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Science News Archive January 2022 - Page 26


Page 26 of 34

Within a dinosaur’s head: Ankylosaur was sluggish and deaf

A study on Ankylosaurus austriacus, a nodosaurid dinosaur from Austria, found that its brain was similar to those of its relatives, but with a small flocculus indicating poor balance. The dinosaur's auditory capacities were also limited due to a short lagena, suggesting an exceptionally sluggish lifestyle.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 11, 2022

Identification of one of the first multicellular algae thanks to its chlorophyll fossilized for 1 billion years

Researchers from the University of Liege have discovered a new methodology to identify phototrophic eukaryotes in fossils, revealing one of the first unambiguous algae. The discovery provides insights into the evolution of eukaryotic phototrophy during the Precambrian and the diversification of primary producers in early ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 11, 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.

Older adult opioid overdose death rates on the rise

A new study found a 1,886% increase in opioid-related overdose deaths among U.S. adults aged 55 and older between 1999 and 2019. Contributing factors include ageism, social isolation, depression, and declining cognitive function.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 11, 2022

Using only 100 atoms, electric fields can be detected and changed

Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering have created a molecular device capable of recording and manipulating its surrounding bioelectric field. The device has the potential to provide ultra-fast, 3D high-resolution imaging of neural networks without damaging healthy cells or tissue.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022

What your sweat says about your health: SFU research

A new 3D-printed wearable sweat sensor developed at SFU can analyze chemicals and health information in sweat to assess hydration, stress, and nutrition levels. The non-invasive technology has the potential to become a widely accessible sample type for monitoring human health status.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalBio-Design and Manufacturing·DateJan 11, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

To destroy cancer cells, UTA team travels back in time

Researchers at UTA have discovered commonalities among caspases 3, 6, and 7 that could allow for the isolated activation of proteins in tumor cells without disrupting healthy cells. By understanding how effector caspases work in healthy conditions, they hope to develop methods to destroy abnormal cells while preserving healthy ones.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 11, 2022

Scientists expand CRISPR-Cas9 genetic inheritance control in mammals

Researchers have successfully developed CRISPR-Cas9 inheritance control in male mice by shifting the gene editing window to match the timing of meiosis. This achievement expands the potential for human disease research and environmental applications, offering benefits such as laboratory efficiency improvements and cost savings.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022

Simple screening for common lung disease could relieve millions globally

A large-scale international study found that simple health assessments can identify people with chronic lung conditions like COPD. The screening tools were effective in diverse low- and middle-income settings, highlighting a pressing need for global awareness and early diagnosis.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2022

Ancient Mesopotamian discovery transforms knowledge of early farming

Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered broomcorn millet in ancient Iraq, pushing the timeline of agriculture in the region. This finding highlights the interconnected nature of Eurasia and challenges previous assumptions about the capacity and resilience of ancient agricultural systems.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 11, 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.

How much do students learn when they double the speed of their class videos?

A new UCLA study shows that students can learn and retain information quite well when watching lectures at speeds of up to double the normal speed. However, once they exceed this limit, comprehension begins to suffer. The researchers found that spending time saved by speeding up videos on additional studying activities enhances learning.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalApplied Cognitive Psychology·DateJan 11, 2022

Wearable air sampler assesses personal exposure to SARS-CoV-2

Researchers developed a passive air sampler clip to estimate airborne virus concentrations, detecting SARS-CoV-2 in five out of 62 volunteers. The device could serve as a semiquantitative screening tool for assessing personal exposure and identifying high-risk areas.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJan 11, 2022

Unique Irish study sheds new light on long-term SARS-CoV-2 vaccine responses in older nursing home residents

A unique Irish study found that previous COVID-19 infection and age are associated with lower antibody levels six months after vaccination. The research highlights the importance of boosting vaccinations for vulnerable populations like nursing home residents.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 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.

Molecular paddlewheels propel sodium ions through next-generation batteries

Researchers at Duke University have discovered paddlewheel-like molecular dynamics that help push sodium ions through a quickly evolving class of solid-state batteries. The insights will guide researchers in their pursuit of a new generation of sodium-ion batteries to replace lithium-ion technology.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022

Modular super-enhancer controls retinal development

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified a 'modular' super-enhancer that controls gene expression during retina formation, revealing four distinct regions with different functions. This discovery provides a way to study gene expression during development and offers a blueprint for studying brain development.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 11, 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.

Measuring impact of drugs on global health can aid in identifying shortcomings

A new framework evaluates medicines' impact on global health, calculating the impact of drugs used to treat diseases like TB, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and NTDs. The Global Health Impact Index model saves about 62 million disability-adjusted life-years, equivalent to saving almost a year of life for 1% of the world's population.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalTropical Medicine & International Health·DateJan 11, 2022

iDIRECT network framework developed at the University of Oklahoma could help scientists better understand biological systems

A new framework, iDIRECT, can effectively infer direct relationships in association networks, improving our understanding of complex systems. This approach has been successfully applied to gene regulatory networks in E. coli and microbial communities in response to climate warming.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2022

Faculty mentor training program strengthens university’s institutional climate

A pioneering program at UC San Diego Health Sciences has trained 23% of faculty between 2017-2020, improving mentoring quality and faculty satisfaction, especially among underrepresented groups. The program's success suggests a universally applicable model for medical schools to improve diversity and success.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Science·DateJan 11, 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.

The secret drivers of tree growth

Researchers found that fungal communities play a key role in tree growth, with some species increasing tree growth rates up to a tree-fold. The study suggests that using specific fungal communities can help improve forestry and potentially absorb more carbon from the atmosphere.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJan 11, 2022

Bioengineer awarded NSF CAREER grant to improve cardiovascular flow computer models using machine learning

A bioengineer at Northern Arizona University received a $507,642 NSF CAREER grant to improve cardiovascular flow computer models using machine learning. The project aims to develop software that synergistically integrates deep learning and traditional physics-based modeling to address fundamental issues in high-fidelity blood flow and ...

SourceNorthern Arizona University·DateJan 11, 2022

Attacking cancer cells with photoactivatable proteinic nanobombs

Researchers develop a nanobomb that selectively targets cancer cells with heat and releases anticancer drugs, offering a promising multimodal treatment approach. The nanobomb's biodegradability and safety make it an attractive option for cancer therapy.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateJan 11, 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.

Sharing more than water

Researchers found parasite densities to be far higher around water sources than elsewhere in the landscape, with cattle and elephants being particularly affected. The study provides ecological insights into how watering holes impact ecosystem health and interactions between species.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 11, 2022

Severe irrigation restrictions due to drought would threaten almond plantations

Researchers evaluate the impact of severe water restrictions on almond plantations, finding that complete irrigation suspension leads to high mortality rates. Sustained deficit irrigation may be a more beneficial strategy for new plantations, mitigating economic losses and preserving production.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalIrrigation Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022

New knowledge about the happiness hormone dopamine

Researchers at the University of Bergen have discovered a new understanding of dopamine's regulatory mechanisms, which could lead to breakthroughs in treating neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that dopamine can bind to an enzyme called tyrosine hydroxylase, inactivating it and controlling its own production.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 11, 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.

Is more better? Amounts and frequency of milk replacer fed to calves under heat stress

Researchers found that increasing energy intake by feeding more milk replacer supports greater growth during summer. However, feeding frequency had no effect on growth during summer but improved growth during winter. The study suggests optimizing feeding strategies to maximize calf growth and welfare in hot environments.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022

Researchers reduce breast cancer metastasis in animal models by modifying tumor electrical properties

Researchers at Tufts University have found that manipulating voltage patterns in tumor cells can significantly reduce tumor cell invasion and metastasis in animal models. Using FDA-approved ion channel blockers, they were able to normalize cell voltages, decrease tumor growth, and limit the spread of cancer cells.

SourceTufts University·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 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.

Genomic regions discovered that could help understand obesity

A new study has identified 74 previously unknown genomic regions that influence how people's bodies break down food into energy. These findings could help develop more personalized ways to maintain a healthy weight by taking into account an individual's genetic profile.

SourceNIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London·JournalMetabolites·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2022

Study: safe drinking water remains out of reach for many Californians

A new analysis reveals that approximately 1.3 million Californians, or nearly 3.5% of the population, rely on domestic wells for their water supply, while 370,000 more may be served by contaminated community water systems. Communities of color are disproportionately affected by drinking water contamination.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 11, 2022

Sustainable manufacturing

The collaboration seeks to co-develop an efficient CO2 electrolyzer that can produce ethylene, a widely used chemical building block. Yushan Yan at UD will focus on making polymer membrane materials chemical resistant and strong for long-term durability.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateJan 11, 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.

Winds of change bring winter rain to eastern Arabia

A 25-30 percent increase in winter rainfall over the eastern Arabian Peninsula was found since 1981, with a decrease of about 10-20 percent in the south and northeast. This shift is linked to an El Niño pattern in the tropical Pacific Ocean.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalClimate Dynamics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 11, 2022

Ketamine and psychological therapy helped severe alcoholics abstain for longer in trial

A clinical trial found that people with severe alcohol disorder stayed off alcohol for longer when treated with low doses of ketamine combined with psychological therapy. The therapy showed promise in preventing relapse and improving liver function, with participants having lower depression rates after three months.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 11, 2022

Obesity might lead to cancer. Now we know why

Research reveals lipids from obesity make cancer cells more aggressive and prone to form tumors. Obesity increases the risk of developing cancer by altering the environment surrounding cancerous cells, allowing them to adapt and form tumors.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 11, 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.

Organic aggregates: new insights on white light

Research reveals organic aggregates can emit polychromic and white light with high efficiency, opening up new avenues for OLEDs and encryption. However, more work is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and improve performance.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJan 11, 2022

A multifaceted statewide COVID-19 infection control program in massachusetts nursing homes reduced infection rates in the most vulnerable residents

A state-wide Massachusetts infection control program, implemented in 360 nursing homes, reduced COVID-19 infections among vulnerable residents, including those with dementia. Cohorting residents and proper adherence to infection control guidelines were key factors in this reduction.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022

Sleep deprivation increases serotonin 2a receptor response in brain

Researchers found that sleep deprivation can significantly increase serotonin 2A receptors in the brain within hours, which may influence schizophrenia symptoms. This discovery suggests environmental stressors could alter the balance of brain receptors controlled by antipsychotic drugs.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022

Hidden order in windswept sand

An international team of geomorphologists and physicists has discovered a consistent number in the frequencies of shifting grains, enabling reliable classification of newly discovered sand ripples. This finding could help explain the formation of mysterious new sand waves on Mars and evaluate past climatic conditions.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 11, 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.

Antibody from recovered COVID-19 patients found to reduce severity of disease

A study found an antibody, P36-5D2, to decrease infectious virus load in lungs and brain, reducing lung disease in laboratory models. The discovery offers hope for developing antibody therapies against COVID-19 and its emerging variants.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022

Radiologist fatigue, experience affect breast imaging call backs

A new study reveals that radiologist fatigue impacts performance differently depending on experience level. Less-experienced radiologists are more likely to recommend additional imaging for women undergoing breast cancer screening when interpreting digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) images later in the day.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJan 11, 2022

Study finds distinct gut microbiomes in male and female carnivores

A recent study reveals significant differences between the gut microbiomes of male and female American minks, suggesting a surprising sexual distinction in carnivores. The findings have implications for future wildlife research, as analyzing fecal samples may not provide accurate assessments of population sex.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022

Risky Business – a new approach to enterprise risk management

The study found that adopting formal Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) frameworks is not enough to deal with complex and risky international business contexts. Instead, it takes a broader organisational engagement and decentralised responses to achieve positive performance outcomes.

SourceCopenhagen Business School·JournalLong Range Planning·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 11, 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.

Researchers uncover new mechanism for deadly blood clots

A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital identified the activation of PIEZO1 as a key trigger for thrombosis in patients with type 2 diabetes. Inhibiting PIEZO1 prevented clot formation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for preventing thrombosis.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2022