Listen to your tempura!
Researchers from Utah State University and KAUST found clear acoustic signatures of oil temperature in deep-frying sounds. The unique bubble patterns near the oil surface create distinct noises that vary with heat levels.
Science News Archive November 2021
Page 26 of 40
Southern Company signs agreement with US Department of Energy to demonstrate world’s first fast-spectrum salt reactor in collaboration with TerraPower, Idaho National Laboratory
The Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment will provide crucial operational data for fast-spectrum salt reactors and unlock this uniquely flexible advanced reactor technology for use in a net-zero future. The project represents a significant inflection point in the technology demonstration roadmap for TerraPower's MCFR.
Male physicians refer patients to male surgeons at disproportionate rates, study shows
A study analyzing nearly 40 million referrals found male physicians disproportionately refer patients to male surgeons over female surgeons, despite similar qualifications. The findings suggest male biases disadvantage female surgeons, further exacerbating the pay gap in medicine.
TESS Detects Planet in Orbit Around Two Stars
Researchers detected a planet in a 200-day orbit around two stars using TESS data from just one sector over 27 days. The discovery was made possible by observing the planet's transits and eclipses, providing new insights into circumbinary planets.
Uncovering racial disparities in nonfatal police shootings
A study of four US states finds that Black people are more likely to be nonfatally shot and injured by police, with disparities greater than seen for fatal shootings. The research highlights the need for comprehensive data on police shootings to draw reliable conclusions about racial disparities.
Machine learning refines earthquake detection capabilities
A new machine learning-based tool enables automatic ground deformation detection at a global scale, improving earthquake detection and understanding tectonic fault behavior. The approach reveals slow earthquakes twice as extensive as previously recognized, shedding light on the physics of active faults.
Tooth fast, tooth curious?
Researchers discovered that sauropod dinosaurs had simple teeth despite being herbivores, with fast tooth replacement rates allowing them to eat a variety of plants. This unique adaptation allowed them to thrive alongside other plant-eaters without the need for complex teeth.
Domestic cats drive spread of Toxoplasma parasite to wildlife
A new study found that free-roaming domestic cats are the likely cause of toxoplasmosis in wildlife, with healthy ecosystems providing protection against these pathogens. The researchers suggest limiting cat roaming can reduce the impact of Toxoplasma on wildlife.
Compound developed at UArizona Health Sciences provides innovative pain relief
Researchers developed a compound that regulates a biological channel linked to pain, reducing the sensation of pain in rodents. The compound, dubbed 194, successfully targets sodium ion channels and promotes pain relief by activating the body's endogenous opioid system.
Avoiding false positive for SARS-CoV-2 when using rapid antigen tests
Researchers found that omitting or altering the buffer solution can generate false positive results, highlighting its essential role in test function. The study's findings have far-reaching implications for public health worldwide, as the rapid antigen test has been distributed to over 120 countries.
Tread lightly: ‘Eggshell planets’ possible around other stars
Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis have discovered a new type of exoplanet known as 'eggshell planets,' which are likely to have little topography and no plate tectonics. These planets may resemble the lowlands on Venus, with vast expanses of lava but little high-standing terrain.
New scalable method resolves materials joining in solid-state batteries
Scientists at ORNL developed a scalable, low-cost method to improve materials joining in solid-state batteries, resolving one of the big challenges in commercial development. The electrochemical pulse method increases contact at the interface without detrimental effects, enabling an all-solid-state architecture.
Study reveals effects of end-permian deforestation on early evolution of beetles
A recent study published in eLife suggests that xylophagous beetles played a key role in the Permian carbon cycle and experienced severe ecological consequences due to end-Permian deforestation. This research provides new insights into the ecological response of insects to deforestation and global warming.
Researchers at UC Davis may have unlocked function of mysterious structure found on neurons
Researchers at UC Davis have discovered that mysterious protein clusters on neurons play a critical role in activating gene transcription and allowing neurons to produce crucial proteins. The clusters, known as calcium-signaling hotspots, are highly conserved across species and enable the process of excitation-transcription coupling.
Mapping eukaryotic plankton globally in all their diversity
Eukaryotic plankton are highly diverse taxonomically, phylogenetically, and ecologically. The study found that ocean currents significantly influence their biogeography, with smaller organisms being more sensitive to local environmental conditions.
Researchers discover link between dietary fat and the spread of cancer
Researchers discovered palmitic acid promotes metastasis in oral carcinomas and melanoma skin cancer, with epigenetic changes allowing cancer cells to communicate and spread. New therapies targeting this process are being developed, with a clinical trial expected to start in the next couple of years.
'Tuition myopia' may negatively impact students' financial future, study finds
A recent study by Indiana University Kelley School of Business reveals that students who choose low-cost, low-return colleges are more likely to default on their student loans and experience a higher chance of bankruptcy after graduation. In contrast, high-cost, high-return colleges result in lower lifetime income but also fewer defaults.
Reversing new-onset type 1 diabetes with pyramid-like DNA
Scientists have reversed new-onset type 1 diabetes in mice by injecting pyramid-like DNA molecules called tFNAs, which increased regulatory T cells and protected pancreatic β-cells. The treatment is one of the most promising candidates for type 1 diabetes immunotherapy.
UVA reveals how gene mutation boosts cancer risk
Researchers at UVA Cancer Center discovered how a common gene mutation disrupts cells' ability to suppress tumors. The mutation in the UTX gene forms tiny droplets that help prevent tumor formation.
Time series study first to suggest that increased consumption of ultra-processed foods has environmental implications
A 30-year study in Brazil found that increased ultra-processed food consumption is linked to worsened environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions, water footprint, and ecological footprint. Experts warn that this trend may soon affect other countries due to growing economies and nutrition transitions.
Kennedy Krieger researchers identify potential pathway to improve treatment for newborns with drug-resistant seizures
Newborns with drug-resistant seizures often develop lifelong epilepsy and cognitive disabilities. Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute have identified a molecular mechanism that offers promise for understanding and developing novel treatment options.
Quality measures don't match patient-reported outcomes in inpatient behavioral health
A study published in Journal for Healthcare Quality found that good performance on quality measures doesn't necessarily lead to improved symptoms and patient self-reported outcomes. The researchers suggest adding direct measures of patient improvement, such as symptom assessments, to enhance the current quality assessment framework.
LGBT identity, disclosure among dermatologists
A survey of 1,300 US dermatologists reveals that 74% identify as LGBT and most disclose their status to patients. The study highlights the importance of creating inclusive workplaces for LGBT healthcare professionals.
Superfish
Fish schools operate like superorganisms, with individual fish optimized for maximum surveillance and energy efficiency. Researchers discovered a 'perfect efficiency curve' in tail beats, allowing schools to conserve energy while monitoring their surroundings.
Airborne Detection
Researchers at East Carolina University have discovered a new way to detect SARS-CoV-2 by testing air passing through building ventilation systems. The method revealed the presence of the virus in air samples with high accuracy, potentially leading to earlier detection and reduced transmission.
COVID-19 lockdowns closed racial gap in exposure to air pollution in rural New York, new research shows
Research by Binghamton University economists found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to a significant improvement in air quality for minority neighborhoods in rural New York, narrowing the existing gap with majority white neighborhoods. The study suggests stronger regulation can improve air quality in polluted areas.
Students who self-identify as multilingual perform better in exams
Young people who consider themselves ‘multilingual’ perform better across a wide range of subjects at school, regardless of their language proficiency. Research shows that encouraging pupils to identify with languages and value different styles of communication can support academic progress.
A salty treat: Extracting high-quality magnesium sulphate from seawater desalination brine
A team of Korean researchers has successfully extracted high-quality magnesium sulphate, without calcium impurities, from seawater desalination brine using a novel ethanol-based process. The process achieved up to 67% magnesium recovery efficiency and has potential applications in the pharmaceutical and food industry.
“Tug of war” between cells – When crucial connections are missing
Researchers at University of Göttingen investigate tight junctions' importance in cell movement and their consequences when missing. The findings suggest a 'tug of war' scenario between cells with unequal contraction and stretching, affecting tissue mobility and biological functions.
Second wave of kids with MIS-C had more severe illness than first wave, according to new Children’s National Hospital study
A new prospective cohort study of 106 patients at Children’s National Hospital found that the second wave of kids with multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) had more severe illness compared to the first wave. Despite this, both cohorts had similarities in cardiac outcomes and length of stay.
Study finds higher deaths among veterans in 2020, but less than general population
A new study published in The Lancet Regional Health found that more US veterans died in 2020 than prior years, but the increase was less than in the general population. Despite having higher comorbidities that increase risk of severe COVID-19 illness, the VA system performed better at preventing deaths related to the pandemic.
Identifying individual proteins using nanopores and supercomputers
Researchers from Delft University of Technology and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed a method to identify individual proteins with single-amino acid resolution, reducing errors to practically zero. Using DNA nanopores and supercomputer simulations, they characterized protein sequences with high accuracy.
Pay-for-performance incentives may put innovation at risk
A new study in Strategic Management Journal found that pay-for-performance incentives lead to more closed and smaller networks in organizations, hindering innovation. The study's authors argue that managers should avoid such incentives and instead design networks that spark innovative thinking.
How does the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic affect mental health?
The study found that 'general psychiatric burden', 'social isolation', and 'depression/anxiety' worsened during the pandemic, with women more likely to be affected. Factors such as job type, income, and social connections played a significant role in these issues.
Introduced birds are not replacing roles of human-caused extinct species
A new study found that human-caused bird extinctions lead to the loss of ecological roles, including pollination and seed dispersal. Introduced alien species do not fill these gaps, highlighting the disproportionate impact of human actions on biodiversity.
Study finds a striking difference between neurons of humans and other mammals
Researchers found that human neurons have a lower density of ion channels compared to other mammals, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation for energy efficiency. This difference in channel density may enable the human brain to allocate more resources to complex cognitive processes.
Major cities could be close to self-sustaining through fully integrated solar
A new study models the viability and impact of window-integrated photovoltaics at a city scale, showing that buildings in Melbourne could provide up to 74% of their own electricity needs through comprehensive adoption of existing rooftop PV technology. The researchers also highlight the potential for emerging solar windows and building...
Vaccination status, detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection in health care personnel
A study of nearly 2000 healthcare workers found that being vaccinated against COVID-19 decreased asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection detection compared to unvaccinated staff. Vaccination status was associated with reduced risk of infection.
A newly discovered genetic link to non-alcoholic inflammatory liver disease
Researchers found that albino mice with a mutated tyrosinase gene are more susceptible to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) than black mice. This study provides new insights into the genetic factors contributing to NASH and its progression.
When algorithms get creative
Researchers at the University of Bern have developed an approach called 'evolving-to-learn' (E2L) that enables computers to discover mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, leading to improved learning capabilities. The algorithm was tested in three scenarios and successfully solved new tasks by mimicking biological evolution.
Global temperatures over last 24,000 years show today's warming 'unprecedented'
A University of Arizona-led study reconstructs Earth's climate since the last ice age, highlighting unprecedented global temperatures and the speed of human-caused warming. The research combines two independent datasets to create a more complete picture of past temperatures.
A personalized exosuit for real-world walking
Researchers developed a bioinspired system using ultrasound measurements to create customized assistance profiles for users. The exosuit significantly reduced metabolic energy of walking across various speeds and inclines.
New research helps explain the genetic basis for why we look the way we do
A new study published in Science Advances has shed light on the genetic basis of human appearance features by investigating the role of Hox genes. The researchers replaced the proboscipedia gene in a common laboratory fruit fly with its counterpart from a rarer Hawaiian cousin, revealing that Hox genes function as scaffolds for downstr...
NASA’s roman mission will help empower a new era of cosmological discovery
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will harness the power of cross-checking techniques using its rich data set to study critical questions in cosmology, including cosmic acceleration. It will also explore additional mysteries such as dark matter and black hole growth.
What’s in the water?
Researchers created a fine-grain understanding of how human wastewater affects coastal waters worldwide, mapping global sources and destinations of nitrogen. The study highlights the impact of modern diets on marine ecology and provides insights for local solutions to tackle a complex global problem.
Palmitic acid promotes cancer metastasis and leaves a more aggressive “memory” in tumour cells
A diet rich in palmitic acid makes tumor cells more aggressive and increases their metastatic capacity, a process that is responsible for 90% of cancer deaths. Exposure to palmitic acid leads to permanent epigenetic modifications in tumor cells, allowing them to conserve metastatic capacity even after the fatty acid is removed.
Research uncovers new insights on ALS and points to a potentially promising treatment strategy
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that reducing abnormal tau can reverse mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in ALS. By targeting tau with a specific degrader, the study suggests a promising new treatment strategy for this degenerative disease.
Female bushbabies more stressed, may be more vulnerable to changing environment
A new study found that female bushbabies experience sharper increases in glucocorticoid hormones than males, indicating they may be under more stress and have less wiggle room to survive in a changing environment.
Chickpea genes catalogued in unprecedented detail to secure food supply despite climate warming
A new study has catalogued all possible genetic variations in over 3,000 chickpea plants to improve the crop's yield and resilience to climate change. The research proposes a breeding model using genomics-assisted breeding to enhance agriculturally valuable traits.
Porous artificial rock helps channel an answer to a 54-year-old mystery
Researchers used a see-through porous medium to analyze polymer solutions' movement, overturning the assumption of uniform laminar flow. The polymers stretched out, creating turbulence and slowing the velocity of the flow.
Adolescents are using social media to post about self-injury
Researchers found a significant rise in Instagram posts with hashtags related to self-injury, with nearly 110,000 posts in December compared to 58,000 at the start of 2018. The study also showed a connection between self-injury and depression, as well as suicide, highlighting the need for effective coping strategies and online monitoring.
Grape consumption benefits gut microbiome and cholesterol metabolism
A new clinical study found that grape consumption increased gut bacterial diversity and reduced cholesterol levels, including total cholesterol by 6.1% and LDL cholesterol by 5.9%. This suggests a potential role for grapes in promoting good gut health and supporting heart health.
The study of the negative effects of roads on animals is still insufficient
Research reveals limited consideration of roadkill's effects on small and vulnerable species, as well as global geographic limitations. The study calls for a shift towards examining population dynamics and connectivity to inform conservation efforts.
Baby teeth may one day help identify kids at risk for mental disorders later in life
Researchers analyzed 70 primary teeth from children to identify potential links between maternal stress during pregnancy and thicker growth lines in tooth enamel. Thicker lines were found in children of mothers with severe depression or anxiety, while those receiving social support had thinner lines.
COVID-19 forced a shift from healthy feeding practices by parents of young children
Parents of preschoolers used lower levels of structure and autonomy support during the COVID-19 pandemic, associated with negative parent mood and higher coercive control. The study suggests a need for public health advocates to support families in re-establishing healthy eating routines after the pandemic.
UArizona Health Sciences study identifies breast cancer treatment disparities among Native American, indigenous women
A UArizona Health Sciences study found that American Indian and Alaska Native women with early-stage breast cancer had a higher percentage of mastectomy and a lower percentage of lumpectomy compared to white women. The study suggests that geographic and socioeconomic factors may contribute to these disparities.
During online learning, machine learning algorithm can identify when student engagement falls, nudging students and helping teachers to intervene
A new machine learning-based approach enhances student engagement in online environments. The algorithm detects when students disengage, prompting interventions to improve learning outcomes.
New computer model is a key step toward low-temperature preservation of 3D tissues, organs
A new computer model developed by researchers at Oregon State University predicts the optimal vitrification method for preserving 3D tissues and organs at low temperatures. The model, which takes into account tissue size changes, could enable the cryopreservation of brain slices, pancreatic cells, and even whole organs.
Cleveland Clinic study suggests sleep disorders linked with more severe outcomes from COVID-19
A new Cleveland Clinic study found that patients with certain sleep disorders have a 31% higher rate of hospitalization and mortality from COVID-19. The research team analyzed retrospective data from 5,400 patients and found that sleep-related hypoxia translates to worse COVID-19 outcomes.
Humans guilty of breaking an oceanic law of nature
A new study reveals human activities have drastically altered the ocean's biodiversity, with significant losses in larger species like whales and dolphins. Biomass estimates show a 60% reduction in large fish and marine mammals, outpacing even extreme climate change scenarios.