Below is a summary of the latest science news briefs.
Scientists suggest that Tyrannosaurus may have had three species and not just the’rex.
A group of researchers has proposed that Tyrannosaurus the most famous dinosaur and ultimate apex predator is actually three species. This is based on the tooth variations and thighbones found in dozens fossils. Since 1905, Tyrannosaurus’ first description was made, T. rex (meaning “tyrantlizard king”) has been the only species of the genus Tyrannosaurus. A genus refers to a larger grouping or related organisms than a single species.
Scientists predict disasters in advance of climate catastrophes as they become more common.
A bright red, sideways “V” that ran thousands of kilometres in the Pacific Ocean temperature forecast map was a sign of disaster for climate scientists who reviewed it in November. The combination of La Nina cooling across the eastern and central Pacifics, and the V-shaped pattern of warm ocean water stretching from Australia to the Philippines and back to Hawaii indicated that the March-May rainy seasons would likely fail halfway around the globe in the Horn of Africa.
Harvard, MIT -U.S. Tribunal are the inventors and innovators in gene-editing technology
A U.S. tribunal examining patent disputes ruled Monday, that patents for the revolutionary gene-editing technology known CRISPR belong Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has ruled in favor of the University of California at Berkeley, the University of Vienna and Nobel Prize winner researcher Emmanuelle Charpentier.
NOAA’s latest satellite for fire-tracking and weather data launched to orbit
On Tuesday, the Atlas V rocket lifted off from Florida carrying the next major satellite designed and built by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It will orbit the next satellite to provide continuous monitoring of weather, wildfires and other climate-related events over the western hemisphere. The GOES–T spacecraft is third in a new series of advanced geostationary spacecrafts. It is credited for revolutionizing real-time weather prediction and environmental monitoring.
Seals help Japanese researchers collect data under Antarctic ice
An unusual sight might be a seal wearing a helmet and an antenna, but eight Weddell Seals with a 580g monitoring equipment on their heads have been helping Japanese scientists survey the waters below the thick Antarctica Ice Sheet. These seals were captured for a research project in March and November 2017. It was winter in Antarctica. They were equipped with a head-mounted conductivity temperature and depth sensor. This allows scientists to collect observational data such as water temperatures in areas with extreme environmental conditions.
Scientist uses tiny trackers in order to keep an eye on funnel-web web spiders
A few Sydney funnel-web spiders are flitting through the Australian bush carrying special cargo. It is a telemetry tracker that allows them to see how far a mature male can travel at night, and how weather and environment affect their movements. Caitlin Creak, a PhD student at the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences of University of New South Wales, has been following the male Sydney funnel web, one of the most deadly spiders in the world, for two summers. The nocturnal spider lives within 100km (62 mile) of Australia’s largest city. It is most active between November and April.
Ukraine receives Starlink internet terminals – and a friendly warning about safety
Ukraine said Monday it had received donated Starlink satellite Internet terminals from SpaceX. But, an internet security researcher warned they could be Russian targets. “Starlink — here. Thank you, @elonmusk,” Ukraine’s vice prime minister, Mykhailo Federorov, tweeted after asking Elon Musk, the billionaire chief executive of SpaceX, for his assistance. Fedorov’s tweet featured a photo of the back of a military truck loaded with terminals.
Modified T cell may be helpful for those taking immunosuppressants. ECMO machines can improve COVID survival.
Here is a summary from recent studies on COVID-19. They include research that warrants further investigation to corroborate the findings. This has yet to be certified through peer review. Immunosuppressants don’t stop modified T cells
(With inputs from agencies.
