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Science News Archive January 2022 - Page 27


Page 27 of 34

Researchers develop simple and scalable method of generating formate

A new method for generating formate has been developed, utilizing electrochemical anodic oxidation. The process produces high-quality formate with a selectivity of 96.4% and a partial current density of 285 mA·cm−2. This method is scalable, simple, and efficient, making it a promising candidate for large-scale industrial production.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGreen Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2022

Researchers use artificial intelligence to guide the search for the next SARS-like virus

A study led by Georgetown University scientists demonstrates the power of artificial intelligence in predicting viruses that could infect humans, such as SARS-CoV-2. The research team identified 40 new bat hosts of betacoronaviruses and found that models harnessing data on bat ecology performed well at predicting new hosts.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 10, 2022

Measuring trust in AI

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo found that public trust in AI varies greatly depending on the application and demographic factors. They developed an octagonal visual metric to quantify these attitudes and hope it can lead to a universal scale for measuring ethical issues around AI.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Interaction·TypeSurvey·DateJan 10, 2022

Higher olive oil intake associated with lower risk of CVD mortality

A study found that consuming more than 7 grams of olive oil per day is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative, and respiratory disease mortality. Replacing margarine, butter, mayonnaise, and dairy fat with olive oil was also linked to improved health outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2022

Behavioral indicator for preterm infants

A new study suggests that a behavioral marker in preterm infants can indicate potential development problems. Researchers used digital eye tracking to test the infants' visual motor coordination and found that those who struggled with this task were more likely to face cognitive and social difficulties later on.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2022

Migrating holes help catalysts be productive

Researchers at Rice University have developed a theory showing how manipulating quasiparticles could help improve chemical reactions. By applying electric fields, holes can be made to migrate across the surface of catalyst particles, activating neighboring sites and increasing the efficiency of the reaction.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 10, 2022

Years lived alone and/or serial break-ups strongly linked to inflammation in men

A large population study found that living alone for several years and/or experiencing serial relationship break-ups are strongly linked to raised levels of inflammatory markers in the blood of middle-aged men. The researchers suggest that this combination may indicate a heightened risk of age-related ill health and death.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2022

No pay gap for female zoo vets, but children perceived as career hindrance

A new study on ACZM diplomates found that female veterinarians in zoological work don't suffer from a gender pay gap, but many feel they must give up having children to succeed. The study also revealed significant differences in perceptions of childbearing's impact on careers between males and females.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·TypeSurvey·DateJan 10, 2022

Equivariant representations for molecular Hamiltonians and N-center atomic-scale properties

Researchers develop a symmetrized N-center representation that provides a natural, fully equivariant framework for learning properties associated with multiple atoms. The approach gives excellent accuracy for predicting atomic properties despite using only linear or kernel regression.

SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·JournalChemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 10, 2022

New method aids water prospecting and dam security

Scientists have developed a mathematical method to interpret data on underground water flows, providing more efficient and accurate imaging for planning construction works and inspecting dams. The technique has great potential for locating water reservoirs in dry areas and tapping into this resource for agricultural and industrial needs.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing·DateJan 10, 2022

As China converts to clean energy, households should consider using heat pumps

A study by Princeton University researchers recommends increasing heat pump use in rural households to improve air quality and health in northern China. Heat pumps provide the largest reductions in both air pollutant and carbon emissions, especially when used with a decarbonized power grid.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2022

Study reveals how triclosan, likely found in toothpaste, is triggered to harm the gut

A new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an international team finds that triclosan triggers gut inflammation in mice. The researchers identified specific bacteria and enzymes that drive this damage, but also developed a microbiome-targeted inhibitor to block triclosan processing, preventing colitis.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2022

From dust to planet: how gas giants form

Researchers used computer simulations to model how dust collides and grows into solid cores for gas giants. This process enables the formation of massive cores necessary for gas accumulation within a few hundred thousand years.

SourceNagoya University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 10, 2022

New research on magnetite in salmon noses illuminates understanding of sensory mechanisms enabling magnetic perception across life

A new theory outlines how magnetite crystals in specialized receptor cells of salmon and other animals may have roots in ancient genetic systems developed by bacteria, suggesting a common evolutionary history between magnetite-producing bacteria and fish. The findings have the potential for widespread application, from improving salmon...

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 10, 2022

New bacteria in UK waters as temperatures rise

A new study by the University of Exeter reveals two previously unknown Vibrio species in UK waters, which can cause gastroenteritis and skin infections in humans. The increasing range of these bacteria also threatens marine biodiversity and the seafood industry, with potential economic costs estimated at £6 billion annually.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalWater Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2022

Medieval warhorses were surprisingly small in stature, study shows

A new study reveals that medieval warhorses were bred for success in various functions, including tournaments and long-distance raiding campaigns. The research, published in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, found that breeding and training were influenced by biological and cultural factors.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Osteoarchaeology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2022

Invasive species ‘hitchhiking’ on tourist and research ships threaten Antarctica’s unique ecosystems

New research reveals that invasive species can arrive in Antarctic waters from almost anywhere across the globe via biofouling on ships' hulls. Fishing, tourism, research, and supply ships expose Antarctica to non-native species threatening its pristine environment.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2022

Long term exposure to air pollution may heighten COVID-19 risk

Research suggests long term exposure to particulate matter in the air may increase the risk of COVID-19 infection by 5%, with effects most pronounced on respiratory health. The study found associations between air pollution and increased infection rates, particularly among older age groups.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2022

Coastal ecosystem being destabilized by climate change, Oregon State research shows

A new study by Oregon State University reveals that ecological communities on the Oregon coast are being subtly destabilized by climate change, despite appearing to be stress-resistant. The communities have grown less stable for at least a decade, with increasing variability in their structure and recovery patterns.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2022