Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive March 2022


Page 1 of 44

Genetic analysis traces 5000 years of Xinjiang population history

Ancient genomes from 39 archaeological sites indicate that Xinjiang was settled by people with central and eastern Eurasian Steppe ancestry during the Bronze Age. The region received an influx of East and Central Asian ancestry later, resulting in genetically mixed populations throughout the Iron Age.

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.

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.

Under (blood) pressure

A study by Alisa Auer and Petra Wirtz found that men with essential hypertension are more likely to recognize angry expressions when looking at others' faces. This 'anger recognition bias' contributes to increased blood pressure over time if someone experiences high levels of anger.

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.

Complete human genome deciphered for the first time

Scientists have successfully sequenced an entire human genome, filling in gaps that were previously unknown or difficult to read. The achievement marks a major breakthrough in understanding the complexities of human genetics and has the potential to reveal new insights into evolution, disease, and adaptation.

Technology has the potential to change the patient-provider relationship

A study analyzed perspectives on personal health records from cancer patients and providers, highlighting the need for discussions about record uses. Implementing PHRs more widely, tailoring them to specific conditions, and making them user-friendly are next steps to improve patient-centered care.

T. rex's short arms may have lowered risk of bites during feeding frenzies

Paleontologist Kevin Padian suggests that T. rex's short arms evolved to prevent accidental or intentional amputation during pack feeding, a behavior thought to be common among the species. This hypothesis proposes that the reduced forelimbs provided an adaptive advantage by reducing the risk of injury during intense feeding interactions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How e-scooters can safely operate in a city

Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology present a framework for comparing e-scooter safety, highlighting the importance of analyzing rider behavior and identifying strategies for improving traffic safety. The study found that braking performance is superior on bicycles, while e-scooters excel in steering maneuvers.

Nomads and snow leopards coexist successfully on the Tibetan Plateau

Researchers found that livestock grazing had no negative impact on snow leopard distribution or density, and the species can coexist due to their separate ecological niches. The study suggests a more nuanced approach to conservation and land use, prioritizing the preservation of rocky mosaics.

Easy test can see if breeding bulls have the right stuff

A new test, RHEOLEX, can quickly detect breeding bull fertility levels using a simple, home pregnancy test-like device. The test mimics the biological process of rheotaxis, in which sperm swim upstream in the reproductive tract, to quantify the sperm's ability.

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.

Animal behavior: Zebra mbuna fish and stingrays can add and subtract

Fish species zebra mbuna and stingrays are found to possess numerical abilities on par with other vertebrate species. Through training, six of the eight zebra mbuna and three out of eight stingrays learned to associate blue with addition and yellow with subtraction, demonstrating consistent performance in recognizing numbers from 1 to 5.

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.

Now fully complete, human genome reveals new secrets

A complete, gapless genome sequence has been completed for scientists and physicians, revealing new details about the region around the centromere. The newly sequenced genome provides insights into human genetic variation and may hold clues to the evolution of our ancestors in Africa.

Volcano monitoring at Mount Etna using fibre optic cables

A fibre optic cable was used to record volcanic events at Mount Etna, detecting seismo-acoustic activity and mapping hidden structural features. The Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) method proved suitable for volcano monitoring and hazard assessment.

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.

Scientists develop environmentally safe, frost-resistant coatings

Scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago have created a new family of environmentally safe, frost-resistant coatings that can delay the formation of frost for extended hours. These coatings can be applied to various surfaces without preconditioning or expensive surface treatments, reducing pollution and ice-related problems.

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.

New human reference genome opens unexplored regions

The new reference genome provides a more complete sequence of the human genome, shedding light on long-running mysteries surrounding centromeres and heterochromatin. This breakthrough enables researchers to better understand gene expression, variation, and epigenetic mechanisms.

Ozone may be heating the planet more than we realise

Research reveals that ozone levels in the upper and lower atmosphere are weakening one of Earth's main cooling mechanisms, making it a significant greenhouse gas. The study found that increased ozone in the lower atmosphere caused 60% of the overall ozone-induced warming seen in Southern Ocean waters.

New gene targets for treating adult blood cancer

Hokkaido University scientists have identified CDK6 as a promising target for treating adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) with the drug palbociclib. The combination of palbociclib with everolimus also showed significant tumor growth reduction and minimal side effects in mice models.

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.

Latest JAK inhibitor trials for severe skin disease are a success

A new study led by Yale University shows that one in three patients with a severe skin disease called alopecia areata were able to regrow hair after being treated with a common arthritis drug. The Phase 3 clinical trials used baricitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, to treat the condition.

Better crime scene testing

Researchers at Flinders University have developed more accurate special aerosol fluorescent dye 'marker' to find touch DNA, and found that some people shed more or less DNA on their thumbs. This new study helps understand the difference between high, intermediate and low skin 'shedders', which will aid in crime scene investigation.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Mutations in noncoding DNA protect the brain from ALS

Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science discover a new neuroprotective pathway linked to mutations in the IL18RAP gene, located in noncoding DNA. These protective mutations reduce inflammation and slow disease progression in ALS patients by nearly fivefold.

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.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Positive top-line data from monotherapy arm of the ATHENA (GOG 3020/ENGOT-ov45) trial (ATHENA-MONO) significantly improves progression-free survival in first-line maintenance treatment in patients with ovarian cancer regardless of their biomarker status

The ATHENA-MONO trial shows significant improvements in progression-free survival for patients with advanced ovarian cancer treated with Rubraca as maintenance therapy. Benefit was observed across all patients, including those with homologous recombination deficiency and BRCA mutant tumors.

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.

The human genome is, at long last, complete

A large international team has revealed the final eight percent of the human genome, containing noncoding DNA with crucial roles in cellular functions and potentially linked to cancer. The completed sequence provides new insights into cell division and disease mechanisms.

Rising parental expectations linked to perfectionism in college students

Research finds that increased parental expectations and criticism are associated with higher levels of perfectionism among college students, which can lead to negative mental health consequences. Parents' anxious expectations can perpetuate a lifelong trait, with perfectionist parents raising perfectionist children.