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Science News Archive January 2022 - Page 2


Page 2 of 34

Early humans placed the hearth at the optimal location in their cave – for maximum benefit and minimum smoke exposure

Researchers developed a software-based smoke dispersal simulation model to study prehistoric archaeology. They found that early humans placed their hearth at the optimal location in the cave, enabling maximum utilization of fire while minimizing smoke exposure. The study identified a 25sqm area as ideal for locating the hearth.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature·DateJan 31, 2022

Power at sea: towards high-performance seawater batteries

A team of scientists from Korea Maritime and Ocean University has developed a novel synthesis route to produce a high-performance co-doped anode material for rechargeable seawater batteries. This breakthrough enables the creation of efficient and sustainable maritime applications, including emergency power supply for coastal nuclear pl...

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalCarbon·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 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.

Ancient trees deemed vital to forest survival

New research reveals ancient trees' vital role in maintaining forest adaptive capacity. These 'life history lottery winners' harbor essential genetic diversity passed on through generations.

SourceThe Morton Arboretum·JournalNature Plants·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 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.

Adults with disabilities in hospital for COVID-19 have worse outcomes

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that adults with disabilities have poorer COVID-19 outcomes, with longer hospital stays and higher readmission rates. The study highlights the need for accommodations and support for patients with disabilities during the pandemic.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2022

THE LANCET: Experts warn of the increasing overmedicalization of death, call for radical rethink of how society cares for dying people

The Lancet Commission warns of the overmedicalization of death, highlighting vast inequities in palliative care access and high end-of-life medical costs. The commission advocates for a balanced approach, integrating communities and families with health and social care services to provide compassionate care.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 31, 2022

‘Boot camp’ enzyme prevents autoimmune conditions

Researchers at WEHI identified an enzyme in the thymus that is essential for immune T cells to correctly identify threats, safeguarding them from going rogue and attacking healthy tissue. The enzyme KAT7 activates thousands of genes required for 'training' immune T cells not to attack healthy tissue.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 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.

The variant within us

Researchers at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology studied new coronavirus variants at the individual level, discovering mutations that reduce adhesion capacity and impair antibody effectiveness. The study sheds light on possible weaknesses in the virus's ability to infect, potentially leading to new measures to combat infection.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Personalized dosing of preparatory drug leads to safer stem cell transplants

Researchers have developed a personalized dosing regime for anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) to improve the success of stem cell transplants in children with leukemia. The new approach led to better immune recovery and higher survival rates compared to standard treatment.

SourcePrincess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology·JournalThe Lancet Haematology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 31, 2022

Open-label placebo offers new treatment for disorders of gut-brain interaction in children

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have found that open-label placebo treatment significantly reduces pain scores in children with functional abdominal pain or irritable bowel syndrome. The study also showed no side effects, making it a promising non-pharmacologic therapy for these difficult-to-treat conditions.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 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.

Safeguarding the cell nucleus

A study has found that shuttle proteins form an escape-proof mechanism to fortify the nuclear pore and regulate transport of substances. The number of shuttle proteins occupying the pore depends on their concentrations, allowing cells to compensate for one protein's loss with another.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 31, 2022

Unveiling the secrets of biofilms at lightsource BESSY II

Researchers studied Bacillus subtilis biofilms using X-ray diffraction and fluorescence, finding that calcium ions accumulate in the matrix while zinc, manganese, and iron ions accumulate along wrinkles. These findings suggest a link between structure, nutrients, water, and bacterial behavior.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Knowing your risk for skin cancer may limit unhealthy behaviors

A recent study found that individuals with an accurate self-assessment of their skin cancer risk are less likely to use tanning beds within the next year. This association was observed even among those who perceived a high risk of skin cancer development.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalDermatologic Surgery·DateJan 31, 2022

What the rise of oxygen on early Earth tells us about life on other planets

Researchers from McGill University found that oxygen levels rose with complex eukaryotic ecosystems, indicating low oxygen was a significant limitation on evolution for billions of years. The discovery has implications for searching for biosignatures in other planets, focusing on ozone detection.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 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.

Fragmentary fossils help tell the whole evolutionary story

A new study led by Hank Woolley finds that incomplete fossils can contain reliable phylogenetic information, increasing the scientific value of all specimens housed in collections. This increases the ability to include more of Earth's extinct biodiversity as we continue to study the past.

SourceNatural History Museum of Los Angeles County·JournalPaleobiology·DateJan 31, 2022

Precisely opening a gate to the brain in mice

University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers have developed a technique to consistently and reproducibly open the blood-brain barrier in mice. This advancement provides a way to better test potential therapeutics for brain cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and mental illness.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNature Protocols·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 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.

A new way to store sustainable energy: ‘information batteries’

Researchers propose a new way to store renewable energy by speculatively performing computations in large data centers when energy is abundant, and retrieving the results later. This approach offers better efficiency than traditional battery storage methods and could reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalACM SIGEnergy Energy Informatics Review·DateJan 31, 2022

New commentary in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition makes case for adopting ‘blue zone’ diet to stave off COVID-19

A plant-based diet has been shown to lower the risk of COVID-19 infection and severe illness, with some studies suggesting a 9% lower risk and 73% lower risk among healthcare workers. The 'blue zone' diet, prevalent in Okinawa, Japan, may also provide benefits.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 31, 2022

Genomics study helps guide Shigella vaccine development

A new genomics study has helped guide the development of vaccines against Shigella, a leading cause of severe diarrhoea in children. The research revealed the extent of genomic diversity among Shigella species, highlighting challenges to current vaccine approaches.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 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.

Researchers solve medical mystery of deadly illness in young child

A cross-disciplinary team identified a previously unknown genetic cause of interstitial lung disease in a 2-year-old child, revealing a variant in the RAB5B gene that causes surfactant dysfunction. The discovery may lead to finding answers for other patients with similar conditions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2022

CNIO researchers identify drugs potentially capable of reducing the mortality of COVID-19

Researchers have identified potential anti-inflammatory compounds to combat the cytokine storm, a key factor in severe COVID-19 cases. The study found that glucocorticoids and MEK protein inhibitors may be effective in reducing mortality, while female hormones could also play a role.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 31, 2022

Perceived fragile masculinity stifles sexual satisfaction and honest communication, study finds

A new study finds that when women perceive their partner's sense of masculinity as fragile, they are more likely to fake orgasms and experience lower sexual satisfaction. This phenomenon is linked to anxiety and poorer communication in relationships. Women may prioritize protecting their partners' manhood over their own needs.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

New Geology articles published online ahead of print in January

Researchers investigate the end-Triassic mass extinction, volcanic lightning at Taal volcano, and rapid retreat of the southwestern Laurentide Ice Sheet. The study provides new insights into glacial isostatic adjustment models and ice-sheet sensitivity to climate forcing.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJan 31, 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.

Urgent investment needed in deadly disease

A global systematic review found serious complications and a 15% fatality ratio among patients with non-typhoidal Salmonella invasive disease. The study highlights the need for urgent investment in vaccine development and research into prevention methods to tackle this emerging neglected infectious disease.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 31, 2022

Robotic exploration of uncharted, underwater glacial walls set for 2023

A submersible robot will explore three of Greenland's glaciers with a remotely operated vehicle Nereid Under Ice (NUI), mapping seafloor topography and retrieving sediment cores to study moraines and their impact on glacier stability. The mission aims to improve model projections for future sea level rise.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateJan 31, 2022

Despite genetic makeup, following heart health guidelines can decrease risk of heart disease

Researchers found that adhering to Life's Simple 7 guidelines significantly lowers the risk of coronary heart disease regardless of genetic predisposition. Individuals with high polygenic risk saw the greatest benefits from a healthy lifestyle, with a reduced lifetime risk and extended years lived free of coronary heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalCirculation·DateJan 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.

Activated protein C can protect against age-related cardiac ischemia and reperfusion injury, preclinical study finds

A new study from USF Health reveals that activated protein C may help improve aging patients' tolerance to reperfusion injury, a potentially adverse effect of treatment for ischemic heart disease. The researchers suggest that drugs derived from APC may limit ischemia and reperfusion-induced heart damage.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022
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.

U of M researchers show promising results of Phase 1 drug trial for HIV patients

A Phase 1 clinical trial conducted by University of Minnesota researchers demonstrates the safety and efficacy of a novel immunotherapy drug in treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Participants showed a significant decrease in HIV-infected cells in their blood for up to six months following treatment.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 31, 2022

Gene-environment interactions that drives autism

Gene-environment interactions play a crucial role in the development of autism symptoms, according to a new study by UNIGE researchers. By inhibiting Trpv4 and inducing massive inflammation, scientists observed neuronal hyperexcitability, which disrupted communication channels and led to social avoidance behaviors.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeNews article·DateJan 31, 2022

Study shows visual stimulation influences cell formation

Neuroscientists discover visual experience necessary to specify types of cells that form in brain. Researchers found that exposure to light altered the expression of genes and led to changes in cell connectivity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 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.

Study explores how temperate rainforests can aid the fight against climate change

A new study reveals that temperate rainforests can play a crucial role in combating climate change by sequestering carbon and mitigating flooding. However, the research also shows that natural expansion of these ecosystems is unlikely to meet UK targets due to fragmentation and degradation.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalEcological Solutions and Evidence·TypeObservational study·DateJan 30, 2022

Two centuries and 500 studies later, more research needed on urban climate and weather

A review of over 500 studies on urban climate and weather reveals significant gaps in current understanding and modeling. The researchers emphasize the need for better observation-model integration, improved communication between scientists and end users, and standardized meteorological stations.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 30, 2022

First records of killer whales hunting largest animals on Earth

Killer whales have been observed hunting and killing blue whales, with three documented events in Australian waters. The attacks were coordinated and resulted in the whale's flesh being stripped off, highlighting the apex predator's influence on marine environments.

SourceFlinders University·JournalMarine Mammal Science·TypeCase study·DateJan 30, 2022

To keep or not to keep those New Year’s resolutions?

A recent study found that individuals often identify with both their Planner and Doer selves, valuing spontaneity and flexibility in their attitudes towards resolutions. The research challenges the common assumption that people prioritize self-control over spontaneity.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBehavioural Public Policy·TypeSurvey·DateJan 30, 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.

A Map for the sense of smell

Scientists have identified a peripheral mechanism that allows fruit flies to quickly assess complex odors without costly synaptic computation. The fly's olfactory receptor neurons communicate through electrical interactions, enabling an energy-saving way to process meaningful odor blends.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2022

From Yin to Yang: How can China achieve its carbon neutral goal?

Achieving China's carbon neutral goal requires a rapid transition to renewable energy, nuclear generation, and a decrease in fossil fuel use. Implementing non-fossil fuel energy sources is crucial, with solar energy playing a critical role due to its decreasing costs and technology advancements.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 29, 2022

Scientists weave atomically thin wires into ribbons

Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a scalable way to assemble nanowires into nanoribbons, a promising material for sophisticated electronic devices and catalysts. The method involves weaving together nanowires with chalcogen atoms and heat, resulting in atomically thin ribbons with unique properties.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateJan 29, 2022

Scientists sound alarm over widespread drought in the 21st Century

Increased aridity since the 1950s is evident across several hotspot regions, including Africa, southern Europe, East Asia, and Australia. Climate model projections suggest worsening drought conditions and longer-lasting drought events in the late 21st century.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Climate·DateJan 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.

12,000-year-old rock art in North America

Scientists used a portable X-ray fluorescence device to date 12,000-year-old rock art in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. The analysis confirmed the age of petroglyphs created between 12,000-10,000 years ago with high accuracy.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemistry·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2022

Extreme exoplanet has a complex and exotic atmosphere

Researchers analyzed the exoplanet WASP-189b's atmosphere, discovering distinct layers with varying characteristics. The study reveals the importance of considering three-dimensional atmospheric structures in understanding exoplanets.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateJan 28, 2022

New study: 14 units a week still harmful to health

A new study published in Clinical Nutrition found that drinking less than the UK's recommended 14 units of alcohol per week increases the risk of cardiovascular events. Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a 23% increased risk of suffering a cardiovascular event for every additional 1.5 pints of beer consumed.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 28, 2022

Extremely harsh volcanic lake shows how life might have existed on Mars

A recent study discovered that a hydrothermal crater lake in Costa Rica's Poás volcano is home to a diverse range of microorganisms, including the single 'extremophile' genus Acidiphilium. These bacteria have adapted to survive in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures and toxic metals, which may be similar to those found on Mars.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2022

Leafy greens first dished up 3,500 years ago

Researchers from Goethe University and the University of Bristol analyzed prehistoric pots and found complex distributions of plant lipids, indicating the processing of various plant species. The study reveals that leafy greens were first used in West African cuisine around 3,500 years ago.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 28, 2022
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.

Blocking sphingolipids counteracts muscular dystrophy

Researchers at EPFL's School of Life Sciences discovered that blocking sphingolipid synthesis can reverse the symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, including loss of muscle function and inflammation. This study identifies sphingolipid inhibition as a potential treatment for muscular dystrophies.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 28, 2022