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Science News Archive January 2022 - Page 26


Page 26 of 34

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

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

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

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

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

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 ...

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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