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Science News Archive November 2021 - Page 4


Page 4 of 40

Estimating the impact of ‘eco’ jet fuel: How much could it reduce CO2 emissions by 2050?

A study published in Frontiers in Energy Research found that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) could reduce commercial aviation's CO2 emissions by between 4% and 23% by 2050. The researchers used a model-based approach to analyze data and considered five future SAF scenarios and two passenger-demand projections.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Energy Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 29, 2021

A rocky fate for greenhouse gases

Researchers used synchrotron X-ray scattering and quantum computer modeling to investigate temperature's impact on amorphous magnesium carbonate. The findings suggest that modifying the precursor material's physical properties can help create more efficient carbon capture technologies.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 29, 2021

First study of its kind to investigate a high priority but little known pathogen found in Irish hospitals: Trinity research

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin investigate the epidemiology and population biology of Enteroccocus faecium, a high-priority pathogen. They found that Irish isolates have evolved independently and are diverse, with a unique genetic transposon element encoding vancomycin resistance.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021

3D polarization-sensitive OCT imaging of collagen organization within organ systems

Researchers developed a novel PSOCT method, polarization state tracing (PST), to image depth-resolved collagen organization within living tissues without damaging the sample. This allows for accurate clinical diagnosis and image-guided surgery, targeting precision medicine.

Team builds first living robots that can reproduce

Researchers at the University of Vermont have created the first living robots capable of reproducing, using AI-designed Xenobots. This groundbreaking achievement has significant implications for regenerative medicine, as it demonstrates a new form of biological self-replication.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021

Development of an artificial vision device capable of mimicking human optical illusions

The National Institute for Materials Science in Japan has developed an ionic artificial vision device capable of increasing edge contrast between dark and light areas like human vision. This device uses ionic migration and interaction within solids to mimic human optical illusions without software.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNano Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 29, 2021

Surface science methodology reveals relaxation and failure mechanisms of energy storage devices

A research team from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics discovered the critical surface/interface behaviors governing ESDs' operation and failure. They visualized atmosphere-dependent relaxation and failure processes using in situ Raman, X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 29, 2021

The secret to DNA packing to one-millionth its size

Researchers used X-ray technology to study human chromosomes in their native state, discovering a fractal structure and a packing mechanism that condenses DNA into one-millionth its size. The findings could have significant implications for understanding genetics and uncovering the structures of other materials, such as viruses.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 29, 2021

UT Southwestern launches SPORE-funded national resource to advance precision medicine for kidney cancer

The Kidney Cancer Program (KCP) at UT Southwestern has launched a national resource to advance precision medicine for kidney cancer, featuring the largest and most diverse catalog of kidney cancer tumor models. The platform includes models for over a dozen types of kidney cancer, allowing for more precise and personalized treatment.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 29, 2021

A simpler design for quantum computers

Researchers at Stanford University have proposed a new design for photonic quantum computers that can operate at room temperature and require fewer components. The proposed design uses a laser to manipulate an atom, which then modifies the state of photons via quantum teleportation, enabling the creation of complex calculations.

SourceStanford University·JournalOptica·DateNov 29, 2021

Efficient organic solar cells processed from green solvents

Researchers at Linköping University and Soochow University have developed a method to produce energy-efficient organic solar cells using green solvents, achieving a record efficiency of over 17%. The breakthrough enables the manufacture of larger areas of solar cells with high efficiency, paving the way for commercial-scale outdoor use.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021

New lung cancer screening guidelines increases the eligibility for African American women by 50 percent

The updated guidelines lower the age eligibility from 55 to 50 years and reduce pack-years of smoking from 30 to 20. This shift increases the proportion of Black women eligible for screening, from 22.7 percent under previous guidelines to 33.9 percent, with some former smokers now also eligible.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 29, 2021

Study outlines challenges to ongoing clean-up of burnt and unburnt nurdles along Sri Lanka’s coastline

A new study published in ACS Environmental Au highlights the complexities of cleaning up burnt and unburnt nurdles spilled along Sri Lanka's coastline. The research proposes recommendations for the ongoing clean-up, including educating citizen scientists and revising response efforts to account for variability in spilled nurdles.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalACS Environmental Au·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 29, 2021

Smart wound dressing

A new smart wound dressing has been developed that can bind wounds together, ward off infection, and monitor the wound's condition directly to doctors' computers. The dressing is made of a biocompatible polymer that heals itself in under three seconds.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021

Spicy breast milk?

A study by the Technical University of Munich discovered that pungent substances from chili, ginger, and pepper are transferred to breast milk after consumption. These substances can be detectable in breast milk for several hours, with maximum concentrations being 70- to 350-fold below the taste perception threshold of an adult.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateNov 29, 2021

Spanish scientists determine the mode of action of essential proteins involved in cancer and Alzheimer´s disease

Researchers have discovered that specific regions of HAT family proteins determine which amino acids they bind to, leading to unique functions in cell growth and diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. This knowledge will enable efforts to develop compounds targeting these proteins for therapy.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 29, 2021

New discovery opens the way for brain-like computers

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have successfully combined a memory function with a calculation function in the same component, enabling more efficient technologies like mobile phones and self-driving cars. The discovery opens the way for brain-like computers that can perform tasks effectively and energy efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Materials·TypeSurvey·DateNov 29, 2021

‘Transformational’ approach to machine learning could accelerate search for new disease treatments

Researchers developed transformational machine learning (TML) to learn from multiple problems and improve performance while learning. TML out-performs current machine learning methods for drug design, accelerating the identification and production of new drugs.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 29, 2021

Steam disinfection of baby bottle nipples exposes babies and the environment to micro- and nanoplastic particles

A new study uses a microspectroscopic technique to measure micro- and nano-sized plastics in steam-disinfected silicone-rubber baby bottle nipples. The research found that these fine particles can be released into the environment and ingested by babies, posing health risks.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 29, 2021

Smoking whilst pregnant linked to smaller babies in future pregnancies

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of having a small for gestational age (SGA) baby in subsequent pregnancies. The research analyzed data from nearly 17,000 mothers who received antenatal care for their first two pregnancies and found that women who smoked at the start of eith...

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 29, 2021

Nibbling prehistoric herbivore sheds new light on Triassic diversity

A groundbreaking analysis of the fossilized remains of Effigia, a 205-million-year-old herbivore, has cast doubt on the prevailing notion that it fed by pecking at plant material. Instead, researchers suggest that its unique beak and jaw structure would have allowed it to nibble at soft, vulnerable tissues like young shoots or ferns.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Anatomical Record·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021