation and cognitive function in a RA animal model.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalExperimental & Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Encouraging girls to roleplay as successful female scientists could help close the gender gap in STEM

Research suggests that encouraging girls to roleplay as successful female scientists can increase their persistence in science activities, counteracting negative gender stereotypes. By pretending to be a scientist, girls may psychologically distance themselves from biases and feel more engaged in STEM fields.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

MRI findings in opioid-exposed fetuses show smaller brain size

A prospective multicenter case-control study found that third-trimester fetuses exposed to opioids in utero exhibited smaller brain biometric measurements and altered fetal physiology. The study suggests a possible link between prenatal opioid exposure and postnatal clinical outcomes.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 28, 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.

Dead fish breathes new life into the evolutionary origin of fins and limbs

A fossil discovery has revealed that ancient fish possessed paired fins, challenging the current understanding of vertebrate fin evolution. The findings suggest that these fins first evolved as a continuous head-to-tail precursor, which later differentiated into pectoral and pelvic fins.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2022

LSD-like molecules counter depression without the trip

Scientists have designed compounds that activate the 5HT2a receptor, producing antidepressant and antianxiety effects in mice. The compounds' mechanism of action differs from psychedelics like LSD, offering a potential new approach to developing effective antidepressants with fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateSep 28, 2022

When dangerous toxins teach fundamental biology

The study found that the interaction between two organelles in the cell, the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, controls the transfer of cholesterol to the plasma membrane. This process is crucial for maintaining proper lipid composition at the cell surface.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateSep 28, 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.

Not pursuing your goals during the pandemic is good for your mental health

A new study by University of Waterloo researchers found that shelving long-term goals during the pandemic reduces anxiety and depression. Participants reported greater psychological distress with more COVID-frozen goals, highlighting the importance of disengaging from unattainable objectives.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalMotivation and Emotion·DateSep 28, 2022

Engineers discover new process for synthetic material growth, enabling soft robots that grow like plants

Researchers developed a plant-inspired extrusion process for synthetic material growth, enabling soft robots to create new material and navigate obstacles. This technology has applications in remote areas and biomedical fields, potentially reducing the need for expensive machinery.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Newly published research will assist further exploration of the Universe

A team of researchers from CERN, MIT, and Staffordshire University have developed a novel algorithm for reconstructing particles at the Large Hadron Collider. The project aims to improve particle reconstruction in high-occupancy imaging calorimeters, enabling more efficient discoveries after the HL-LHC upgrade.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Chinese researchers reveal SERCA2a as a molecular link between insulin resistance and the early pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy

A recent study published in Life Metabolism found that impaired phosphorylation of SERCA2a plays a bidirectional role in myocardial insulin resistance, dysregulation of calcium homeostasis, and the early stages of DCM. This mechanism involves the regulation of protein stability and insulin receptor maturation.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 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.

Lunar glass shows Moon asteroid impacts mirrored on Earth

A Curtin-led research team found asteroid impacts on the Moon millions of years ago coincide with large meteorite impacts on Earth, such as the one that wiped out dinosaurs. The study also reveals that major impact events on Earth were accompanied by smaller impacts, providing new insights into asteroid dynamics.

SourceCurtin University·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 28, 2022

Texas A&M AgriLife designs system to create bioplastics

A team of researchers developed a system that uses carbon dioxide to produce biodegradable plastics, which could replace traditional nondegradable plastics. The new platform has great potential to address sustainability challenges and transform the future design of carbon dioxide reduction.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalChem·DateSep 28, 2022

New 3D printing method designed by Stanford engineers promises faster printing with multiple materials

Researchers at Stanford University have designed a new 3D printing method called injection CLIP (iCLIP) that is 5-10 times faster than the quickest high-resolution printer currently available. This technology allows for the use of multiple types of resin in a single object, enabling the creation of complex objects with varying properti...

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 28, 2022

Research brief: A new window into plants of the past

Researchers have developed a nondestructive way to estimate functional traits of herbarium specimens using reflectance spectroscopy. The technique provides a powerful tool for studying plant community changes over time and informing ecosystem conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateSep 28, 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.

Working to make ‘tissue engineering’ a reality

Researchers aim to develop scalable, modular manufacturing platform for growing new tissues from component parts, accelerating their fabrication and use. The goal is to assemble functional constructs that restore or improve damaged tissues or whole organs.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateSep 28, 2022

3D printing can now manufacture customized sensors for robots, pacemakers, and more

A new 3D printing technique allows for the mass production of customized electronic machines, enabling advanced applications in robotics, medical devices, and others. This breakthrough could revolutionize manufacturing by providing a cost-effective solution for producing sensors in smaller volumes.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 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.

Kidney resident macrophages have distinct subpopulations and occupy distinct microenvironments

Researchers identified seven distinct subpopulations of kidney resident macrophages, each with unique transcriptomic signatures and functions. These subpopulations are associated with different portions of the nephron and have distinct roles in protecting the kidney from infection and maintaining tissue health.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Focusing on complex waves

A team from Kyoto University has demonstrated that deep-water wave groups can propagate independently, regardless of interference. This finding challenges existing understanding of ocean waves and has implications for fields like offshore engineering and plasma physics.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

An emergency department-based ICU improves survival without raising costs, study finds

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that the Emergency Critical Care Center within an emergency department improved patient survival rates without increasing costs. The ED-ICU model reduced total direct cost per encounter by 22.1% for critically ill patients, likely due to early, coordinated critical care.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 28, 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.

In a study recently published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers at Juntendo University unravel a biomolecule that mitigates eczema in mice

A team of researchers at Juntendo University has identified a biomolecule called human-β-defensin-3 (hBD-3) that can mitigate eczema in mice by regulating autophagy and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling pathway. This discovery provides new insights into the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and potential therapeutic solutions.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

DryEyeRhythm: A reliable, valid, and non-invasive app to assess dry eye disease

A new smartphone application, DryEyeRhythm, uses cameras to measure blink characteristics and administer questionnaires for diagnosing dry eye disease. The app has been validated in a study, showing high reliability and validity in assessing DED, with promising implications for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalThe Ocular Surface·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.