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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 44


Page 44 of 448

A closer look at the dynamics of the p-Laplacian Allen–Cahn equation

A team of researchers from Korea investigated the dynamics of the p-Laplacian AC equation, finding that solutions maintain three criteria: phase separation, boundedness, and energy decay properties. They also identified an advantage of p-AC equation over classical Laplacian in adjusting interface sharpness.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalApplied Mathematics and Computation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

BU study: Neuroimmune proteins may serve as biomarkers for diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers found that specific immune-related proteins, such as CCL21, FLT3L, and IL-13, can differentiate between neurodegenerative diseases like CTE, AD, PSP, CBD, and AGD. The study's results highlight the importance of the immune system in neurodegenerative diseases and provide novel potential biomarkers for diagnosis.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

Charged porphyrins: The key to investigating the properties of stacked ion pairs

Charged porphyrins enable researchers to study π-electronic ion pairs and their interactions, leading to the creation of electronic materials with unique properties. The study reveals fascinating new properties of stacked ion pairs and their potential applications in fields like nanomagnetism and ferroelectrics.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

Monitoring “frothy” magma gases could help evade disaster

A team at the University of Tokyo has discovered that analyzing the ratio of argon-40 to helium-3 in magma gases can indicate the risk of different types of eruption. By monitoring these gas ratios, scientists hope to develop a portable equipment for real-time, on-site measurements, enabling early warning systems and potentially saving...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Adaptive language-learning software helps stroke survivors regain critical communication skills

A new Baycrest study found that using adaptive language-learning software is extremely beneficial in helping stroke survivors regain their language skills. The researchers used an online program to practice identifying images, and participants showed significant improvement after just two weeks.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalNeuropsychological Rehabilitation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

D-Amino acids: Signaling severity in viral infection

Researchers found reduced levels of D-amino acids in patients with severe COVID-19 and IAV infection, suggesting they could be used as biomarkers. Supplementation with D-alanine improved survival rates and clinical outcomes in mouse models of both infections.

SourceOsaka University·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Keep your cats inside for the sake of their health and the surrounding environment

A University of Maryland study found that domestic cats in Washington D.C. have a high probability of overlapping with native wildlife, including raccoons and opossums, increasing the risk of disease transmission and harming native populations. Keeping cats indoors can significantly reduce these risks.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Satellites cast critical eye on coastal dead zones

Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a way to use satellite views to understand and predict the formation of dead zones in coastal areas. The study found that satellites can provide near-real-time information on where, when, and how long hypoxic zones persist, enabling better management of these critical problems.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateNov 21, 2022

Generating electricity from tacky tape

A team of researchers created a simple and inexpensive triboelectric nanogenerator using store-bought double-sided tape, plastic film, and aluminum metal. The device was able to produce higher power densities than previous versions, making it suitable for powering everyday devices such as LEDs and laser diodes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateNov 21, 2022

Recreating the adrenal gland in a petri dish

A team from the University of Pennsylvania led by Kotaro Sasaki coaxed stem cells to take on the characteristics and functions of a human adrenal gland. The researchers developed an organoid culture system to direct iPSCs to transition into adrenocortical progenitor-like cells, resulting in cells producing steroid hormones.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

IPK researchers identify last remaining steps in the biosynthesis of tropane alkaloids from Coca

Researchers elucidated the coca-derived tropane pathway, identifying a specific enzyme responsible for the carbomethoxy group, a key contributor to cocaine's euphoric properties. The study also reveals that tropane biosynthesis has independently evolved at least twice in flowering plants.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2022

Transgender youth, teens more likely to have sleep disorders

A Michigan Medicine-led study reveals that transgender youth are 5.4 times more likely to experience insomnia and three times more likely to suffer from sleep apnea compared to cisgender youth. Gender-affirming therapies may offer a protective effect against worsening sleep health, according to the researchers.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

CPR mannikins used in instructive social media posts lack diversity, influencing patient outcomes and disparities in training and care

A study found that CPR mannikins depicted in public social media accounts are predominantly white, lean men, lacking representation of diverse groups. The lack of diversity in these models may influence disparities in training and care for patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Study shows promising safety, patient outcomes data for MRI-guided adaptive radiation therapy to treat pancreatic cancer

A recent study found that MRI-guided adaptive radiation therapy, also known as SMART, has shown promising safety and patient outcomes data for treating locally advanced and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. The study, led by Henry Ford Health, reported no incidence of acute grade 3 or higher gastrointestinal toxicity, with preli...

Shining a new light on the importance of a critical photosynthesis pathway in plants

Scientists have discovered that the ferredoxin/thioredoxin pathway is essential for light-dependent activation reactions in chloroplasts, crucial for normal plant growth and efficient photosynthesis. The study used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create a mutated plant specimen with a defective Fd/Trx pathway.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

1,700-year-old spider monkey remains discovered in Teotihuacán, Mexico

Researchers found the skeletal remains of a 5-8 year old spider monkey in Teotihuacán, Mexico, which provides the earliest evidence of primate captivity and translocation. The discovery also reveals gift diplomacy between Teotihuacán and Mayan elite, challenging previous beliefs about Maya presence in the region.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

A quantum of an angle

Researchers at TU Wien have directly measured the fine structure constant using a thin film that rotates light polarisation, revealing an astonishing quantum jump related to this fundamental constant. This measurement provides new insights into the strength of electromagnetic interactions.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

Researchers study Eurasia’s winter weather under a “triple-dip” La Niña

A team of researchers studied the upcoming 2022-2023 winter weather in Eurasia, predicting potential below-normal temperatures and severe snowfalls. The study used four climate models to forecast surface air temperature and precipitation anomalies, with some results suggesting a possibility of cold snaps despite warmer overall conditions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateNov 20, 2022

How “2D” materials expand

Scientists have developed a method to accurately measure the thermal expansion coefficient of 2D materials when heated, which could help engineers design next-generation electronics. The approach uses laser light to track vibrations of atoms in the material, allowing for precise measurements and confirming theoretical calculations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 18, 2022