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Science News for November 11, 2022


The nose-brain pathway: exploring the role of trigeminal nerves in delivering intranasally administered antidepressant

Researchers developed a novel intranasal delivery system that utilizes the trigeminal nerve to deliver antidepressant drugs to the brain. The system showed efficacy at delivering the same dose as intracerebroventricular administration, highlighting a potential new approach for treating depression and other neurological disorders.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2022

Researchers unravelling the mystery of extreme waves

Research has found that extreme ocean waves can arise from modulation instability in multi-directional wave systems, challenging previous assumptions. The study demonstrates that crossing sea waves can trigger the formation of extreme waves, posing a growing risk to marine infrastructure and coastal communities due to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPhysical Review·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2022

Magma floods erupt from deeper sources than earlier believed

A new study by University of Helsinki researchers finds that magma floods can form in thick tectonic plates, contradicting the long-held assumption. The research uses geochemical modelling to demonstrate that high-temperature mantle sources can produce magmas with similar trace element compositions as low-pressure conditions.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of Petrology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 11, 2022

Attitudes towards corona vaccination among medical and nursing staff

A nationwide survey in Germany found that 82% of medical and nursing personnel were vaccinated at least once, with 75% having received two doses. In contrast to the general population, unvaccinated healthcare workers had stronger concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness. The study suggests a need for targeted measures to convinc...

SourceDeutsches Aerzteblatt International·JournalDeutsches Ärzteblatt international·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 11, 2022

Probiotic 'backpacks' show promise for treating inflammatory bowel diseases

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison develop nanoparticles to neutralize molecules implicated in IBD, significantly improving treatment outcomes. The probiotic bacteria are equipped with nano-backpacks that target reactive oxygen species, reducing inflammation and promoting weight gain and colon length restoration.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2022

Machine learning of binary ‘yes / no’ systems may improve medical diagnoses, financial risk analysis, more

Researchers developed a method to learn complex Boolean systems, enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses of urinary diseases, cardiac conditions, and financial risks. The technique uses optimal causation entropy to narrow down correct solutions and turn complex diagnostic processes into decision trees.

SourceEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University·JournalPatterns·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 11, 2022

Case study proposes framework for analyzing U.S.-China geo-political tensions in Indo-Pacific

Experts at Hiroshima University propose a new framework for studying the complex power dynamics between China and the US in the Indo-Pacific. The 'hybrid balancing' concept aims to better understand how China uses its social and economic influence to maintain favorable trade conditions while also quelling liberal Western cultural ideals.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalInternational Affairs·DateNov 11, 2022

Negligible climatic impact of the recent methane leak from the Nord Stream pipelines

Researchers estimate that the leaked methane from Nord Stream pipelines would raise atmospheric CO2 concentration by only 0.0026 ppm over 20 years. This tiny warming is imperceptible in ecosystems and human society, but highlights the need to control and reduce methane emissions to achieve global warming targets.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateNov 11, 2022

Researchers learn to engineer growth of crystalline materials consisting of nanometer-size gold clusters

Researchers in Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and Finland achieved first insights into engineering crystal growth by atomically precise metal nanoclusters. They synthesized gold clusters consisting of 25 atoms, regulating their size and concentration to form well-defined crystals with unique morphology.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2022

Chung-Ang University researchers develop a meta-reinforcement learning algorithm for traffic signal control

The study developed an extended deep Q-network (EDQN)-incorporated context-based meta-RL model that can autonomously detect traffic states, classify regimes, and assign signal phases. The model outperformed existing algorithms in simulation experiments and showed adaptability to new tasks without adjusting parameters.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 11, 2022

Climate change attribution of the 2021 Henan extreme precipitation: Impacts of convective organization

A study attributes the 2021 Henan extreme precipitation to climate change and convective organization, highlighting its impact on regional and station-scale extremes. The research uses a conditional storyline attribution method and column quasi-geostrophic modeling framework, showing that warming over the past century has significantly...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateNov 11, 2022

Alzheimer's disease can be diagnosed before symptoms emerge

Researchers at Lund University have discovered that people with Alzheimer's disease can be identified before symptoms appear, using PET scans to visualize tau and amyloid proteins in the brain. Participants found to have these biomarkers were at a 20-40 times higher risk of developing cognitive decline in the next few years.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 11, 2022

Advances in spectroscopy

Researchers at UTA developed a novel spectroscopic tool using auger-mediated positron sticking to measure electronic structure of surface materials selectively. This technique allows for selective measurement of top-layer properties, enabling researchers to understand material's conductivity and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 11, 2022

New tool predicts risk of hospital readmission for children before discharge

A new tool predicts the risk of hospital readmission for children before discharge, utilizing electronic health record data. This comprehensive prediction model can be implemented in real-time during a hospital stay to tailor discharge planning, potentially reducing readmission rates and freeing up scarce pediatric beds.

Study assesses environmental sustainability practices in dialysis facilities

A recent study examines the environmental sustainability practices of dialysis facilities in Australia and New Zealand, revealing multiple areas for improvement. The survey-based study identified opportunities to reduce waste and resource consumption, with only 33% of facilities responding to the survey indicating a lack of prioritizat...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 11, 2022

Nanocrystals store light energy and drive chemical reactions

Researchers have introduced novel ZnSe/ZnS quantum dots that efficiently drive challenging organic transformations with low toxicity. The secret to their success lies in their core/shell structure and variable coatings that can store light energy.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2022

Rats bop to the beat

Researchers at the University of Tokyo found that rats can move their heads in time to music, demonstrating innate beat synchronization. The optimal tempo for nodding along depends on the brain's time constant, similar across species, suggesting a widespread ability among animals to interact with music.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2022