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Science News Archive January 2022


Page 5 of 34

Hibernating squirrels stay strong thanks to urea-salvaging gut microbes

A new study reveals that hibernating ground squirrels' gut microbes play a crucial role in recycling urea to replenish essential amino acids. This process helps the animals survive long periods of inactivity and fasting, suggesting similar mechanisms could be beneficial for humans suffering from muscle wasting and protein malnutrition.

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.

Meat, MS and the microbiome

A study by UConn Health and Washington University School of Medicine found that eating more meat correlates with worse MS symptoms, altered gut bacteria, and increased immune cells. The research identified key bacteria and metabolites associated with the disease, providing new insights into its causes.

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.

Scripps Research discovers new type of cellular communication in the brain

Scientists have identified hundreds of proteins constantly transported throughout healthy brain cells, offering a new understanding of neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and autism. The discovery reveals how protein transport goes awry in these conditions, paving the way for future research into intercellular communication.

Combined cannabis and alcohol use make driving particularly dangerous

A recent study found that combining cannabis and alcohol significantly worsens driving performance compared to using either substance alone. This is because the effects of cannabis on driving are additive to those of alcohol, leading to impaired lane control and increased crash risks.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bee appearance and behavior may be related, genetic study reveals

Researchers identified genetic characteristics relevant to the production and behavioral attributes of two key bee subspecies, Cape bees and Africanized honey bees. Genetic studies found correlations between dark coloring and cloning behavior in Cape bees, which can take over colonies.

The effects of pediatric critical illness on absenteeism

A study found that nearly 70% of pediatric patients missed an average of two five-day school weeks post-hospital discharge and half of their primary caregivers missed an average of eight workdays. This highlights the need for interventions to mitigate absenteeism and support families during and after pediatric hospitalization.

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.

Pancreatic cancer cells feed off hyaluronic acid

Researchers found that hyaluronic acid is not only present in pancreatic tumors but also serves as a nutrient source for cancer cells. This discovery indicates potential new treatments for pancreatic cancer by targeting the sugar scavenging pathway.

Child masking associated with reduced COVID-19 related child care closures

A Yale study found that child masking in child care programs reduced closure rates by 13-14%. Child masking was associated with a lower risk of COVID-19-related closures, keeping children in safe learning environments and allowing parents to remain employed. Masking rates were higher for staff members than children.

Chris Boyce Honored with NSF CAREER Award

Boyce's research aims to develop MRI techniques to characterize the interior of flow systems in 3D, leading to revolutionized technologies in sustainable mining and hydrogen-powered vehicles. He plans to use visualizations to inspire middle- and high-school students from Harlem and the Bronx to pursue STEM studies.

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 clues link lipoprotein A to prostate cancer risk

A new analysis links genetic variants associated with high blood levels of lipoprotein A to a higher risk of prostate cancer, including advanced or early-age-onset cases. The study found no significant associations for other blood lipids.

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.

Gene mutation that makes dogs small existed in ancient wolves

Researchers discovered a genetic mutation associated with small body size in dogs that also occurred in ancient wolves over 50,000 years ago. This finding presents a new evolutionary narrative and challenges the long-held theory that humans domesticated large wolves to create small companions.

Caribou and muskoxen buffer climate impacts for rare plants

A 15-year study in arctic Greenland found that caribou and muskoxen helped mitigate the effects of climate change on rare plants, lichens, and mushrooms. The presence or absence of these large herbivores made a clear difference in species commonness and rarity.

Relationship between dog personality and hierarchy

Researchers found that dogs with more extroverted, conscientious, and open personalities tend to rank higher in the hierarchy, while friendlier dogs tend to rank lower. Older dogs also dominate in multi-dog households. The study used a large-scale online questionnaire to analyze the personality traits of over 1,000 dogs.

Researchers identify osteoarthritis ‘pain pathway’

Researchers have discovered a molecular signaling pathway associated with osteoarthritis (OA) pain, which plays a crucial role in producing and transmitting pain signals. By blocking this pathway, the study shows promise for developing new, effective pain treatments for human OA sufferers.

Look who’s talking now: The fishes!

A new study from Cornell University reveals that fish are more likely to communicate with sound than previously thought. Researchers found 175 families of ray-finned fishes that use sound for communication, including species that have been doing so for at least 155 million years.

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.

Data from thousands of cameras confirms protected areas promote mammal diversity

A global study using thousands of camera trap stations found that protected areas have a positive impact on mammal diversity, even when experiencing human disturbances such as recreational use and logging. The study's findings suggest that expanding protected areas could help conserve larger mammals and their critical roles in ecosystems.

Editing RNA to fix protein problems in cystic fibrosis

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory develop a novel method to modify the CFTR gene, allowing for the production of functional protein in patients with certain mutations. The technique involves using antisense oligonucleotides to skip over the mutation and produce a partially functional protein.

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.

New, highly efficient catalyst for propylene production

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a novel catalyst that significantly improves the efficiency of propylene production. The catalyst utilizes carbon dioxide efficiently and exhibits high selectivity, stability, and long-term reusability.

Scientists explain mysterious finger-like features in solar flares

Astronomers at Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics offer a new explanation for mysterious downflows in solar flares, which are not generated by magnetic reconnection. Instead, they form from the interaction of two fluids with different densities, resulting in 'dark finger-like voids'.

Tumors dramatically shrink with new approach to cell therapy

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a novel microfluidic device that can efficiently harvest and sort tumor-eating immune cells from tumors. This technology has shown dramatic results in shrinking tumors in mice compared to traditional methods.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Learning to enjoy cognitive effort

Researchers found that rewarding cognitive effort increases willingness to take on more challenging tasks, even without external reward. This challenges the notion that people inherently want to avoid challenging work, suggesting individual learning histories may play a role in shaping motivation.

Indirect protection from COVID-19 for children, from vaccinated parents

A new study in Israel found that vaccinated parents reduce the risk of infection for unvaccinated children by preventing contact with infectious individuals and reducing infectiousness. The study suggests increasing vaccine uptake is crucial to curb pandemic spread and protect vulnerable populations.

New insights into the formation of brown dwarfs

A team led by Basmah Riaz has detected deuterated methane in three proto-brown dwarfs, indicating a warmer gas composition than expected. This finding suggests that brown dwarfs may not be simply scaled-down versions of stars.

Hitting net-zero without stopping flying

Researchers suggest airlines adjust VCO presentations based on temporal distance to the flight, providing travellers with options to neutralise their carbon footprint. This can encourage more consumer participation in voluntary carbon offsets, ultimately contributing to a sustainable aviation sector.

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.

Most of China’s seafood imports are reexported

Most of China's seafood imports (74.9%) are processed and reexported, hindering international efforts to preserve global fisheries. The authors argue that a reexport model highlights the complexity of tracing seafood sustainability, and policy reforms are needed for oceans policy reform.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Cosmic physics mimicked on table-top as graphene enables Schwinger effect

Researchers at the University of Manchester observed the Schwinger effect using graphene-based devices, producing particle-antiparticle pairs from a vacuum. They also discovered an unusual high-energy process where electrons became superluminous, providing an electric current higher than allowed by general rules.

A nudge to resume economic activity

A field experiment in China found that people tend to increase activity when informed that others are themselves increasing activity, suggesting a low-cost intervention for promoting economic activity during the pandemic. The study suggests that social cues can be a useful signal for evaluating risks and making decisions about activities.

Tackling PPE waste: Engineers propose sustainable recycling method

A new study proposes a sustainable recycling method for PPE waste using pyrolysis, a medium-temperature reaction that reduces plasticized medical-protection garb into chemicals and petroleum. The method avoids landfill use and incineration, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 35.42%.

Chemicals in plastic may contribute to weight gain

Research found that over 55,000 chemicals in everyday plastic products can reprogram precursor cells to become fat cells, leading to increased fat accumulation. The study suggests that previously unknown plastic chemicals may be contributing to overweight and obesity.

Universal sex differences appear in adolescents’ career aspirations, study finds

Researchers analyzed data from nearly 500,000 adolescents across 80 nations and found consistent sex differences in career aspirations, with boys dominating 'things-oriented' occupations and girls preferring 'people-oriented' roles. The study also revealed larger differences in gender-equal countries, such as Finland, Norway, or Sweden.

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.

Robot performs 1st laparoscopic surgery without human help

A robot performed laparoscopic surgery on a pig without human guidance, demonstrating improved results compared to human surgeons. The Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot (STAR) excelled at intestinal anastomosis, a procedure requiring high precision and accuracy.

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.