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Science News Archive January 2022 - Page 5


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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022

Poor housing conditions linked to respiratory health issues in young First Nations children

A study found frequent rates of respiratory infections and wheezing in young First Nations children due to poor housing conditions, including inadequate ventilation, mold, and wood smoke contaminants. The researchers urge action on improving housing and infrastructure in communities to benefit the overall health of First Nations peoples.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 27, 2022

Center stage for quantum mechanical entanglement in an attosecond laser laboratory

Quantum entanglement is studied in attosecond laser laboratory experiments, where neutral hydrogen molecules are ionized using an attosecond pulse. The experiment reveals a competition between vibrational coherence and entanglement, demonstrating the breakdown of local realism.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2022

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.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalApplied Animal Behaviour Science·DateJan 27, 2022

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalIchthyology & Herpetology·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 27, 2022

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalConservation Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2022

Revolutionary approach for drug-resistant TB has important implications for other diseases

Researchers have identified a potential novel mechanism of action against drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) caused by mutations in the EmbR protein, which binds to transmembrane kinase PknH. This study proposes a new approach for computer-aided drug discovery and has important implications for treating other critical diseases.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalSynthetic and Systems Biotechnology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 27, 2022

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.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2022

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.

SourceCopenhagen Business School·JournalJournal of Travel Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2022

Technology and innovation may not be a magic wand in tackling the climate crisis, but part of it

Researchers analyzed media coverage, laws, and patents to understand the relationship between technology, innovation, and environmental policies. While there has been a shift in public discourse on environmental issues since the 1960s, the impact of technological solutions on the climate crisis is still limited.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2022

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2022